Percepción sobre la formación en cuidados paliativos de los estudiantes de las especializaciones de Cirugía general en Colombia / Perception of palliative care training among students of General Surgery specializations in Colombia

Introducción. Los cuidados paliativos responden al sufrimiento de pacientes terminales y requieren personal entrenado para la intervención. Forman parte de la actividad en cirugía, sin embargo, no encontramos información sobre la educación de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos en cuidados paliativos, la calidad de la formación y las estrategias pedagógicas en los residentes. Métodos. Estudio observacional con recolección de la información autodiligenciada por medio electrónico. Resultados. Participaron 228 residentes, 7,8 % mencionaron asistir a rotación en cuidado paliativo y 66,6 % tener contacto con especialistas en cuidados paliativos. El 30,7 % no identificó una estrategia pedagógica clara. El 29,3 % tuvo alto nivel de conocimiento y 21,1 % adecuada calidad de formación. El 83,8 % tuvo un alto nivel en el manejo de obstrucción intestinal. No hubo asociación entre el nivel de conocimiento y las variables evaluadas (p>0,05). Conclusiones. Ni el aprendizaje recibido, ni el año de entrenamiento tuvieron efecto en el nivel percibido de conocimiento. Las competencias en cuidados paliativos, sus métodos y la calidad del aprendizaje son deficientes a nivel de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. Probablemente está en un currículo oculto. Es necesario implementar estrategias pedagógicas en los currículos de estudios de los programas de formación de cirujanos.

Introduction. Palliative care responds to the suffering of terminal patients and requires trained personnel for intervention. They are part of the activity in surgery; however, we did not find information about postgraduate education in surgery in Colombia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge in palliative care, the quality of training and pedagogical strategies in residents. Methods. Observational study with self-completed information collection by electronic means. Results. A total of 228 residents participated, 7.8% mentioned a palliative care rotation and 66.6% mentioned having contact with palliative care specialists; 30.7% did not identify a clear pedagogical strategy; 29.3% had a high level of knowledge and 21.1% had adequate quality of training; 83.8% had a high level in the management of intestinal obstruction. There was no association between the level of knowledge and the variables evaluated (p>0.05). Conclusions. Neither the learning received nor the year of training had an effect on the perceived level of knowledge. Competencies in palliative care, its methods and the quality of learning are deficient at the postgraduate level in surgery in Colombia. It is probably on a hidden resume. It is necessary to implement pedagogical strategies in the study curricula of surgeon training programs.

Variability in the perception of palliative care and end-of-life care among hematology professionals from the same reference center in Bahia, Brazil: A descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are several illness-specific cultural and system-based barriers to palliative care (PC) integration and end-of-life (EOL) care in the field of oncohematology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the variability in the perceptions of PC and EOL care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Division of our University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty physicians responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and an adaptation of clinical questionnaires used in previous studies from October to December 2022. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44 years, 80% of the participants identified as female, and 75% were hematologists. Participants faced a hypothetical scenario involving the treatment of a 65-year-old female with a poor prognosis acute myeloid leukemia refractory to first-line treatment. Sixty percent of the participants chose to follow other chemotherapy regimens, whereas 40% opted for PC. Next, participants considered case salvage for the patient who developed septic shock following chemotherapy and were prompted to choose their most probable conduct, and the conduct they thought would be better for the patient. Even though participants were from the same center, we found a divergence from the most probable conduct among 40% of the participants, which was due to personal convictions, legal aspects, and other physicians' reactions. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable differences in the perception of PC and EOL care among professionals, despite following the same protocols. The study also demonstrated variations between healthcare professionals' beliefs and practices and persistent historical tendencies to prioritize aggressive interventions.

Desenvolvimento e validação de aplicativo para ensino de abordagem da dor em cuidados paliativos / Development and validation of mobile application for teaching the subject of pain management in palliative care

Resumo Introdução: Avaliação e manejo adequados da dor têm se tornado uma preocupação cada vez maior dos profissionais de saúde. Segundo a definição de cuidados paliativos da Organização Mundial da Saúde, são importantes a identificação precoce, a avaliação e o tratamento da dor. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos desenvolver e avaliar um aplicativo para dispositivos móveis voltado para o ensino de abordagem da dor em cuidados paliativos. Método: Foi desenvolvido um aplicativo móvel, seguido de sua utilização por médicos residentes e de avaliação qualiquantitativa prospectiva. Aplicou-se o teste de conhecimento. Obtiveram-se a usabilidade do aplicativo, por meio da System Usability Scale (SUS), e a satisfação, por meio do Net Promoter Score (NPS). Os dados foram tabulados no Microsoft Office Excel® e exportados para o software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 20.0 (IBM): na realização das análises, adotou-se uma confiança de 95%. Para a análise qualitativa das avaliações, o conteúdo das respostas foi transcrito e organizado em nuvens de palavras para destacar as ideias centrais. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do Centro Universitário Christus. Resultado: Desenvolveu-se o PaliPain App, aplicativo constituído de casos clínicos de pacientes em cuidados paliativos com manifestações de dor, além de questões, vídeos e imagens, disponibilizado nas plataformas Android e iOS. Utilizaram o aplicativo 13 médicos residentes. A média de acertos de questões no pré-teste sobre dor em cuidados paliativos aumentou de 6,08 para 7,54 após manuseio do aplicativo. Na avaliação sobre a usabilidade do aplicativo, obtivemos na SUS uma média de 89,2, acima do nível considerado adequado de 70,0. Na avaliação de satisfação, 54% dos médicos responderam com pontuação 10 à pergunta: "Em uma escala de 0 a 10, quanto você recomendaria o aplicativo PaliPain a um amigo ou colega?". Conclusão: O PaliPain App, desenvolvido e disponibilizado nas plataformas Android e iOS, foi bem avaliado pelos médicos residentes, apresentando ótimos escores de usabilidade e de satisfação. Identificamos que houve ganho de conhecimento, com pontuação média na resolução de questões aumentando de 6,08 para 7,54 após livre uso da aplicação. O PaliPain App pode ser uma ferramenta útil para ensino de abordagem de dor para médicos residentes.

