title: Early palliative care and its translation into oncology practice in Canada: barriers and challenges.
abstract: This article reviews the progress Canada has made integrating palliative care into oncologic practice. Key clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have influenced and have been translated into Canadian oncology policy and operations. Comprehensive accreditation standards exist to guide oncology practice in institutional and ambulatory care settings. Common barriers and challenges are discussed: education and attitudes, compassion fatigue, terminology, paucity of research, aggressive cancer care, and organization and operational considerations. As a result, eight made-in-Canada innovations emerged and are described. Lessons learned and recommendations describe a plan for action.
authors.affiliation: Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fassbender
authors.affiliation: Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Cross Cancer Institute, Room 2001, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Sharon.Watanabe2@albertahealthservices.ca.
authors.forename: Sharon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Watanabe
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
keywords: Attitude of health personnel; cancer care facilities; early referral; integrated delivery of health care; neoplasms; palliative care