Community-based hospice and palliative care services in southern Metro Manila and neighboring provinces in the Philippines: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The rising Filipino population results in a proportionate increase in the aging population and its health care needs.OBJECTIVE: In order to determine the demographic characteristics and needs of palliative and hospice patients in southern Metro Manila and surrounding provinces seeking care in a non-institutionalized setting, a chart review of 399 patients from 2 community-based hospice and palliative care programs was undertaken.RESULTS: Results show that the usual demographic profile of a patient seeking hospice and palliative care in the community setting of southern Metro Manila and neighboring provinces is female, 51-60 years old, with a diagnosis of cancer, breast cancer being the most common. Majority had undergone prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity associated with the primary diagnosis, and pain was the most common symptom reported. The children were the primary caregivers of these patients at home, and written advance care directives were unavailable or initial consultation. The most common spiritual concern of patients was not the fear of death, but being a burden to their family members. Complementary services may be needed in order to help patients and their families cope with the terminal illness. These may include social work to help connect the family to other institutions that provide free medicines, counselling sessions both for the patient and family, respite care or providing a day off for the caregivers, and skills training for the primary care givers.

Community-based health program (CBHP) workshop formative evaluation

SCOPE: A formative evaluation of a one-day Community-Based Health Program (CBHP) workshop in an urban poor setting in Silang,Cavite was done.OBJECTIVE: To determine if the workshop was feasible and useful from the perspective of important stakeholders.RESEARCH DESIGN: A descriptive research design was used with triangulation of data sources: participant observation, short-form questionnaire and monitoring checklist.RESULTS: The responses from the short-form, self-administered feedback questionnaire showed that out of the 42 participants: 1) 38% liked that they gained knowledge from the workshop; 2) 72.3% expressed that there was nothing that they disliked during the sessions; 3) about 13% expressed their desire to have more workshops like this one in the future; and 4) only 6.4% learned the importance of CBHP. It was observed frequently during discussions that participants said that the San Beda College of Medicine, played an important and crucial role in the CBHP. The College was visible and active together with the staff of the Canossa Health and Social Center run by the Canossian Daughters of Charity as well as with its community leader, Sr. Maria Elena Adre. With the presence of the clinical clerks and doctors of San Beda College of Medicine, the program continuously provided health services. Furthermore, other strengths that were mentioned were the volunteer health workers, the laboratory (microscopy), numerous training activities and seminars, feeding program and scholarship program.CONCLUSION: A one-day CBHP workshop was feasible and useful in an urban poor community setting from the perspective of important stakeholders.