Outpatient Palliative Care: A Case Study Illustrating Clinic Support Offered to Patients Receiving Cancer Treatment

Background: Palliative care programs in the United States are becoming more integrated with oncology outpatient practices.

Objectives: This article offers a condensed review of available literature on the usefulness of palliative care in the oncology clinic setting and a case study to illustrate these ideas.

Methods: Literature was reviewed related to the successes and failures of providing an embedded palliative care team in an oncology clinic and its role and effectiveness as part of a collaborative interprofessional team for patients with cancer.

Findings: The incorporation of palliative care into outpatient oncology clinics presented a reduction in symptom burden, financial burden, and emergency department visits for symptom management. Palliative care also facilitates increased communication between patients and providers to ensure that care meets patients’ wishes.