Development of a risk classification protocol for cancer patients in Home-based Palliative Care

Abstract

Home-based Palliative Care services specialized in the treatment of cancer patients aim to identify and control physical, psychosocial, and spiritual symptoms at home. Some challenges encountered are the complexity of symptoms, reduced survival of patients with advanced cancer, and limitations of the health care system. To stratify the priority of care for patients with advanced cancer in home Palliative Care, a risk classification protocol was developed. This article is an experience report on the process of creating a risk classification protocol for patients with advanced cancer treated at a home Palliative Care service in Rio de Janeiro. The initial stage involved meetings of the home care team at an oncology hospital and structured searches in the literature. Afterwards, the clinical situations of more complex management at home were listed and named as warning signs and symptoms: pain, shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting, bleeding, and acute mental confusion. An assessment and triage protocol was developed with five categories/colors to determine the priority of patient care. The developed triage system has easy applicability and requires a brief training of the health professional so that it can be used during home visits.