Assessment of Palliative Care Integration in Oncology Services at University College Hospital, Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Palliative care integration into oncology practice is a critical component of comprehensive cancer management, yet its incorporation into routine service delivery at Nigerian teaching hospitals remains fragmented. This study assesses the degree of palliative care integration in oncology services at University College Hospital, Ibadan, evaluating pain assessment practice, opioid prescribing patterns, psychosocial support availability, and advance care planning uptake. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design is applied, combining structured audits of 120 oncology inpatient case records with semi-structured interviews of 25 oncology nurses, medical officers, and consultant oncologists. Case record audits assess frequency of pain scoring, morphine equivalence prescribed, referral to pain management or counselling services, and documentation of resuscitation preferences. Qualitative interview data are analysed thematically. Available palliative care literature from South West Nigeria identifies inadequate pain documentation and limited opioid availability as the two most consistent gaps in oncology palliative care. The WHO Palliative Care Public Health Model and the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for Palliative Care Integration provide the normative framework. Findings will support UCH's cancer management committee in developing a structured early palliative care integration protocol and supporting the institution's application for a dedicated palliative care unit. Keywords: palliative care, oncology integration, pain management, University College Hospital, South West Nigeria.