Multidisciplinary symptom control clinic in a cancer center: a retrospective study

Our objective in this study was to review the characteristics, symptom inte nsity and satisfaction of patients referred to a half-day symptom control c linic (SCC) for advanced cancer patients. This was a retrospective study. T he setting was a multidisciplinary symptom control clinic in a cancer centr e. Those taking part were 166 consecutive advanced cancer patients referred to the half-day multidisciplinary SCC because of symptom distress. Patient s referred to the clinic were assessed in a private room by a physician, a nurse, a pharmacist, a psychologist, and social, rehabilitation, nutrition. respiratory and pastoral care workers. Symptom distress (multiple visual a nalogue scales), cognition, and CAGE (alcoholism) were determined. Recommen dations were given to the patient and sent to the oncologist, family physic ian and home care nurse. For 110 patients a second assessment was carried o ut 1 week later, and 64 patients underwent a telephone assessment 2 weeks a fter the second visit. Symptom intensity was determined during initial and follow-up visits, as well as during two follow-up telephone assessments. In addition, demographics and patient satisfaction with the SCC were determin ed. Overall symptom distress, depression, anxiety and sensation of wellbein g improved significantly from the first (n=166) to the second clinic visit (n=110). Further significant improvement was observed in overall symptom di stress, pain, anxiety, sense of wellbeing and depression at the 2- (n=64) a nd 4-week (n=38) telephone follow-up assessments. Mean satisfaction with th e SCC (0-10) was 7.7 +/- 2. Our findings suggest that the work of the SCC r esults in long-term effectiveness in symptom control and high levels of pat ient satisfaction. The SCC allows for better integration of care between a cancer center and community-based physicians and nurses. It also allows pat ients access to multiple disciplines that are not available outside tertiar y centers.