The American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine have published a guideline statement on developing high-quality palliative care in people with advanced cancer or high symptom burden. Among the recommendations:

• Panelists endorsed the highest proportion of palliative care service items in the areas of end-of-life care (81%); communication and shared decision making (79%); and advance care planning (78%).

• The lowest proportions were in spiritual and cultural assessment and management (35%), and psychosocial assessment and management (39%).

• For symptom assessment and management, there was consensus that all symptoms should be assessed and managed at a basic level, with more comprehensive management for common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, and pain.

• Within the areas of appropriate palliative care and hospice referral, there was consensus that oncology practices should be able to describe the difference between palliative care and hospice to patients and refer patients appropriately.

Citation: Bickel K, McNiff K, Buss M, et al. Defining high-quality palliative care in oncology practice: An American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine guidance statement. [Published online ahead of print August 16, 2016]. J Oncol Pract. doi:10.1200/JOP.2016.010686.