Original Article

Perceptions of Older Adults, Hematologists, and Medical Oncologists in Cancer Care

Authors: Myra F. Barginear, MD, Andrzej Kozikowski, PhD, Renee Pekmezaris, PhD, Meredith Akerman, MS, Naveen Gopal, MD, Bradley Goldberg, MD, Maria T. Carney, MD, Gisele Wolf-Klein, MD

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the perceptions of hematologists, medical oncologists, cancer patients aged 65 years and older, and family members/caregivers regarding the value of a geriatric assessment (GA) in the management of older adults with cancer.

Methods: Participants included adults with cancer aged 65 years and older (n = 66), patient family members/caregivers (n = 32), and physicians (n = 42). A patient survey, a caregiver/family survey, and an online physician survey targeted to hematologists and medical oncologists were distributed at a large cancer center in a major academic health system in the New York metropolitan area. The χ 2 test or the Fisher exact test was used to compare the cohorts for responses to geriatric domains in a GA.

Results: Comparisons for each of the 17 GA domains between patient and family member and caregiver responses showed concordance, except for the perception of comorbidities; 16.7% of patients indicated that comorbidities were an issue, compared with 29.0% of family/caregivers ( P = 0.047). Physicians indicated that a GA would be most helpful in addressing cognitive impairment (91.4%), falls (91.4%), and functional status (88.6%).

Conclusions: A GA would be useful for physicians and older adults with cancer. Hematologists and medical oncologists recognize the utility of a GA and are receptive to a multidisciplinary geriatrics–oncology collaboration.

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