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
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
Recommended Citation
Roda, A. (1999). Hospice care in the PHILIPPINES: The case of the Hospice Home Care program for indigent, terminally-ill cancer patients in Metro Manila. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/2006