Difficultés sociales de retour au domicile des patients atteints de cancer, en situation palliative précoce

Introduction. - Some cancer patients have a difficult social environment that affects their healthcare circuit and forbids them to return home safely. The aim of this prospective observational study is to determine the proportion of patients who felt they could not return home for social issues, the reasons for these difficulties, and their needs.Materials and methods. - During 4 months, we interviewed patients in an early palliative care situation about their social situation, in 2 oncology departments in eastern Paris. We also interviewed their doctor and caregivers about the situation of patients and their needs in terms of help and care.Results. - Of the 235 patients included, 13% felt they have social difficulties in staying at home (reason for housing, financial, and assistance). 87% were in full hospitalization. 70% were actually spotted by the doctor, who identified 18%. These patients required help in their daily lives and for some care. 40% of them wanted to continue living with their main caregiver. 54% of the patients lived in social insecurity according to the EPICES score and only 28% of them had met a social worker.Conclusion. - The number of patients unable to stay at home is significant and therefore a real problem. Finding new types of suitable housing for those patients seems essential to improve their quality of life. Moreover, the social support for cancer patients seems to be inadequate and needs to be improved. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.