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01-11-2005 | Supportive Care International

Assessment and treatment of symptoms among Italian medical oncologists

Authors: Giampiero Porzio, Marco Valenti, Federica Aielli, Lucilla Verna, Enrico Ricevuto, Anna Iolanda Rispoli, Katia Cannita, Paolo Marchetti, Corrado Ficorella

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2005

Abstract

Objectives

This work was conducted to evaluate symptoms assessment and use of patient-tailored protocols in clinical practice among Italian medical oncologists.

Methods

A questionnaire based on four topics (assessment of symptoms, assessment of a specific symptom, assessment of pain, use of patient-tailored protocols of treatment) was administered to 250 Italian medical oncologists.Results: Of these oncologists, 43.7% used multiple symptoms tools and 37.9% used symptom specific tools; 58.9% used some instrument to assess pain. More than a third of the respondents (35.5%) used patient-tailored protocols. No statistical differences were found regarding region of residency, availability of consultants in pain therapy and/or palliative care, colleagues with main interest on palliative care, and beds dedicated to palliative care. Statistically significant differences were found regarding the position (staff/resident) in three out four topics.

Conclusions

Among Italian medical oncologists, the instruments used for assessment of symptoms are poorly employed. Even when these instruments are used, patient-tailored protocols are rarely administered.

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Title: Assessment and treatment of symptoms among Italian medical oncologists
Authors: Giampiero Porzio
Marco Valenti
Federica Aielli
Lucilla Verna
Enrico Ricevuto
Anna Iolanda Rispoli
Katia Cannita
Paolo Marchetti
Corrado Ficorella
Publication date: 01-11-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2005
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0818-3

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Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Conclusions

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