Functional profile of patients receiving palliative care at Fundación San Rafael

Authors

  • Sanie Magali Miranda López Carrera de Fisioterapia y Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, sede Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay Autor/a
  • Felipe Miguel Oviedo Frutos Carrera de Fisioterapia y Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, sede Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay Autor/a

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22756022

Keywords:

physical therapy specialty, palliative care, terminal care, functional status

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illness through relief of pain and other symptoms, and comprehensive support for patients and families. The aim was to analyze the functional profile of patients receiving palliative care at Fundación San Rafael during 2023.

Materials and methods: Descriptive, non-experimental, prospective, cross-sectional quantitative study. Eleven patients were assessed with the Katz Index, the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).

Results: Female 6, male 5; mean age 65.3 years (SD 22.3); non-oncologic diagnosis 8, oncologic 3. Katz: predominant dependence in toileting, mobility and continence (10/11 each) and dressing (9/11); feeding 6/11 dependent. Karnofsky 40 in 81.8%. ESAS: most prevalent symptoms were pain and fatigue, followed by anxiety and general discomfort.

Conclusions: Low functionality with dependence in most basic activities and a symptom profile dominated by pain and fatigue; findings support physiotherapeutic intervention in advanced stages.

References

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Published

2024-12-31

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Functional profile of patients receiving palliative care at Fundación San Rafael. (2024). Revista UniNorte De Medicina Y Ciencias De La Salud, 13(3), 128–132. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22756022

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