National guidelines for palliative care: A roadmap for oncology nurses

Patients with cancer have significant needs for palliative care, including pain and symptom management and psychosocial and spiritual support. The experience of cancer has an impact on family caregivers as well, and palliative care needs exist from diagnosis through survivorship and end-of-life care. Oncology nurses have opportunities to integrate palliative care into disease-focused care. Clinical practice guidelines developed by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care and preferred practices defined by the National Quality Forum serve as a framework to guide nurses in this area. These national guidelines can serve as a roadmap to develop clinical services that will serve patients and families.