Implementing a Screening Tool to Increase Palliative Care Referrals for Patients with Metastatic Cancer

Author

Rebecca N. Hegwood, Jacksonville State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Jessica Lockhart

Preceptor

Dr. Melissa Dillmon

Mentor

Whitney Worthy

Abstract

Background: Palliative care (PC), when prescribed early for patients with metastatic cancer, has proven beneficial to the oncology patient and family by improving quality of life, decreasing stressors, and preventing premature discontinuation of therapy.

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing quality improvement project aimed to determine if implementing a screening tool for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic cancer would increase PC referrals.

Project Design: The Five Item Palliative Care Screening Tool evaluated patients with a new metastatic cancer diagnosis. Secondary data was used to initiate a PC referral if the patient scored a five or greater on the screening tool. Project data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and included comparing pre- and post-screening referral rates.

Results: Implementing the PC screening tool increased PC referrals, and 20% of patients accepted PC recommendations from providers. This is a statistical increase as compared to the organization's third-quarter referral results from 2024. Six additional referrals for PC were made during the project, indicating strong clinical significance. Overall, PC referral rates increased by 11.3% with the implementation of the screening tool.

Conclusion: Screening oncology patients for PC services identified opportunities where oncology patients and families required extra support. Identifying PC needs in a more timely, standardized manner aids in patient prognosis during oncology treatment.

Recommended Citation

Hegwood, Rebecca N., "Implementing a Screening Tool to Increase Palliative Care Referrals for Patients with Metastatic Cancer" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 135.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/135