How can timing and efficacy of palliative care referrals be improved?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The scope of palliative care includes goal setting, management of symptoms in advanced illness, and psychosocial support for both patients and caregivers. Palliative care has gained appreciation as a necessity for end of life care for patients with several malignancies. Areas covered: In this review, we present a role for palliative care in the care of any cancer patient. Patients undergoing treatment for malignancy have many questions regarding life expectancy, tolerance of treatment, functional status, and social support deserving of personalized medicine. There have been many barriers from providers including poor training in communication and prognostication that limit advance care planning. Early integration of palliative care into cancer treatment is evidence based and has been shown to significantly improve morbidity and mortality, while allowing patients to maintain a greater quality of life. This review explores the challenges in cancer care, current trends in end of life care, and strategies to improve early integration of palliative care into cancer care. Expert commentary: The challenge of providing palliative care should be recognized as a national priority. Despite high quality evidence, there has been limited adoption in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Integration is both a research and clinical priority.