Abstract Introduction: Pain evaluation has become an increasingly relevant concern for healthcare workers. According to the World Health Organization's definition of Palliative Care, early identification, evaluation, and treatment of pain are important. Objective: Developing and rating an app for mobile devices that focuses on teaching the subject of pain management in Palliative Care. Research Methodology: The app was developed as a learning tool and tested by resident physicians while undergoing a qualitative and quantitative prospective evaluation. Mock tests were taken. The usability of the app was rated through the System Usability Scale (SUS), and satisfaction with the app was rated through the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The data was charted by using Microsoft Office Excel ® and was exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (IBM) software: an analysis was run with a 95% confidence interval. As for the qualitative analysis of the resident physicians' evaluations, all available content was transcribed and properly organized in word clouds in order to highlight the most important pieces of feedback that the physicians presented regarding the app. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Main Results: The PaliPain App was developed as a database filled with clinical cases of patients undergoing palliative care who were experiencing varying levels of pain, and also presents analysis of test questions, videos and images. It was made available for the Android and iOS platforms. The average correct answers in a mock test about pain management during palliative care rose from 6.08 to 7.54. Thirteen resident physicians made use of the app. In the evaluation of the app's usability, the average SUS score was 89.2. In the evaluation of user satisfaction, 54% of the resident physicians answered the question "from a scale of 0 to 10, what is the likelihood of you recommending the PaliPan app to a friend or colleague?" with a score of 10. Conclusion: The PaliPain App, developed and available on Android and iOS platforms, was well evaluated by resident physicians, presenting excellent scores for both usability and satisfaction. We identified that there was a gain in knowledge, with an average score in the resolution of questions increasing from 6.08 to 7.54 after free use of the application. The PaliPan app could be a useful tool to teach the subject of pain to resident physicians.

Pediatric palliative medicine in Brazil: an ethical reflection of medical practice

The ethical barriers involved in the practice of pediatric palliative medicine remain high and challenging. In terms of medical ethics, attention should be paid to culture, religion and family values, in order to promote adequate care for caregivers, even in case of loss of a patient, promoting a bereavement process with less suffering. The data were qualitatively analyzed by IRAMUTEQ software, with a high degree of significance of essay responses on ethics related to palliative care in pediatrics. Discussions about prognosis, goals of care, and treatment options can be very difficult, as legally supported palliative care alternatives may diverge from the wishes of the family. We conclude that divergences exist between the application of palliative medicine and ethics regarding acceptance and end-of-life management of pediatric patients. Ethical challenges are constantly complex situations in which palliative physicians must relate legal concepts, knowledge and family values, which often conflict. The quality of palliative care depends initially on the ability of specialized professionals to identify and explain the ethical issues that generate conflict or uncertainty, in addition to raising discussions with the family about the medical, moral and legal issues surrounding the difficult situation.

Las barreras éticas involucradas en la práctica de la medicina paliativa pediátrica siguen siendo altas y desafiantes. En términos de ética médica, se debe prestar atención a la cultura, la religión y los valores familiares, con el fin de promover una atención adecuada a los cuidadores, incluso en caso de pérdida de un paciente, promoviendo un proceso de duelo con menos sufrimiento. Los datos fueron analizados cualitativamente por el software IRAMUTEQ, con un alto grado de significación de las respuestas de los ensayos sobre la ética relacionada con los cuidados paliativos en pediatría. Las discusiones sobre el pronóstico, los objetivos de los cuidados y las opciones de tratamiento pueden ser muy difíciles, ya que las alternativas de cuidados paliativos legalmente respaldadas pueden divergir de los deseos de la familia. Se concluye que existen divergencias entre la aplicación de la medicina paliativa y la ética en relación con la aceptación y la gestión del final de la vida de los pacientes pediátricos. Los retos éticos son situaciones constantemente complejas en las que los médicos paliativos deben relacionar conceptos jurídicos, conocimientos y valores familiares, que a menudo entran en conflicto. La calidad de los cuidados paliativos depende inicialmente de la capacidad de los profesionales especializados para identificar y explicar las cuestiones éticas que generan conflicto o incertidumbre, además de plantear debates con la familia sobre las cuestiones médicas, morales y jurídicas que rodean la difícil situación.

As barreiras éticas envolvidas na prática da medicina paliativa pediátrica ainda são grandes e desafiadoras. No que diz respeito à ética médica, deve-se prestar atenção à cultura, religião e valores familiares, a fim de pro-mover um cuidado adequado para os cuidadores, mesmo em caso de perda do paciente, promovendo um pro-cesso de luto com menos sofrimento. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente pelo software IRAMU-TEQ, com um alto grau de significância das respostas dos ensaios sobre ética relacionada aos cuidados palia-tivos em pediatria. As discussões sobre prognóstico, objetivos de cuidados e opções de tratamento podem ser extremamente desafiadoras, uma vez que as alternativas de cuidados paliativos legalmente suportadas podem divergir dos desejos da família. Nosso estudo conclui que existem divergências entre a implementação da medicina paliativa e a ética em relação à aceitação e manejo do fim da vida de pacientes pediátricos. Os desa-fios éticos são constantemente situações complexas em que os médicos paliativistas devem relacionar concei-tos legais, conhecimento e valores familiares, que frequentemente entram em conflito. A qualidade dos cuida-dos paliativos depende inicialmente da capacidade de profissionais especializados identificarem e explicarem as questões éticas que levam a conflitos ou incertezas, além de levantar discussões com a família sobre ques-tões médicas, morais e legais que cercam a situação difícil.

Application Status and Research Progress of Palliative Care in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease / 中国医学伦理学

End-stage renal disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, and research on palliative care for end-stage renal disease patients in China is still in its infancy. The research content of palliative care for end-stage renal disease at home and abroad mainly includes identification and management of symptoms, advance care planning, psychosocial and spiritual support, and ethical issues in dialysis decision-making. However, practical experience is still insufficient. By focusing on the overview, development status, patient needs, as well as implementation forms and models of palliative care for endstage renal disease patients, this paper summarized the research progress and application status of related research, with a view to providing references for future domestic research and clinical practice in this field.

Assistance practices of medical and nursing teams for hospitalized people in palliative care / Prácticas asistenciales de equipos médicos y de enfermería para personas en cuidados paliativos internadas / Práticas assistenciais de equipes médicas e de enfermagem às pessoas em cuidados paliativos hospitalizadas

