Symptoms other than pain in palliative care in Portugal.

Authors :: Gonçalves F
Almeida A
Antunes C
Cardoso M
Carvalho M
Claro M
Coimbra F
Diniz I
Fonseca B
Fradique E
Gonçalves E
Gonçalves F
Gonçalves M
Magalhães A
Pina P
Pires C
Silva P
Silva R
Silva R
Tavares F
Teixeira L
Source :: The American journal of hospice & palliative care [Am J Hosp Palliat Care] 2015 May; Vol. 32 (3), pp. 335-40. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Jan 23.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Objective: To study the burden of patients' symptoms other than pain and their treatment by Portuguese palliative care teams.<br />Methods: Of the 21 Portuguese palliative care teams identified, 10 accepted to participate. Data from all patients observed on the 18th week of 2011 were collected.<br />Results: One hundred and sixty-four patients were included in this study. One hundred and fifty-one patients (92%) had cancer. The patients' median age was 71 years (16-95) and 84 (51%) were females. The main symptoms were fatigue (116 [85%]) and depression/sadness (107 [65%]). Many different drugs were used for symptom control and other aims. Symptoms and drugs used here are similar to those practiced in other countries.<br />Conclusion: The practice of palliative care in Portugal seems to be similar to those in other countries.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2014.)