Early Nurse-Led Integrated Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Multiple Myeloma

Area of Science:

• Hematologic Malignancies
• Palliative Care
• Integrative Oncology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) presents a substantial symptom burden and complex disease course.
• Early integration of palliative care (PC) is crucial for managing MM patients.
• Standard care may not adequately address the multifaceted needs of MM patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a nurse-led, integrative early palliative care intervention for multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
• To compare the intervention group with patients receiving standard care.
• To assess effects on patient-reported outcomes and healthcare utilization.

Main Methods:

• A nurse-led, integrative early palliative care intervention was implemented.
• Intervention included weekly symptom tracking, structured follow-ups, and proactive symptom management.
• Patient-reported outcomes and healthcare utilization (ED visits, hospitalizations) were assessed over 6 months.

Main Results:

• The integrated model significantly improved quality of life (P < .001) and reduced anxiety (P = .01), pain (P < .01), fatigue (P < .01), drowsiness (P = .007), and depression (P = .04).
• Nausea, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite did not show significant changes.
• Healthcare utilization data indicated potential benefits, though institutional adaptations may be needed.

Conclusions:

• A nurse-led, integrative palliative care approach effectively reduces symptom burden and enhances psychological well-being in MM patients.
• Early integration of PC into hematology services can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research and institutional adaptations are necessary to optimize the impact on healthcare utilization.