Routine assessment of unmet needs in individuals with advanced cancer and their caregivers: A qualitative study of the palliative care needs assessment tool (PC-NAT).

Purpose: To examine (1) approaches used by oncologists to administer the palliative care needs assessment tool (PC-NAT) in consultations with patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers, (2) potential of this tool to facilitate discussion of psychosocial issues, and (3) whether use of the tool alters the length of consultations.

Design: A qualitative analysis was undertaken of audio-taped, outpatient consultations.

Sample And Methods: 20 individuals with advanced cancer and their caregivers who participated in an interrupted time series study of the impact of the systematic utilization of the PC-NAT had a total of 48 consultations audio-taped.