Integrating geriatrics into oncology ambulatory care clinics

Abstract

Background: Geriatric oncology offers specialized care that incorporates comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) with oncology care. Geriatric syndromes, comorbidities, and caregiver concerns are relevant to the oncology assessment in older adult patients to make treatment decisions, which should be based not on age but on health and functional status, as well as on life expectancy. Developing a geriatric oncology ambulatory care clinic (GOACC) requires numerous resources and entails planning for longer patient encounter times, devising collaboration strategies with community care providers, and establishing dedicated time for team members. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to provide information regarding the construction and sustainability of a GOACC. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature published from 1991–2015 was conducted using the following key words: geriatric oncology, comprehensive geriatric assessment, supportive care, multidisciplinary, and elderly. Findings: Oncology primary care nurses and advanced practice nurses have a large role in the development and maintenance of GOACCs. Managing comorbidities, identifying patients who likely would benefit from a CGA, providing caregiver support, conducting a CGA, and creating an MDT are core elements of developing a sustainable GOACC.