A METHOD OF CALCULATING THE VALUE OF PALLIATIVE CARE OF CANCER PATIENTS

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Abstract
There are no entirely satisfactory methods for measuring the value of palliative treatment of advanced cancer. A useful instruments of measurement should take into account both length and quality of survival. A method is proposed for determining the area under the time-quality of life curve, using Simpson''s discrete approximation, an algorithm which can be programmed simply into a small computer or programmable calculator. The Karnofsky has been used as an indicator of the quality of life, but the method is adaptable to other quality of life scales. Efficiency of palliation can be estimated by comparison with the area produced by theoretically perfect palliation. The ability to quantitate palliation in these ways might help to resolve uncertainties that surround the alternative methods of management of incurable cancer.