Comparing the Palliative Care Needs of Patients With Hematologic and Solid Malignancies.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Hematologic cancer patients use palliative care services less frequently than their solid tumor counterparts. Prior work suggests that these patients have a sizable symptom burden, but comparisons between hematologic and solid tumor patients near the end of life are limited.

Objectives

To compare unmet symptom needs in a cohort of hematologic and solid tumor patients referred to specialty palliative care services.

Methods

Using a novel data registry of initial palliative care encounters, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of cancer patients receiving care across 17 sites within the Global Palliative Care Quality Alliance. We compared clinically-significant symptoms (rated as four or greater in severity) between hematologic and solid tumor patients and per

SUBMITTER: Hochman MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5921902 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature