Introduction of Various Models of Palliative Oncology Care: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence on various palliative care (PC) models for cancer patients. This effort seeks to discern which facets of PC models are suitable for various patient cohorts, elucidate their mechanisms, and clarify the circumstances in which these models operate.

A comprehensive search was performed using MeSH terms related to PC and cancer across various databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and a comprehensive evidence map were also applied.

Thirty-three reviews were published between 2009 and 2023. The conceptual PC models can be classified broadly into time-based, provider-based, disease-based, nurse-based, issue-based, system-based, team-based, non-hospice-based, hospital-based, community-based, telehealth-based, and setting-based models. The study argues that the outcomes of PC encompass timely symptom management, longitudinal psychosocial support, enhanced communication, and decision-making. Referral methods to specialized PC services include oncologist-initiated referral based on clinical judgment alone, via referral criteria, automatic referral at the diagnosis of advanced cancer, or referral based on symptoms or other triggers.

The gold standard for selecting a PC model in the context of oncology is a model that ensures broad availability of early PC for all patients and provides well-timed, scheduled, and specialized care for patients with the greatest requirement.