A period prevalence study of palliative care need in adult outpatients

Abstract

High levels of unmet palliative care need are reported globally. There is limited research that investigates unmet palliative care need in outpatient contexts. Early access to palliative care services is associated with better symptom management and reduced healthcare costs. This semi-replication study aimed to gain an understanding of palliative care need and service utilisation in adult outpatients attending a hospital outpatient day treatment unit. An observational period prevalence study was conducted using the Gold Standard Framework Proactive Indication Guidance to assess for palliative care need. Data were collected directly from the electronic medical records of patients who attended an outpatient day treatment unit, at a private-not-for-profit hospital over five days in January 2022. The indicators for the 12 conditions outlined in the Gold Standards Framework Proactive Indication Guidance were used to assess for palliative care need. Based on the review 41% (n = 115) of adult outpatients may have benefitted from palliative care. Of these, 13% (n = 15) were currently receiving palliative care, and most patients (87%, n = 100) were not receiving palliative care. There was evidence of high levels of unmet palliative care need, with most patients who could benefit from not receiving palliative care.