PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to determine the scope of supportive care services (SCS) designed to promote quality of life during cancer therapies at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. METHODS: A survey was mailed to the medical directors and nursing directors of 52 NCI-designated comprehensive (n = 26), clinical (n = 11), and planning cancer centers (n = 15) in the United States. Only one survey was completed from each institution. Survey questions identified services provided such as pain management, terminal care, psychosocial programs, and spiritual care. RESULTS: Thirty-nine questionnaires were received for a total response rate of 75%. Of the respondents, 45% were comprehensive cancer centers, 24% clinical cancer centers, and 29% planning centers. One center did not identify their NCI designation. Sixty-one percent of the centers reported research programs in supportive care. Outside funding was reported in 51% of the respondents, with 39% having American Cancer Society (ACS) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and 28% having private industry funding. Overall SCS self-ratings improved from a 21% rating of excellent to very good 5 years ago to the current 54% rating. CONCLUSION: Survey results provide data on SCS across a representative sample of NCI cancer centers and can be used to develop standards for future cancer control programs.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to determine the scope of supportive care services (SCS) designed to promote quality of life during cancer therapies at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. METHODS: A survey was mailed to the medical directors and nursing directors of 52 NCI-designated comprehensive (n = 26), clinical (n = 11), and planning cancer centers (n = 15) in the United States. Only one survey was completed from each institution. Survey questions identified services provided such as pain management, terminal care, psychosocial programs, and spiritual care. RESULTS: Thirty-nine questionnaires were received for a total response rate of 75%. Of the respondents, 45% were comprehensive cancer centers, 24% clinical cancer centers, and 29% planning centers. One center did not identify their NCI designation. Sixty-one percent of the centers reported research programs in supportive care. Outside funding was reported in 51% of the respondents, with 39% having American Cancer Society (ACS) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and 28% having private industry funding. Overall SCS self-ratings improved from a 21% rating of excellent to very good 5 years ago to the current 54% rating. CONCLUSION: Survey results provide data on SCS across a representative sample of NCI cancer centers and can be used to develop standards for future cancer control programs.
Authors: David Hui; Ahmed Elsayem; Maxine De la Cruz; Ann Berger; Donna S Zhukovsky; Shana Palla; Avery Evans; Nada Fadul; J Lynn Palmer; Eduardo Bruera Journal: JAMA Date: 2010-03-17 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Dauna L Crooks; Timothy J Whelan; Leonard Reyno; Andy Willan; Richard Tozer; Deborah Mings; Jim Miller; Michelle Tew; Paul Elliott; Mark Levine Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2003-09-20 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: C Sessa; E Roggero; S Pampallona; S Regazzoni; M Ghielmini; M Lang; B Marx; H Neuenschwander; O Pagani; V Vasilievic; F Cavalli Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 1996-05 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: E A Mohide; T J Whelan; D Rath; A Gafni; A R Willan; D Czukar; I B Campbell; G S Okawara; M Neimanis; M N Levine Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 1996-06 Impact factor: 7.640