Telepalliation Facilitates a Sense of Security for Patients With Terminal Illnesses

Background Each year, an estimated 20 million people worldwide are in need of palliative care. The main diagnosis needing care is cancer, followed by cardiovascular disease and chronical obstructive lung disease. web-based telepalliation program digital platform (offering video consultation, treatment planning, patient-reported outcomes, chat forum, information on palliation) was developed through a participatory design process involving patients, their relatives, health professionals, researchers. Objective This study aimed to pilot-test the during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods case used as overall method for study. theoretical framework Antonovsky “Sense Coherence” theory. A triangulation data collection techniques used: documents (home pages care) were studied; participant observation carried out patients’ homes (n=16 hours); semistructured qualitative interviews with 3 women (ages 46-73 years) men (aged 64-80 years). Of 6 4 diagnosed cancer 2 diseases. recorded analyzed. We 7 subjects conducted interviews; 1 patient dropped due fatigue. Results Patients participating articulated experiences terms following themes: sense security; coherence; feeling that facilitates continuity better communication professionals across sectors; easier access team; spouse family more integrated into process, because they could participate difficult dialogues team via link. Conclusions Preliminary findings indicate patients experience security, coherence sectors individual patients. Further research needed potential benefits drawbacks telepalliation.