Use of symptom-focused oncological cancer therapies in hospices: a retrospective analysis

Inpatient Hospices in Germany: Medical Care Situation and Use of Supportive Oncological Therapies for Symptom Control in Tumor Patients

Background:

More than 80% of the residents in German hospices suffer from tumor disease. But the administration of supportive-oncological therapies in hospices for symptom control is controversially discussed.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the care situation of tumor patients in German hospices with regard to medical care and the use of supportive-oncological therapies.

Methods:

In February 2019, all hospices in Germany were offered the opportunity to participate in an anonymous online survey on medical and drug care for their tumor patients. The survey was conducted using the online platform SoSci Survey and ended in April 2019. The analysis was descriptive.

Results:

Of 202 hospices, 112 responded to the questionnaire. The hospices were distributed nationwide. Most have 8 to 10 places. More than 80% of hospice residents are tumor patients, and the length of stay is usually three to four weeks. Medical care is primarily provided by primary care physicians. While specialized outpatient palliative care is increasingly involved in care, hematologists/oncologists are rarely represented. Supportive-oncological therapies are rarely prescribed, whereas medication for other chronic conditions is often continued. The percentage of supportive-oncological therapies prescribed is higher in hospices with oncology co-care.

Conclusions:

Although most hospice residents suffer from malignant disease, co-care by a hematologist/oncologist is rare. Supportive-oncology therapies, particularly for symptom relief, may therefore be rarely used. However, since a small select group of hospice residents may benefit from these therapies, further investigation in this direction should be undertaken.

Tageshospize – wichtige organisatorische und grundlegende versorgungsrelevante Aspekte aus der Perspektive von Patienten und Angehörigen

Ziel der Studie Tageshospize stellen einen neuen Baustein der palliativmedizinischen Versorgung dar. Daten zu organisatorischen und grundlegenden versorgungsrelevanten Aspekten liegen kaum vor. Diese sollen nun aus Sicht von Patienten und Angehörigen erhoben werden.

Methodik In einer schriftlichen Umfrage unter 209 Palliativpatienten und 105 Angehörigen an drei onkologischen Zentren wurden erste Eindrücke zum Bedarf und zur Planungsumsetzung von Tageshospizen ermittelt.

Ergebnisse 81 % (n = 169) der Patienten und 75 % (n = 79) der Angehörigen erwarteten einen Benefit durch den Besuch von Tageshospizen. Öffnungszeiten wurden v. a. wochentags von 7:00–19:00 Uhr präferiert. 39 % (n = 41) der Angehörigen fühlten sich durch die Patientenpflege zeitweise überlastet, 80 % (n = 84) gingen von einer Entlastung durch ein Tageshospiz aus.

Schlussfolgerung Tageshospize könnten aus Sicht von Patienten und Angehörigen die palliativmedizinische Versorgung sinnvoll ergänzen. Der Bedarf scheint v. a. unter der Woche zu den Hauptarbeitszeiten zu liegen.