Continuing care of the cancer patient as a social engineering problem.

Care of the cancer patient has become fractionated toward maintaining the physiological integrity of the patient's life support systems, e.g., the hematopoietic or neurological systems. The concept of total continuing care for the cancer patient is illustrated in this description of a pilot hospice project in a community medical center. The project also illustrates the concept of team support by the health care staff and volunteers. The total continuing care unit described provides support and care which makes living not just possible, but worthwhile, for cancer patients.