Effectiveness of a Home-Based Palliative Care Program for Terminal Cancer Patients on Quality of Life and Care Outcomes Sawangdandin Crown Prince Hospital.

Abstract

     This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design to assess the effects of implementing the home-based palliative care program. The program emphasized family participation, collaboration with community health volunteers, and integration with Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (Health Centers). The outcomes focused on comparing patients’ quality of life and care satisfaction before and after the intervention, aiming to improve the standard, continuity, and holistic quality of home-based end-of-life care.

     The results revealed that among 50 terminal cancer patients participating in the home-based palliative care program at Sawangdandin Crown Prince Hospital, most were older adults (over 60 years, 54%), with an equal distribution of males and females (50%). The majority had a monthly income below 10,000 baht, and their primary caregivers were spouses (66%), indicating that family members play a crucial role in patient care within rural communities. After receiving the home-based palliative care program, patients demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall quality of life (p < 0.05). Notable improvements were found in physical functioning, symptom relief (such as pain, loss of appetite, insomnia, and constipation), and emotional well-being, with reduced levels of anxiety and irritability. Furthermore, the satisfaction level of patients and their families toward the care received was high, especially regarding attentiveness, understanding of patient needs, effective communication, and professional competence of the care team (average scores ranging from 4.0–5.0). Overall satisfaction with the home-based care was rated as “very good,” with a mean score of 9.23 out of 10.