Timing and Outcome of Referral to the First Stand-Alone Palliative Care Center in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Palliative Care Center of Kuwait.

Background:Compared to other regions of the world, palliative care (PC) in the Eastern Mediterranean region is at an earlier stage of development. The Palliative Care Center of Kuwait (PCC-K) was established a few years ago as the first stand-alone PC center in the region. This study was conducted to investigate the timing of referral to the PCC-K and its outcome.Methods:Retrospective review of referrals to the PCC-K during its first 3 years of action. Late referral was defined as referral during the last 30 days of life.Results:During the 3-year period, 498 patients with cancer were referred to the PCC-K of whom 467 were eligible for analysis. Referral was considered late in 58% of patients. Nononcology facilities were more likely to refer patients late when compared to oncology facilities (P = .033). The palliative performance scale (PPS) was ≤30 in 59% of late referrals and 21% in earlier referrals (P < .001). Among 467 referred patients, 342 (73%) were eligible for transfer to the PCC-K, 102 (22%) wer...