O impacto dos cuidados paliativos nas idas ao serviço de urgência
: revisão sistemática da literatura

Translated title of the thesis: The impact of palliative care in emergency department utilization: a systematic review
  • Gabriela Jorge Fernandes Machado (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with palliative needs frequently visit the emergency department (ED), which is associated with increased suffering for both them and their carers. Some studies have showed that Palliative Care (PC) is associated with reduced ED visits. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was undertaken, aiming to determine the impact of PC in ED visits by terminal patients. Methods: A search was made in six databases - PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, MedicLatina, Web of Science and PsyArticles. We have considered studies about the impact of PC in ED visits, including adult patients with both malignant and non-malignant diseases. All PC models were considered. Clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and observational studies were all included. A second reviewer independently selected the articles. After article selection, data were extracted and results were presented both qualitatively and through a meta-analysis. Results: 67 articles were included in this review, including cancer and non-cancer patients and different PC models – community PC, hospices, PC units and outpatient clinic. Most studies have shown a positive impact of PC in ED visits. Through the meta-analysis made, we obtained an odds ratio of 0,439, which means that PC can reduce ED visits by 2,3 times, according to this study. Conclusions: This systematic review of the literature gives evidence that PC is associated with less ED visits by terminal patients.
Date of Award27 Nov 2024
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorManuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Palliative care
  • Hospice
  • Emergency department
  • Emergency room

Designation

  • Mestrado em Cuidados Paliativos

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