A cluster randomized trial of a primary palliative care intervention (CONNECT) for patients with advanced cancer: Protocol and key design considerations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The addition of specialty palliative care to standard oncology care improves outcomes for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers, but many lack access to specialty care services. Primary palliative care-meaning basic palliative care services provided by clinicians who are not palliative care specialists-is an alternative approach that has not been rigorously evaluated.

Methods

A cluster randomized, controlled trial of the CONNECT (Care management by Oncology Nurses to address supportive care needs) intervention, an oncology nurse-led care management approach to providing primary palliative care for patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers, is currently underway at 16 oncology practices in Western Pennsylvania. Existing oncology nurses

SUBMITTER: Becker CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5331884 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature