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Researchers at the University of Tsukuba conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study to identify distressing symptoms in noncancer elderly patients receiving home health care. The study revealed that poor mobility, weakness/lack of energy, and poor appetite were predominant symptoms of distress, which were not adequately alleviated by home health care.

Tsukuba, Japan—In Japan, approximately 70% of deaths occur among noncancer patients who often experience more frequent and varied distressing symptoms than patients with cancer. Recognizing the need for high-quality palliative care for this demographic, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends enhancing global awareness and the provision of palliative care for noncancer patients. Despite these recommendations, the specific symptoms experienced by noncancer elderly patients have remained largely unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the frequency and evolution of distressing symptoms in noncancer elderly patients receiving home health care over a year.

The findings indicated that many patients experienced poor mobility and weakness from the beginning of receiving home health care, with the issues remaining consistent throughout the year. While a significant number also reported loss of appetite, the symptom tended to decrease after the initial three months of home health care. Interestingly, the study noted that pain and dyspnea, common among patients with cancer, were less prevalent in the noncancer cohort.

Since this study did not examine the effects of medical treatment or the care provided during home visits on symptom progression, the results should not be interpreted as evidence against the efficacy of home-based interventions in alleviating symptoms of distress. Moreover, they highlight the need for medical treatment, care, and support to mitigate the distressing symptoms experienced by noncancer elderly patients at home.

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This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 19K10551, and a research grant of the Mitsubishi Foundation (201930027).

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Unresolved Palliative Care Needs of Elderly Non-Cancer Patients at Home: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Journal:

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health

DOI:

10.1177/21501319231221431

Correspondence

Assistant Professor HAMANO Jun
Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

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Institute of Medicine