Symptoms Other Than Pain in Palliative Care in Portugal

Goncalves, F., Almeida, A., Antunes, C., Cardoso, M., Carvalho, M., Claro, M., Coimbra, F., Diniz, I., Fonseca, B., Fradique, E., Goncalves, E., Goncalves, F., Goncalves, M., Magalhaes, A., Pina, P., Pires, C., Silva, P., Silva, R., Silva, R., Tavares, F., Teixeira, L.

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®

Published online on January 23, 2014

Abstract

Objective:

To study the burden of patients’ symptoms other than pain and their treatment by Portuguese palliative care teams.

Methods:

Of the 21 Portuguese palliative care teams identified, 10 accepted to participate. Data from all patients observed on the 18th week of 2011 were collected.

Results:

One hundred and sixty-four patients were included in this study. One hundred and fifty-one patients (92%) had cancer. The patients’ median age was 71 years (16-95) and 84 (51%) were females. The main symptoms were fatigue (116 [85%]) and depression/sadness (107 [65%]). Many different drugs were used for symptom control and other aims. Symptoms and drugs used here are similar to those practiced in other countries.

Conclusion:

The practice of palliative care in Portugal seems to be similar to those in other countries.