Necessidades de cuidados de saúde nas pessoas com demência no último ano de vida

: a percepção dos familiares

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia is a major health problem, and its prevalence is expected to increase in the coming decades, along with population aging. This is true for many countries worldwide, including Portugal. It is a disease that brings suffering to the patients and to their caregivers, that warrants palliative care. Health care needs throughout the illness are variable. The present study focuses on needs in the last year of life. The primary objective is to describe the care needs identified by family members in the last year of life of people with dementia. Methodology: A qualitative study will be carried out. Data will be collected through semi- structured interviews with relatives of deceased patients with dementia. Recruitment will be done in collaboration with family doctors. The information collected through the interviews will be transcribed and analyzed, using thematic analysis according to the Braun and Clarke method. Limitations: Since this is a qualitative study, its conclusions cannot be generalized. Recruitment depends on the collaboration of family doctors and their ability to identify potential participants. Collecting data retrospectively can also lower data quality. The participation of only one researcher does not allow a review of the analysis. Purpose: The aim of this study is to gather data on the needs, reasons for seeking care, its impact and adequacy of response from health services. Expected Implications: The study is expected to have future implications in two areas: a starting point for further research and improvement in the organization and delivery of care.

Date of Award	15 Nov 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Manuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor)