Palliative care is a form of health care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness with the goal of improving quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care is not hospice. It can benefit patients who are recovering as well as patients who are at the end of their lives. Previous studies have demonstrated that palliative care improves symptoms, quality of life and mood among patients who are dealing with a serious illness. For people who are in end-of-life stages, palliative care can impact survival and decision for or against aggressive care.
As part of a special series on palliative care in the Journal of Oncology Practice, University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers published findings of a study that is the first to show a relationship between palliative care and end-of-life care in the United States at a population-based level. According to James D. Murphy, MD, senior author, Medicare beneficiaries with advanced cancer who receive palliative care have lower rates of hospitalization, fewer invasive procedures, and reduced chemotherapy administration at the end of life, along with higher rates of hospice enrollment and stays.
“Given the increasing number of older patients with advanced cancer, this study provides important context for the need of early integration of palliative care in oncology,” said Murphy, a board-certified radiation oncologist with Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. “Providing a consultation earlier rather than later represents an important area for practice improvement.”



