Telemonitoramento em cuidados paliativos oncológicos: perspectivas de pacientes e cuidadores

Abstract

Introduction: Telepalliative care can be a modality to monitor symptoms and functionality of patients by the use of ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Scale) and KPS (Karnofsky Performance Status) in telephone contact. Objective: To analyze the experience of caregivers and cancer patients in palliative care with the use of telemonitoring. Method: To analyze the use of remote care, the experience was the object of study to represent the experience after the implementation of Telehealth by a Palliative Care (PC) team. The qualitative approach and the content analysis technique were the methods used as a way to provide information in social and health sciences. Fourteen in-depth interviews were carried out, contained in a script, and 30 inductive codes were coded based on the interpretation of excerpts from the guides' speeches. These codes were grouped into subcategories and later into categories. The resulting five categories were: (1) empathy, (2) contributions to users' well-being, (3) organizational challenges, (4) responsibility, and (5) safety. Results: The protected categories started with the crossing of information seeking to make inferences and correlations between them and the analysis of sociodemographic data, diagnoses, and the amount of telemonitoring (TM). Empathy proved to be the most relevant theme among all perspectives and this perception, independent of the amount of TM performed per patient, being the establishment of a bond with the fundamental team. In view of the perspectives, we observe the ease that remote assistance brings to quick responses, avoiding the necessary displacement in some cases. As challenges, the lack of physical contact and the need for a physical prescription for controlled drugs were highlighted. We found that patients with primary schooling received regular guidance on care and training on the use of technology. Security in remote care is the result of the team's trust and with few reports of insecurity due to the use of technology. Conclusion: The use of telemonitoring in cancer palliative care is possible and accepted by patients and caregivers. Understanding the potentialities and challenges in this context can help to minimize deficiencies in the health system and provide strategies for quality of life in comprehensive care