A new model of continuing care for advanced cancer pain treatment.

ABSTRACTSince 1979, a one-of-a-kind program in Italy for continuing care has been set up at the Pain Clinic of the National Cancer Institute of Milan. Our report describes the objectives and the organization of this program which integrates in-patient care at the Pain Clinic with a Home Care Program. At the basis of this program lies the firm conviction that a multimodal approach is absolutely indispensable to Total Pain care in advanced cancer patients. We feel that the best environment in which to live the remaining portion of one’s life, provided there is an adequate home care, is in the comfort of one’s own home. Therefore, the family plays a very important role within the Home Care Team. The results obtained in a recent study both for pain control and quality of life in patients assisted by the Home Care Program support the effectiveness of such a program and the importance of pursuing this objective.