| Abstract [eng] |
The requirements of those patients who are receiving palliative care are complex, involving not only the control of physical symptoms, but also psychological, social and spiritual needs. These requirements differ between the stage of the illness, the age of the patient, family interactions, and the cultural environment. An important focus of palliative care is to maintain dignity in the patient (the dignity of which they are entitled) and help them continue to provide for themselves for as long as they can (whether mentally, physically or economically) in the face of a crippling disease. Proper care is based on constant contact not only with the patient but also with his or her relatives and a flexible, individualised treatment. That’s the only way palliative care has any meaning at all — giving real support, and focus on maintaining quality of life though the last stages a person’s life. Aim of the study: analyze the needs of patients receiving palliative care and the extent to which these needs are being met. Objectives of the study: 1. To examine the needs of patients receiving palliative care and how these needs are addressed. 2. To identify the main challenges faced by patients undergoing palliative care. 3. To describe patients’ experiences and satisfaction with home-based palliative care services. Materials and methods: A qualitative research approach was employed using semi-structured individual interviews, guided by an interview framework developed by the researcher. Data were collected through recorded conversations between the researcher and each respondent, with informed consent obtained prior to participation. The study was conducted in the city of Vilnius between January 17 and March 19, 2025. A total of 12 patients receiving home-based palliative care participated in the study—8 women and 4 men. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants who had been receiving palliative care at home for a minimum of six months. Results and conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that home-based palliative care services effectively address patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs. Many respondents emphasized the strong connection they had with healthcare professionals and expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to remain in their own environment, surrounded by loved ones. This close contact and support significantly contribute to maintaining—or even improving—the quality of life during the final stages of illness. Members of the palliative care team play a crucial role in ensuring not only medical care but also the psychosocial well-being of patients. Therefore, it is essential that their training meets practical demands. Diverse clinical situations, individual patient needs, and the specifics of disease progression require a professional and empathetic approach. For this reason, continuous development of healthcare professionals’ competencies is necessary to ensure that care is not only provided in a timely manner but also tailored as closely as possible to the unique circumstances of each patient. Keywords: palliative care services at home, patients, quality of life, fulfillment of needs. |
