Appropriate, Timely Referral to Palliative Care Services: A Name Change Will Not Help - Correspondence

Correspondence

TO THE EDITOR:

"We agree with Wentlandt et al1 that many health professionals involved in cancer care harbor significant misunderstandings about what palliative care services can provide and when they should become involved. We believe similar misconceptions are held by many patients and their family members. Therefore, any attempt to facilitate appropriate and timely referral to specialist palliative care services should address misconceptions and concerns held by patients, family members, and health professionals.......

"....Interestingly, in the study by Wentlandt et al,1 approximately one
third of physicians indicated they would be more likely to make earlier
referrals to palliative care if it was renamed “supportive care.” In our
own study, we explored patient and caregiver views on alternative
names such as “symptom management team,” “pain experts,” and
“supportive care team.” None were deemed suitable. Participants
concluded that it would take more than a name change for them to
want to hear about palliative care.......