Integrating early palliative care into cancer care: A qualitative analysis of implementation models, barriers, and strategies in community settings.

Abstract

36 Background: There is a paucity of research providing evaluation of implementation strategies contributing to provision of high quality early palliative care. Data from the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) offers insight into ways in which patients, providers, and systems negotiate the provision of early palliative care in the community setting. The purpose of this project was to test the implementation of early palliative care programs for patients diagnosed with a high lethality cancer in participating NCCCP centers. Methods: Thirteen of 21 NCCCP sites elected to participate. Data on project activities and progress was gathered quarterly between July 2012 and June 2014. Qualitative data were evaluated using inductive and deductive methods and models of care, barriers and strategies were identified. Results: Models of care described included group education visits for patients and caregivers, outpatient clinics, and electronic consultation referral triggers. Irrespective of the model of care, sites reported barriers at the patient, provider and system levels. Barriers included reluctance by both patients and providers to consider palliative care services due to the perception of "giving up," and inadequate staffing and clinic space were also cited as systemic barriers. Strategies for facilitating implementation included integrating palliative care staff into existing cancer center programs (e.g., multi-disciplinary clinics), electronic referrals, and utilizing navigation services, as well as a variety of programs targeted to increase oncologist "buy-in." Conclusions: These results provide guidance for both researchers and clinicians in designing future multi-level interventions to facilitate the delivery of early palliative care, and the importance of identifying and utilizing provider and system resources in program design, development and promotion. Provider buy-in is an essential factor, but patient and system resources are equally important components of a successful implementation strategy.