PRiSM project: Specialist Palliative Care’s Role in Cancer Survivorship Model
The Academic Department of Palliative Medicine in Dublin (Ireland) is seeking European consensus on this issue in the PRiSM project: Specialist Palliative Care’s Role in Cancer Survivorship Model; developing European consensus on the role of specialist palliative care in cancer survivorship.
Due to recent advances in oncology treatments and outcomes, more people are living longer with and beyond cancer. However, many of these “cancer survivors” also live with adverse consequences of cancer and its treatment, even though they may have no evidence of disease. As their complexity grows, the potential role of specialist palliative care services in supporting the unmet needs of “cancer survivors” across physical, psychological, spiritual and social domains is being questioned. It has been suggested that specialist palliative care should be part of an interdisciplinary approach, whereas others argue that specialist palliative care lack the resources and relevant expertise, so should only manage patients with advanced cancer (and other life-limiting diseases).
Given this disagreement, the Academic Department of Palliative Medicine in Dublin (Ireland) is undertaking a European e-Delphi study (online survey) about the role of specialist palliative care in supporting individuals with a history of cancer. The researchers are seeking healthcare professionals with the relevant expertise working in palliative care or oncology from across Europe, particularly members of national associations, and representatives from patient associations / advocacy groups.
The study will commence in April 2024, and will likely involve three rounds of questions over several months. Participants will be presented with a series of statements and asked to rate their level of agreement and to provide additional suggestions / statements. Achieving expert consensus will help to determine the most appropriate role for specialist palliative care services in supporting the quality of life of people living with and beyond cancer, within the constraints of their skills and resources. The results be used to develop a European expert consensus-based model of care.
Are you interested in finding out more?
If you are a healthcare professional in palliative care or oncology or a patient advocate and are interested in taking part or would like to find out more, please contact Dr Amy Taylor (lead researcher) here.
Links and resources
Dr Amy Taylor was awarded the European Cancer Community Foundation Rising Star Grant for this study. Read more about the award here.
About the author
Dr Amy Taylor is a Palliative Medicine Specialty Trainee based in Dublin, Ireland. She is undertaking a PhD in Clinical Medicine at Trinity College Dublin and is the lead researcher in the PRiSM project. She was awarded the European Cancer Community Foundation Rising Star Grant for this study. Professor Andrew Davies, Professor of Palliative Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Dublin, is the Chief Investigator for the study and Amy’s PhD supervisor. X: @Amy__Grace__ ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9959-6662.
