Expanding the Toolbox: A Palliative Care Lecture Series for Oncology Advanced Practice Providers

Initiation of early palliative care (PC) is vital in order to assure that the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of patients and their families are addressed before, during, and after treatment for a serious illness. According to the World Health Organization, PC is patient-and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering. It is holistic care that addresses the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

To improve early PC in the oncology setting, a free educational series was established for advanced practice providers (APPs). Evaluations were obtained and a post-survey was completed.

Evaluation results were positive; staff liked the case presentations and the topics covered. A post-survey was completed. Results demonstrated that most APPs were familiar with basic concepts of symptom management as well as the holistic needs of patients and their families. One area that did not improve was the concept that PC is compatible with aggressive treatment.

A PC lecture series for APPs was well received by participants. Participants were able to demonstrate knowledge regarding delivery of PC but failed to understand that PC can be delivered simultaneously with aggressive therapy.

Education regarding PC through the disease process and appropriate referrals to PC specialty need to be reinforced. Educating APPs in early PC is beneficial, and creative methods of teaching need to be further explored.