Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by a significant symptom burden and a complicated disease trajectory, highlighting the necessity for early integration of palliative care (PC). This study assessed the effects of a nurse-led, integrative early palliative care intervention in comparison to standard care for patients with multiple myeloma. The intervention included weekly symptom tracking, structured follow-ups, and proactive symptom management. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months using validated instruments. The number of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations were assessed to measure the burden to the health care system.
The integrated model improved anxiety as measured by HADS (P = .01), quality of life (P < .001) and reduced pain (P < .01), fatigue (P < .01), drowsiness (P = .007), and depression (P = .04). Nausea, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite remained unchanged. These findings highlight the benefits of a nurse-led, integrative PC approach in reducing symptom burden and enhancing psychological well-being among patients with MM. Early integration of this model within hematology services has the potential to improve patient outcomes, although institutional adaptations may be needed to optimize its effect on health care utilization.
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