Experiences of Implementation of a Palliative Care Team Service in a University Hospital
Verebes, Julijana, Section of Palliative Care, Karl-Franzens-University, Graz, Austria, Stohschee, Imke, Section of Palliative Care, Karl-Franzens- University, Graz, Austria, Fro¨hlich, Brigitte, Section of Palliative Care, Karl- Franzens-University, Graz, Austria, Samonigg, Hellmut, Section of Palliative Care, Karl-Franzens-University, Graz, Austria |
The implementation of hospital palliative care services for better pain therapy and symptom control in patients with progressive malignant diseases is well established in the anglo-american society.
But few data exists about the experiences of these services in the german speeking areas. In a retrospective analysis we describe the characteristics, acceptability and the change of patterns in the first 2 years during the installation of a palliative care service in a university hospital with 1620 beds and 393.000 patients per year. The number of consultations and acceptance increased among the different medical professions as well as among various medical departments. We report a gradual change of patterns of request from more psycho-social to more physical palliative care problems like pain, dyspnea and others. The implementation of a palliative care service in a university hospital is necessary and possible. We experienced that information and education given by this service and our institution resulted into a wider understanding of palliative care. Standardized outcome measures need to be developed and used.
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