The Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) Presents the ICO Toolkit-2: An Updated, Spanish National Assessment Kit for Patients with Malignant Neoplasm in Palliative Care.

Abstract

Introduction: The needs of patients living with malignant neoplasm, and those of their families and care partners, require a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach. By systematically assessing these needs with validated tools, healthcare professionals can identify and monitor therapeutic objectives, interventions, and results. Objective: At the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), we set out to update the ICO Toolkit-a set of instruments for assessing the physical, emotional, and social needs of palliative care patients. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic review of the most common instruments currently used for multidimensional assessment of cancer patients nearing the end of life and then applied the Delphi method to achieve consensus on the instruments to be included in the updated ICO Toolkit-2. Initial consensus was obtained via interobserver agreement within a discussion group of experts, drawing on their daily clinical practice, and the published evidence. The Delphi method was then used to survey a representative sample of 22 experts from the ICO's three interdisciplinary palliative care teams. Results: The final 19 instruments selected for the ICO Toolkit-2 achieved a degree of consensus of 90%-100%. Conclusions: The updated ICO Toolkit-2 facilitates a multidimensional, systematic, objective, and measurable assessment of the needs of malignant neoplasm patients throughout their cancer journey. Uptake of the new toolkit could improve the care and support provided to patients and their families and care partners.