Why carry out this study?

Early integration of palliative care into oncology services and improved care coordination across levels are beneficial interventions.

A standardized care pathway (SCP) can promote integrated healthcare.

What was learned from the study?

Developing an SCP across care levels in a rural region was feasible and improved healthcare professional-reported palliative cancer care.

An extensive implementation process yielded limited use of the SCP in clinical practice.

Elements for successful implementation need to be further investigated.