Models Of Care For Serious Illness: What Is The Evidence?

168Background: Individuals with cancer and other serious illness may benefit from specialized models of care, including palliative care. However, limited evidence exists to guide real-world implementation of such programs. We reviewed evidence supporting models of care for serious illness as part of a larger effort to develop an implementation framework for serious illness care programs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, focusing on existing reviews and meta-analyses across a broad range of serious illness population definitions and programs. The quality of evidence was graded and results were synthesized with respect to five outcomes categories (patient and caregiver experience; care and support processes; health outcomes; health service use and costs; and operations), program components associated with success, and implementation considerations. Results: Collectively, 28 reviews were identified, reporting 743 studies, 426 of which were randomized controlled trials. The strongest and most consis...