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Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS)

PaCERS has been developed as a rapid review service, funded by Welsh Government, to support professionals and other decision-makers working in palliative care.

Rapid Reviews

The importance of relating clinical practice more closely to evidence is recognised by health and social care professionals and commissioners. However, a lack of time is often a significant obstacle, especially when it comes to locating, reading and assessing relevant literature.

Established in 2015, PaCERS is a unique service that responds to urgent and clinically-driven calls for evidence. Our aim is to support healthcare professionals and other decision-makers within the remit of palliative care.

Rapid Reviews are conducted within 8-10 weeks using modified systematic review methods with a highly refined research question.

Requesting a Rapid Review

PaCERS will respond to calls for evidence from professional groups / organisations. Requests should be made by downloading the Request Form  and emailing to PaCERSWCRC@cardiff.ac.uk. Please use this email address for any further information on this service.

View the published review methodology here.

Rapid Review TitleAuthor Team
The perceptions of patients, caregivers and generalist healthcare professionals on the role and value of specialist palliative care services: a rapid reviewHarding E., Holland-Hart D., Mann M., Byrne A.
The information and communication needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer: A rapid reviewHolland-Hart D., Goss S., Hope I., and Mann M.
What is the most effective treatment in achieving early haemostasis and preventing or delaying re-bleeding in cancer patients suffering from upper GI bleeds? A rapid review. Doyle C., Mann M., Cordiner R., & Byrne A. 
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What competency frameworks are available to promote a consistent education framework for palliative and end of life care workforce in Wales? A Rapid Evidence Map. Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS); 2022 AugustCordiner R., Mann M., & Byrne A.
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What outcome domains are considered core to assessing the impact of adult specialist palliative care services in Wales? A rapid review. Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS); 2021 December.Cordiner R., Mann M., Makuta G., Stewart R.,
Byrne A.
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What is the evidence base for early palliative care integrated with acute oncology services in terms of oncology patient reported experience and outcomes, quality of life, and cost effectiveness? Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS); 2021 September.Mann M.,
Evans L, Williams L, Byrne A.
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What are patient perspectives in atypical and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease of the benefits and timing of ACP and palliative care input? A rapid review: Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS); 2021 July.Mann M., Pattern R., Byrne A.
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What is the evidence base for effectiveness and cost effectiveness of rapid response or enhanced response community palliative care service models? A rapid review: Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS); 2021 January.Prys Thomas O. Mann M., Fielding H.,
Croft R.,
Byrne A.
Palliative Care Evidence Review Service. What is the evidence base for care models within care homes that improve the end of life for patients and their carers? A rapid review: Cardiff: Palliative Care Evidence Review Service (PaCERS) & Marie Curie; 2020 MarchChatland L.,
Mann M., Woodward A., Byrne A.,
Best S.
What is the impact of reflexology on palliative and cancer patients with constipation? A rapid review (2019)Mann M., Woodward A., Evans A.,
Byrne A.
What is the evidence base for the assessment and management of cancer cachexia in adults with incurable pancreatic cancer? A rapid review (2019)Davies JMV.,
Mann M.,
Woodward A., Torrens-Burton A., Evans A.,
Byrne A.
What are the attitudes and perceptions of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and their carers towards use of oxygen therapy? A rapid review (2018)Mann M., Woodward A., Evans A.,
Byrne A.
What are the models and outcomes of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in cancer and palliative care research? A rapid review (2018)Mann M., Woodward A., Nelson A.,
Byrne A.
What is the impact and effectiveness of the 7-day CNS service on palliative care patients and their families? A rapid review (2018)Mann M., Woodward A., Lewis M.,
Byrne A.
What outpatient models have proven efficacy for assessment and management of pelvic radiotherapy late effects? A rapid review (2018)Mann M., Woodward A., Byrne A.
Does advance care planning alter management decisions made by healthcare professionals? A rapid review (2017)Mann M.,
Gee P.,
Morris A.,
Bayliss V.,
Allen C.,
Byrne A.
What are best practice service models in rural areas for the delivery of end of life and palliative care? A rapid review (2016)Mann M.,
Gee P., Woodward A., Byrne A.