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News
When oncology and palliative care teams trust and communicate with each other, cancer patients get better end-of-life care. A new multicenter study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that high-performing programs built on mutual respect and real-time communication led to more timely hospice transitions, while siloed teams produced fragmented, lower-quality care.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that the quality of the relationship between oncology and palliative care teams can significantly impact end-of-life outcomes for cancer patients. Researchers interviewed 93 clinicians and patients across 6 sites and found that high-performing programs were defined by mutual trust, empathy, and real-time collaboration — with oncologists who clearly understood the value palliative care brings to patients.
In contrast, lower-performing programs saw teams operating in parallel silos, with little familiarity or trust between them. The result? Disjointed care, inter-team conflict, and hospice options offered far too late in the patient's journey.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: The quality of end-of-life care for cancer patients hinges not just on clinical expertise — but on how well care teams work together. This study gives oncology programs a clear roadmap: build the relationship, and better patient outcomes will follow.
