scholarly journals Implementing a Multidisciplinary Approach for Older Adults with Cancer: Geriatric Oncology in Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Presley ◽  
Jessica Krok-Schoen ◽  
Sarah Wall ◽  
Anne Noonan ◽  
Desiree Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Evidence-based practice in geriatric oncology is growing, and national initiatives have focused on expanding cancer care and research to improve health outcomes of older adults. However, there are still gaps between knowledge and practice for older adults with cancer. Methods: The Cancer and Aging Resiliency (CARE) clinic is a multidisciplinary approach for implementing geriatric-driven health care for older adults with cancer. The CARE clinic was developed as a direct response to recommendations targeting key multifactorial geriatric health conditions (e.g. falls, nutritional deficits, sensory loss, cognitive impairment, frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and functional status). We review the influence of these factors across the cancer care trajectory, including at screening, diagnosis, and treatment and discuss ways in which these conditions may be targeted to improve cancer care in older adults. Results: The CARE clinic was implemented at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) and targets modifiable risk factors affecting outcomes in older adults with cancer: weight loss, polypharmacy, physical impairments, social support, and mood symptoms. The multidisciplinary team at the CARE clinic discusses and delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations, all in one clinic visit, to minimize burden on the patient and the caregiver. The CARE clinic is part of a set of initiatives that feature education of future leaders in geriatric oncology, survivorship care for an aging population, and outcomes research. Conclusions: Older adults with cancer have a unique set of needs that need to be taken into account throughout their cancer care. The CARE clinic model is an important example of an approach that may combat these difficulties and lead to better outcomes among older adults with cancer.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Presley ◽  
Jessica Krok-Schoen ◽  
Sarah Wall ◽  
Anne Noonan ◽  
Desiree Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Evidence-based practice in geriatric oncology is growing, and national initiatives have focused on expanding cancer care and research to improve health outcomes of older adults. However, there are still gaps between knowledge and practice for older adults with cancer. Methods: The Cancer and Aging Resiliency (CARE) clinic is a multidisciplinary approach for implementing geriatric-driven health care for older adults with cancer. The CARE clinic was developed as a direct response to recommendations targeting key multifactorial geriatric health conditions (e.g. falls, nutritional deficits, sensory loss, cognitive impairment, frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and functional status). We review the influence of these factors across the cancer care trajectory, including at screening, diagnosis, and treatment and discuss ways in which these conditions may be targeted to improve cancer care in older adults. Results: The CARE clinic was implemented at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) and targets modifiable risk factors affecting outcomes in older adults with cancer: weight loss, polypharmacy, physical impairments, social support, and mood symptoms. The multidisciplinary team at the CARE clinic discusses and delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations, all in one clinic visit, to minimize burden on the patient and the caregiver. The CARE clinic is part of a set of initiatives that feature education of future leaders in geriatric oncology, survivorship care for an aging population, and outcomes research. Conclusions: Older adults with cancer have a unique set of needs that need to be taken into account throughout their cancer care. The CARE clinic model is an important example of an approach that may combat these difficulties and lead to better outcomes among older adults with cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Presley ◽  
Jessica Krok-Schoen ◽  
Sarah Wall ◽  
Anne Noonan ◽  
Desiree Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Evidence-based practice in geriatric oncology is growing, and national initiatives have focused on expanding cancer care and research to improve health outcomes of older adults. However, there are still gaps between knowledge and practice for older adults with cancer.Methods: Here we provide a detailed methodology of geriatric oncology care delivery within a single institution. The Cancer and Aging Resiliency (CARE) clinic is a multidisciplinary approach for implementing geriatric-driven health care for older adults with cancer. The CARE clinic was developed as a direct response to recommendations targeting key multifactorial geriatric health conditions (e.g. falls, nutritional deficits, sensory loss, cognitive impairment, frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and functional status). The multidisciplinary team assesses and delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations, all in one clinic visit, to minimize burden on the patient and the caregiver. The CARE clinic consultative model is a novel approach integrating cancer subspecialties with geriatric oncology healthcare delivery.Conclusions: Older adults with cancer have a unique needs that independent of routine oncology care. The CARE clinic model provides specific assessments and interventions to improve outcomes among older adults with cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Presley ◽  
Jessica Krok-Schoen ◽  
Sarah Wall ◽  
Anne Noonan ◽  
Desiree Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Evidence-based practice in geriatric oncology is growing, and national initiatives have focused on expanding cancer care and research to improve health outcomes for older adults. However, there are still gaps between knowledge and practice for older adults with cancer.Methods: Here we provide a detailed methodology of geriatric oncology care delivery within a single institution. The Cancer and Aging Resiliency (CARE) clinic is a multidisciplinary approach for implementing geriatric-driven health care for older adults with cancer. The CARE clinic was developed as a direct response to recommendations targeting key multifactorial geriatric health conditions (e.g. falls, nutritional deficits, sensory loss, cognitive impairment, frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and functional status). The multidisciplinary team assesses and delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations, all in one clinic visit, to minimize burden on the patient and the caregiver. The CARE clinic consultative model is a novel approach integrating cancer subspecialties with geriatric oncology healthcare delivery.Conclusions: Older adults with cancer have unique needs that are independent of routine oncology care. The CARE clinic model provides specific assessments and interventions to improve health outcomes among older adults with cancer.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 163s-163s
Author(s):  
N. Lasebikan ◽  
N. Iloanusi ◽  
T. Onyeka ◽  
C. Ilo ◽  
K. Nwankwo ◽  
...  

