Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa
Palliative care needs at a South African district hospital: A descriptive study using supportive and palliative care indicators tool South Africa
By Louis D.K. Roodt, Cornel van Rooyen and Hanneke Brits.
Abstract
Background
Patients with advanced life-limiting diseases (ALLDs) are often admitted to district hospitals for acute curative care, resulting in delayed or omitted palliative care. Early identification by clinicians ensured better care, efficient resource use and prevented avoidable hospitalisations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and profile of admitted adult patients with palliative care needs at National District Hospital (NDH).