Research opportunities in palliative medicine.
Patients who require palliative care have many physical and psychosocial needs. Their families also require care and advice. Despite recent advances in assessment and management, major issues relating to palliative care for patients and their families remain unanswered. Several challenges face researchers in this area. We discuss administrative issues, including historical development, funding, academic recognition, integration of services, and cooperation among different centers. Methodological challenges in patient issues and trial design are outlined, and areas for future research are proposed.
Sweeney
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C
Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Box 008, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Bruera
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E
D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D018579:Patient Selection; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D012107:Research Design; D012109:Research Support as Topic