SURVEY OF THE PROVISION OF SUPPORTIVE CARE SERVICES AT NATIONAL-CANCER-INSTITUTE - DESIGNATED CANCER CENTERS

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to determine the scope of supportive care services (SCS) designed to promote quality of life during cancer therapies at National Cancer Institute (NCl)-designated cancer centers. Methods: A survey was mailed to the medical directors and nursing directors of 52 NCl-designated comprehensive (n = 26), clinical (n = 11), and planning cancer centers (n = 15) in the United States. Only one survey was completed from each institution. Survey questions identified services provided such as pain management, terminal care, psychosocial programs, and spiritual care. Results: Thirty-nine questionnaires were received for a total response rate of 75%. Of the respondents, 45% were comprehensive cancer centers, 24% clinical cancer centers, and 29% planning centers. One center did not identify their NCl designation. Sixty-one percent of the centers reported research programs in supportive care. Outside funding was reported in 51% of the respondents, with 39% having American Cancer Society (ACS) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and 28% having private industry funding. Overall SCS self-ratings improved from a 21% rating of excellent to very good 5 years ago to the current 54% rating. Conclusion: Survey results provide data on SCS across a representative sample of NCI cancer centers and con be used to develop standards for future cancer control programs. (C) 1995 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.