Integrating palliative care in oncologic emergency departments: Challenges and opportunities

Table 3 Benefits and challenges associated with integration of palliative care into emergency medicine

Benefits	Challenges
Control pain and other symptoms early	ED culture of fast pace, timely intervention, and save life
Address emotional distress in patients and families early	Time constraints
Address goals of care and resuscitation preferences	Overcrowding
Prevent unnecessary hospitalization	Limited resources
Reduce admissions to ICUs	Delays in palliative care consultations
Reduce length of hospital stay	Patient’s and family’s expectations
Reduce costs

ICUs: Intensive care units; ED: Emergency department.