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the practices of Medical and Nursing teams for hospitalized people in Palliative Care. Method: a qualitative research study linked to the post-critical perspective, carried out between November 2020 and April 2021 in a teaching hospital from southern Brazil. The participants were three physicians, four nurses, three nursing technicians and four hospitalized adults monitored by a Palliative Care consulting team. Vignette and data extraction from medical records were used as data production techniques. The Atlas.ti program, cloud version for students, was used for data management. The data were submitted to content thematic content analysis and interpreted with theoretical notions of life technologies, therapeutic economics and biopolitics. Results: the practices were directed towards physical distress. The technologies, represented by devices and medications, were the main ways of approaching this. Even if controversial, some practices tend to be used with a view to prolonging the days of life, if that should be the family's wish. The family tends to be used as a link between the hospital and the home; however, it needs to be cared for. Conclusion: the practices of Medical and Nursing teams partially converge with Palliative Care recommendations and principles. Even under the monitoring of a specialized team, the behaviors prescribed by care teams are supported, above all, on moral values and empirical judgment. Such stance has repercussions on the resistance to accepting death as an existential event and inherent to life, keeping it still medicalized, even from different perspectives, such as Palliative Care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las prácticas de equipos médicos y de Enfermería para personas en Cuidados Paliativos internadas. Método: investigación cualitativa vinculada a la perspectiva post-crítica, realizada entre noviembre de 2020 y abril de 2021 en un hospital escuela del sur de Brasil. Los participantes fueron tres médicos, cuatro enfermeros, tres técnicos de Enfermería y cuatro adultos internados bajo seguimiento del equipo de asesoramiento en Cuidados Paliativos. Se utilizaron viñetas y extracción de datos de historias clínicas como técnicas de producción de datos. Se utilizó el programa Atlas.ti, versión cloud para estudiantes, para administrar los datos, que fueron sometidos a análisis temático de contenido e interpretados con nociones teóricas de tecnologías de vida, economía terapéutica y biopolítica. Resultados: las prácticas estuvieron dirigidas al sufrimiento físico. Las tecnologías, representadas por dispositivos y medicamentos, fueron las principales formas de abordaje para ellos. Aunque controversiales, algunas prácticas tienden a ser utilizadas con vistas a prolongar los días de vida, si ese fuese el deseo de la familia. La familia tiende a ser utilizada como enlace entre el hospital y el domicilio, aunque debe ser atendida. Conclusión: las prácticas de equipos médicos y de Enfermería convergen parcialmente con recomendaciones y principios de los Cuidados Paliativos. Incluso bajo la supervisión de un equipo especializado, las conductas prescritas por equipos asistenciales se apoyan especialmente en valores morales y decisiones empíricas. Tal postura repercute en la resistencia a aceptar la muerte como un evento existencial e inherente a la vida, manteniéndola medicalizada incluso desde perspectivas diferenciadas, como los Cuidados Paliativos.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as práticas de equipes médicas e de enfermagem às pessoas em cuidados paliativos hospitalizadas. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, vinculada à perspectiva pós-crítica, realizada entre novembro de 2020 e abril de 2021 em um hospital de ensino do sul do Brasil. Os participantes foram três médicos, quatro enfermeiros, três técnicos de enfermagem e quatro adultos hospitalizados acompanhados por equipe de consultoria em cuidados paliativos. Como técnica de produção dos dados foram utilizadas vinheta e extração de dados de prontuários. O programa Atlas.ti, versão Cloud para estudantes, foi utilizado para o gerenciamento dos dados, submetidos à análise de conteúdo, do tipo temática, e interpretados com noções teóricas de tecnologias de vida, economia terapêutica e biopolítica. Resultados: as práticas estiveram direcionadas ao sofrimento físico. As tecnologias, representadas por equipamentos e medicamentos foram as principais formas de abordagem para tal. Algumas práticas, mesmo que controversas, tendem a ser utilizadas com vistas a prolongar os dias de vida, se esse for um desejo da família. A família tende a ser utilizada como um elo entre o hospital e o domicílio, porém, carece de ser cuidada. Conclusão: as práticas de equipes médicas e de enfermagem convergem, em parte, com recomendações e princípios dos cuidados paliativos. Mesmo sob o acompanhamento de equipe especializada, as condutas prescritas por equipes assistenciais são respaldadas, sobretudo, em valores morais e julgamento empírico. Tal postura repercute na resistência da aceitação da morte como um evento existencial, inerente à vida, mantendo-o ainda medicalizado, mesmo sob perspectivas diferenciadas, como os cuidados paliativos.

Exploring the Brazilian pediatric palliative care network: a quantitative analysis of a survey data / Explorando a rede brasileira de cuidados paliativos pediátricos: uma análise quantitativa de levantamento de dados

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of services in Brazil that compound the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Network. Methods: An online survey was conducted among representatives from PPC services. A total of 90 services from Brazil completed the online survey and answered a questionnaire about the service's characterization, health professionals working in PPC, access to opioid prescription and education, and research in PPC. Results: In total, 80 services (88.9%) were created after 2010, 52 (57.9%) were in the southeast region, 56 (62.2%) were in public hospitals, 63 (70%) had up to 100 beds, and 57 (63.3%) were at the tertiary level. Notably, 88 (97.8%) had a physician in the team and 68 (75.5%) dedicated part-time to PPC. Also, 33 (36.7%) revealed concern with the care of health professionals and 36 (40%) reported difficulty or no access to opioid prescription. Research studies were reported to be conducted in 29 (32.2%) services. Conclusions: This mapping points out to a concentration of PPC services in the southeast region, with part-time professional dedication, and the need to improve professionals' care. Difficulty in opioid access was reported. It is necessary to extend PPC participation to other Brazilian regions, increase time dedicated to PPC, improve professionals' care and improve access to opioid prescription.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as características dos serviços que compõem a Rede Brasileira de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (CPP). Métodos: Estudo do tipo survey online entre representantes de serviços de CPP. O total de 90 serviços do Brasil participaram da pesquisa e responderam a um questionário sobre a caracterização do serviço, os profissionais de saúde que nele atuam, o acesso à prescrição de opioides e a educação e pesquisa em CPP. Resultados: Oitenta serviços (88,9) foram criados após 2010, 52 (57,9%) estão na Região Sudeste, 56 (62,2%) em hospitais públicos, 63 (70%) têm até cem leitos e 57 (63,3%) estão no nível terciário. Oitenta e oito serviços (97,8%) tinham um médico na equipe e, em 68 (75,5%), os profissionais dedicavam parte de seu tempo aos CPP. Trinta e três serviços (36,7%) revelaram preocupação com o atendimento aos profissionais de saúde. Trinta e seis (40%) relataram dificuldade ou nenhum acesso à prescrição de opioides. Foi reportada a realização de pesquisas em 29 (32,2%). Conclusões: Este mapeamento aponta para a concentração dos serviços de CPP na Região Sudeste, com dedicação parcial dos profissionais, e para a necessidade de cuidar deles. Foi relatada dificuldade no acesso aos opioides. É necessário estender a participação na rede de CPP para outras regiões do Brasil, aumentar o tempo dedicado aos CPP pelos profissionais e cuidar destes, além de melhorar o acesso à prescrição de opioides.

