Abstract
<jats:p>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with significant physical, psychological, and social distress. Given its terminal nature and high symptom burden, early integration of palliative care is an essential component of ALS management. The inpatient Palliative Care Consult Team (PCCT) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC) provides specialist palliative care to hospitalized patients with ALS. In 2018, an ALS ambulatory clinic was established at SHSC to promote earlier integration of palliative care specialists into the ALS care pathway. Despite the importance of palliative care, limited data describe its involvement among hospitalized ALS patients. This retrospective review examines the relationship between the PCCT and ALS patients admitted to SHSC between 2006 and 2019. Data collected included patient demographics, referral indications, clinical course, and disposition. Most patients referred to the PCCT had poor functional status (Palliative Performance Scale ≤30%) and a guarded prognosis at consultation. Symptom management and support for complex decision-making were leading reasons for referral. Approximately half of patients died in hospital within three months of PCCT referral. Most deaths occurred within one week, highlighting the complexity of inpatient ALS care and underscoring the importance of timely palliative care involvement, goals-of-care discussions, and end-of-life planning.</jats:p>