Faith C. F. LIU and Connie C. W. LAM
Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of preparing terminal cancer patients to die at home and explore the possibility of promoting dying at home as one of the future strategies of the local health care system. Allowing patients to die at home is not a common practice in cities worldwide. However, it may be beneficial to both the patient and family members. Reasons include social and medical problems identified in people who do not die in their own homes. Studies reflect that carers who are committed to looking after patients, if supported by hospice care expertise, can take care of patients at home until death. In the past four years (1999 to 2003), the Hospice Home Care Team (HHCT) of Nam Long Hospital (NLH), prepared six terminal cancer patients to die at home. A preliminary conclusion on the factors determining whether patients can be cared for at home was also drawn according to the experience of the HHCT.
Key words: Cancer patients, dying at home, hospice home care