Health outcomes of cancer patients during the first year following admission to palliative care: A longitudinal study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Palliative care can enhance health care outcomes for patients with life-threatening conditions. However, data regarding the prevalence and consequences of palliative care services for end-of-life patients in Vietnam are limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to assess the efficacy of palliative care. This evidence supports the advancement of these services. To examine changes in mean health outcome scores, measured by the African Palliative Care Association Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale, among cancer patients receiving palliative care, and to assess their health improvements. We conducted a longitudinal study at Oncology Hospital, a tertiary center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from July 2020 to January 2022. Patient and caregiver outcomes were measured monthly, within 3 days of admission, and continued until the patient's death or the end of follow-up. The study included 134 newly admitted patients and their caregivers, all of whom were referred to palliative care within 3 days of admission. Notably, patients with cancer showed an overall improvement in health outcomes, as evidenced by a significant monthly reduction in scores of 4.6 points (P < .01). The most significant progress was observed among those with physical symptoms, who experienced an average monthly decrease of 2.7 points. Furthermore, improved patient health outcomes were associated with an initial cancer diagnosis, older age, and caregiver health status. Palliative care can improve health outcomes of patients with cancer over time. Changes in the patients' quality of life are influenced by psychological burden, physical symptoms, initial diagnosis, patient age, and caregiver health. Understanding these changes can help palliative care healthcare professionals achieve optimal patient outcomes at any stage of the disease.