Identification of the Functionality Profile of Palliative Neurological Patients in a Home Care Program - Abstract
Introduction: There is recent interest in applying the principles of practice in Palliative Care (PC) to neurological pathologies, which can often be chronic, progressive and disabling, as they compromise functionality. In this scenario, the functionality assessment of home cared patients can be useful to guide care elaboration and to observe clinical evolution. The aim of this study was to trace the functional profile of palliative neurological patients in a home care service.
Methods: 112 patients were assessed through a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical data and two validated instruments for functionality, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). The correlation between dimensions of interest from the two instruments was analyzed, as well as the relation between sociodemographic and clinical data and the functionality scores.
Results: The neurological pathologies that most frequently led patients to PC were cerebrovascular diseases, dementia and central degenerative diseases, largely associated with the presence of comorbidities. Both scales applied indicated significant functional impairment in this population, and correlation between the scales was high.
Conclusion: The low levels of functionality suggest that functional independence is impaired by neurological affection. Both instruments used can be applicable to the assessment of functionality, even complementary to each other, contributing to outlining better behaviors aimed at this audience, and therefore, carrying out interventions that can bring better quality of life to patients.