Identificación de los pacientes con necesidades paliativas en el ámbito de la atención primaria de un área de salud de Extremadura

Abstract

Primary objective. Knowing what the identification of patients with palliative needs in primary health care (PHC) services of the chosen health area. Secondary objectives. Assessing the level of knowledge PHC teams have about the interventions of palliative care support teams (PCST) and their referral criteria. Material and method. A descriptive cross-sectional and prospective study carried out through anonymous ad hoc surveys to PHC professionals. The study period was from April to June 2020. Participants are: Physician, nurses, physician and nurse resident who are working at PHC teams of the chosen health area. Results. 102 responses have been received. Almost 90% of PHC professionals have identified their patients with chronic disease in an advanced stage. Most respondents affirm that know the criteria for referral to the PCST and they have requested them. Conclusions. Although the majority of respondents know what their patients have suffered from an advanced chronic disease, only 25% of them have registered these patients with a specific code. Although most respondents understand what the criteria for referral to the PCST are, the number of patients referred to these teams is much lower than expected. Most respondents believe it is necessary to increase their training in palliative care and the coordination between the different levels of care.