Expressão da espiritualidade nos cuidados paliativos: revisão narrativa / Expressing spirituality in palliative care: a narrative review / Expresión de la espiritualidad en los cuidados paliativos: una revisión narrativa

Resumo A terminalidade da vida requer uma abordagem ampla, com o alívio das dores física, emocional, familiar e social. Ademais, questões espirituais devem ser abordadas como forma de garantir ao paciente todas as fontes de conforto. Em vista disso, esta revisão narrativa da literatura tem o intuito de discutir os efeitos da espiritualidade/religiosidade nos cuidados paliativos. A partir de uma busca manual de trabalhos nas bases PubMed e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, foram selecionados 11 trabalhos para a revisão. As discussões foram divididas em três eixos: espiritualidade dos pacientes terminais, espiritualidade dos profissionais da saúde e espiritualidade dos familiares. Conclui-se que as práticas espirituais durante o fim da vida e no enfrentamento das angústias são cruciais tanto para pacientes e familiares quanto para os profissionais.

Abstract End of life requires a comprehensive approach to relief physical, emotional, family and social pain, addressing spiritual issues as a way to ensure patients all sources of comfort. Given this scenario, this narrative literature review discusses the effects of spirituality/religiosity in palliative care. Based on a manual search for papers in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases, 11 articles were selected for the review. The discussions were divided into three axes: spirituality of terminally ill patients, spirituality of health professionals and spirituality of family members. In conclusion, spiritual practices during the end of life and in coping with anguish are crucial both for patients and their families and for professionals.

Resumen El final de la vida requiere un enfoque amplio, con alivio del dolor físico, emocional, familiar y social. Además, las cuestiones espirituales deben abordarse como forma de ofrecer confort al paciente. En este contexto, esta revisión narrativa de la literatura tiene como objetivo discutir los efectos de la espiritualidad/religiosidad en los cuidados paliativos. A partir de una búsqueda de artículos en PubMed y en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, se seleccionaron 11 artículos para la revisión. Los debates se dividieron en tres ejes: espiritualidad de los pacientes terminales, espiritualidad de los profesionales sanitarios y espiritualidad de los familiares. Se concluye que las prácticas espirituales durante el final de la vida y en el afrontamiento de la angustia son cruciales tanto para los pacientes y sus familias como para los profesionales de la salud.

Perfil do médico que atua em cuidados paliativos no Brasil / Profile of the palliative care physician in Brazil / Perfil del médico que actúa en cuidados paliativos en Brasil

Resumo Cuidado paliativo é um modelo assistencial multidisciplinar de atenção à saúde que busca proporcionar conforto a paciente com doença ameaçadora da vida ou com doença grave e terminal. A medicina paliativa é reconhecida no Brasil há pouco tempo, sendo fundamental que o médico que trabalha nessa uma área desenvolva seu conhecimento. Desse modo, é relevante para o aprimoramento dos modelos de formação na área e na educação médica no Brasil compreender as caraterísticas desse profissional, identificando perfil sociodemográfico, formação profissional e atividade de trabalho. Este estudo tem recorte transversal, descritivo e exploratório, apresentando abordagem quantitativa. Os resultados são fruto de pesquisa nacional, realizada por meio de questionários aplicados a médicos que atuam em cuidados paliativos no Brasil.

Abstract Palliative care is a multidisciplinary health care model that seeks to provide comfort to patients with life-threatening or severe and terminal illness. Palliative medicine has only recently been recognized in Brazil, and it is essential that physicians working in this area develop their knowledge. Thus, to improve training models in palliative care and in medical education in Brazil, we must understand the characteristics of this professional, identifying sociodemographic profile, professional training, and work activity. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study, with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a national survey conducted by means of questionnaires applied to palliative care physicians in Brazil.

Resumen Los cuidados paliativos son una modalidad de asistencia multidisciplinaria que busca brindar comodidad al paciente con enfermedad potencialmente mortal o con enfermedad grave y terminal. Hace poco tiempo que se ofrece la medicina paliativa en Brasil, por lo que es fundamental la capacitación de los médicos que actúan en esta área. Ante lo anterior, para la mejora de los modelos de formación en el área y en la educación médica en Brasil es importante comprender las características de este profesional al identificar el perfil sociodemográfico, la formación profesional y la actividad laboral. Este estudio es transversal, descriptivo y exploratorio, con enfoque cuantitativo. Los resultados utilizan datos de una encuesta nacional, con la realización de cuestionarios aplicados a médicos que actúan en cuidados paliativos en Brasil.

Cuidados paliativos al final de la vida: visión comparativa en dos décadas / Palliative care at the end of life: comparative vision in two decades

RESUMEN Introducción: las enfermedades neoplásicas, cardiovasculares y procesos degenerativos predominan en estos tiempos, provocando la aparición del "enfermo crónico", cuya curación se considera muy lejana o inalcanzable. Esto propicia que la medicina paliativa esté experimentando un gran auge, por lo que se realizó una investigación sobre los cuidados paliativos en Matanzas, Cuba. La visión de estudios anteriores sobre el tema puede sustentar elementos de criterio sobre necesidades al respecto en la atención sanitaria. Objetivo: comparar el comportamiento de los cuidados paliativos en tres períodos de tiempo a través de investigaciones realizadas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de tres estudios epidemiológicos observacionales descriptivos -contenidos en tres tesis de terminación de especialidad en Medicina Interna-, efectuados en la provincia de Matanzas en tres períodos de tiempo diferentes (2000-2001, 2009-2010 y 2017-2018), con el objetivo de realizar una comparación del comportamiento de los cuidados paliativos en pacientes en estado terminal y/o avanzado de su enfermedad. Resultados: aunque la mayoría de lo estudiado fueron neoplasias malignas, hubo presencia de otras enfermedades como cardiopatías, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, hepatopatías crónicas, enfermedad cerebrovascular, demencias e insuficiencia renal crónica. Fue valorado el seguimiento de los pacientes por el equipo de salud, así como la evidencia de necesidades de recursos insatisfechas y lo que ello genera en los cuidadores. Conclusiones: hay necesidades materiales que interfieren en la calidad de vida de los enfermos. Los cuidadores necesitan la atención por parte del equipo de salud. Es necesario incentivar la investigación y los conocimientos sobre los cuidados paliativos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: neoplastic and cardiovascular diseases and degenerative processes predominate in these times, causing the appearance of the "chronic patient", whose cure is considered very distant or unattainable. This favors a great boom of the palliative medicine, which is why an investigation was carried out on palliative care in Matanzas, Cuba. The vision of previous studies on the topic con support elements of criteria on health care needs in this regard. Objective: to compare the behavior of palliative care in three time periods through researches carried out. Materials and methods: a systematic review of three descriptive observational epidemiological studies-contained in three specialty completion theses in Internal Medicine-carried out in the province of Matanzas in three different time periods (2000-2001, 2009-2010 and 2017-2018), with the aim of making a comparison of the behavior of palliative care patients in patients in terminal and/or advances stages of their diseases. Results: although most of the studied were malignant neoplasms, there was the presence of other diseases as heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, cerebrovascular disease, dementia and chronic kidney failure. The follow-up of the patients was assessed by the health team, as well as the evidence of unsatisfied resources needs and what this generates in caregivers. Conclusions: there are material needs that interfere in the quality of life of the sick people. Caregivers need care from the health team. It is necessary to encourage research and knowledge about palliative care.

Role of palliative care and telemedicine in patients with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic: integrative review / Papel dos cuidados paliativos e da telemedicina em pacientes com dor crônica durante a pandemia de COVID-19: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain was distributed differently in the population during the pandemic due to characteristics such as advanced age, population density, socioeconomic status, smoking, presence of chronic diseases, availability of tests to diagnose COVID-19, and access to health care, which negatively affected the quality of life of the infected population. This article aims to describe information about patients with chronic pain and the interventions received in the scenario of the advent of telemedicine during the COVID -19 pandemic. METHODS: An integrative literature review was developed. The search was conducted in the Pubmed database in January 2022, and articles between 2019 and 2022 were selected, for a total of 18 articles, of which 8 were used. RESULTS: New challenges directly related to COVID-19 infection have led to a paradigm in the management of patients with chronic pain, from chronic use of inappropriate current drugs to socioeconomic impacts that negatively affect pain modulation. Loss and bereavement can be complicated in the context of COVID -19 and contribute to psychological and emotional morbidity that increases patients vulnerability to chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care is vital in the management of chronic pain in all individuals affected by the pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for public policies to recognize, strengthen, and guarantee access to palliative care in the population affected by COVID-19, as well as in those with physical and emotional sequelae of this illness.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor foi distribuída de diferentes formas na população durante a pandemia devido a características como idade avançada, densidade populacional, status socioeconômico, tabagismo, presença de doenças crônicas, disponibilidade de testes para diagnosticar a COVID-19 e acesso aos cuidados de saúde, o que afetou negativamente a qualidade de vida da população infectada. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever informações sobre pacientes com dor crônica e as intervenções recebidas no cenário do advento da Telemedicina durante a pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca foi realizada em janeiro de 2022, sendo selecionados artigos entre 2019 e 2022, totalizando 18 artigos, destes, 8 foram utilizados. RESULTADOS: Novos desafios diretamente relacionados à infecção por COVID-19 trouxeram um paradigma quanto ao manejo de pacientes com dor crônica, desde o uso crônico de fármacos inadequados para o momento em vigência até impactos socioeconômicos que têm resultados negativos na modulação da dor. Perda e luto podem ser complicados no contexto da COVID-19 e contribuir para a morbidade psicológica e emocional causando o aumento da suscetibilidade do paciente em apresentar dor crônica. CONCLUSÃO: Os cuidados paliativos são vitais no manejo da dor crônica em todos os indivíduos afetados pela pandemia. Portanto, há necessidade de políticas públicas para reconhecer, fortalecer e garantir o acesso aos cuidados paliativos para os indivíduos afetados pela COVID-19, bem como para aqueles com sequelas físicas e emocionais desta doença.

Bienestar espiritual en pacientes de servicios de oncología y hemodiálisis de dos centros de referencia

RESUMEN Introducción: la espiritualidad es un concepto muy amplio para la humanidad, su consenso para los diversos grupos se encuentra en estudio permanente. La importancia de introducir su abordaje en la salud integral del paciente es cada vez más significativa en la práctica médica. Objetivos: validar la escala MLQ de Steger de bienestar espiritual en idioma guaraní y evaluar el bienestar espiritual en pacientes de los servicios de oncología y hemodiálisis de dos centros de referencia. Métodos: la población enfocada fueron los pacientes en tratamiento oncológico y en diálisis de los servicios de oncología del Hospital de Clínicas (San Lorenzo) y de hemodiálisis del Sanatorio Español-NefroServ (Asunción) durante los meses de mayo, junio y julio de 2021. Se utilizó como instrumento la escala MLQ de Steger. El cuestionario evalúa dos dimensiones del significado de la vida utilizando 10 elementos clasificados en una escala de siete puntos. Se respetaron los aspectos éticos de la investigación en humanos. Resultados: se realizaron 107 cuestionarios, siendo 54 mujeres y 53 varones, 64 fueron tomados en el servicio de hemodiálisis y 41 en el servicio de oncología, 42 fueron realizados en guaraní y 65 en español, según preferencia del encuestado. El promedio de edad de la muestra fue 54,6 ± 14 años. De los encuestados, 11,2% (12) tenían formación primaria incompleta, 25,2% (27) primaria completa, 14,01% (15) secundaria incompleta, 13,08% (14) secundaria, 25,2% (27) terciario y 11,2% (12) no respondieron a esta pregunta. En relación con la religión, 99 manifestaron profesar la religión católica (92,5%). Se utilizó la medición de confiabilidad alfa de Cronbach para medir el grado de fiabilidad de la escala realizada en idioma guaraní, arrojando un valor de 0,87 (alta confiabilidad). Conclusión: se ha logrado probar la validez del instrumento en el idioma guaraní para la comunidad paraguaya guaraní-parlante. Además, se han observado las tendencias en términos de medición del bienestar espiritual entre las muestras estudiadas y sus diferentes perfiles, lo que permite un abordaje más integral en el tratamiento, con las repercusiones que este bienestar pueda generar también en el aspecto físico, más allá de la medicina tradicional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spirituality is a very broad concept for humanity, its consensus for the various groups is under permanent study. The importance of introducing its approach in the comprehensive health of the patient is increasingly significant in medical practice. Objectives: To validate the Steger MLQ scale of spiritual well-being in the Guarani language and evaluate the spiritual well-being in patients of the oncology and hemodialysis services of two referral centers. Methods: The target population was patients undergoing cancer treatment and dialysis from the oncology services of the Hospital de Clínicas (San Lorenzo) and the hemodialysis services of the Sanatorio Español-NefroServ (Asunción) during the months of May, June and July 2021. The Steger MLQ scale was used as the instrument. This questionnaire assesses two dimensions of meaning in life using ten items rated on a seven-point scale. The ethical aspects of human research were respected. Results: One hundred seven questionnaires were completed, 54 women and 53 men, 64 were taken in the hemodialysis service and 41 in the oncology service, 42 were done in Guarani and 65 in Spanish, according to the respondent's preference. The average age of the sample was 54.6 ± 14 years. Of those surveyed, 11.2% (12) had incomplete primary education, 25.2% (27) completed primary, 14.01% (15) incomplete secondary, 13.08% (14) secondary, 25.2% (27) tertiary and 11.2% (12) did not answer this question. In relation to religion, 99 stated that they profess the Catholic religion (92.5%). Cronbach's alpha reliability test was used to measure the degree of reliability of the scale carried out in the Guarani language, yielding a value of 0.87 (high reliability). Conclusion: It was possible to test the validity of the instrument in the Guarani language for the Guarani-speaking Paraguayan community. In addition, trends have been observed in terms of measuring spiritual well-being in the samples studied and their different profiles, which allows a more comprehensive approach to treatment, with the repercussions that this well-being can also generate in the physical aspect, beyond traditional medicine.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes em cuidados paliativos atendidos em um serviço de urgência geral / The clinical-epidemiological profile of patients in palliative care treated in an general emergency service

Os pacientes em cuidados paliativos procuram o pronto-socorro para alívio imediato da dor ou de outros sintomas físicos. Os profissionais que atuam em serviços de urgência são treinados para prestar cuidados focados no tratamento direcionado a doenças agudas, mas podem fornecer intervenções paliativas para gerenciar as exacerbações de doenças crônicas ou os cuidados próximos ao fim da vida. Conhecer o perfil dos pacientes em cuidados paliativos atendidos em serviço de urgência e emergência é imprescindível para implementação de medidas que melhorem a qualidade do atendimento deste grupo de pacientes e otimizem o serviço prestado. O objetivo do estudo é descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes em cuidados paliativos atendidos no pronto-socorro. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, observacional e retrospectivo, de pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos, em cuidados paliativos atendidos em uma unidade de pronto atendimento ­ UPA, num período de dez meses. O estudo teve aprovação do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa. Foram analisados 83 pacientes com média de idade de 78,5 (±14,3) anos. Houve predominância do sexo feminino (61,4%). A maioria era procedente do domicílio (87,9%). Havia a presença de cuidador em 91.57% dos casos, predominando o cuidador familiar não-remunerado (76,3%). Sobre atendimento prévio, 44,58% haviam procurado o pronto-socorro no último mês. Quanto à doença de base, 31,3% era oncológica e 68,6% não-oncológica. O câncer de próstata representou a principal causa oncológica (30,7%), seguido de neoplasia hepática e das vias biliares (15,4%). Nos casos não-oncológicos, foi mais frequente a síndrome de fragilidade (42,10%) e sequela grave de acidente vascular cerebral (17,5%). O principal sintoma foi a dispneia em 38 pacientes (45,7%). A dor e a dispneia foram mais frequentes nos casos oncológicos (34,6% e 23,0%, respectivamente), seguidos de dispneia e delirium nos casos não-oncológicos (56,1% e 28,0%, respectivamente). No presente estudo, predominou a faixa etária idosa em cuidados paliativos com cuidador presente com maior frequência de doença de base não-oncológica, dispneia, dor e delirium (AU)

Patients seek emergency rooms for immediate relief from pain or other physical symptoms. Professionals in emergency rooms are trained to render focused care in the targeted treatment of acute diseases and provide palliative interventions to manage exacerbations of chronic illnesses or end-of-life care to patients under palliative care. Knowing the patient's profile for palliative care in the emergency room can be helpful for implementing targeted measures to provide better patient care. This study aims to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile on patients in palliative care treated in an emergency room. A transversal, observational, and retrospective study was carried out of adult patients of both sexes in palliative care treated at Unidade de Pronto Atendimento -UPA over ten months. Data were collected about admission, type of caregiver, pathology, and outcomes. The study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee. In total, 83 patients with a mean age of 78.5 (±14.3) were analyzed. There was a predominance of female patients (61.4%), and most came from a residence (87.9%). Further, 91.57% had caregivers, predominantly unpaid family caregivers (76.3%). Regarding previous care, 44.58% had sought palliative care less than one month ago. As the base disease, 68.6% were oncological and 31.3% non-oncological. Prostate cancer constituted the primary oncological cause (30.7%), followed by hepatic neoplasia and bile ducts (15.4%). Fragility syndrome (42.10%) and severe complications after a stroke (17.5%) were more frequent in non-oncological base cases. The main symptom was dyspnea noted in 38 patients (45.7%). Pain and dyspnea were more frequent in oncological cases (34.6% and 23.0%, respectively), followed by dyspnea and delirium in non-oncological cases (56.1% and 28.0%, respectively). In the present study, predominantly older patients with a caregiver demonstrated a more significant frequency of non-oncological base disease, dyspnea, pain, and delirium (AU)

Medicina paliativa hospitalaria: modelo de atención implementado en un hospital universitario / Hospital palliative medicine. Revision of a care model implemented at a university hospital

BACKGROUND: Palliative Medicine (PM) is a specialty whose objective is to prevent and alleviate suffering associated with advanced diseases. Hospital palliative medicine has benefits in symptom control, quality of life and cost containment. Hospital PM support teams that serve as referral specialists are in charge of a PM care model. AIM: To describe the clinical experience of a PM support team in a tertiary hospital in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of clinical records of patients referred to a hospital PM support team between March 2015 and July 2018. Administrative data of referrals, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients, their investigated problems and the interventions proposed by the PM team were described. RESULTS: During the study period, 790 referrals were registered, most of them from the internal medicine department (31%) or critical care (24%). During the study period, the number of annual referrals increased from 177 to 237 and the time lapse after hospital admission decreased from five to three days. The mean age of patients was 65.8 years and their main diagnosis was an oncological disease in 81%. The most frequently identified symptoms were fatigue in 71% of patients, depression in 68% and pain in 60%. The main interventions proposed by the PM team were communication support in 64% of patients, analgesia in 62% and education for family caregivers in 49%. Conclusions: The hospital PM team proposes a care model that allows the evaluation and a therapeutic approach for patients suffering from advanced diseases, using a multidimensional perspective including their families.

Incidencia y control de síntomas al final de la vida de pacientes con cáncer

RESUMEN Fundamento: al final de la vida, el paciente con padecimientos oncológicos presenta diversos síntomas físicos, emocionales y espirituales. La medicina paliativa permite un tratamiento continuo e integral para el diagnóstico y control de síntomas. Objetivo: describir la incidencia de síntomas según la localización del tumor inicial y su transición en la última etapa de la enfermedad. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, prospectivo de 100 pacientes con enfermedad terminal, atendidos en el Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología entre septiembre del 2017 a septiembre del 2019. Se tomó como fuente el registro de la historia clínica con dos evaluaciones, usando la Escala de Evaluación de Síntomas de Edmonton, modificada. Se elaboró un cuestionario mediante la técnica de entrevista en profundidad para recoger la información sobre los síntomas. Con la información se confeccionó una base de datos en Microsoft Excel 16.0 y se procesaron mediante el paquete estadístico de SPSS-PC en su versión 19.0.1 para Windows, que permitió confeccionar tablas y gráficos. Resultados: se describe la incidencia de nueve síntomas, los principales: dolor, cansancio, pérdida de apetito, ansiedad y depresión, independientes a la estructura anatómica afectada por el tumor primario. Se encontró mayor incidencia del dolor de forma general (78 %). Durante la etapa final los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: cansancio, ansiedad, pérdida de apetito y disnea. Conclusión: los síntomas en el paciente terminal con padecimientos oncológicos son múltiples y variables, en ocasiones estrechamente relacionados con la historia natural de su enfermedad. El diagnóstico y control sintomático requiere reconocer las necesidades y generar estrategias colectivas para minimizar el sufrimiento.

ABSTRACT Background: at the end of life, the patient with cancer conditions presents various physical, emotional and spiritual symptoms. Palliative medicine allows a continuous and comprehensive treatment for the diagnosis and control of symptoms. Objective: to describe the incidence of symptoms according to the location of the initial tumor and its transition in the last stage of the disease. Method: a descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study of 100 terminally ill patients treated at the Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology was carried out between September 2017 and September 2019. The medical history record with two evaluations was taken as a source, using Edmonton Symptom Rating Scale, modified. A questionnaire was developed using the in-depth interview technique to collect information on symptoms. With the information, a database was made in Microsoft Excel 16.0 and they were processed using the SPSS-PC statistical package in version 19.0.1 for Windows, which made it possible to make tables and graphs. Results: the incidence of nine symptoms is described, the main ones: pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, anxiety and depression, independent of the anatomical structure affected by the primary tumor. A higher incidence of pain was found in general (78 %). During the final stage, the most frequent symptoms were: fatigue, anxiety, loss of appetite and dyspnea. Conclusion: the symptoms in terminal patients with cancer diseases are multiple and variable, sometimes closely related to the natural history of their disease. Symptomatic diagnosis and control requires recognizing needs and generating collective strategies to minimize suffering.

Sobre el concepto de dolor total / On the concept of total pain

RESUMEN El dolor de los pacientes de cáncer ha sido descrito como dolor total. Tanto en la literatura científica, los libros de texto, así como en informes y directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, el concepto de dolor total ha servido de trasfondo para promover la atención multidisciplinaria de pacientes cuyo dolor involucra también aspectos psicológicos, emocionales, espirituales y sociales. El objetivo de este artículo es proponer una caracterización del concepto de dolor total de manera tal que continúe jugando un papel central en la promoción de la atención multidisciplinaria propia de los cuidados paliativos. Primero, se presenta un bosquejo del concepto y de los diferentes usos en la literatura. Segundo, se hace un contraste con la definición del dolor de la Asociación Internacional para el Estudio del Dolor (IASP) para establecer la naturaleza y referente del concepto de dolor total. Tercero, se muestra cómo esta caracterización del concepto disuelve algunas tensiones en la literatura respecto a su uso adecuado. Se plantea que el concepto de dolor total hace referencia a aquellas relaciones causales entre el dolor y los estados psicológicos, emocionales, espirituales y sociales que han sido Identificadas como susceptibles de ser intervenidas por el modelo de atención paliativa multidisciplinar. Como conclusión, se recomienda no vincular el concepto de dolor total con el padecimiento de una enfermedad en particular, ni con qué tan limitante para la vida es la enfermedad; tampoco para referirse a la "experiencia global" del paciente, ni como un punto muy alto de una escala.(AU)

ABSTRACT The pain suffering in cancer patients has been described as "total pain". The concept of "total pain" plays a key role in the promotion of the multidisciplinary nature of palliative care. In palliative attention, suffering is conceptualized as an addition of physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and social aspects. In this paper, I offer a characterization of the concept of "total pain", one which preserves its key role in palliative care promotion. First, I sketch the concept and some different usages found in the literature. Second, I establish the nature and referent of the "total pain" concept by means of showing the contrast between it and the pain definition provided by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Third, I propose that the concept of "total pain" refers to the relevant causal chains identified by the palliative care research as elements susceptible of intervention for the purpose of alleviating patient's suffering. These causal chains feature and link physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of the patient's suffering. As conclusion, I add the recommendation to not associate the concept of "total pain" with any particular diagnostic or disease or any particular prognosis, neither to the global experience of the patient, nor treat it as a high point on a scale.(AU)

Legalización de muerte médicamente asistida: discusión sobre el potencial impacto en el desarrollo de cuidados paliativos / Legalization of medically assisted death: its potential impact on the development of palliative care

In Chile, there are four bills to legalize euthanasia, an act which public surveys report as supported by most of the population. At the legislative, healthcare and social level, there is an active debate about euthanasia, the rights of terminally ill patients and the context of Palliative Care (PC) in the country. Chilean literature on euthanasia focuses mainly on the ethical analysis of the act itself but does not address the moral legitimacy of the legalization of this practice. This distinction is relevant since the probity of a particular action does not determine the moral legitimacy of its implementation at a public policy level. One aspect of this dimension is the potential negative impact of the legalization of physician-assisted death (PAD) on the development of PC services. This issue is particularly relevant in Chile, where PC provision is currently suboptimal and mostly restricted to cancer patients. This paper analyses available evidence on the potential impairment of PC development after PAD legalization. Although the analysis of evidence has some limitations, this concern is not supported by the available evidence. However, any project about PAD legalization must contemplate a factual commitment with the development of minimum PC provision, according to international recommendations.

Acurácia dos instrumentos preditivos de sobrevivência em pacientes idosos sob cuidados paliativos em atendimento domiciliar em Curitiba / Accuracy of survival prediction instruments in older patients undergoing home-based palliative care in Curitiba, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Escores prognósticos são cruciais para evitar medidas desproporcionais em cuidados paliativos, mas seu uso em pacientes não oncológicos, em cuidado domiciliar e em países subdesenvolvidos apresenta carência de evidência. OBJETIVO: Comparar a acurácia dos instrumentos preditivos de sobrevivência Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) e Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP) na população idosa do Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar (SAD) de Curitiba. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de acurácia diagnóstica de caráter prospectivo e observacional conduzido com idosos em cuidados paliativos no SAD de Curitiba. Aplicaram-se os escores PPS, KPS, PPI e PaP, e após 90 dias os pacientes foram avaliados quanto aos desfechos internamento hospitalar e óbito. RESULTADOS: A amostra final foi de 53 pacientes com idade ≥ 60 anos; desses, 28,3% (n = 15) tinham ≥ 85 anos. Na análise do desfecho binário (óbito ou não), foi identificado que a escala PaP teve melhor acurácia (79,2%). Na análise do desfecho ordinal (óbito, hospitalização ou nenhuma dessas opções), a escala com melhor acurácia foi o PPI (58,5%), mas todas as escalas avaliaram a amostra de forma semelhante, sem significância estatística. Em ambas as análises, os pacientes com idade ≥ 85 anos obtiveram resultados semelhantes aos demais. Apesar de o SAD ser um ambiente distinto, obteve resultados similares aos de outros estudos que incluíram hospitais e hospices. CONCLUSÃO: As escalas prognósticas apresentaram melhor acurácia na predição somente de óbito, mas quando usadas para relacionar a hospitalização, perdem sua acurácia. Não houve uma escala superior às demais, e não existiu distinção da acurácia referente à idade.

