Palliative care in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a survey among hepatologists and palliative care physicians.
Palliat Med
; : 2692163241269794, 2024 Aug 28.
Article
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39193728
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Delays and limitations of palliative care in patients with liver transplantation-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system may be explained by different perceptions between hepatologists and palliative care physicians in the absence of shared guidelines.AIM:
To assess physicians' attitudes toward palliative care in end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and to understand what the obstacles are to more effective management and co-shared between palliative care physicians and hepatologists.DESIGN:
Members of the Italian Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the Italian Society of Palliative Care were invited to a web-based survey to investigate practical management attitude for patients with liver transplant-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.PARTICIPANTS:
Physician members of the of the two associations, representing several hospitals and services in the country.RESULTS:
Ninety-seven hepatologists and 70 palliative care physicians completed the survey >80% regularly follow 1-19 patients; 58% of hepatologists collaborate with palliative care physicians in the management of patients, 55% of palliative care physicians take care of patients without the aid of hepatologists. Management of cirrhosis differed significantly between the two groups in terms of prescription of albumin, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, anti-viral treatment, anticoagulation, indication to paracentesis and management of encephalopathy. Full-dose acetaminophen is widely used among hepatologists, while opioids are commonly used by both categories, at full dosage, regardless of liver function.CONCLUSIONS:
This survey highlights significant differences in the approach to patients with liver transplantation-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, reinforcing the need for shared guidelines and further studies on palliative care in the setting.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Palliat Med
Asunto de la revista:
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia