Feasibility and acceptability of a best supportive care (BSC) checklist among clinicians.

e21682Background: Some clinical trials for advanced cancer compare experimental therapy to BSC. Usually BSC is not standardized across sites, consistent with best available evidence in palliative care practice, or described in sufficient detail. We developed a consensus-based checklist to document BSC delivery, including symptom management, decision making, and care planning. We hypothesized that BSC can be feasibly documented with this checklist consistent with Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statements. Methods: Clinicians at 4 academic centers were asked to complete the BSC checklist at each encounter with eligible cancer patients. Enrolled physicians completed a survey regarding use of the checklist during clinic appointments. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated. Results: 15 clinicians completed the checklist survey, 9 of whom were advanced practice providers. Mean age was 41 (SD = 7.9). Mean number of years in practice since fellowship for physicians was 7.2 (SD...