The role of the mobile palliative team in caring for the digestive tract cancer patient

Abstract:

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life and reduce suffering for patients and their families. The main goal of mobile palliative teams, as a part of primary level health care, is the treatment of palliative patients in their homes. A large number of palliative patients suffer from digestive tract cancers. Among their symptoms are dehydration, pain, nausea/vomiting, stinging, constipation, ascites and urinary retention, all of which aretreated by the mobile palliative teams. The care they provide is the one that is possible and safe in home conditions. Apart from care, patient counselling and psychosocial support for the patient and family are provided. A family who takes cares of the patient is, along with other participants, a very important member in providing continuous care for the palliative patient.

Key words:
digestive tract cancer; mobile palliative team