As the US health care system moves toward more value-based care delivery models, much needs to be done to reshape how physicians and patients think of palliative care. READ MORE
News
Palliative care interventions and inpatient support may be inadequate among hospitalized patients with solid and hematologic cancers.
A recent systematic review evaluated whether survivorship care plan delivery has a positive impact on health outcomes and health care delivery for patients with cancer.
A new study found that timely reporting of palliative care needs may lead to less aggressive therapy and end-of-life care among patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
For patients with cancer or multiple serious comorbidities, consulting with a palliative care team within 3 days of hospital admission may significantly reduce hospital costs.
Features
As the US health care system moves toward more value-based care delivery models, much needs to be done to reshape how physicians and patients think of palliative care.
The essential role of patient navigation and care coordination services in helping patients to adhere to their treatment plans.
Author Insights
Many physicians still mistakenly believe that hospice and palliative medicine are one and the same, according to Timothy W Holder, MD, medical director, supportive care and survivorship, Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Research in Review
Results of a recent survey showed that for patients with cancer requiring palliative care, some symptoms and care needs are not strongly associated with specific diagnoses.
Adherence to distress screening protocols could lead to 18% fewer ER visits and 19% fewer hospitalizations.
Resources
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has provided an update to its clinical guideline for palliative-intent radiation therapy in patients with lung cancer, recommending concurrent chemotherapy for some patients with stage III disease.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently provided a few major updates to their palliative care guidelines.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has released a new guideline that outlines best practices for cancer clinicians when communicating with patients and their families.
Conferences
Better communication across medical departments can lead to improved outcomes for patients with cancer.
Supportive care most often refers to efforts such as blood transfusions, anticoagulant use, and drug management strategies.
