[Palliative Care in Lombardy Region: analysis of the care offer in 2019]

Abstract

Objective: The Lombardy Region has one of the most widespread and advanced models of Palliative Care (PC) in the country. However, there is a relative lack of updated data referring to the activity of the Lombardy PC network.

Methods: This work aims to describe the activity carried out in the two main PC care settings (home care and hospice) in 2019 through the analysis of the data sent by each Unit to the Lombardy Region. Data were analysed on a regional basis and considering the 8 Health Protection Agencies (ATS) separately.

Results: In 2019, PC activity was provided by 114 home care units (1.14/100,000 inhabitants) and 70 hospice for a total of 812 beds (8.1 beds/100,000 inhabitants). Overall, 25,514 patients were assisted for a total of 29,892 care pathway. 77.6% of the patients assisted were oncologic and about 67% of the patients who died of cancer in Lombardy were intercepted by CP. 54.4% of patients were taken care of in home care, although with a significant difference between cancer patients (58%) and non-cancer patients (42%). In home care, average activation time was 2.8 days and in 81% of cases the assistance was activated within 24-48 hours; in hospice, average activation time was 3.5 days, with 60% of admissions within 24 hours and over 30% with waiting time ≥3 days. The median duration of home palliative care was approximately 21 days (average 40.5), that in hospice was 9 days (average 17.2). In the home care pathways, the prevalent outcome was the death of the patient at home (64%) and hospitalization in hospice (17.2%), while 86% of hospitalizations in hospice ended with death.

Conclusions: This accurate report of the Lombardy PC activity indicates that PC satisfy various qualitative indicators of structural and care process identified by national regulations. However, PC still remain predominantly intended for cancer patients, with relatively short duration of care, particularly in the hospice setting.