Multi-professional-delivered enhanced supportive care improves quality of life for patients with incurable cancer

Int J Palliat Nurs. 2018 Oct 2;24(10):510-514. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.10.510.

Abstract

Background:: Enhanced supportive care (ESC) promotes the earlier implementation of supportive care within cancer care. While earlier supportive care has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, the model of delivery is variable. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has developed a multi-professional delivered model with clinical nurse specialists providing ongoing patient review and care.

Method:: A retrospective single-system design was used to assess longitudinal changes in Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) scores as indicators of quality of life. For other outcomes, a retrospective case control analysis was undertaken.

Results:: Statistically significant improvements in all IPOS scores were observed for patients attending ESC. Compared to controls, quantitative outcomes included prolonged survival and reduced chemotherapy-related mortality. Multi-professional delivered ESC successfully improves quality of life and outcomes.

Keywords: Cancer; Enhanced supportive care; Quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Intersectoral Collaboration*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / nursing*
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Palliative Care / psychology*
  • Patient Outcome Assessment
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Retrospective Studies