Communication involving special populations: older adults with cancer

The objective of this article is to summarize current literature about communication between older adults and medical professionals in cancer care. Our article addresses four categories related to communication: first, ageism; second, screening; third, treatment; and fourth, end of life (EoL) care. Recent findings Current literature suggests that cancer treatment for older patients may be influenced by ageist biases. Older patients prefer that clinicians incorporate health status to individualize screening decisions although some patients don’t consider life expectancy to be an important factor in screening. Patients often agree with the oncologists’ treatment recommendations but want to be involved in the decision-making process. Lastly, work is being conducted to associate quality communication of EoL issues with hospital performance measures. Summary Patients are at risk of age-based disparities in cancer screening, treatment, and EoL care. Older adults are not a homogenous group and all elderly cancer patients need to have an individualized approach to care. Medical professionals must understand patients’ goals and values and involve them in shared decision-making and preparation for EoL.
Source: Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care - Category: Palliative Care Tags: COMMUNICATION IN CANCER: ITS IMPACT ON THE EXPERIENCE OF CANCER CARE: Edited by Elie Isenberg-Grzeda and Janet Ellis Source Type: research