Healthcare informatics and technology in managing the older cancer patient

Abstract

The population of older cancer patients continues to rise, and there is an increasing need for the continuing development of healthcare informatics and health technology. Rising healthcare costs among an aging population has shifted priorities toward cost-effective and value-based care. Inevitably, population health and predictive modeling becomes a greater focus in an attempt to better risk-stratify a physiologically and functionally diverse group of patients. Translational bioinformatics and precision medicine challenge the understanding of an individual environment and endeavors to enhance standard models of health and behavior on a more personalized level. Wearable sensors with an array of capabilities may represent an emerging tool for managing the older cancer patient. Though the use of modern technology has increased in older individuals over time, a broad implementation of health technology will require more senior adults to accept innovative approaches to healthcare. To bridge this digital divide, improvements must be made in terms of usability, data collection, privacy, speed, volume, and cost. With the aid of developing technologies, patient-reported outcomes may also become more easily collected and utilized in real-time patient care. The potential to utilize a smart and connected home that interfaces with patients and reports to providers is on the horizon.