The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that all patients with a diagnosis of advanced cancer be referred to a palliative care team within 8 weeks of diagnosis. The bene ts of early integrated palliative care are well recognized, however, there is a lack of consensus to guide operational aspects of a palliative care service within a comprehensive cancer center. In this study, we explore current palliative care referral patterns at an academic cancer center and provide recommendations for operationalizing palliative care services as a program within comprehensive cancer centers in order to adequately meet the needs of patients with advanced cancer. MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer or advanced hematologic malignancy seen by the palliative care team at a comprehensive cancer center from January 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021 was conducted. IRB approval was obtained prior to the initiation of the chart review. ResultsA total of 243 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer, or advanced hematologic malignancy were included in this review. Patients with gastrointestinal (26%), gynecologic (19%), and thoracic (21%) malignancies constituted 66% of the total cohort. The most frequent reason for referral was pain (52%). Thirty-nine percent of patients were referred within 8 weeks of an advanced cancer diagnosis. ConclusionASCO recommends that all patients with advanced cancer be referred to a palliative care specialist within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Of the newly referred patients with advanced cancer, only 39% were referred to the palliative care
Purpose The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that all patients with a diagnosis of advanced cancer be referred to a palliative care team within 8 weeks of diagnosis. The benefits of early integrated palliative care are well recognized, however, there is a lack of consensus to guide operational aspects of a palliative care service within a comprehensive cancer center. In this study, we explore current palliative care referral patterns at an academic cancer center and provide recommendations for operationalizing palliative care services as a program within comprehensive cancer centers in order to adequately meet the needs of patients with advanced cancer. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer or advanced hematologic malignancy seen by the palliative care team at a comprehensive cancer center from January 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021 was conducted. IRB approval was obtained prior to the initiation of the chart review. Results A total of 243 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer, or advanced hematologic malignancy were included in this review. Patients with gastrointestinal (26%), gynecologic (19%), and thoracic (21%) malignancies constituted 66% of the total cohort. The most frequent reason for referral was pain (52%). Thirty-nine percent of patients were referred within 8 weeks of an advanced cancer diagnosis. Conclusion ASCO recommends that all patients with advanced cancer be referred to a palliative care specialist within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Of the newly referred patients with advanced cancer, only 39% were referred to the palliative care team within 8 weeks of their diagnosis. This large gap suggests the need for a consensus with regard to operationalizing the palliative care team.
Jean was 33-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in August of 2019. She was altruistic, full of life and eager to participate in clinical research so she could help the patients who came after her. Jean and her mother were a force. They did everything together.
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