Background: It is reported that cancer patients want as much information as possible about their diagnosis/prognosis. This input is undoubtedly a major part of providing optimal palliative care. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the hospital palliative care team (HPCT) on cancer patient’s insight to their disease.
Methodology: An evaluation study comprising a non-equivalent control group design, investigated 100 cancer patients admitted to hospital for symptom control. 50 patients received HPCT intervention compared with 50 patients receiving traditional care. Outcome was assessed using the PACA assessment tool on 3 occasions measuring the patients self reported understanding of their illness. Additionally 31 semi structured interviews with doctors and nurses to explore their perception of the HPCT impact on cancer patient’s insight was undertaken.
Results and Discussion: The results demonstrated an improvement in patient’s insight to their diagnosis (p<0.01). Patients who had the additional input of the HPCT had a greater improvement (between initial and final assessments) from 3.98 to 2.02 (mean score), compared to the standard care group that improved from 4.86 to 4.26. This input was reported by the doctors and nurses as being invaluable. The value of using an evaluation research approach combining methodologies will be discussed.