Table 1.

Domains of Comprehensive Palliative Care and Core Elements for Assessment

Domain of comprehensive palliative care assessment	Core elements
Assessment of physical symptoms
	Pain
	Nausea/vomiting
	Constipation
	Dyspnea
	Appetite/weight loss
	Fatigue
Assessment of psychological, psychiatric, and cognitive aspects of care
	Depression screening/management
	Anxiety screening/management
	Assessment of cognitive status and orientation/delirium
Spiritual, religious, and existential concerns
	Performing a spiritual history
	Screening for existential or spiritual distress
	Collaboration with a patient's primary faith community
Medical decision making and care planning
	Identification of primary decision maker
	Goals-of-care discussion
	Determination of care preferences
	Code status discussion
	Clarification of prognostic understanding
Care transitions and coordination of care
	Determination of place of care
	Clarification of caregiver needs
	Identifying current and future sources of practical and emotional support
	Assessment of functional status
Cultural aspects of care and other factors
	Identifying place of residence
	Clarifying English proficiency
	Determining cultural norms and expectations for communication, roles, and decision making