title: Prospective study of symptom control in 133 cases of palliative care inpatients in Shatin Hospital.
abstract: We report a prospective study assessing the prevalence and severity of physical and nonphysical symptoms, and the benefits from treatment and intervention, in advanced cancer patients presenting to a local palliative care unit in Hong Kong. Patients were assessed by a modified version of the support team assessment schedule (STAS). The study highlighted some symptoms which needed better control, and also reinforced the team morale by demonstrating aspects where there was definite improvement. In general, the STAS was found to be practicable and acceptable by our patients and staff. The most important benefit gained from the study was the successful dissemination of the concept of audit and quality assurance throughout the unit, which is essential for continuous improvement in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Shatin Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Woo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life