Psychosocial aspects of palliative care in advanced cancer.
One hundred patients with advanced cancer referred to a palliative care service were evaluated for psychosocial distress using a standard questionnaire. A high incidence of emotional upset, financial distress, and home-care problems was found. Psychosocial distress is common among patients (and their families) with advanced cancer and may have a significant impact on provision of optimal care. Community services are often inadequate. A dedicated palliative care service employing a multidisciplinary approach can best provide care. We make specific recommendations about how to combat psychosocial distress using specific administrative and management techniques.
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Miller
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Walsh
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011593:Psychology, Social; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires