Collaboration Between Oncology and Palliative Care Key to High-Quality Care
An investigation published in JAMA Internal Medicine by R. Sean Morrison, MD, et al., examined how relationships between palliative care and oncology teams may influence hospice use among patients with metastatic cancer. Through interviews and observations across six U.S. palliative care programs, researchers found that higher-performing programs were characterized by mutual trust, respect, and frequent communication between teams. These programs also demonstrated more coordinated care, earlier access to palliative care, and more timely hospice discussions. The findings suggest that intentionally strengthening collaboration between oncology and palliative care teams may be an important strategy for improving end-of-life care for patients with cancer.