Using so-called “triggers” for palliative care consultation is linked with substantial impact on 30-day readmission rates, chemotherapy following discharge, hospice referrals, and post-discharge support service use in people with advanced cancer, according to a prospective cohort study involving 113 individuals.

Participants had at least one of the following: an advanced solid tumor; hospitalization within the previous 30 days; hospitalization >7 days; and/or active symptoms. They were assigned to receive either palliative care consultation automatically when criteria were met (n=48), or usual care in a control group (n=65). Among the results:

• Palliative care consultation rate was 80% in the intervention group, vs 39% in controls.
• Hospice referral rates were 26% and 14%, respectively.
• 30-day readmission rates were 18% and 35%, respectively.
• Chemotherapy after discharge rates were 18% and 44%, respectively.
• There was an overall increase in support measures following discharge.
• Length of stay was not impacted.