Health Professionals’ Views on the Support Needed by Older Adults Post-initial Cancer Treatment

Marshall-Mckenna, R. et al. (2021) Health Professionals’ Views on the Support Needed by Older Adults Post-initial Cancer Treatment. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(Suppl1), S231. (doi: 10.1007/s00520-021-06285-8)

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Abstract

Introduction: Cancer diagnosis, ageing and comorbidity increases the complexity of care. We explored health professionals’ (HPs) perspectives on the needs of older adults post-initial cancer treatment, and their use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine practice. Methods: HPs from Greece, Spain, Sweden and the UK, involved in breast, prostate or skin cancer care, were recruited via clinical networks/social media (https://lifechamps.eu/). A mixed-methods design, which involved data collection via online surveys, or telephone interviews. Framework analysis was applied to the dataset. Results: 62 HPs participated from 11 specialties, the most common role was General Practitioner (25%) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (19%). Most HPs had ≥11 years’ experience of supporting cancer patients (51%). Key patient needs reported were: more time to explain information; support with practical/daily living and monitoring of health status. Overall agreeance for a multi-disciplinary health service with a “focus on the patient” that is closer to home. Most HPs were not using PROMs; yet, all agreed PROMs could help provide “better individualised treatment”. Conclusions: HPs provided the best supportive care within the infrastructure available but expressed the real need for better follow-up health care services. There are several unmet needs of older adults post-initial cancer treatment, such as monitoring patients’ physical/psychological status and medication adherence/effectiveness.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Abstracts for MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting 2021, 24-26 June 2021.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Marshall-Mckenna, Dr Rebecca and Kotronoulas, Dr Greg
Authors: Marshall-Mckenna, R., Kotronoulas, G., Kokoroskos, E., Gil Granados, A., Papachristou, P., Papachristou, N., McGowan, S., Petridis, G., Collantes, G., Billis, A., and Panagiotis D, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Supportive Care in Cancer
ISSN:0941-4355
Published Online:15 June 2021

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