| Summary: | INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to report the results of a Palliative Care Unit’s first year of operation in a general hospital of medium-complexity care. METHOD: Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, functional status, and number of in-hospital deaths were collected regarding patients admitted to the unit during its first year of operation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In total, 129 patients were treated (140 admissions and 11 readmissions). Their mean age was 80 years, and 57% were female. Patients died in 67% of unit admissions, while in 32% they were discharged. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.1 days, and the mean length of Palliative Care Unit stay was 5.5 days. Most patients had neurological conditions, such as sequelae of cerebrovascular diseases and dementia syndromes, and low functional scores. Of all in-hospital deaths recorded in the period, 59% occurred in the Palliative Care Unit, with a higher proportion in older ages. CONCLUSION: The unit met an existing demand related to increased prevalence of chronic diseases and population aging, requiring palliative care services. Expanding access to palliative care is needed for patients admitted to hospitals.
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