Advancing knowledge on care for cancer patients
The project OPCARE9 (A European collaboration to optimise research for the care of cancer patients in the last days of life) adopted an interdisciplinary research approach in search of the best palliative care for this group of patients. Its main aims were to identify and address gaps in knowledge and to avoid duplication of resources and efforts. To this end, this multinational effort brought together representatives of sciences such as sociology, ethics and law and from various clinical professions, including psychology and social work. Researchers investigated current practices and evaluated the evidence base in different health care environments and cultures. This work was relevant to five main themes: signs and symptoms of approaching death; end-of-life decisions; complementary comfort care; psychological and psychosocial support; and voluntary service. Findings highlighted the need for coordinated, high-quality research to deepen and broaden the existing knowledge base. OPCARE9 advanced consensus positions on optimum care and developed new research protocols based on the available evidence base and challenges of practice around the concept of care at the end of life, the availability and administration of medication, hydration practices, approaches to assist in accurate prognostication and the impact of volunteers on family and carer support. Recommendations have been incorporated into further collaborative groups, namely the International Collaborative for Best Care for the Dying Person, which includes many of the original researchers and clinicians from OPCARE9 and extended its membership worldwide. This group is committed to improving care of the dying in Europe and internationally through an integrated collaborative approach, to develop and improve the quality of the evidence base in support of the best care for dying people. OPCARE9 is a testament to the power of collaborative work for organising people and resources. It has provided mechanisms for sharing information, advancing new knowledge and opening up innovative approaches not feasible when working alone. The work of OPCARE9 has helped to integrate knowledge from a range of health care environments and cultures, translating to better use of resources and research efforts. As such, project outcomes will benefit health care professionals, carers, educators and researchers, and help reduce suffering for cancer patients in the final days of life.
Keywords
Cancer patients, end of life, clinical care, palliative care, health care, dying patient, research collaborative, health services
