Abstract
82 Background: Loss of oral route is common in patients with advanced cancer, particularly during end-of-life (EOL). EOL hydration may prevent the onset of symptoms associated with dehydration, mainly delirium, or decrease the severity of symptoms when they are present. Subcutaneous hydration (SCH) is the best way to hydrate the patients at home although it is infrequently used. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of receiving SCH at home administered by caregivers without previous experience and their subsequent perceptions. Methods: A prospective study of 52 patients with advanced cancer enrolled in a Home Palliative Care Program and their primary caregivers. Caregivers of patients were trained in SCH administration at home. Telephone controls were performed at 48 hours and at 7 days to assess adherence and complications. One month after the death, a survey to explore caregiver perceptions of SCH was performed. Results: Fifty-two patients were included, the median days with SCH were 12 (2-173) and 100% were able to maintain SCH for all the time indicated or until the patient died. The proportion of caregivers who reported that administering SCH had been easy or very easy were 35 (78%) and 26 (96%) at 48 hrs and at seven days, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, caregiver demographics were not associated with finding administration of SCH easy (Table 1). Adverse effects were mild and infrequent. Four weeks after the death, 98% (95% CI 0.88-0.99) of the caregivers reported that it was useful to have administered SCH to their relative.Conclusions: It is feasible to administer SCH to patients who are at home, by caregivers with no prior experience. Implement this technique at home will allow us to decrease the percentage of patients with dehydration at the EOL and to decrease the complications of being dehydrated. [Table: see text]
Published Version
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