Palliative care activity in a medical oncology unit: the implications for oncology training.
There has been a nationwide reorganization of cancer services since publication of the Calman-Hine report, which encourages the integration of high-quality palliative care into all areas of cancer provision. Details of the daily clinical care activity for medical oncology inpatients are not collected routinely. A prospective survey of activity was carried out in a large teaching hospital, in order to ascertain the extent to which palliative care is exercised in a medical oncology unit, alongside other aspects of care provision. Almost a quarter (23%) of the admissions were for palliative care, either alone or in combination with another aspect of care. Palliative care activity accounted for 34% (169 bed-days) of daily activity, compared with 32% (163 bed-days) for the administration of chemotherapy. A high proportion of patients receive palliative care on medical oncology wards, consideration therefore needs to be given to the place of formal training in palliative medicine for oncology trainees.
Kiely
M T
MT
Huddersfield NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
Alison
D L
DL
D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom