-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In Germany, case management in a palliative care unit was first implemented in 2005 at the Department of Palliative Medicine at the University Hospital Cologne. One of the purposes of this case management is to deal with enquiries from patients and their relatives as well as medical professionals. Using the Case Management Process Model of the Case Management Society of America as a reference, this study analysed (a) how this case management was used by different enquiring groups and (b) how patients were identified for case management and for palliative care services. The first thousand enquiries were analysed considering patient variables, properties of the enquiring persons and the content of the consultations. RESULTS: Most enquiries to the case management were made by telephone. The majority of requests regarded patients with oncological disease (84.3 %). The largest enquiring group was composed of patients and relatives (40.8 %), followed by internal professionals of the hospital (36.1 %). Most of the enquiring persons asked for a patient's admission to the palliative care ward (46.4 %). The second most frequent request was for consultation and advice (30.9 %), followed by requests for the palliative home care service (13.3 %). Frequent reasons for actual admissions were the need for the treatment of pain, the presence of symptoms and the need for nursing care. More than half of the enquiries concerning admission to the palliative care ward were followed by an admission. CONCLUSIONS: Case management has been made public among the relevant target groups. Case management as described by the Case Management Process Model helps to identify patients likely to benefit from case management and palliative care services. In addition, with the help of case management palliative patients may be allocated to particular health care services.
BMC Research Notes 11/2012; 5(1):611.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The implementation of palliative care (PC) is an important challenge for health policy makers. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the effects of inpatient PC for cancer patients in the last six months of life. METHODS: Based on routine data of a nationwide sickness fund, a retrospective matched-pair analysis was performed to assess the care of cancer patients who were treated at least once on an inpatient PC unit and compare the results to cancer patients who where not treated on an inpatient PC unit. The main categories that were assessed included place of death, cost of health care and surrogates for quality of symptom control, aggressiveness of care, and end of life decisions. RESULTS: Of 11,355 patients, 841 received PC. Compared with other patients they were more likely to receive opioids (66.8% vs. 55.3%; p<0.0001) and chemotherapy in an outpatient setting (25.5% vs. 19.9%; p=0.004). Provision of artificial nutrition and surgery was similar in both groups. Total costs were higher for PC patients compared to routine care (21,879€ (±14,351€) vs. 17,885€ (±14,326€); difference 3994€ (95%-CI: [2648€; 18,973€]; p<0.0001) and PC patients were more likely to die in hospital (69.9% vs. 55.3%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Cancer patients treated on a PC inpatient unit where more likely to receive opioids (a surrogate for quality of end-of-life care) but where less likely to die at home and the cost of care for these patients was higher. The results can be interpreted both from (i) a methodological standpoint that assumes confounding due to the fact that the PC patients might have been suffering from more complex symptoms and (ii) a health policy view. For the latter it is important to recognize that the whole potential of PC can only be achieved if PC (a) is provided as a cross-sectoral network, (b) is integrated early in the disease (c) assures specialized PC expertise.
Health Policy 08/2012; · 1.51 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this review is to give an overview of challenges that have been addressed in recent research in end-of-life communication.
Diversity of difficulties that may occur in communication about end-of-life issues has been showed. The emotional quality of this communication requires special skills from professionals involved. Studies showed that physicians and medical students are often overstrained and avoid end-of-life discussions. Health professionals and patients are often ambivalent about end-of-life discussions. Nevertheless, professionals are expected to initiate these in an honest, needs-oriented way. Patient preferences are difficult to infer and have to be assessed explicitly and regularly. Studies showed that the emotional impact of end-of-life discussions can lead to a high burden or avoidance of professionals. Interdisciplinary, multi-professional work can support health professionals in end-of-life care but often structural barriers obstruct possible benefits.
Health professionals need to initiate end-of-life communication in a sensitive way. Specific demands for health professionals in end-of-life communication are to differentiate own emotions and life events from those of patients and to deal with both adequately. Moreover, structural aspects can lead to difficulties between different specialties, professions and sectors, which can have a negative impact on adequate care for patient and relatives. Special efforts for improvement are needed.
Current opinion in supportive and palliative care 08/2012; 6(3):355-64.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Patients at the end of life often receive numerous medications for symptom management. In contrast to all other clinical situations, the aim of pharmacotherapy is strictly focused on quality of life.
The primary aims of this study were to assess the potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in patients at the very end of life by identifying drug combinations and risk factors associated with a high risk of DDIs; and evaluate the clinical relevance of the potential DDIs in this unique patient population. Secondary objectives were to increase prescriber awareness and to derive a comprehensive framework for physicians to minimize DDIs in this specific setting of end-of-life care.
Charts of 364 imminently dying inpatients of two hospices were reviewed retrospectively. Drugs prescribed during the last 2 weeks of life were screened for DDIs by the electronic database of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists, which classifies DDIs by therapeutic measures required to reduce possible adverse events according to the ORCA system (OpeRational ClAssification of Drug Interactions).
Potential DDIs were detected in 223 patients (61%). In a multivariate analysis, polypharmacy was the major predictor for DDIs (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.4, 1.6). The drugs most commonly involved in therapeutically relevant potential DDIs were antipsychotics, antiemetics (e.g. metoclopramide, antihistamines), antidepressants, insulin, glucocorticoids, cardiovascular drugs and, in particular, NSAIDs. The most prevalent potential adverse effects were pharmacodynamically additive anticholinergic, antidopaminergic, cardiac (QT interval prolongation) and NSAID-associated toxicity (e.g. gastrointestinal, renal).
In the context of end-of-life care, the clinical relevance of DDIs differs from other clinical settings. Most DDIs can be prevented if the prescribing physician considers a few therapeutic principles. Specifically, this concerns the awareness of futile and high-risk medications, as well as rational alternatives.
Drug Safety 07/2012; 35(9):745-58. · 3.63 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Investigate multiple sclerosis patients' desire to communicate with their physicians about their disease progression and end-of-life issues.
Persons meeting the inclusion criteria of feeling severely affected by MS were invited via the German MS society to complete a needs questionnaire. Replies to questions on physician empathy and wishes about communication regarding disease progression and death and dying were quantitatively analyzed. Endpoints (point 1+2/4+5) of 5-point-likert scales are summarized under results.
573 of 867 questionnaires meeting our criteria were analyzed. In response to a general question 64% (n = 358) indicated a wish for disease progression and death and dying to be addressed by their doctor. A majority (76%, n = 427) considered it important that progression of their disease be discussed, while 44% (n = 246) regard addressing death and dying as unimportant. No objective disease criteria could be identified to explain the wish for communicating end-of-life issues. Doctors who were retrospectively viewed as avoiding raising critical aspects of the illness were perceived as less empathetic (p < 0.001).
People with MS have a desire to talk about progression of their disease with their doctors.
Physicians should be empathetic in raising critical aspects of the patients' illness individually.
Patient Education and Counseling 04/2012; 88(2):318-24. · 2.31 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Breast cancer patients with bone metastases often suffer from cancer pain. In general, cancer pain treatment is far from being optimal for many patients. To date, morphine remains the gold standard as first-line therapy, but other pure μ agonists such as hydromorphone, fentanyl, or oxycodone can be considered. Transdermal opioids are an important option if the oral route is impossible. Due to its complex pharmacology, methadone should be restricted to patients with difficult pain syndromes. The availability of a fixed combination of oxycodone and naloxone is a promising development for the reduction of opioid induced constipation. Especially bone metastases often result in breakthrough pain episodes. Thus, the provision of an on-demand opioid (e.g., immediate-release morphine or rapid-onset fentanyl) in addition to the baseline (regular) opioid therapy (e.g., sustained-release morphine tablets) is mandatory. Recently, rapid onset fentanyls (buccal or nasal) have been strongly recommended for breakthrough cancer pain due to their fast onset and their shorter duration of action. If available, metamizole is an alternative non-steroid-anti-inflammatory-drug. The indication for bisphosphonates should always be checked early in the disease. In advanced cancer stages, glucocorticoids are an important treatment option. If bone metastases lead to neuropathic pain, coanalgetics (e.g., pregabalin) should be initiated. In localized bone pain, radiotherapy is the gold standard for pain reduction in addition to pharmacologic pain management. In diffuse bone pain radionuclids (such as samarium) can be beneficial. Invasive measures (e.g., neuroaxial blockage) are rarely necessary but are an important option if patients with cancer pain syndromes are refractory to pharmacologic management and radiotherapy as described above. Clinical guidelines agree that cancer pain management in incurable cancer is best provided as part of a multiprofessional palliative care approach and all other domains of suffering (psychosocial, spiritual, and existential) need to be carefully addressed («total pain»).
Breast Care 04/2012; 7(2):113-120. · 0.45 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Palliative care (PC) infrastructure has developed differently around the globe. Whereas some institutions consider the palliative care unit (PCU) a valuable component, others report that the sole provision of a state-of-the art palliative care consultation service (PCCS) suffices to adequately care for the severely ill and dying.
To aid institutional planning, this study aimed at gathering patient data to distinguish assignments of a concomitantly run PCU and PCCS at a large hospital and academic medical center.
Demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, symptom/problem burden, discharge modality, and team satisfaction with care for all 601 PCU and 851 PCCS patients treated in 2009 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.
Patients admitted to the PCU versus those consulted by the PCCS: (a) had a significantly worse performance status (odds ratio [OR], 1.48); (b) were significantly more likely to suffer from severe symptoms and psychosocial problems (OR, 2.05), in particular concerning physical suffering and complexity of care; and (c) were significantly much more likely to die during hospital stay (OR, 11.03). For patients who were dying or in other challenging clinical situations (suffering from various severe symptoms), self-rated team satisfaction was significantly higher for the PCU than the PCCS.
This study presents a direct comparison between patients in a PCU and a PCCS. Results strongly support the hypothesis that the coexistence of both institutions in one hospital contributes to the goal of ensuring optimal high-quality PC for patients in complex and challenging clinical situations.
The Oncologist 02/2012; 17(3):428-35. · 3.91 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Many patients with advanced diseases complain about refractory breathlessness when breathlessness is present although the underlying disease is optimal treated. After exclusion of potential curable causes of breathlessness, management of refractory breathlessness includes general approaches, pharmacological (opioids) and non-pharmacological (e.g. handheld fan, rollator) interventions. Oxygen should be used far less than used in clinical practice at the moment and needs critical appraisal of effectiveness.
Therapeutische Umschau 02/2012; 69(2):93-7.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Especially when caring for patients approaching the end of life, physicians and nursing staff feel committed to fulfilling as many patient desires as possible. However, sometimes a patient's "final will" may threaten public safety. This can lead to severe conflicts, outweighing the physician's obligation and dedication to care for the patient and to respect his autonomy. Yet, public safety can be threatened if confidentiality is not broken. This article provides a concise summary of the medicolegal and ethical fundamentals concerning this difficult situation. If the patient's and others' health and safety are at risk, physicians may (and in some countries must) break medical confidentiality and disclose confidential patient information to the police and other authorities. Physicians should be able to professionally deal with such a conflict in all patients, not only in patients with advanced illness.
Journal of pain and symptom management 12/2011; 42(6):961-6. · 2.42 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: An algorithm to convert from any other opioid to oral levo-methadone was developed in Germany, the German model of levo-methadone conversion (GMLC). According to this GMLC, the pre-existing opioid is stopped, then titration of oral levo-methadone is initiated with a starting dose of 5 mg orally q 4 h (plus prn q 1 h). If necessary, levo-methadone dose is increased (pain) or decreased (side effects) by 30% q 4 h (plus prn q 1 h). After 72 h, the achieved single dose is maintained, but the dosing interval increases twofold to q 8 h (plus prn q 3 h). The aim of this study was to obtain information about the practicability, safety, and efficacy of the GMLC in clinical routine.
