Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Oncological Patients in Palliative Care

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care for cancer patients aims to promote quality of life, by controlling signs and symptoms, improving physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative approach study, conducted with 21 patients admitted to a palliative care unit. Data on sociodemographic and clinical aspects were collected, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core15 PAL (EORTC QLQ C-15) PAL scale to assess quality of life. Results: The average global health was 60.32, with quality of life considered satisfactory. In the symptom scale, the most affected domains were pain (52.38), constipation (46.03) and fatigue (42.86). Emotional function (37.30) was assessed worse than physical function (59.79). There was a significant relationship between the time of diagnosis with the general quality of life and dyspnea, of Karnofsky (KPS) performance status, with physical functioning, and presence of metastasis with dyspnea. Conclusion: Quality of life should be assessed daily, as palliative care considers, in addition to symptoms, the patient’s own comfort during a life-threatening illness and effective care interventions, helping the multiprofessional team to focus their action.