Signs and symptoms manifested by patients in palliative cancer care in homecare: integrative review

Abstract

Objective

to identify the main signs and symptoms manifested by palliative care oncology patients in home care.

Method

integrative review in LILACS, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases in January 2020. The question was asked: “What are the main signs and symptoms manifested by patients in palliative oncology care highlighted in studies covering the context of the home?” Descriptors/terms were: Signs and Symptoms/Signs and Symptoms; Home Care/Home Care Services; Palliative Care/Palliative Care and Neoplasms/Neoplasms. Eligibility criteria were listed as follows: full text; between 2015 and 2019; in English, Portuguese or Spanish and adult age. For data mapping, the following were considered: title; country; year; objective; method; signs and symptoms. The results were categorized into subgroups, considering the predetermined conceptual classification (sign and symptom). The counting element facilitated the analysis and comparison of data.

Results

a total of 35 articles were selected, and 25 signs and 23 symptoms were identified. The most frequent were: pain, nausea/vomiting, dyspnea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, constipation, loss of appetite, sleepiness, well-being, and insomnia. Most (39) were related to the physical domain.

Conclusion

the identification of the main signs and symptoms, in this context, directs the practice of health professionals to the most appropriate interventions as early as possible, contributing to the feasibility of home care, and alerts to the need for continuing education on this topic.

Keywords:
Signs and Symptoms; Palliative Care; Neoplasms; Home Nursing; Review