Abstract
Objective:
To identify family and caregiver perception of palliative care for patients diagnosed with terminal cancer receiving in-home health services.
Methods:
A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted with six family members and caregivers of patients receiving in-home palliative care services exclusively provided by the Palliative Care Unit of a referral hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between September and October 2015, analyzed in the light of Bardin's Content Analysis.
Results:
The following themes arose: Family members/caregivers' routine when providing palliative care; Palliative care team; Support for family members/caregivers; Family members/caregivers' understanding of palliative care; Family members/caregivers' feelings about palliative care; Family members/caregivers' experience with in-home palliative care.
Conclusion:
It was possible to identify the importance of in-home palliative care as it enables the reduction in the impact of suffering caused by cancer and guarantees dignity in the death process.
Keywords:
Palliative care; In-home health services; Family; Oncology