Early Integrated Palliative Care Improves Patient Coping Strategies, Quality of Life, and Symptoms of Depression

A new study has shed light on how palliative care interventions may improve patient outcomes. According to data presented at the 2017 Palliative and Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium, patients with incurable cancer who received early integrated palliative care had an increased use of active coping strategies, including positive reframing and acceptance, from baseline to 24 weeks compared to a standard oncology care group. This increase in active coping strategies was also associated with better quality of life and fewer symptoms of depression.

“Based on these results, improving adaptive coping strategies in patients with incurable cancer may lead to better outcomes,” said Jamie M. Jacobs, PhD, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, Boston. “Palliative care appears to provide patients with the skills to cope effectively with life-threatening illness.” Click here to read more.