Attitudes, beliefs toward end-of-life care differ between hematologic, solid tumor specialists

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted a survey to compare the attitudes and beliefs toward palliative care among hematologic versus solid tumor specialists.

They randomly surveyed 120 hematologists and 120 solid tumor oncologists at the institution; 182 clinicians (76%) responded.

The survey questions examined the participants’ attitudes toward various aspects of end-of-life care, including use of palliative systemic therapy.

The researchers found significant differences in attitudes and beliefs toward end-of-life care. Hematologic specialty and comfort level with prescribing treatment to patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 4 and an expected survival of 1 month were associated with the decision to treat in the last month of life.