A retrospective, systematic chart review of levo-methadone conversions for the treatment of pain in inpatient palliative care was performed.
Fifty-two patients were analyzed. The dosing interval was increased correctly after 72 h as demanded by the GMLC in 60% of patients. In 85% of the patients, opioid medication with levo-methadone could be maintained until the end of the inpatient stay. In three patients (6%), levo-methadone administration had to be stopped due to side effects. No serious adverse events could be detected during opioid rotation. Pain intensity was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) after conversion concerning mean (NRS 0.9; range 0-4) and maximum pain over the day (NRS 3.9; range 0-10).
The presented study indicates that the GMLC provides a practical and reasonably safe approach to perform opioid rotation to levo-methadone in a palliative care setting.
Supportive Care in Cancer 12/2011; 20(9):2105-10. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: For palliative care settings, little is known about the benefits of specific methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus containment regimens and the burdens patient isolation imposes on affected patients, their families, and professional caregivers. AIM: To explore the current practice of MRSA management and its impact on inpatients' quality of life as perceived by professional caregivers. DESIGN: Survey of inpatient palliative care institutions using 23-item questionnaires (infrastructural data: six items, management process: 14, clinical significance: three). Setting/participants: All palliative care units (179) and hospices (181) listed in Germany's directory of palliative care services. The χ(2) test was used to test for differences; significance level: p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: 229 of 360 questionnaires were returned. More than 90% of the responding institutions employed specific MRSA protocols. Lack of resources was a more important issue for palliative care units than for hospices regarding availability of single rooms (p = 0.002) and staffing (p = 0.004). Compared to hospices, palliative care units more frequently isolated MRSA patients (p = 0.000), actively treated colonization (p = 0.026), assessed the efficacy of eradication (p = 0.000), provided information on MRSA management to patients (p = 0.014) and relatives (p = 0.001), more often restricted patients' activities (p = 0.000), and reported a negative impact on quality of life (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Rigorously applied MRSA protocols impose significant burdens at the end of life. Research on clinical outcomes including quality of life may identify interventions of questionable benefit. The issue of handling MRSA should be studied as a model for the management of other highly complex conditions and special needs such as patient isolation.
Palliative Medicine 11/2011; · 2.38 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The situation for people feeling severely affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains largely unexamined and the term 'severe MS' is not clearly defined. AIM: Our study describes this sub-group of patients utilizing exclusively a subjective inclusion criterion to analyse their reasons for feeling severely affected and document their perceived unmet needs. DESIGN: A questionnaire with open- and closed-ended items addressing only patients feeling severely affected was sent out nationwide. Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) and subjectively severe affectedness were analysed for correlation. After dichotomizing both scores by a median split, the answers were allocated to these groups and tested for significant differences. Setting/participants: 1,110 questionnaires were analysed regarding the closed-ended questions while a subsample of 40% (n = 445) was analysed regarding the open-ended questions. Average age of participants was 51.87 years. Average time since diagnosis was 16.6 years. Main course of the disease was secondary progressive (35.5%). RESULTS: The most frequently mentioned reasons for feeling severely affected were lack of mobility (56.4%) and fatigue (27.4%). Significant percentages for unmet needs were seen in the categories of funding services (31.0%), better social integration (24.7%) and medical support (25.2%). A significant correlation was observed between EDSS and subjectively felt affectedness (p ≤ 0.01). Motor disorders explained differences in patient needs behind a higher EDSS score; higher severe affectedness referred to other issues like dependency and immobility. CONCLUSIONS: EDSS is insufficient for usage as the sole instrument for measuring severe affectedness as it does not take into account other potential reasons. Complex patient needs necessitate multi-professional care as offered by palliative medicine.
Palliative Medicine 10/2011; · 2.38 Impact Factor
-
10/2011; 108(40):686; author reply 686. · 2.92 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This study aims to identify the combination of substances with high potential for drug interactions in a palliative care setting and to provide concise recommendations for physicians.
