International efforts in geriatric radiation oncology
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 2022, 13, (3), pp. 356-362
- Issue Date:
- 2022-04-01
Closed Access
| Filename | Description | Size | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-s2.0-S1879406821002484-main.pdf | Published version | 859.13 kB |
Copyright Clearance Process
- Recently Added
- In Progress
- Closed Access
This item is closed access and not available.
Introduction Geriatric assessment GA has been recommended to form part of treatment decision making for older adults with cancer However despite consensus guidelines from various organizations GA does not appear to be a part of routine practice in radiation oncology The aim of the current study was to explore the implementation of GA in radiation oncology Materials and Methods This anonymous international survey investigated current use of GA in patients presenting for radiation therapy aged 65 years and over in accordance with Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E Surveys CHERRIES guidelines The survey was designed using Qualitrics an online survey tool It was distributed via SIOG social media and radiation oncology professional organizations Survey responses were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics An additional analysis by creating a dichotomous variable based on awareness of major clinical practice guidelines and current use of GA Results Among 158 respondents there was relatively low awareness of GA guidelines and low uptake of validated tools and processes A minority of participants only 16 stated that they had a specialized geriatric oncology program in their institution Approximately a third 34 of respondents were unaware of any GA clinical practice guidelines With regard to what way participants assess older patients differently to younger patients 16 reported formally using specific validated tools whereas 73 reported an informal assessment based on their own judgment with 5 reporting no difference between younger and older patients Regarding the use of validated screening tools for geriatric impairments over half reported using none 57 Regarding GA implementation the main barriers highlighted included a lack of clinical support staff a lack of training knowledge understanding or experience about GA and a lack of time Discussion Relatively low awareness of guidelines and low uptake of formal GA tools and processes were found The integration of GA principles into radiation oncology appears to be ad hoc and very much in its infancy There is a clear need for increased interdisciplinary education and collaboration between the disciplines of radiation oncology and geriatric medicine 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: