Experience and Views of Oncology and Palliative Care Professionals on a Corounding Model of Care for Inpatients With Advanced Cancer

Background:Palliative care is associated with better outcomes in advanced cancer, but there is limited research comparing different models of palliative care delivery alongside oncology care. For inpatients with cancer, palliative care is mostly delivered through a consult service, primarily relying on oncologist-initiated referrals to a separate specialist palliative care team. In our hospital setting, we piloted a palliative care and oncology corounding model of care.Aim:To explore the views and experience of oncology and palliative care professionals on the corounding model compared to an inpatient consult service.Design:A qualitative study nested within a pre–post study of the corounding model of care, with semistructured interviews using thematic analysis.Setting/Participants:Eleven doctors and nurses involved in the pilot corounding model were interviewed.Results:Two main themes emerged: (1) the efficiency of care delivery and (2) quality of patient care. The theme on the efficiency of care delivery...