title: Quality of life and symptom burden in cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit.
abstract: This paper describes the quality of life and symptom burden of 211 cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit (PCU) in a comprehensive cancer centre. Participants completed the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test, and Palliative Performance Scale within 24 hours of admission to the PCU. The mean MQOL total was 6.1 +/- 1.4, and the mean single-item scale score was 4.9 +/- 2.4. The mean total ESAS score was 36.3 +/- 15.8, with a median of six reported symptoms. Women and younger patients reported a lower quality of life (QoL) and a higher symptom burden. Regression and correlational analyses highlighted the importance of the existential and psychological domains to overall QoL. These findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches to managing the complex physical, psychosocial, and existential needs of cancer patients admitted to acute PCUs.
authors: Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jennifer.jones@uhn.on.ca
authors: Jennifer M
authors: JM
authors: Jones
authors: S Robin
authors: SR
authors: Cohen
authors: Camilla
authors: C
authors: Zimmermann
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Rodin
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D009864:Ontario; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis