1. The Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes of a Psychosocial Home-Based end-of-Life Care Intervention in Hong Kong
- Author
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Chow, Amy Y. M., Fordjour, Genevieve A., Lui, Juliana N. M., Chan, Iris K. N., Zhang, Anna Y., and Chan, Cecilia L. W.
- Abstract
Objective Living the final days of life being cared for at home is a preference expressed by many. The data on the effectiveness of home-based end-of-life care (EoLC) intervention to improve the holistic conditions of terminally ill patients are scanty. This study sought to evaluate a psychosocial home-based EoLC intervention for terminally ill patients in Hong Kong.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, applying the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) at 3 timepoints (service intake, 1-month, and 3-months after enrollment). A total of 485 eligible, consenting terminally ill people (mean age = 75.48, SD = 11.39) were enrolled, with 40.21% (n = 195) providing data at all 3 timepoints for this study.Results Decreasing symptom severity scores were observed for all IPOS psychosocial symptoms, and most physical symptoms, over the 3 timepoints. Improvements in depression and practical concerns had the highest omnibus time effects (F > 31.92, P< .01) and T0to T2paired comparison effects (Cohen's d> 0.54, P < .01). Physical symptoms of weakness/lack of energy, poor mobility, and poor appetite also showed significant improvements at T1and T2(Cohen's d: 0.22-0.46, P < .05). Bivariate regression analyses showed that improvements in anxiety, depression, and family anxiety were associated with improvements in physical symptoms of pain, shortness of breath, weakness/lack of energy, nausea, poor appetite, and poor mobility. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with changes in symptoms.Conclusions The psychosocial home-based EoLC intervention effectively improved the psychosocial and physical status of terminally ill patients, irrespective of their clinical characteristics or demographics.
- Published
- 2023
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