An Assessment Helps to Improve Cancer Care in Older Patients

Posted by Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology Group on December 25th, 2019

Patient care can be enhanced when physicians attend to the concerns of older patients with cancer. A clinical trial was conducted to assess whether a geriatric assessment (GA) can influence cancer care for older adults. A geriatric assessment is a tool that can help personalize cancer care and improve communication among the cancer care team, patients, and their loved ones.

When caring for older patients, oncologists don’t follow up to know more about their functional abilities, family support, and cognition, and living conditions. They don't even talk to them to ask and understand their situation. Cancer patients with such impairments, especially older adults, experience challenges such as a decline in health, inability to finish their treatment, chemotherapy toxicity, and even the risk of early death. 

With the right guidance and tools, the behavior and approach of oncologists can be modified in order to offer these patients better cancer care. Keeping them informed about the unique needs of their older patients can improve both theirs and their patients’ experience. A geriatric assessment summary standard care for these patients should be considered by health professionals. This includes the use of proper interventions during care.

For example, if a geriatric assessment reveals that a patient fell and got injured at home, a physician should talk to them and their caregivers to explain the risks. A fall can increase one's risk of side effects from chemotherapy. Therefore, it is good for the oncologist to recommend physical therapy for the patient to prevent further falls.

The study was conducted on older patients with advanced cancer from different oncology clinics. The centers received a GA assessment, summary, and recommendations for each patient, or alerts related to cognitive impairment or depression. The geriatric assessment was tailored to the patient. The research team measured the caregiver and patient satisfaction using questionnaires and audio recordings of visits from the physicians.

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Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group, a division of Choice Cancer Care – is an independently owned and operated oncology practice that is completely focused on unique, comprehensive patient care.