K Woitha1, N Schneider2, A Wünsch1, B Wiese1, S Fimm3, G Müller-Mundt1. 1. Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Arbeitsgruppe Palliativversorgung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland. 2. Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Arbeitsgruppe Palliativversorgung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland. schneider.nils@mh-hannover.de. 3. Physiotherapie und Physikalische Therapie, Campus Kiel, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with incurable and progressive illnesses; therefore, in these situations physiotherapy can play an important role. AIM: This study was carried out to examine the integration and utilization of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care services in Germany. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including all palliative care units, specialized outpatient palliative care teams and hospices in Germany (n = 680) in 2013 was carried out. RESULTS: The response rate was 43.5 % (n = 296). Physiotherapy is predominantly applied in palliative care units (79 %) but rarely in hospices (38 %) and outpatient palliative care teams (30 %). A structured physiotherapeutic assessment is rarely carried out even on palliative care units (26 %). Positive effects of physiotherapy are especially described for symptoms, such as edema, pain, constipation and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Despite its significant potential to relieve symptoms, physiotherapy is not systematically integrated into palliative care practice in Germany.
BACKGROUND: Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with incurable and progressive illnesses; therefore, in these situations physiotherapy can play an important role. AIM: This study was carried out to examine the integration and utilization of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care services in Germany. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including all palliative care units, specialized outpatient palliative care teams and hospices in Germany (n = 680) in 2013 was carried out. RESULTS: The response rate was 43.5 % (n = 296). Physiotherapy is predominantly applied in palliative care units (79 %) but rarely in hospices (38 %) and outpatient palliative care teams (30 %). A structured physiotherapeutic assessment is rarely carried out even on palliative care units (26 %). Positive effects of physiotherapy are especially described for symptoms, such as edema, pain, constipation and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Despite its significant potential to relieve symptoms, physiotherapy is not systematically integrated into palliative care practice in Germany.
Entities:
Keywords:
Health services research; Hospice care; Palliative care; Physiotherapy; Survey
Authors: Jennifer S Temel; Joseph A Greer; Alona Muzikansky; Emily R Gallagher; Sonal Admane; Vicki A Jackson; Constance M Dahlin; Craig D Blinderman; Juliet Jacobsen; William F Pirl; J Andrew Billings; Thomas J Lynch Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2010-08-19 Impact factor: 91.245