The findings of this study show that a model of early and systematic integration of palliative care in oncological care increases the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.
Findings also show that early and systematic integration of palliative care is more beneficial for patients with advanced cancer than palliative care consultations offered on demand, even when psychosocial support has already been offered.
Through integration of care, oncologists and specialised palliative care teams should work together to enhance the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.
Vanbutsele G, Pardon K, Van Belle S et al. Effect of early and systematic integration of palliative care in patients with advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2018, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30060-3
