Problems experienced by physicians treating elderly patients in the palliative care process and solution proposals

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the opinions of physicians treating elderly patients in palliative care units in government and private health institutions about the problems experienced and the solution proposals for these problems. Materials and Methods: From qualitative research designs, a single case design was adopted. The study group consisted of 16 physicians determined using the maximum variation, convenience, and criterion sampling methods from purposive sampling methods. The data obtained using the “personal information form” and the “interview form”, were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. Results: In the palliative care process, problems related to chronic diseases were most common in elderly patients, followed by problems related to neuropsychiatry and pain, respectively. While routine treatment proposals came to the fore in solving problems arising from chronic diseases, medication and related specialist support were emphasized to solve problems caused by pain, oncology, and the gastrointestinal system. Conclusion: Because elderly patients in the palliative care process experience multiple problems, it is recommended that physicians adopt an individualized approach, including a comprehensive evaluation with an interdisciplinary team, to solve these problems.