We used a retrospective systematic chart analysis of 200 consecutive inpatients. The recently developed and internationally advocated classification system OpeRational ClAssification of Drug Interactions was applied using the national database of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists. Charts of patients with potential for severe DDIs were examined manually for clinical relevance.
In 151 patients (75%) a total of 631 potential drug interactions were identified. Opioids (exception: methadone), non-opioids (exception: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), benzodiazepines, proton-pump inhibitors, laxatives, co-analgesics (exception: carbamazepine) and butylscopolamine were generally safe. High potential for drug interactions included combinations of scopolamine, neuroleptics, metoclopramide, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (levo-) methadone, amitriptyline, carbamazepine and diuretics. The manual analyses of records from eight patients with risk for severe drug interactions provided no indicator for clinical relevance in these specific patients. Drug interactions attributed to the cytochrome pathway played a minor role (exception: carbamazepine).
Most relevant drug interactions can be expected with: (i) drugs (inter-) acting via histamine, acetylcholine or dopamine receptors; and (ii) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Even in last hours of life the combination of substances (e.g. anticholinergics) may produce relevant drug interactions (e.g. delirium).
Data on the potential for drug-drug interactions in palliative case is extremely scarce, but drug interactions can be limited if a few facts are considered. A synopsis of the findings of these studies is presented as concise recommendation to minimize drug interactions.
Palliative Medicine 07/2011; 26(6):813-25. · 2.38 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To be able to study the desire for hastened death (DhD) in patients receiving palliative care, research tools reflecting the thoughts of patients are needed. In order to better understand what issues of "life" and "death" mean to patients receiving palliative care in Germany, we analysed their spontaneous comments during a validation study of the German version of the Schedule of Attitudes Towards Hastened Death.
Field notes and transcripts of 39 interviews were analysed by thematic analysis.
Field notes from 32 patients were related to differentiating either an acute or a non-acute DhD. Furthermore, the patients' comments were categorized and the distribution of codes analysed, leading to three types of comments: (a) longing for life excluding a hastened death, (b) wanting to live on, but perceiving death as an option, and (c) longing for death, but struggling for life.
The existing construct of an increased DhD may benefit from a further differentiation between "non-acute" and "acute." In addition, it could be helpful to conceptualize "will to live" and "desire for death" not as polarities from one dimension (two sides of the same coin), but to think them as two independent dimensions.
Supportive Care in Cancer 06/2011; 19(6):771-7. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Research has only started recently to specifically concentrate on the group of patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
The aim of this study was to assess the perception on patients' unmet needs by healthcare professionals.
Focus groups and expert interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative content analysis.
Unmet needs were identified in four main categories ('support from family/friends'; 'healthcare services'; 'managing everyday life'; 'maintaining biographical continuity'). Whereas physicians assessed most unmet needs in the category 'healthcare services', nurses and social workers focussed on unmet needs in the categories 'support from family/friends' and 'maintaining biographical continuity'. Although the study focused on unmet needs of patients, professionals also voiced their unmet needs when caring for these patients. The group of professionals identified more subcategories than patients and included unmet needs of relatives.
Adding professionals' perspective to that of patients is essential to gain a holistic view on patients' unmet needs and to further optimize their care. The perspective of palliative care might contribute to meet unmet needs of severely affected MS patients.
Palliative Medicine 05/2011; 26(2):139-51. · 2.38 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Our comprehensive cancer centre adopted the WHO recommendation literally in the cancer care guidelines to implement the early integration (EI) of palliative care (PC). Evaluation of the first 2 years of this approach revealed that this guideline was too vague to trigger EI.
As a consequence, an interdisciplinary working group was set up to propose and implement a more effective concept.
An interdisciplinary (PC, oncology, radiotherapy, etc.) working group identified the need to (a) specify the timing of EI and (b) specify PC assignments by (c) providing more clear cut semantic and clinical definitions. As a result of repeated discussion in the different interdisciplinary working groups in charge of developing and consenting a once-yearly update of treatment guidelines [standard operating procedure (SOP)] for each malignancy, the need for disease-specific EI SOPs was identified.
