• J Palliat Med · Dec 2012

    Case Reports

    Uncertain cancer diagnosis: the expanded role of the palliative care consultant.

    • Gary R Wolch, Robin Fainsinger, Clarence Wong, and Brinda Balachandra.
    • Division of Palliative Care Medicine, University of Alberta Hospitals, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. gary.wolch@albertahealthservices.ca
    • J Palliat Med. 2012 Dec 1;15(12):1400-3.

    BackgroundAs attending physicians in acute care hospitals consult palliative care services earlier for patients with a life-threatening illness, the role of the palliative care consultant (PCC) may expand, especially when there is diagnostic uncertainty.MethodThe expanding role of the PCC and the complexities associated with earlier referral are illustrated by describing the case of a patient with an uncertain diagnosis.ConclusionThe diagnostic uncertainty that accompanies earlier palliative care consultation may hamper the PCC's ability to establish goals of care and the appropriateness of hospice palliative care unit admission. Attempts at resolving this diagnostic uncertainty may lead to an expanded role for the PCC, which ideally will occur in collaboration with the primary care team.

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