Abstract
BackgroundThe interest in physiotherapy programs for individuals in hospice is increasing. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a multi-component, individualized physiotherapy program on the functional and emotional conditions and quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home.MethodsThe study included 60 patients (mean 66.3 years) receiving hospice services in the home. A model of a physiotherapy program was designed, including breathing, strengthening, transfer, gait, balance, functional, and ergonomic exercises, as well as an adaptation of the patient’s living environment to functional needs. The tests were performed before and after the intervention. The study used the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales, the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-BREF), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale, the Tinetti POMA Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). To enable comparison of our results worldwide, a set of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories was used.ResultsThe average functional level of the ADL (mean 2.9) and the IADL (mean 11.9), as well as the WHOQOL-BREF (mean 46.4) of the patients before the intervention were low, whereas the intensity of pain (VAS mean 5.8), the risk of falling (Tinetti mean 8.2), and depression (GDS mean 16.7) were recorded as high. After the completion of the intervention program, a significant improvement was found in the ADL (mean 4.0), IADL (mean 13.9), WHOQOL-BREF (mean 52.6), VAS (mean 5.1), risk of falling (Tinetti mean 12.3), and GDS (mean 15.7) scores.ConclusionsThe physiotherapeutic intervention had a significant impact on improving the performance of ADL, as well as the emotional state and quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home. The results of our research provide evidence of the growing need for physiotherapy in individuals in hospice and for comprehensive assessment by means of ICF.Registered 02.12.2009 in the Research Registry (https://www.researchregistry.com/why-register) under the number research registry 5264.
Highlights
The interest in physiotherapy programs for individuals in hospice is increasing
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a multi-component, individualized physiotherapy program on the functional and emotion states, as well as quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home
Study design The study was a one group pre-test post-test design where data were collected before and after an intervention containing a multi-component, individualized physiotherapy program on patients referred for hospice care in the home in the period from March to June 2019
Summary
The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a multi-component, individualized physiotherapy program on the functional and emotional conditions and quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home. It is worth mentioning that physical exercises can reduce pain in palliative patients [3]. These exercises can improve strength, endurance, and function, or slow down the decline in individuals in hospice [4]. Some studies indicate that in this group of patients, physiotherapeutic interventions improve the quality of life [6], decrease pain and anxiety [7, 8]. Assessments of functional performance and quality of life are considered to be a measure of the effectiveness of palliative care [9, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