Background and context: Early detection and improved treatments are associated with a reduction in breast cancer mortality and morbidity. UNTH is a leading comprehensive cancer center in Nigeria with referrals from the entire southeast and south south regions. Our goal is to offer high quality comprehensive cancer care services across the cancer care continuum from public health awareness campaigns and provision of screening services all the way to palliative care and survivorship. This is the first attempt by any institution in the country to standardize and harmonize available treatment options for breast cancer. Aim: To optimize, standardize and harmonize treatment options and management strategies for breast cancer using a multidisciplinary approach by developing guidelines adapted to our peculiar infrastructure and health system. Strategy/Tactics: The practice guideline was specifically developed for UNTH using a multidisciplinary approach and taking into consideration circumstances peculiar to UNTH, including the following: UNTH's specific patient population; UNTH's services and structure; and UNTH's clinical information. Program/Policy process: The process used recognized methods that are robust, objective, scientifically valid, consistent and adaptable to UNTH and engaged all identified multisectoral and multidisciplinary stakeholders involved in the care of patients with breast cancer. Outcomes: We reviewed substantial evidence on documented and proven strategies for community screening and prevention, less expensive and only marginally less effective diagnostic tools, locoregional and systemic therapies for the management of breast cancer. The team also recommended all patients receive psycho-oncology support through a dedicated team and through the breast cancer support group. It was agreed that palliative care be incorporated within the first 8 weeks of commencing treatment in line with the current ASCO guidelines and receive consultation from the exercise immunology unit. What was learned: Institutionalized care offers better management strategies and standardized treatment in line with best global practices of care for patients with breast cancer across the cancer care continuum which will ultimately translate to better treatment outcomes.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1029-1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna L. Berry ◽  
Brent A. Blumenstein ◽  
Barbara Halpenny ◽  
Seth Wolpin ◽  
Jesse R. Fann ◽  
...  

Purpose Although patient-reported cancer symptoms and quality-of-life issues (SQLIs) have been promoted as essential to a comprehensive assessment, efficient and efficacious methods have not been widely tested in clinical settings. The purpose of this trial was to determine the effect of the Electronic Self-Report Assessment–Cancer (ESRA-C) on the likelihood of SQLIs discussed between clinicians and patients with cancer in ambulatory clinic visits. Secondary objectives included comparison of visit duration between groups and usefulness of the ESRA-C as reported by clinicians. Patients and Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 660 patients with various cancer diagnoses and stages at two institutions of a comprehensive cancer center. Patient-reported SQLIs were automatically displayed on a graphical summary and provided to the clinical team before an on-treatment visit (n = 327); in the control group, no summary was provided (n = 333). SQLIs were scored for level of severity or distress. One on-treatment clinic visit was audio recorded for each participant and then scored for discussion of each SQLI. We hypothesized that problematic SQLIs would be discussed more often when the intervention was delivered to the clinicians. Results The likelihood of SQLIs being discussed differed by randomized group and depended on whether an SQLI was first reported as problematic (P = .032). Clinic visits were similar with regard to duration between groups, and clinicians reported the summary as useful. Conclusion The ESRA-C is the first electronic self-report application to increase discussion of SQLIs in a US randomized clinical trial.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e513-e526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Li ◽  
Alyssa Macedo ◽  
Sean Crawford ◽  
Sabira Bagha ◽  
Yvonne W. Leung ◽  
...  

Purpose: Systematic screening for distress in oncology clinics has gained increasing acceptance as a means to improve cancer care, but its implementation poses enormous challenges. We describe the development and implementation of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool (DART) program in a large urban comprehensive cancer center. Method: DART is an electronic screening tool used to detect physical and emotional distress and practical concerns and is linked to triaged interprofessional collaborative care pathways. The implementation of DART depended on clinician education, technological innovation, transparent communication, and an evaluation framework based on principles of change management and quality improvement. Results: There have been 364,378 DART surveys completed since 2010, with a sustained screening rate of > 70% for the past 3 years. High staff satisfaction, increased perception of teamwork, greater clinical attention to the psychosocial needs of patients, patient-clinician communication, and patient satisfaction with care were demonstrated without a resultant increase in referrals to specialized psychosocial services. DART is now a standard of care for all patients attending the cancer center and a quality performance indicator for the organization. Conclusion: Key factors in the success of DART implementation were the adoption of a programmatic approach, strong institutional commitment, and a primary focus on clinic-based response. We have demonstrated that large-scale routine screening for distress in a cancer center is achievable and has the potential to enhance the cancer care experience for both patients and staff.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9545-9545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Jean Guerard ◽  
Allison Mary Deal ◽  
Grant Richard Williams ◽  
Trevor Augustus Jolly ◽  
Hyman Bernard Muss

