A month of diagnostic imaging studies in an acute supportive/palliative care unit.

Aim: The aim was to assess the characteristics of patients who required imaging studies during admission to an acute supportive palliative care unit (ASPCU).

Methods: A consecutive number of patients who performed imaging studies during ASPCU admission in a month period were assessed. Epidemiological data, ongoing anticancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, reasons for admission, referral, and type of imaging study were recorded. Indications, findings, consequent actions for treatment, prognosis, and discharge were also collected.

Results: Twenty-one of 56 patients admitted to ASPCU in the period taken into consideration were assessed. Pain and deterioration of the general condition were the most frequent indications for admission. Computed tomography (CT) was the most frequent imaging study performed. Indications for performing imaging studies depended on individual clinical needs. Findings suggested different clinical decisions, after a comprehensive oncological and palliative care assessment and family conference, the most frequent of which was to withdraw oncological treatments. The majority of patients underwent transition to palliative care and were discharged home or to hospice.

Conclusion: Imaging studies were of paramount importance for clinical treatment and decision-making process in an intensive ASPCU. There is the need to explore the need and the possible outcomes of imaging studies, as well cost-effectiveness in any ASPCU.