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Transitions into a Palliative Care Unit in Portugal: descriptive analysis of patient characteristics and documented care-process changes (potential indicators of “added value”)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study characterizes the patient population receiving care within a specific Palliative Care Unit (PCU) in Portugal and analyzes the transition between community, inpatient units and specialized palliative care settings related to clinical and patient outcomes.Utilizing a retrospective cohort and descriptive design, data were collected from clinical records of patients admitted to the PCU during 2024.The study involved 206 patients with a mean age of 66.2 years. The leading referral source was hospital settings. Oncological disease was the predominant underlying diagnosis (58.3%), followed by organ failure (22.3%). The primary reason for referral was clinical worsening (53.4%).Key findings reveal that patients referred from the community had a more diverse case mix, including organ failure. There were significant associations between social support, understanding, and the prognosis of cancer patients.These insights highlight the importance of tailored approaches to palliative care interventions, considering the patient's referral pathway and underlying diagnoses. Future research should evaluate patient-reported outcomes and explore causal relationships between medication management, psychosocial support, and overall quality of life.

Source: BMC Palliative Care

DOI: 10.1186/s12904-026-02321-8