Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care

Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology
Katherine Schuver GarmanHarvey J Cohen

Abstract

To describe patterns of functional status, symptoms, therapeutic goals and outcomes among older adults with cancer diagnoses hospitalized on a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU). Retrospective chart review of veterans with a cancer diagnosis consecutively admitted to a Department of Veterans Affairs GEMU between 1996 and 1999. Thirty-six veterans with cancer diagnoses, average age of 80+/-5.0 years, 100% men, 50% white, 39% married were admitted during the target period. Comorbid illness was common (mean +/- S.D. = 4.6+/-2.0) as were associated symptoms (mean = 2.5+/-1.9). Average Karnofsky performance status was 55+/-7. Goals were accomplished 78% of the time for diagnosis, 73% for symptom management, 79% for functional improvement, and 100% for disposition/caregiver support. Elderly oncology patients admitted to a GEMU display diverse needs and goals that are realistic and attainable in this context. In-patient GEMU services represent a promising approach to care for older cancer patients, and deserve further evaluation of benefits and risks.

Citations

Aug 19, 2007·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·Frederique RetornazJacques Soubeyrand
Aug 2, 2012·Journal of the National Cancer Institute·M T E PutsS M H Alibhai
Jun 24, 2010·BMC Geriatrics·Judith LatourMarie-Jeanne Kergoat
Feb 13, 2013·Mediators of Inflammation·Maria Chiara MaiuriPasquale Maffia
Feb 3, 2016·Seminars in Oncology Nursing·Stewart M BondMartine Puts
Sep 9, 2008·Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology·Frederique RetornazJacques Soubeyrand
May 20, 2006·Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·Kellie L FloodDavid B Carr
Dec 25, 2008·The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care·Lauris C KaldjianKatrina T Cannon
Jan 12, 2008·American Journal of Medical Quality : the Official Journal of the American College of Medical Quality·Douglas S WakefieldDonald Crandall
Apr 17, 2008·Brain Injury : [BI]·Jennifer C Menzel
Jul 9, 2010·Journal of Gerontological Nursing·William J PuentesMelissa Aselage

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