Medical oncologists' perception of palliative care programs and the impact of name change to supportive care on communication with patients during the referral process. A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: In a simultaneous care model, patients have concurrent access to both cancer-directed therapies and palliative care. As oncologists play a critical role in determining the need/timing of referral to palliative care programs, their understanding of the service and ability to communicate this with patients is of paramount importance. Our study aimed to examine oncologists' perceptions of the supportive care program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and to determine whether renaming “palliative care” to “supportive care” influenced communication regarding referrals.

METHOD: This qualitative study used semi-directed interviews, and we analyzed data using grounded theory and qualitative methods.

RESULTS: We interviewed 17 oncologists. Supportive care was perceived as an important time-saving application, and symptom control, transitioning to end-of-life care, family counseling, and improving patients' ability to tolerate cancer therapies were cited as important functions. Although most claimed that early referrals to the service are preferable, oncologists identified several challenges, related to the timing and communication with patients regarding the referral, as well as with the supportive care team after the referral was made. Whereas oncologists stated that the name change had no impact on their referral patterns, the majority supported it, as they perceived their patients preferred it.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Although the majority of oncologists favorably viewed supportive care, communication barriers were identified, which need further confirmation. Simultaneous care models that effectively incorporate palliative care with cancer treatments need further development.