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A Longitudinal Pilot Study for Examining Symptom Reduction in Patients With Cancer in a Palliative Care Program: A
Gabriela Orsak1, Paul McGaha2, Paula Brandon3
1a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Rural and Community Health , University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler , Tyler , TX , USA.
Hospital Topics
|April 24, 2019
Summary
This pilot study shows outpatient palliative care can reduce symptoms for rural cancer patients. The program effectively lowered physical, psychosocial, and overall symptom intensity in this underserved population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Rural Health
Background:
- Many cancer patients reside in rural areas, facing limited access to specialized care.
- Research on the effectiveness of palliative care programs in rural settings is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an outpatient palliative care program in a predominantly rural community.
- To assess the impact of palliative care on symptom intensity in rural cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 52 mostly lower-income patients with various cancers in a rural setting.
- Patients received outpatient palliative care delivered by healthcare professionals.
- Symptom intensity (physical, financial, psychosocial, overall) was measured at baseline and three follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- The outpatient palliative care program demonstrated potential efficacy in a rural setting.
- Significant reductions were observed in physical, psychosocial, and overall symptom intensity.
- The program showed promise for improving symptom management in this population.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient palliative care can be effective in reducing symptom burden for cancer patients in rural communities.
- This pilot study highlights the need for further research and implementation of such programs in underserved rural areas.
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