Promoting palliative care access to persons with cancer: A model for mapping statewide services.

Abstract

127 Background: The CDC comprehensive cancer initiatives value comprehensive quality care within its mission and program development. Currently, over 75% of hospitals in the United States have palliative care services for cancer patients (CAPC 2011). In order to promote access to quality palliative care in the community outside the hospital, an evaluation is essential. The CDC model of comprehensive cancer care and prevention control structure is an appropriate mechanism to perform such an evaluation. From 2014-2015, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Cancer and Prevention Control Network Palliative Care Workgroup performed a survey to hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, long term care facilities, and community providers to determine palliative care services available to cancer patients across the state. Methods: Using the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care Clinical Practice Guidelines, a robust palliative survey tool was created by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Cancer and Prevention Control Palliative Care Workgroup. It was individualized to each of the following settings - hospitals, home health organizations, hospices, skilled nursing facilities, and community health agencies. Follow-up telephonic key informant interviews regarding palliative care services were conducted within the various settings, service organizations, and insurers. Results: The results of qualitative and quantitative data will be concluded in August. Initial results reveal significant disparities in access to palliative care across by geography and setting of care. Hospices and hospitals had the most access to palliative care services. Long term care settings and community health settings had the least access. Conclusions: Data reveals disparities in palliative care access within Massachusetts by geography, race, and setting of cancer care. This data will serve as the basis of regional networks to promote better access to palliative care for cancer patients across all settings. It is hoped this evaluation process will serve as a model for other states to perform a similar evaluation.