Meaning of home care and the moments experienced by oncologic patients in palliative care

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the moment and the meaning of home care for oncologic patients in palliative care from the perspective of the Paterson and Zderad's Humanistic Theory. This is a descriptive, exploratory study, with qualitative approach, developed with five oncologic patients in palliative care in home care. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, from May to August 2013. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret the information. The results revealed that patients identified home care as a substitute to hospital care, allowing more freedom, comfort, autonomy and strengthening the relationship with the health team. Participants pointed out that unproductive feeling against the evolution of the disease was hard. The potential of this model of care is in accordance with the assistance that aims to encompass the principles of palliative care, such as well-being and being the best possible for these patients.