Implementation research of palliative care for cancer patients at the Oncology Department, Thu Duc City Hospital

Abstract

Vietnam started accessing PCS in 2001, so far this type of treatment has been incorporated into the health system and expanded its clinical services at most large cancer centers and general hospitals in the country. Therefore, we conducted a study on the implementation of palliative care for cancer patients at the Oncology Department, Thu Duc City Hospital. Results showed that the department set up a fund to support patients, and the hospital created conditions for health workers and patients to stay for a long time. The hospital has standardized the working process, has a clear treatment protocol, manages information through electronic medical records, has relatively adequate facilities and human resources, a hygienic medical environment, mobilize external funding. Besides, there are still some limitations: the support fund is not enough for all patients. The hospital does not have its own department/unit of PCS, currently included in the Department of Oncology, and has not yet standardized the whole hospital. When at the peak stage, the hospital sometimes does not meet enough drugs and supplies. Limited PCS training: lack of nurses.