Lung Cancer and Palliative Care Support: The Role of Social Determinants of Health for Older Adult Patients.

Abstract

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the incidence of palliative care (PC) consultations for older adults with lung cancer who died in the past five years, as well as the impact of social determinants of health (SDOHs) on PC consultations.

Sample & setting: 63 participants aged 65 years or older with a lung cancer diagnosis who died in the past five years. Electronic health records were used to extract data.

Methods & variables: A medical record extraction form was used to collect the following data: (a) lung cancer diagnosis, (b) PC consultations, (c) patient demographic information, and (d) SDOHs factors. All data were entered into a secure research electronic data capture management site.

Results: Older adults who were married, White, and female and lived in a below-average rural or suburban area were more often benefactors of a PC consultation.

Implications for nursing: It is imperative for nurses to support patients from diagnosis to end of life by facilitating PC consultations. This study highlights the importance of collecting SDOHs for all patients admitted to the hospital in the electronic health record. Awareness of SDOHs can help nurses facilitate end-of-life care plans.