Abstract 1448P
Background
Palliative care (PC) is an essential parameter of cancer treatment strategy early in the course of the disease, improves the quality of life, the levels of satisfaction and survival of cancer patients.
Methods
From 10th of Februaryto 5th of May 2021, the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists (HeSMO) contacted an electronic survey to the registered members of HeSMO and the Greek young oncologists group regarding the delivery of PC to patients with advanced cancer in Greece.
Results
We received 103 answers (80.58% trained, 19.42% in training, 46.6% women). Nearly half of the responders (48.54%) have done a fellowship in an Oncology Center abroad. Among trained MO, 60.22% have working experience ≥ 10 years. MO always/usually assess (43.14/41.18%) and always/usually (56.31/33.98%) reassess PC needs of their patients. Although nearly all MO agree that PC is essential in cancer management and 33.98% consider 20-50% of cancer patients to be in urgent need of PC, the majority believe that PC needs are met, neither timely (91.26%) nor effectively (96.08%), in Greece.MO believe that awareness about the meaning and potential benefits of PC varies widely among cancer patients. Although almost all recognize the central role of MO in the assessment and management of Basic PC symptoms and the need of training as well, only 16.5% and 36.89% consider themselves adequately trained and efficient to manage common PC needs of their patients, respectively. Fifty seven point eighty four percent attended one or more PC educational programs in the past and 82.6% express interest in future PC educational events. Moreover, 57.84% consider that ≤20% of cancer patients require specialist PC, 71.57% MO recognize the urgent of the establishment of PC specialty in Greece and 96.12% consider that the organization of multidisciplinary PC teams at Cancer Centers is a necessity.
Conclusions
MO consider that PC has a fundamental role in the treatment of patients suffering from advanced cancer and that PC is not effectively provided in Greece. Efforts should be paid on informing patients about PC benefits. Basic PC training and educational opportunities should be offered to MO. Organization of multidisciplinary PC teams in cancer centers could improve the provided services.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.