Differences in attitudes and beliefs toward end-of-life care between hematologic and solid tumor oncology specialists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with hematologic malignancies often receive aggressive care at the end-of-life. To better understand the end-of-life decision-making process among oncology specialists, we compared the cancer treatment recommendations, and attitudes and beliefs toward palliative care between hematologic and solid tumor specialists.

Patients and methods

We randomly surveyed 120 hematologic and 120 solid tumor oncology specialists at our institution. Respondents completed a survey examining various aspects of end-of-life care, including palliative systemic therapy using standardized case vignettes and palliative care proficiency.

Results

Of 240 clinicians, 182 (76%) clinicians responded. Compared with solid tumor specialists, hematologic specialists were more likely

SUBMITTER: Hui D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4855240 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature