BACKGROUND: Palliative care programs in the United States are becoming more integrated with oncology outpatient practices. OBJECTIVES: This article offers a condensed review of available literature on the usefulness of palliative care in the oncology clinic setting and a case study to illustrate these ideas. METHODS: Literature was reviewed related to the successes and failures of providing an embedded palliative care team in an oncology clinic and its role and effectiveness as part of a collaborative interprofessional team for patients with cancer. FINDINGS: The incorporation of palliative care into outpatient oncology clinics presented a reduction in symptom burden, financial burden, and emergency department visits for symptom management. Palliative care also facilitates increased communication between patients and providers to ensure that care meets patients' wishes.
BACKGROUND: Palliative care programs in the United States are becoming more integrated with oncology outpatient practices. OBJECTIVES: This article offers a condensed review of available literature on the usefulness of palliative care in the oncology clinic setting and a case study to illustrate these ideas. METHODS: Literature was reviewed related to the successes and failures of providing an embedded palliative care team in an oncology clinic and its role and effectiveness as part of a collaborative interprofessional team for patients with cancer. FINDINGS: The incorporation of palliative care into outpatient oncology clinics presented a reduction in symptom burden, financial burden, and emergency department visits for symptom management. Palliative care also facilitates increased communication between patients and providers to ensure that care meets patients' wishes.
Entities:
Keywords:
head and neck cancer; outpatient; palliative care