Survey of the provision of supportive care services at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers

Abstract

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 (NCI)-designated cancer centers.

Methods: A survey was mailed to the medical directors and nursing directors of 52 NCI-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 NCI 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 can be used to develop standards for future cancer control programs.