Resource Consumption and Costs of Palliative Care Services in Spain: A Multicenter Prospective Study

摘要: Patients (n ¼ 395) with terminal-stage cancer receiving attention from palliative care services (PCSs) were recruited over a period of 15 consecutive days 171 participating PCS units. Resource consumption and costs evaluated for 16 weeks follow-up, the findings compared study conducted in 1992 so as to assess change time. The most frequent health interventions homecare visits, hospital admissions, patient-consultant phone calls. provided 67% all consultation 91% patients. Compared historical data, there was significant shift use conventional beds toward beds, reduced stay (25.5--19.2 days; P 0.002), an increase death-at-home option (31%--42%), lower emergency rooms (52%--30.6%; 0.001), programmed care. previous resource expenditure 1992, current policy implies cost saving 61%, greater efficiency no compromise patient J Pain Symptom Manage 2006;31:522--532. 2006 U.S.