Abstract
A United Kingdom-wide appreciation of the systemic failings of emergency cancer care led to the creation of a new subspecialty, acute oncology. It was meant to bridge the gap between admitting teams, oncology, and palliative care, providing support to manage the symptoms of cancer, the side effects of cancer treatment, and people presenting with cancer of unknown primary origin. This article identifies the reasons for the creation of acute oncology and explores various models for this aspect of cancer care worldwide. With health care budgets static and demand increasing, the article also identifies ways in which acute oncology can contribute to an efficient and caring health system.
Highlights
One of the biggest challenges in providing cancer care occurs when patients present as emergencies to hospital
This article documents the approach taken in the United Kingdom and contrasts it with the approaches used in managing cancer inpatients globally
Cancer places a large burden on acute services, with North American data suggesting that up to 5% of all emergency department visits are cancerrelated[2,3]
Summary
One of the biggest challenges in providing cancer care occurs when patients present as emergencies to hospital. The report sparked debate about who should care for cancer patients admitted as emergencies: general internal medicine or oncology. That debate was settled through the inception of “acute oncology,” suggested by the 2009 National Chemotherapy Advisory Group report, which recommended an acute oncology service (aos) in every hospital with an emergency department.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