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24171-e24171
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Palmer ◽  
Anghela Paredes ◽  
Madison Hyer ◽  
Timothy M. Pawlik

e24171 Background: Addressing the religious/spiritual needs of patients is an important component of comprehensive cancer care. Patients often report that providers infrequently engage them about their needs during treatment. In addition, providers cite inadequate training as a significant barrier to providing spiritual care. While patients may benefit from the presence of a spiritual care specialist during cancer treatment, the utilization and content of these services are not well defined. We sought to characterize utilization of pastoral care (PC) services, as well as delineate differences in PC utilization among patients with cancer. Methods: Data on patients being treated for cancer at a Comprehensive Cancer Center between 2015-2018 were obtained from the electronic medical record. Overall utilization, type of PC services utilized, as well as factors associated with use of PC were assessed. Analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Among 14,322 cancer patients, roughly one-third (n = 5166, 36.1%) had at least one PC encounter during their cancer treatment. Interventions most frequently provided by PC included supportive presence (93.5%) and active listening (86.6%), while the most frequently explored topics were treatment expectations (59.8%), issues with faith/beliefs (42.9%), and available coping mechanisms (35.4%). Patients diagnosed with colorectal (OR:1.42, 95%CI:1.07-1.89), liver (OR:2.41, 95%CI:1.80-3.24), or pancreatic cancer (OR:1.43, 95%CI:1.02-2.00) were more likely to utilize PC services compared with other cancers. Patients that identified as Catholic (OR:1.47, 95%CI:1.17-1.84) or Christian (OR:1.73, 95%CI:1.39-2.15) were more likely to request PC services (both p < 0.001) than individuals who had no religious preference/affiliation. Among surgical patients (n = 1,174), the majority of encounters with PC services were in the postoperative setting (n = 801, 70.6%). Patients most often reported that PC helped with verbalization of their feelings (93.6%) and helped reduce stress (76.9%). Conclusions: Over one-third of patients with cancer interacted with PC and received services that often addressed both psychosocial and spiritual concerns. Overall PC utilization and types of PC services rendered varied relative to demographic and religious factors. Providers should be aware of varying patient religious/spiritual needs so as to optimize the entire cancer care experience for patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24135-e24135
Author(s):  
Angelique Wong ◽  
Frank V. Fossella ◽  
George R. Simon ◽  
Rama Maddi ◽  
Zhanni Lu ◽  
...  

e24135 Background: Current ASCO guidelines propose early access to SC in all CP to improve quality of care, quality of life, and symptoms. Very few studies have evaluated patients’ perceived criteria for referral to outpatient SC and perceptions of patients who are referred early in their disease trajectory. Methods: In this study we evaluated CP attitudes and perceptions regarding the role of and access to outpatient Supportive Care clinic (SCC) at a comprehensive cancer center. CP with life expectancy of greater than 6 months (as determined by the oncologist) and who are newly registered at MD Anderson Cancer Center were randomized to either obtain an educational brochure that explained the role of the SCC or no brochure. Both groups then completed a survey regarding the role and access to of outpatient SCC. After completion of the survey, patients were asked if they would like to be seen by the SC team. If so, they were scheduled by their oncologist for a SC consult. Results: 288 patients were evaluable: median age was 63, 43% were female, 84% were Caucasian, and the most common cancer type was lung cancer (39%). Median survival was 15 months. Patients who received a brochure reported more understanding of the role of SC vs those who did not receive a brochure (63% vs 37%, p = 0.04). Both groups felt that SC could help to address physical (47% vs 54%) and psychosocial (50% vs 50%) symptoms. Both groups felt SC could help to address questions regarding prognosis (50% vs 50%) and future care (53% vs 47%). Both groups did not feel that time (50% vs 50%) nor financial concerns (49% vs 51%) would be barriers to access SC. Both groups did not feel that receiving SC would impede their cancer care (60% vs 40%) nor change their oncologists’ perspective of them (25% vs 75%). Both groups felt they could receive SC and cancer care simultaneously (50% vs 50%). Approximately half of the patients in both groups perceived it was not too early for a referral to SC. There were no statistical differences in these groups for these findings. Conclusions: Patients who received a brochure had a better understanding of the role of SC. A very significant proportion in both groups had limited awareness of the value of SC. Oncologist driven referral and education of SC may facilitate better understanding of the value of SC. Further studies are needed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e31-e34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candice N. White ◽  
Roy A. Borchardt ◽  
Mary L. Mabry ◽  
Kathleen M. Smith ◽  
Victor E. Mulanovich ◽  
...  

The authors outline the process through which the infectious diseases department at The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center successfully integrated physician assistants into patient care services, as judged by an overall increase in departmental productivity, broadened patient care coverage, and physician satisfaction with midlevel services.


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