• Breffni Hannon, Nadia Swami, Gary Rodin, Ashley Pope, and Camilla Zimmermann.
• 1 Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
• Palliat Med. 2017 Jan 1; 31 (1): 72-81.

BackgroundEarly palliative care improves quality of life and satisfaction with care and is increasingly endorsed for patients with advanced cancer. However, little is known about the experience of receiving early palliative care from a patient and caregiver perspective.AimThe aim of this qualitative study was to determine, from a participant perspective, the experience of receiving early palliative care and elements of that care.DesignQualitative grounded theory study using individual interviews.Setting/ParticipantsThe study took place at a comprehensive cancer centre. Patients ( n = 26) and caregivers ( n = 14) from the intervention arm of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of early palliative care versus standard oncology care participated in qualitative interviews. Participants were asked to comment on their quality of life, the quality of care provided over the intervention period and their experiences with the palliative care team.ResultsParticipants described feeling supported and guided in their illness experience and in their navigation of the healthcare system. Specific elements of early palliative care included prompt, personalised symptom management; holistic support for patients and caregivers; guidance in decision-making; and preparation for the future. Patients with symptoms particularly valued prompt attention to their physical concerns, while those without symptoms valued other elements of care. Although three patients were ambivalent about their current need for palliative care, no distress was reported as a consequence of the intervention.ConclusionThe elements of care described by participants may be used to develop, support and refine models of early palliative care for patients with cancer.

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