At a glance
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Improving Communication for Cancer Treatment: Addressing Concerns of Older Cancer Patients and Caregivers
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Geriatric Assessment Summary, Geriatric Assessment Targeted Recommendations, and 1 other intervention for Adult Solid Neoplasm and Lymphoma. Completed, enrolled 546 participants across 19 sites.
Detailed Summary
Over 60% of cancers occur in older persons, and the number of older persons with cancer is expected to grow as the population ages. Oncology clinical trials have traditionally excluded older patients with advanced cancer and chronic health conditions. In this context, where data is limited and risk from treatment is high, older patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers must understand how cancer treatment can affect quality of life in light of underlying health status. Better communication about age-related health conditions between oncologists, older patients with advanced cancer, and their caregivers may improve decision-making for cancer treatment and quality of life. A geriatric assessment (GA), a validated set of patient-centered outcomes, has been shown to identify concerns (e.g., function, cognition) important to older persons with cancer and their caregivers. In this cluster randomized clinical trial we examined whether providing a web-generated GA summary with targeted recommendations to older patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and their oncologists can improve communication about age-related concerns that could affect efficacy and tolerance of cancer treatment. We also determined whether the intervention improves patient-reported quality of life and patient and caregiver satisfaction.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Complete summary of results from the Geriatric Assessment
Recommendations are made based on areas patients were impaired in on the Geriatric Assessment. They include referrals, tests, medication review, instructions, and support services. The choice of which recommendation to implement is left to the discretion of the physician. Treatment modifications
A GA measures the issues important to older patients, including function, psychological status, cognitive abilities, social support, and the impact of medical problems on quality of life.