Pertinência da criação de uma equipa comunitária de suporte em cuidados paliativos no concelho de Torres Vedras

Abstract

Introduction: Given the growing increase in average life expectancy, it’s natural to live more years, but it doesn’t mean living longer with a higher quality of life. Chronic diseases are an inevitability, as are the inherent physical limitations. Taking this reality into account, it’s necessary to provide a response to the current shortcomings, with the need for health and social policy strategies that can correspond to patients, families and society. Palliative Care is a human right, so it’s essential for society to identify needs, plan and implement strategies that can meet the holistic needs of patients and families, taking into account a decentralized vision of hospital care, assigning this responsibility to outreach teams such as community teams. Aim: To assess the need for a Community Support Team in Palliative Care in the Municipality of Torres Vedras, covered by the West-South cluster of health centers. Design: This study is based on a quantitative and epidemiological approach, involving the entire population of the municipality of Torres Vedras. The aim is to analyze the demographic behavior and epidemiological aspects of the adult and elderly population of the municipality of Torres Vedras, according to the variables under study, for assessing the relevance of the creation of a Community Palliative Care Support Team in the region. Results: Based on experts in theoretical foundation and after analyzing the causes of death in the population of the municipality of Torres Vedras, according to the ICD-10, in the years 2016 to 2020, we can state that between 60% (2020) and 70% (2019) of the population had chronic, advanced and progressive disease, with criteria for referral to palliative care. Conclusions: The relief of suffering is a universal right and as such, decision-making bodies should make sure that the conditions are created for this to happen. It’s fundamental to estimate needs and define strategies for the implementation and adequacy of resources. After the detailed collection of data, it’s possible to understand the lack of response to Palliative Care in the population of the municipality of Torres Vedras, for which the creation of a Community Support Team in Palliative Care is considered urgent, in order to correspond to the needs of patients with palliative needs and their families.

Date of Award	5 Dec 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Manuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor)