Abstract
Background/Aims Advanced pancreatic cancer has a poor overall prognosis. Fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are common responses felt by many who are diagnosed with this unfortunate disease, as well as feeling a variety of discomforts related to the cancer itself. Faced with limited time, many hope for longevity while maintaining as good a quality of life as possible. After diagnosis, a multitude of considerations are thought to be essential and beneficial for the patient, caregivers, and medical care providers, including addressing advanced illness planning related to coping, decision-making, cancer treatment, symptom management, and end-of-life care. While the recognition of those considerations is thought to contribute to improved quality of care, often these topics or related interventions are not fully addressed or implemented, potentially leading to a less than ideal experience for the patient with advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal of this study is to evaluate care patterns for advanced pancreatic cancer, address completeness of care based on current standards and guidelines, and provide recommendations for improved overall care and support.
Methods Data from the Marshfield Clinic electronic medical record and cancer registry will be electronically and manually abstracted. All patients diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer from 2010–2012 will be included to reflect current care patterns. Data will include patient and cancer characteristics; cancer treatment; presence and management of significant symptoms; number and reason for hospitalization(s); whether or not prognosis and treatment options were discussed; and whether palliative/hospice care and other supportive care referrals were offered or occurred. Comprehensive review of the literature will be undertaken to compile present standards and guidelines regarding advanced cancer care.
Results Planned analyses include summary of patient and cancer characteristics, including survival; and determination of variability and commonalities in patient care coordination and utilization of supportive services.
Conclusions Understanding the met and unmet needs of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer will lead to improved quality of care and quality of life. Results of this study will be used to write a guideline for improved care and support.
