Profile and clinical outcome of patients referred early or late to palliative care

• Grant number: 25/01696-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Bolela de Souza
• Grantee: Julia Stéphani Martins
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Palliative Care promotes quality of life for patients with serious health conditions and their families, but late referral reduces its effectiveness. The present study aims to compare the clinical profile and outcomes of patients referred early or late to Palliative Care. This is a quantitative, observational, descriptive and longitudinal study, which will be carried out at the Palliative Care outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo. The sample will consist of adult patients referred to the Palliative Care team. Data will be collected through interviews with participants, consultation of medical records and telephone contact for six months. Validated instruments will be applied to assess functionality and the presence of symptoms. As a result, it is expected to identify differences in the sociodemographic profile, history and clinical outcome of patients referred, early or late, to Palliative Care, contributing to better referral strategies. This study seeks to highlight gaps in early access to Palliative Care, promoting interventions that optimize quality of life and clinical results. (AU)