Management of patients with terminal cancer at a primary care center

Abstract

Objective: To determine the characteristics, family surrounding and place of death of terminal oncologic patients from 1991.

Design: Descriptive and retrospective study. We used Fisher's test. SITE. San Gregorio, Telde (Las Palmas province).

Patients: We worked with 27 patients in terminal disease (17 were men and 10 were women).

Measurements and main results: Average age was 66.7 +/- 17 years. The most frequent type was digestive (10), breast (5) and lung (3). Average time of survival was 17.5 +/- 26.5 months. Principal symptoms were: pain (23), anorexia (17), constipation (13) and depression (11). 23 received analgesia (11 with morphine), 17 laxatives and 13 benzodiazepines. The numbers of visit they received was 13.6 +/- 9.3 patients knew their diagnostic. 22 of the families were considered collaborators. 70% of patients in control by Primary Care Center died at home; whereas no one did so in control by hospital (p = 0.029).

Conclusions: Half of the patients in terminal phase in our zone die in their home. Patients under control by Primary Care Center are significantly more likely to die in their own homes. We give special attention to the high percentage of patients who use opiates. Finally we consider that workers in Primary Care Centers are a vital element in handle these patients and their families.