Unplanned hospitalizations for patients with advanced cancer often trigger discussions about care goals and transitions to hospice. Late referrals to hospice, particularly near the end of life, have been associated with reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs. A new research study published in Cancer investigates the impact of oncology hospitalists on the timing of hospice transitions for patients with advanced cancers.
The study was jointly led by Elizabeth Prsic, MD, and Jensa Morris, MD. The research compared two inpatient services at Smilow Cancer Hospital, one headed by internal medicine-trained hospitalists and the other by oncologists. They found that patients cared for by the hospitalist-led service were more likely to be discharged to inpatient hospice and spent significantly less time in the hospital before transitioning to hospice.
Based on these findings, the team asserted that oncology hospitalists improved the utilization of hospice services and expedited referrals for patients with advanced cancers in the hospital setting, promoting timelier and patient-centered care.
To learn more, read the article: “Oncology hospitalist impact on hospice utilization.”
Prsic E, Morris JC, Adelson KB, et al. Oncology hospitalist impact on hospice utilization. Cancer. 2023;129(23):3797-3804. doi:10.1002/cncr.35008