Implementation of early palliative care in an oncologic outpatient clinic – an observational study of the first year

Figures & data

Table 1. Baseline characteristics.

Variable	n (%) = 134
Age, years
Median (range)	67.9 (31–89)
Sex
Male	59 (44)
Female	75 (56)
Civil status
Living alone	49 (37)
Married	85 (63)
Employment
Working	4 (3)
Retired	101 (75)
Off work sick	29 (22)
Diagnosis
Lung cancer	30 (22)
Breast cancer	28 (21)
Upper gastrointestinal cancer	21 (16)
Lower gastrointestinal cancer	13 (10)
Gynaecologic cancer	12 (9)
Head and neck cancer	10 (8)
Urinary cancer	7 (5)
Brain cancer	5 (4)
Prostatae cancer	6 (4)
Other	2 (1)
Oncologic therapy
Chemotherapy	63 (47)
No active treatment	37 (28)
Other cytostatic therapy	26 (19)
Radiotherapy	8 (6)

Table 2. Reason for referral.

Reason for referral	n (%)
Pain	92 (69)
Psychological/existential pain	31 (23)
Declining general condition	18 (13)
Gastrointestinal symptoms	14 (10)
Dyspnea	8 (6)
Anxiety	3 (2)
More than one symptom	39 (29)

Figure 1. Survival estimate of patient population in the ESPC clinic compared to patient population in the SPC team.

Figure 2. Flowchart of patients seem in the ESPC clinic.

Figure 3. Number of follow up visits.

Table 3. Interventions in the ESPC clinic.

Pharmacologic treatment	n (%)
Analgesics	94 (70)
Nausea	20 (15)
Antidepressant	9 (7)
Dyspnea	14 (10)
Constipation	71 (53)
Referral to other interdisciplinary coworkers	n (%)
Social worker	11 (8)
Physiotherapist	9 (7)
Psychologist	16 (12)
Priest	2 (2)
Homecare nurse	33 (25)

Table 4. Survey of the staff.

Question asked (N = 48)	Score (1–10)
Does ESPC clinic contribute positively to the oncologic outpatient clinic?	9.5
Do your patients profit from the ESPC clinic?	9.7
Are you clearly aware of the referral criteria?	8.5
Do you see the ESPC clinic as a help for you as a doctor/nurse?	9.1

Scores. visual analogue scale, 0 worst score, 10 best score.