Palliative healthcare needs in the Complex Chronic Degenerative Patient

Introduction: Providing necessary healthcare to complex chronic degenerative patients, including palliative care, is a current important demand in order to increase the life expectancy of these populations. Objective: To describe the main needs regarding palliative care of persons living with complex chronic degenerative conditions in an institution of 3rd level of attention. The theoretical framework is Wagner's Chronic Care Model. Methodology: This is a descriptive, transversal, quantitative research. A total of 50 hospitalized patients without oncologic diagnosis from an institution of 3rd level of attention were assessed in order to identify their palliative care needs. The NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© 3.1 (2017) instrument was used. The Kuder-Richardson Reliability Test turned out to be 0.73. Results: Most participants showed some degree of cognitive deterioration regarding the areas of attention and language. Based on the Karnofsky index, 60% of the participants were physically disabled to carry out their daily activities. Fragility was evident in 82% of the participants, while 64%, 58%, and 62% showed delirium, pressure sores, and dysphagia respectively. Discussion and Conclusions: The present study contributes to the knowledge regarding the special care needs of persons living with complex chronic degenerative conditions. An objective is to reduce the long and costly hospital stays by implementing a home-extended palliative care plan which actively integrates the family members in the care process and decision making.