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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Care | Research

The perspectives of oncology healthcare providers on the role of palliative care in a comprehensive cancer center

Authors: Trenley M. Anderson, Megan M. Farrell, Gabriel Moss, Mona Gupta, Stefanie Mooney, Katherine Daunov, Megan Savernick, Jan Frandsen, Kolby Verrona, Aryn Pecoraro, Cassandra Mance, Jorge Garcia, Richard T. Lee

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Palliative care (PC) is an essential part of oncologic care, but its optimal role within a cancer center remains unclear. This study examines oncology healthcare providers’ perspectives about the role of PC at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC).

Methods

Physicians, nurses, and other oncology healthcare providers at a CCC were surveyed for their opinions about the role of inpatient and outpatient PC, preferences for PC services, and barriers to referral. Chi-squared tests and multiple regression analyses were performed to explore associations.

Results

We received 137/221 completed questionnaires (61% response rate). Respondents were generally female (78%), had ≤ 10 years of service (69%), and included physicians (32%), nurses (32%), and advanced practice providers (17%). Most respondents (82%) agreed that more patients could benefit from PC. They also agreed that PC is beneficial for both outpatient and inpatient management of complex pain (96 and 88%), complex symptoms (84 and 74%), and advanced cancer patients (80 and 64%). Transition to hospice (64 vs. 42%, p = 0.007) and goals of care (62 vs. 49%, p = 0.011) provided by PC services were more valued by respondents for the inpatient than for the outpatient setting. Barriers to utilizing PC included lack of availability, unsure of when to refer, and poor communication. The majority of respondents (83%) preferred a cancer focused PC team to provide high-quality care.

Conclusions

Overall, the majority of oncology health care providers believe that more patients could benefit from PC, but opinions vary regarding the roles of inpatient and outpatient PC. Barriers and areas for improvement include availability, referral process, and improved communication.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The perspectives of oncology healthcare providers on the role of palliative care in a comprehensive cancer center
Authors
Trenley M. Anderson
Megan M. Farrell
Gabriel Moss
Mona Gupta
Stefanie Mooney
Katherine Daunov
Megan Savernick
Jan Frandsen
Kolby Verrona
Aryn Pecoraro
Cassandra Mance
Jorge Garcia
Richard T. Lee
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01039-7

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