The availability of and satisfaction with palliative care services among VHA-based radiation oncologists.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.32.31_suppl.55
• Publication Date: 2017-02-24T11:29:41Z
• Authors: George A. Dawson; Alice V. Cheuk; Shruti Jolly; Ruchika Gutt; Drew Moghanaki; Helen Fosmire; Stephen T. Lutz; Michael Philip Hagan; Mitchell Steven A...; Lori Hoffman-Hogg; Maria D. Kelly
• Keywords: Radiation oncology

55 Background: Palliative care services enhance quality of life in patients with advanced malignancies and are an integral component multidisciplinary cancer care. They provide symptom control psychosocial support for family members. A survey non-VHA centers showed that despite availability palliative programs, there was wide variability the use these (Hui et al, JAMA 2010). a VHA medical benefits package. We sought to determine ease access provider satisfaction among Radiation Oncologists. Methods: VHA-based Oncologists were identified using National Oncology list serve group. All practicing surveyed extent Care Services available them measure their level services. Eighty two surveys electronically mailed practitioners at 38 active sites, followed by reminder phone call.This conducted over four week period May 2014. Results: Sixty 82 distributed 4 period, or 78% completed. represent 89% (34/38) Services. respondents had 98% happy rendered teams. Conclusions: who responded this have local based This represented 82% satisfied rendered. Further studies should explore scope involvement including when integrated into management malignancies, outpatient variations delivery. therapy is utilized 50% malignancy, often disease standard guidelines integrating radiotherapy be developed.