Abstract
Objectives
This work was conducted to evaluate symptoms assessment and use of patient-tailored protocols in clinical practice among Italian medical oncologists.
Methods
A questionnaire based on four topics (assessment of symptoms, assessment of a specific symptom, assessment of pain, use of patient-tailored protocols of treatment) was administered to 250 Italian medical oncologists.Results: Of these oncologists, 43.7% used multiple symptoms tools and 37.9% used symptom specific tools; 58.9% used some instrument to assess pain. More than a third of the respondents (35.5%) used patient-tailored protocols. No statistical differences were found regarding region of residency, availability of consultants in pain therapy and/or palliative care, colleagues with main interest on palliative care, and beds dedicated to palliative care. Statistically significant differences were found regarding the position (staff/resident) in three out four topics.
Conclusions
Among Italian medical oncologists, the instruments used for assessment of symptoms are poorly employed. Even when these instruments are used, patient-tailored protocols are rarely administered.
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Porzio, G., Valenti, M., Aielli, F. et al. Assessment and treatment of symptoms among Italian medical oncologists. Support Care Cancer 13, 865–869 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0818-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0818-3