Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Attending Department of Palliative Medicine in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families by addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Understanding the specific characteristics of these patients accessing this care is crucial for optimizing services and resource allocation. Therefore, studies focusing on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients attending palliative medicine departments in tertiary care hospitals are vital. These studies shed light on who accesses palliative care, what diseases they have, and the challenges they face. Method: Individuals aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with cancer, were enlisted in our study, and their sociodemographic-clinical information was gathered. A reassessment was conducted after 3 months, during which their treatments and side-effects profile were examined. Result: The predominant cases in our patient population involved oral cavity cancers, primarily affecting married men aged 40–60 residing in the National Capital Region. Those diagnosed with breast cancer were more inclined to undergo chemotherapy, experiencing associated side effects such as nausea, anorexia, and weight loss. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must be cognizant of these complications and should integrate an effective counseling mechanism before initiating treatment in such patients. Palliative care physicians play a pivotal role in palliative management, serving as trusted figures in their communities and offering both professional and psychotherapeutic support.