'Would you like to talk about your future treatment options?' - discussing the transition from curative cancer treatment to palliative care

Abstract

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with life-threatening illness and their families. There comes a time when actively pursuing aggressive curative treatment may do more harm than good. The cessation of curative treatment is often viewed as a distinct event; however, current practice guidelines suggest that a palliative approach should be gradually adopted as the disease progresses. The challenge is how to facilitate a sensitive transition from curative to palliative care. On the basis of an extensive literature review, recommended steps for facilitating this transition have been outlined. The recommendations cover: the timing of the discussion; preparing for th..