Effects of a Palliative Care Intervention on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Cancer

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Abstract
Fifty percent of persons with cancer are not cured of their disease1; however, with improved treatment even patients with advanced disease may live for years. Providing palliative care concurrent with oncology treatment has been proposed to improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.2-8 The National Consensus Project Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care recommends palliative care referral at the time of a life-threatening diagnosis and other core elements including a multidimensional assessment to identify, prevent, and alleviate suffering; interdisciplinary team evaluation and treatment in selected cases; effective communication skills and assistance with medical decision making; skill in the care of those dying and bereaved; continuity of care; equitable access; and commitment to continued improvement and excellence.9 However, the evidence supporting many of these recommendations is sparse.6