Pain and Palliative care units – A study with special reference to Kerala State Dr. Santha S. Associate Professor in Commerce, Post Graduate and Research Department of Commerce, St. Peter’s College, Kolenchery, Ernakulam, Dist., Kerala- 682 311, India Online published on 21 November, 2013. Abstract Background Pain and Palliative care units are private, non-profit, charitable foundations and hospital pain clinics which aim at providing end of life care, adequate pain and other symptom control, as well as bereavement support to patients suffering from chronic illnesses. Aim The present study has been undertaken to analyze the activities of pain and palliative care units in the state of Kerala and to find out whether there is any regional disparity in the pain and palliative care activities in Kerala. Materials and Methods The respondents of the study include Pain and Palliative care units functioning in Kerala. The total number of Pain and Palliative care units selected as sample was 55. For the purpose of analysis, statistical tools like averages, percentages, rank test, Pearson's Chi Square test and Kruskal – Wallis test were applied. Results The study revealed that the majority of the patients cared by the PPC units in Kerala State were cancer patients and patients suffering from problems of old age. The major help provided by the unit to the patients was home care visit and organizing family help. The major care provided by the PPC units was physical care. The major physical care provided by the PPC units included ‘bathing’, and ‘giving medicines’. Conclusion The majority of the patients cared by the PPC units in the state of Kerala were cancer patients and patients suffering from problems of old age. The major help provided by the units to the patients was home care visit and organizing family help. Top Keywords Kruskal-Wallis Test, Local Self Government Institutions, National Rural Health Mission, Non Governmental Organizations. Top |