Background: The interest in physiotherapy programs for individuals in hospice is increasing. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a multi-component, individualized physiotherapy program on the functional and emotional conditions and quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home. Methods: The study included 60 patients (mean 66.3 years) receiving hospice services in the home. A model of a physiotherapy program was designed, including breathing, strengthening, transfer, gait, balance, functional, and ergonomic exercises, as well as an adaptation of the patient's living environment to functional needs. The tests were performed before and after the intervention. The study used the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale, the Tinetti POMA Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). To enable comparison of our results worldwide, a set of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories was used. Results: The average functional level of the ADL (mean 2.9) and the IADL (mean 11.9), as well as the WHOQOL-BREF (mean 46.4) of the patients before the intervention were low, whereas the intensity of pain (VAS mean 5.8), the risk of falling (Tinetti mean 8.2), and depression (GDS mean 16.7) were recorded as high. After the completion of the intervention program, a significant improvement was found in the ADL (mean 4.0), IADL (mean 13.9), WHOQOL-BREF (mean 52.6), VAS (mean 5.1), risk of falling (Tinetti mean 12.3), and GDS (mean 15.7) scores. Conclusions: The physiotherapeutic intervention had a significant impact on improving the performance of ADL, as well as the emotional state and quality of life of patients receiving hospice services in the home. The results of our research provide evidence of the growing need for physiotherapy in individuals in hospice and for comprehensive assessment by means of ICF.

Background: Hospice care is aimed at chronically and terminally ill patients. It includes symptomatic treatment as standard, but the interest in physiotherapy programs for hospice patients is increasing in order to improve their functioning and quality of life. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the impact of a multi-component individualized physiotherapy program on the functional and mental condition and quality of life of patients in a home hospice. Material and method:The study included 60 patients (mean 66.3 years) in a home hospice living in southern Poland. Functional status was assessed twice: before and after intervention. The program was performed for 6 weeks (12 trainings) and was managed on the basis of WHO Rehab-Cycle ICF. The program was individually tailored to the patient, but structured according to the same scheme, i.e. breathing, strengthening, transfer, balance and functional exercisesas well as functional ergonomics. Patients participated in setting particular objectives of the program. The study used: Katz (ADL) and Lawton (IADL) scales, Tinetti test, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale, WHOQOL – BREF, Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A set of ICF categories in terms of function, activity and participation was selected for the studied areas. Results: The average functional level of ADL (mean 2.87) and IADL (mean 11.92) as well as quality of life (WHOQL mean 46.43) of researched patients before the intervention were low, whereas the intensity of pain (VAS mean 5.82), the risk of falling (Tinetti mean 8.20) and depression (GDS mean 16.65) were recorded high. After the completion of the intervention program, a significant improvement was found in all assessed areas, in particular in the scope of performing basic everyday activities(ADL mean 3.95), risk of falling (Tinetti mean 12.25) and QOL (mean 52.58). Conclusions: The physiotherapeutic intervention presented here has a significant impact on improving the performance of basic and complex activities of everyday life as well as the emotional state and quality of life of patients in a home hospice. The results of our research confirm the great need for physiotherapy in hospice patients and for comprehensive assessment by means of ICF. Registration number: researchregistry5264