Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 2e/2016

Assessment of needs of patients with chronic heart failure in palliative care

Aim: The aim of study was to determine the subjective assessment of importance and fulfilment of needs of patients with advanced chronic heart failure. Methods: Total 85 patients were included, who were given generally palliative care on the inpatient department acute and follow-up care in hospitals in the Czech Republic. A questionnaire for assessment of needs in palliative care – PNAP (Patient Needs Assessment Palliative Care) was used. The questionnaire based on the holistic concept of care, where patients assess the importance a fulfilment of needs divided into 7 domains – physical symptoms, social services, respect and support health workers, the meaning of life and reconciliation, autonomy, the ability to share emotions, religious needs. Results: The study included a total of 49 women and 36 men. The average age of patients with advanced chronic heart failure was 73.7 years. Respondents considered as the most important and together the least filled „to be pain free“ and „not being short of breath“ in the domain of physical symptoms. They were at least satisfied with meet the needs in the domain of the meaning of life and reconciliation, the possibility of sharing emotions and autonomy. Women assessed needs significantly better than men (p < 0.05) in the domains of physical symptoms, the meaning of life and reconciliation. Conclusion: The priority of palliative care is to focus on the quality of life of the patient and his family and at the same saturation physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient. Identification these needs is essential for planning nursing interventions.

Keywords: chronic heart failure, palliative care, the importance of needs, fulfilment of needs