Palliative care activity in a medical oncology unit: The implications for oncology training

There has been a nationwide reorganization of cancer services since publica tion of the Calman-Hine report, which encourages the integration of high-qu ality palliative care into all areas of cancer provision. Details of the da ily clinical care activity for medical oncology inpatients are not collecte d routinely. A prospective survey of activity was carried out in a large te aching hospital, in order to ascertain the extent to which palliative care is exercised in a medical oncology unit, alongside other aspects of care pr ovision. Almost a quarter (23%) of the admissions were for palliative care, either alone or in combination with another aspect of care. Palliative car e activity accounted for 34% (169 bed-days) of daily activity, compared wit h 32% (163 bed-days) for the administration of chemotherapy. A high proport ion of patients receive palliative care on medical oncology wards, consider ation therefore needs to be given to the place of formal training in pallia tive medicine for oncology trainees.