Patients with advanced cancer often encounter significant challenges during the transition
from oncology to palliative care, particularly due to hospital discharges that lack
clear communication and follow-up plans. This discontinuity in care may be addressed
through various regulatory strategies designed to facilitate smooth transitions.To
investigate the regulatory landscape governing transitions from oncology to palliative
care across eight European countries.A grey literature review followed by a comparative
analysis of identified documents was carried out.A total of 20 professional guidelines,
strategies, and regulations in England, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain
were identified. Identified documents provided inconsistent guidance regarding the
promotion of care continuity. Notably, several essential components for ensuring effective
transitions were identified across countries: the formulation of collaborative protocols
between various levels and types of care, the establishment of clear transition and
referral criteria, early identification of palliative care needs, synchronization
of patient information across care levels, involvement of family members in the care
process, implementation of a comprehensive four-dimensional patient assessment, and
regular evaluation and revision of care plans. Certain elements, such as the role
of primary care professionals in identifying palliative care patients, realistic discharge
timelines, effective communication with patients and families, and approaches to advance
care planning and shared decision-making, were inconsistently identified across different
countries.To enhance continuity of care for patients transitioning from oncology to
palliative care at different levels, it is imperative to develop targeted guidance
that incorporates all pertinent elements of care coordination.
