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Open Access 11-08-2022 | Care | Original Article

Palliative care on the radiation oncology ward—improvements in clinical care through interdisciplinary ward rounds

Authors: Michael Oertel, Dr. med., Renate Schmidt, Dr. med., David Rene Steike, Hans Theodor Eich, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med., Philipp Lenz, Prof. Dr. med.

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Introduction

Palliative care is essential for patients with terminal diseases and aims at effective symptom control. This may stand in opposition to radiation treatment as an oncological treatment modality. The hereby presented work demonstrates the successful integration of a palliative care service in the radiation oncology ward.

Methods

Since 2015, 1018 patients were seen by the palliative care service on the radiation oncology ward and have been analyzed in this single center study. To assess teaching efficacy of the consultation service, a survey was conducted among 15 radiation oncology residents.

Results

Cooperation between the two departments proved to be efficient with rising patient numbers. Palliative care was able to guide appropriate postdischarge care with the number of patients dying on the radiation oncology ward decreasing significantly (p = 0.009). The main topics for consultation were pain medication (92.3%), organization of postdischarge care (92.3%), and psycho-oncological support (84.6%). Most residents had a positive image of the palliative care service and consented on adjectives like “enriching”, “empathic”, “collegial”, “professionally founded”, and a “low threshold for consultation”. All participants agreed that cooperation deepened their knowledge on palliative care.

Conclusion

A synergistic cooperation between a palliative care consultation service and a radiation oncology department addresses patient symptoms on an individual level. It confers advanced knowledge on palliative care which is essential for resident education and patient treatment.

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Title: Palliative care on the radiation oncology ward—improvements in clinical care through interdisciplinary ward rounds
Authors: Michael Oertel, Dr. med.
Renate Schmidt, Dr. med.
David Rene Steike
Hans Theodor Eich, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med.
Philipp Lenz, Prof. Dr. med.
Publication date: 11-08-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Care
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-022-01989-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Palliative care on the radiation oncology ward—improvements in clinical care through interdisciplinary ward rounds

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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