Abstract PO-112: Survey on purview, composition and logistical issues concerning provision of home care services among providers affiliated to a non-governmental organization

Abstract

Abstract Background This survey, which was conceptualized and completed during a month long posting with an NGO specializing in provision of "specialist home care", was born out of a felt need to understand the structure and nature of medical care being provided, under the aforementioned umbrella designation. Methods A questionnaire was administered to doctors, nurses, social workers and volunteers during the monthly audit. Results 43/45 considered Home care services to be a part of generalist palliative care. All respondents agreed that dispensing essential drugs was an integral component of home care. 31/45 agreed upon the need to obtain a local physician liaison in the management of important medical issues. 32/45 expressed agreement that Pediatric palliative care required specialist input. 43/45 agreed on the need to carry a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and pulse oximeter at the time of each visit. 43/45 agreed that subcutaneous injection and therapeutic paracentesis can be performed safely at home. 42/45 agreed that prescription stamped by a registered medical practitioner should be provided to all patients prescribed essential narcotic drugs. 34/45 preferred the presence of a doctor during the visit. 37/45 agreed that the presence of a doctor was essential towards ensuring effectiveness of the services provided. 25/45 agreed that measurement of vitals is an important component of a home care visit. 36/44 agreed that the average duration of a home care visit should be 30-45 minutes. 9/44 respondents agreed that the maximum time spent at the patient's place should be 15 minutes. 21/45 agreed with the statement that Travel can constitute upto 50 percent of the time during a single day. 20/43 agreed that Travel should not constitute more than 25 percent of the total time allotted for a particular day. 12/45 agreed that the frequency of visits should be kept at a maximum of two times per month. Conclusions Guidelines, governing home care are need to address the dual issues of maximum time that can be spent during travel and the limit of time permissible at a patients home. There should be a clear directive on the frequency of visits, in order to provide a more professional slant to these services. Citation Format: Rahul D. Arora. Survey on purview, composition and logistical issues concerning provision of home care services among providers affiliated to a non-governmental organization [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-112.