New Frontiers in Outpatient Palliative Care for Patients With Cancer

Background: Although much evidence has accumulated demonstrating its benefit, relatively little is known about outpatient palliative care in patients with cancer. Methods: This paper reviews the literature and perspectives from content experts to describe the current state of outpatient palliative care in the oncology setting and current areas of innovation and promise in the field. Results: Evidence, including from controlled trials, documents the benefits of outpatient palliative care in the oncology setting. As a result, professional medical organizations have guidelines and recommendations based on the key role of palliative care in oncology. Six elements of the practice sit at the frontier of outpatient oncology palliative care, including the setting and timing of palliative care integration into outpatient oncology, the relationships between primary and specialty palliative care, quality and measurement, research, electronic and technical innovations, and finances. Conclusions: Evidence of clinical and health care system benefits supports the recommendations of professional organizations to integrate palliative care into the routine treatment of patients with advanced cancer.