INTRODUCTION: Prognostic scores are crucial to avoid unnecessary measures in palliative care, although their use in non-cancer patients undergoing home care in low-income countries lacks evidence. OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of the survival prediction instruments Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), and Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP) in the older population treated by a Home Care Service (HCS) program in Curitiba, southern Brazil. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational, diagnostic accuracy study evaluating older adults undergoing HCS-provided palliative care. PPS, The PPS, KPS, PaP, and PPI scores were administered, and after 90 days the patients were evaluated for the outcomes death and hospital admission. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 53 patients aged ≥ 60 years; 28.3% (n = 15) of those had age ≥ 85 years. In the binary analysis, PaP had the best accuracy (79.2%). In the ordinal analysis, PPI had the best accuracy (58.5%), but all prognostic scales evaluated the sample similarly, with no significant differences. In both analyses, the patients aged ≥ 85 years had similar results compared to the total sample. Although the HCS program is a distinct setting, the study results were similar to those of studies conducted in hospices and hospitals. CONCLUSION: The prognostic scores showed better accuracy when predicting only the outcome death but are less accurate when admission is included. There was no superior scale neither any difference in accuracy regarding age range.

Cuidados Paliativos: Prática dos Médicos da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Palliative Care: Practice of Family Health Strategy Physicians

RESUMO Com o avanço do conhecimento científico e aumento da expectativa de vida, criou-se a ilusão de que o ser humano é imortal. Ademais, existe uma deficiência na educação médica atual, que forma profissionais tecnicistas e sem preparo para cuidar de um paciente com doença grave e incurável. Por volta da metade do século XX, surgiram movimentos voltados para a humanização dos atendimentos em saúde, que levavam em consideração a integralidade do indivíduo. Cuidado paliativo é uma abordagem que melhora a qualidade de vida de pacientes e familiares diante de doenças que ameacem a continuidade da vida, por meio do alívio do sofrimento, tratamento da dor e de outros sintomas de natureza física, psicossocial e espiritual. Considerando que esse tipo de cuidado pode ser oferecido em diferentes contextos, ressalta-se que a Atenção Primária em Saúde é uma possibilidade recente para a assistência em cuidados paliativos. Entretanto, ainda existe uma dificuldade dos serviços de Atenção Primária no Brasil em oferecer essa modalidade de assistência. Assim, a pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender a percepção dos médicos da Estratégia Saúde da Família acerca dos cuidados paliativos. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, em que foi utilizada a metodologia da análise temática. Os participantes foram 16 médicos que atuam nas Unidades Estratégia Saúde da Família do município de Lavras, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Com base na análise dos dados identificou-se que os médicos possuem conhecimento incipiente sobre o conceito de cuidados paliativos e que, embora tenham tido algum tipo de experiência com esse tipo de paciente, apresentam dificuldade para abordá-lo de maneira holística. Isto se deve, principalmente, à deficiência na formação acadêmica, que ainda privilegia o conhecimento biomédico e a cura das doenças em detrimento do alívio do sofrimento humano. Conclui-se que é imprescindível abordar o tema durante a formação médica, bem como discuti-lo entre os profissionais já atuantes nos serviços de saúde para que seja possível proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida e de morte.

ABSTRACT With the advance of scientific knowledge and increased life expectancy, the illusion has been created that the human being is immortal. In addition, there is a deficiency in current medical training, whereby professional technicians are trained without being prepared to take care of a patient with serious and incurable disease. Towards the middle of the 20th century, there were movements aimed at the humanization of health care, which took into account the integrality of the individual. Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families in the face of life-threatening illnesses by relieving suffering, treating pain, and other symptoms of a physical, psychosocial and spiritual nature. Considering that this type of care can be offered in different contexts, it has recently been highlighted that Primary Health Care can be a suitable setting for palliative care assistance. However, there is still a difficulty for Primary Care services in Brazil to offer this kind of assistance. Thus, the research was aimed at understanding the perception of physicians of the Family Health Strategy about palliative care. A descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, using thematic analysis method. The participants were 16 physicians who work in the Family Health Strategy Units of the city of Lavras, Minas Gerais. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. From the data analysis it was identified that the doctors have incipient knowledge regarding the concept of palliative care and that although they had some type of experience with this type of patient, they encounter difficulties in approaching it in a holistic way. This is mainly due to the deficiency in academic training, which still favors biomedical knowledge and the cure of diseases to the detriment of the relief of human suffering. It is concluded that it is essential that this topic be addressed during medical training, as well as discussed among the professionals already working in the health services so as to provide a better quality of life and death.

Las personas con enfermedad terminal y la necesidad de cuidados paliativos: una deuda pendiente de los servicios de salud / Patients with terminal illness and needs for palliative care: a pending issue for healthcare services

Los cuidados paliativos, además de ser parte de las competencias que debería haber adquirido un profesional de la salud durante su formación, son una necesidad en crecimiento para pacientes de diferentes grupos etarios, ya sea para enfermedades oncológicas, cardiovasculares, degenerativas, entre otras. Se consideran un reto para los servicios de salud por ser cuidados complejos, que requieren de trabajo en equipo, recursos humanos y sistemas que funcionen adecuadamente. Los aspectos de gestión, salud pública, integración de servicios, dilemas éticos y aspectos legales en transición son las principales barreras a las que se enfrentan los profesionales que atienden personas con enfermedad terminal. Una de las principales armas que tenemos es consolidar programas educativos para empoderar con conocimiento a los profesionales y, de esta forma, que hagan notar la necesidad del manejo humano de la salud de personas con enfermedades terminales.

On top of all competences that a healthcare professional should have achieved during his/her training, palliative care is a growing need for patients from different age groups affected with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, degenerative conditions, and the like. Palliative care is a huge challenge for healthcare services, because this requires adequate teamwork, human resources and adequately functioning systems. Management, public health, service integration, ethical dilemmas, and ethical issues are the main barriers that physicians taking care of terminally ill patients must deal with. One of our main strategies for tackling this situation is to consolidate educational programs, so healthcare professionals may become empowered with knowledge; so, they may disclose the need for humanizing healthcare of terminally ill subjects.