Households as an alternative support scenario for cancer patients

Abstract

This study offers a reflection about the importance of home care for cancer patients, given the increasing number of hospital admittances due to malignant diseases and the reduced quality of life of these patients when kept in health institutions for prolonged periods. The authors discuss the relevance of family support for patients within their homes and the support given by health professionals to patients and family members in this context. This is emphasized as a relevant and specific alternative support and care strategy that includes the psychosocial domains of persons experiencing cancer. The authors also describe the history of hospital and home care and the type of care for cancer patients at home, underlining the advantages of home care, which include humanized health care and treatment, reduction of the number of hospital admittances, lower infection rates, reduced hospital stay, patient and family satisfaction, and cost reduction.