Early Palliative Care in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Record ID: 113

Student Major: Nursing

Project Advisor: Paul Lewis

Abstract: Palliative care provides comprehensive symptom management and psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional support to cancer patients and their families from the time of diagnosis to advanced disease onward. This type of care is only found in 61% of hospitals with over 50 beds according to the Center of Advanced Palliative Care. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the literature related to early palliative care interventions and educate oncology nurses to answer the following question. Does educating oncology nurses enhance their knowledge about early palliative care implementation? The literature dictates that the expansion of palliative care programs and the implementation of early interventions, in comparison to end of life care, has the potential to improve patient outcomes with regards to emotional coping, symptom management, and acceptance of prognosis. This information was presented to a group of specialized cancer nurses at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, who were provided with a PowerPoint education session regarding the material. A pre- and post-test was administered to evaluate knowledge after the educational presentation. Resources specific to UCMC were discussed to best equip nurses and staff members with ways to incorporate early palliative care. The outcome of the intervention is pending, but we anticipate increased knowledge about palliative care implementation. Educating nurses on the importance of early palliative care can enhance patient quality of life and improve oncological nursing practice.