Physiotherapy in palliative medicine: patient and caregiver wellness

Abstract

ObjectivesDespite the demonstrated efficacy of physiotherapy in palliative care programmes, there are scarce data of its real-life impact on patients’ and caregivers’ wellness and stress. Our aim was to assess effectiveness of a 30-day physiotherapy programme in psychological wellness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with advanced chronic diseases or cancer and in their caregivers’ stress.MethodsQuasiexperimental before–after study applying personalised kinesitherapy, exercise with curative effects, respiratory physiotherapy, therapeutic massages and ergotherapy. Psychological wellness, HRQoL and caregiver’s strain outcomes were measured.Results207 patients (60% men, with a mean age of 73.6±12 years) were included; 129 (62.3%) with advanced cancer, and the remaining 78 with advanced chronic diseases. Psychological wellness (Emotional Stress Detection Tool decreased from 12.4±3 to 11±3; p<0.0001), caregiver’s strain (Caregiver Strain Index decreased from 8.5±3.2 to 7.9±3.5; p<0.0001) and HRQoL (WHO-BREF physical health domain increased from 8.3±2.6 to 9.4±2.9; p<0.0001) showed a significant improvement after the physiotherapy programme. Global satisfaction with the physiotherapy intervention was also high (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 of 28.3±3.3 points).ConclusionsA personalised physiotherapy programme incorporated to integral palliative care improved psychological wellness, HRQoL and caregivers’ strain of patients with advanced chronic diseases and cancer.

Effect of Self-Chosen Music in Alleviating the Burden on Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Most were female, had no external employment, and did not receive assistance for caregiving, which also corroborates previous reports [35] and reflects the representativeness of our sample. Alternatively, a study conducted with caregivers of patients with advanced cancer or chronic disease [30] reported higher levels of burden than in our case (mean CSI score: 8.5 vs. 6.8 in our study population). In accordance with these observations, it would be useful to test the effectiveness of selfchosen music-based therapy for caregivers in this situation (i.e., one that presents a higher level of burden).…”

“…Another important consideration is that the long-term alleviation of caregiver burden could also enhance the quality of palliative care provided [30]. Music-related activities may induce relaxation, reduce caregiver stress [31], facilitate the expression of thoughts and feelings, and enable the recovery of recollections [32].…”

A Combat Journey of Rehabilitation in Pre- and Post-chemotherapy for Esophagus Carcinoma

“…A tailored physical therapy program integrated into comprehensive palliative care enhanced mental well-being, health-related QOL, and the stress level of carers for patients with severe chronic illnesses and cancer [ 20 , 21 ]. In the case described above, rehabilitation was administered to an individual diagnosed with esophageal cancer, manifesting secondary complications attributed to chemotherapy, including generalized weakness, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, and heightened anxiety.…”

Türkiye’de Wellness Kavramına İlişkin Lisansüstü Araştırmaların Bibliyometrik Analizi

“…Fizyoterapide çağdaş yaklaşımlar "fiziksel kapasiteyi ve yaşam kalitesini en üst seviyeye taşıma" hedefini bildirirken bu hedef kanıta dayalı güncel pek çok program ve uygulamalarda gösterilmiştir (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). İyilik hali kavramı literatürde fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon alanında da yer bulmakta, sağlıklı yaşam tarzını koruma, geliştirme ve sürdürülebilirliğini sağlama hedefi iyilik hali uygulamaları kapsamında ele alınmaktadır (14,15). Bibliyometri kavramı; "Belirli bir alanda belirli bir dönemde ve belirli bir bölgede kişiler ya da kurumlar tarafından üretilmiş yayınların ve bu yayınlar arasındaki ilişkilerin sayısal olarak analizi" olarak tanımlanmıştır (16).…”