SOPs were developed for 19 malignancies (a) to identify a disease-specific point in each disease trajectory to initiate EI ("green flags") and to provide (b) a clear delineation and semantic differentiation of PC assignments ["palliative care" vs. "supportive" or "palliative therapies" ("green" vs. "red flags")].
To date, ASCO and WHO recommendations for EI lack detailed information about timing and infrastructure. The guidelines presented here aim to provide the missing information by reporting our developed and consented interdisciplinary guidelines for EI.
With this concept, the authors provide a framework for realizing EI and hope to initiate a discussion about specific recommendations for EI.
Supportive Care in Cancer 03/2011; 19(7):1037-43. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
Jan Gaertner,
Juergen Wolf,
Sebastian Frechen,
Ursula Klein,
Dennis Scheicht,
Martin Hellmich,
Karin Toepelt,
Jan-Peter Glossmann,
Christoph Ostgathe,
Michael Hallek, Raymond Voltz
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: In 2006, our comprehensive cancer center decided to implement early integration (EI) of palliative care (PC) by (a) literally adopting the WHO definition of PC into cancer care guidelines and (b) providing a PC consulting team (PCST) to provide EI on in- and outpatient wards. The experience with this approach was assessed to identify shortcomings.
A retrospective systematic chart analysis of a 2-year period was performed.
A total of 862 patients were treated (May 2006-April 2008). Many patients consulted by the PCST for the first time were already in a reduced performance status (ECOG 3 & 4: 40%) or experiencing burdening symptoms (i.e., dyspnoea 27%). After the first year (period A; "getting started"), the overall prevalence of symptoms identified on first PC contact decreased from seven to three, (p < 0.001) as well as surrogate measures for advanced disease (i.e., frailty: from 63% to 33%; CI: [-36%; -23%], p < 0.001).
Surrogate measures (symptom burden, performance status) indicate that PC was integrated earlier in the course of the disease after a 1-year phase of "getting started" with EI. Yet, the WHO recommendation alone was too vague to successfully trigger EI of PC. Therefore, the authors advocate the provision of disease specific guidelines to institutionalize EI of PC. Such guidelines have been developed for 19 different malignancies and are presented separately.
Supportive Care in Cancer 02/2011; 20(3):507-13. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To explore the palliative care needs of nursing home residents in Germany who had not yet entered the dying phase.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of nine residents suffering from chronic disease or frailty. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a grounded theory approach.
The residents described multidimensional needs, which were categorized as 'being recognized as a person', 'having a choice and being in control', 'being connected to family and the world outside', 'being spiritually connected', and 'physical comfort'. They emphasized their desire to control everyday matters. Physical impairment was a problem, especially when independence was threatened, e.g. by immobility or a reliance on pain killers.
The desire for self-determination is key when designing and evaluating primary and palliative care programmes for nursing homes. Early integration of palliative care can improve the quality of life of chronically ill residents.
International journal of palliative nursing 01/2011; 17(1):27-34.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To comply with patients' needs as well as ASCO and WHO recommendations, our institution aims to integrate palliative care (PC) early in the course of breast cancer (BC) therapy. The evaluation of relevant pilot project data revealed that these recommendations were too vague to trigger PC integration. Therefore, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was developed by our interdisciplinary working group to provide disease-specific information to overcome the ambiguity of the WHO recommendations and guide PC integration. Literally, the SOP states that 'Specialized PC is recommended regularly for all BC patients without curative treatment options, specifically for patients with i) metastasized and inoperable, or ii) locally advanced and inoperable, or iii) relapsing BC, who are receiving intravenous chemotherapy'. This SOP for the first time presents disease-specific guidelines for PC integration into comprehensive BC therapy by defining 'green flags' for early integration of PC and delineating PC from senology assignments. Although disease-specific SOPs have also been developed by this working group for other malignancies, the decision when to first integrate PC into BC therapy differs substantially because of the different clinical characteristics of the disease.
Breast Care 01/2011; 6(3):240-244. · 0.45 Impact Factor
