[The care of the terminal patient as viewed by the family physician]

Abstract

We made a survey among physicians of primary care teams (PCT) from Vizcaya to assess their opinion about the care of the patient with cancer in the terminal period. A total of 85% of the surveyed physicians responded; 70% considered that the care given was inadequate; 90% thought that the patients wishes to die at home. 50% felt that the patient should know the diagnosis, although 85% believed that it was virtually always unknown to him in practice. The most commonly found symptoms were anorexia, asthenia, pain, depression and anxiety, which resulted in serious management difficulties for 25-45% of physicians. 65% were assisted by nurses. The participation of the rest of the team and of specialists was irrelevant. Most felt frustration (59%) and dissatisfaction (78%) with those patients. The physicians find great difficulty to communicate with the patient, and need more information, training and cooperation. Is should be clear that the aim is the well being of the patient, thus diminishing the frustration of the professionals.