Palliative Care Consultation to Improve Communication for Patients Considering Surgery for a Pancreatic Neoplasm

Preoperative, Specialty Palliative Care for Patients Considering Pancreatic Surgery: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

This clinical trial evaluates a palliative care consultation for improving communication between providers and patients considering surgery for a pancreatic neoplasm. Pancreatic operations have known complications that can affect quality of life. Palliative care has been shown to improve patient reported quality of life and functional outcomes. Receiving a palliative care consultation may improve communication and decision making for patients considering surgery for a pancreatic neoplasm.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I: Patients receive usual care and undergo evaluation by a tumor board within 14 days of baseline.

ARM II: Patients attend a palliative care visit over 60 minutes to discuss their illness, quality of life, fears and concerns and communication preferences within 7 days of baseline. Patients also undergo evaluation by a tumor board within 14 days of baseline.

After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up 7 days after the tumor board visit and 90 days after initiation of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (18 years or older)
• Pancreatic neoplasm pathology
• Ability to read, write, and speak in English
• Has decisional capacity
• Expected to be seen and discussed at PCSC and seeing a surgeon as part of their tumor board evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metastatic pancreatic neoplasm
• Currently incarcerated
• Currently is or previously has received palliative care, or are unwilling to forego palliative care for the first 90 days post randomization
• Evidence of any behavior, condition, or circumstance (including, but not limited to: blindness, deafness, serious behavior or mental health conditions, discontinuing curative treatment, lack of access to technology, etc) that would interfere with their ability to complete study procedures as noted within the chart