Hospice care in the PHILIPPINES: The case of the Hospice Home Care program for indigent, terminally-ill cancer patients in Metro Manila

Date of Publication

1999

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Social Science

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Abstract/Summary

This study describes the services of the Hospice Home Care Program of the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI). This is a support service provided by a team composed of a doctor, nurse, social worker and volunteers visiting the home of a patient with advanced or terminal cancer. Services include physical control of pain and symptoms, nursing care, psychological/emotional, social, spiritual support to patients and their families, and bereavement support. Since its establishment in October 1991, the Program has played a major role in the care of indigent, terminally-ill cancer patients. In pioneering this service, the PCSI brought hospice or palliative care to the attention of medical and health professionals as an option when treatment is no longer possible.The study also examined the utilization of hospice services by patients and family members, and their perceptions about the difficulties encountered, satisfaction and benefits gained from the Program. Separate interviews were conducted among 23 patients and 23 family members/caregivers. The selection of respondents was made through a convenient sampling. All respondents confirmed that hospice services alleviate their pain and sufferings. Among the services appreciated by the respondents include: the provision of drugs and nursing care which enable patients gain physical comfort and constant counseling and communication which are needed by both clients to achieve psychological, social and spiritual comfort.

Results of the study showed that the Hospice Home Care Program works. The following factors contribute to the utilization and effectiveness of the Program: 1) its being an outreach program that provides the needed services to clients right in the comforts of their homes and 2) it involves trained hospice staff, volunteers and family members as caregivers. In a country where the majority of the population lacks financial resources but have strong family and community ties, the Program and its services fit perfectly well in the existing culture of Filipinos.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG02904

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall Hall Hall

Physical Description

117 leaves

Keywords

Health facilities; Medical care; Health service areas; Cancer-Patients; Terminally ill--Home care

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