ReviewBMC palliative care2025
The transition from oncology to palliative care: barriers and facilitators explored through an integrative review.
Review in BMC palliative care, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- A descriptive analysis of hospital-based palliative care services: a case study from Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.BMC health services research · 2026Article
- End-of-life prognostic models in advanced cancer: a scoping review of model development, validation, and impact.BMC palliative care · 2026Article
- Early palliative care decision is associated with reduced end-of-life healthcare utilization in patients with esophageal and gastric cancer.Journal of gastrointestinal oncology · 2026Article
- Neural Correlates of Palliative Care: A Feasibility Trial in Patients with Metastatic Gastrointestinal and Lung Cancer.Research square · 2026Article
- Patients' and healthcare providers' perceptions in outpatient palliative cancer care services at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka: prospects for adoption of a digital health intervention.BMC health services research · 2026Article
- Understanding multilevel influences on the adaptation of a complex intervention for oncology to palliative care transitions: a qualitative study across seven European countries.BMC palliative care · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundPatients with advanced cancer often experience difficult symptoms near the end of life, yet the beneficial integration of oncology and palliative care is frequently lacking or poorly coordinated. Transitioning from curative treatments to palliative care focused on symptom relief and quality of life remains a common challenge. Palliative care is often underused or introduced late in the cancer treatment process, leading to suboptimal care outcomes. Understanding the factors influencing this transition is crucial for improving patients' overall care experience. This review aims to explore barriers and facilitators involved in a comprehensive transition process from oncology to palliative care of patients with advanced cancer.
methodsThis integrative review explored empirical research from 2010 to 2023 sourced from PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Search strategy combined concepts of advanced cancer, transition in palliative care, palliative care, and barriers and facilitators. Blind review software facilitated article selection based on criteria, with data extracted using a predefined sheet. Themes were identified through inductive thematic analysis.
results38 studies met inclusion criteria out of 180 screened records. These studies were conducted in 13 countries and data collection methods ranged from interviews and focus groups to surveys and analysis of electronic medical records. In the analysis, six key themes emerged: (1) knowledge and understanding about the disease trajectory and palliative care, (2) cultural aspects of providing palliative care, (3) shortcomings in economic coverage for services, (4) characteristics of the patients' clinical situation, (5) relational dynamics between patients and professionals and among professionals and (6) organisational issues involving limitations and fragmentation of care.
conclusionsThis review highlights the multifaceted factors affecting the transition to palliative care. Addressing these challenges requires improvements in communication, cultural competence, financial support and organisational structure. Effective integration of palliative care into oncology practices requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and caregivers. Through enhanced education initiatives, a more patient-centric approach to managing advanced cancer can be achieved.
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