Uncertain Cancer Diagnosis: The Expanded Role of the Palliative Care Consultant

Background: As attending physicians in acute care hospitals consult palliative care services earlier for patients with a life-threatening illness, the role of the palliative care consultant (PCC) may expand, especially when there is diagnostic uncertainty. Method: The expanding role of the PCC and the complexities associated with earlier referral are illustrated by describing the case of a patient with an uncertain diagnosis. Conclusion: The diagnostic uncertainty that accompanies earlier palliative care consultation may hamper the PCC's ability to establish goals of care and the appropriateness of hospice palliative care unit admission. Attempts at resolving this diagnostic uncertainty may lead to an expanded role for the PCC, which ideally will occur in collaboration with the primary care team.