PRiSM project: e-Delphi study on the role of specialist palliative care services in the care of people living beyond cancer

TL;DR

Experts agree that specialist palliative care should support cancer survivors, especially in pain management, according to a European Delphi study.

Contribution

The study establishes consensus on the role of specialist palliative care in cancer survivorship through a multi-country Delphi process.

Findings

60 statements reached stable consensus among both palliative care and oncology experts.

Specialist palliative care should support cancer survivors in pain management.

16 statements reached consensus in only one expert group, showing some divergence.

Abstract

Specialist palliative care provides holistic care for individuals with health-related suffering and those close to them. Historically this included people with advanced cancer, however, people living beyond cancer also have significant unmet needs. Specialist palliative care could potentially provide support, but evidence for their role is limited.

To generate consensus opinion among European experts about the role of specialist palliative care for people living beyond cancer.

The PRiSM project (Specialist Palliative care’s Role in Cancer Survivorship Model) was an electronic Delphi study. Participants provided anonymous feedback on statements across three rounds. Consensus was pre-defined as ⩾75% within each group. Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation determined stability and the Chi square test for goodness of fit compared group outcomes.

European professional experts and patient advocates were invited via email, forming two groups undertaking simultaneous processes: specialist palliative care (86 experts representing 19 countries/regions) and oncology (54 experts representing 17 countries/regions).

Eighty specialist palliative care and 49 oncology experts completed the process. Outcomes were achieved about the general core functions of specialist palliative care and areas requiring education, and their potential role for people living beyond cancer. Sixty statements reached stable consensus in both groups. Comparing other outcomes, 16 statements reached consensus in only one group, nine with a significant difference.

European specialist palliative care and oncology experts reached consensus that specialist palliative care should have a role in supporting people living beyond cancer, specifically in pain management. Results will inform a new care model.

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