Grado de dependencia de los pacientes terminales atendidos por un equipo de soporte de cuidados paliativos

Objectives: to describe the extent of dependency of patients entering the ESCP program. To assess the benefits the law can have on our patients. To describe whether public or private care was received, and the characteristics of primary caregivers for largely dependent patients. Material and method: we conducted a retrospective and descriptive study, and collected data from patients entering the ESCP program during the first 6 months of 2007 within the Caceres Healthcare Area. As a first step, patients were described. In a second phase largely dependent patients were described. Results: 173 patients were evaluated; 66.44% of patients were men and 33.56% were women. As for their dependency extent: 27.74% Grade I, 19.66% Grade II, and 52.60% Grade III. Of the group of largely dependent patients, 63% were male and 37% were female; 75% of patients had no major aid dependencies, 14% had public support, and 11% had private aids. With respect to caregivers, 33% were daughters, 32% were wifes, 9% were husbands, 3% were sons, and 23% were others. Of those who did not receive help for their care 78% were women. Conclusions: most patients in a palliative care program are largely dependent; a high percentage of our patients received no help for their care, hence the importance of rapidly assessing and advicing families.