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Incorporating palliative care into oncology practice: why and how
Qasim Hussaini1, Thomas J Smith1,2
1Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology : H&O
|June 9, 2021
Summary
Integrating palliative care with oncology improves symptom control, quality of life, and survival. Oncologists can provide primary palliative care through symptom management and communication skills, enhancing patient and caregiver well-being.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Specialty palliative care is recommended alongside oncology care due to proven benefits.
- Limited availability of palliative care specialists necessitates oncologists providing primary palliative care.
- Primary palliative care involves symptom assessment/management and communication skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the benefits of integrating palliative care into oncologic practice.
- To offer clinical pearls for delivering palliative care in outpatient and inpatient settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized trials and clinical practice guidelines.
- Focus on two key skill sets: symptom assessment/management and communication.
- Emphasis on standardized symptom assessment scales and shared decision-making.
Main Results:
- Palliative care improves symptom control, reduces depression/anxiety, and enhances quality of life for patients and caregivers.
- Early integration (≥3 months before death) maximizes benefits on quality of life and end-of-life choices.
- Oncologists play a crucial role in delivering primary palliative care.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating palliative care into routine oncology improves patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Effective primary palliative care requires robust symptom management and communication strategies.
- Oncologists are essential in providing comprehensive palliative care to cancer patients.
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