Improving the quality of cancer care: implications for palliative care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In September 2013 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report on the quality of cancer care in the United States. We report here on the recommendations of the IOM report and the implications for the palliative care community.

METHODS: The IOM report is based on a consensus of literature and expert opinion. The recommendations provide direction for health policy, education, and clinical practice. The report emphasizes the significance of the aging population and implications for cancer care.

RESULTS: The recommendations from the report offer many opportunities for palliative care including enhancing the use of advance care planning and integration of palliative care across the cancer trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS: Quality cancer care depends on the integration of quality palliative care. The palliative care community can use this IOM report to guide their collaboration with oncology and to enhance the quality of care provided to cancer patients and their families.