Effects of specialist palliative care for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for cancer. A randomized clinical trial.
Shinall MC, Martin SF, Karlekar M, Hoskins A, Morgan E, Kiehl A et al.
JAMA Surg 2023; 158: 747-755.
A total of 235 patients were randomized to preoperative review by a palliative care physician with follow-up to 90 days, or standard care. Palliative care intervention did not improve quality of life scores, which were similar at 90 days. One year survival was also similar.
Comment: Nice idea, and possibly an important part of holistic care. Difficult to prove its value in a clinical trial.
18 October 2023
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