This research study is evaluating the impact a collaborative palliative care and oncology team will have on the quality of life, symptoms, mood, and end of life outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on lessening (or "palliating") symptoms and assisting in coping with serious illness.
The main purpose of this study is to compare two types of care - standard leukemia oncology care and standard leukemia oncology care with collaborative involvement of palliative care clinicians to see which is better for improving the experience of patients and families with AML and MDS undergoing treatment.
The investigators aim to find out whether introducing patients and families undergoing AML and MDS treatment to the palliative care team that specializes in symptom management can improve the physical and psychological symptoms that patients and families experience during their hospitalizations for their leukemia care as well as enhance the quality of patients' end of life care.
Hospitalized patients with high-risk AML, defined as: Newly diagnosed patients with AML ≥ 60 years of age Newly diagnosed AML with antecedent hematologic disorder Newly diagnosed therapy-related AML Relapsed AML Primary refractory AML
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients already receiving palliative care Major psychiatric illness or comorbid conditions prohibiting compliance with study procedures. A diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML)
