There is considerable evidence that both inpatient and outpatient palliative care programs successfully improve the quality of life of patients and their family caregivers, facilitate transition of patients to community-based care including hospice, and substantially reduce the cost of healthcare delivery. However, the development of these clinical programs within cancer centers in the United States has been largely unsuccessful.
This presentation will address the main barriers and possible solutions for the establishment of structures such as acute care palliative care units, inpatient consult teams, outpatient palliative care centers, and community outreach programs. The process for referral of patients to these programs and expected outcomes will also be presented.