Australian healthcare professionals' experiences and perception of management of older adults with cancer: A qualitative study

IF 3 3区医学 Q3 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

Journal of geriatric oncology Pub Date : 2025-03-27 DOI:10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102234

Sharon He , Heather L. Shepherd , Meera Agar , Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell , Joanne Shaw

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Older adults with cancer make up a large proportion of cancer diagnoses in Australia. Multimorbidity and aging-related vulnerabilities can make cancer treatment and management challenging. There are limited qualitative studies exploring current practice of care and use of geriatric assessments (GAs) in Australia. This study aimed to qualitatively explore Australian healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of treatment decision-making in relation to older adults with cancer and perceptions of the role of GAs in cancer care in Australia to identify potential barriers to implementation.

Materials and Methods

Australian HCPs providing care for older adults with cancer completed a short online survey and participated in a semi-structured telephone interview exploring their perceptions and experiences of treatment decision-making, and management of older adults with cancer. Purposive sampling ensured representation across disciplines. Thematic analysis using a framework approach identified key themes.

Results

Thirty-one HCPs (n = 19 medical HCPs, n = 7 cancer nurses, n = 5 allied HCPs) completed the online questionnaire. Most participants rated assessment of geriatric domains to be important/very important when considering treatment decisions, however there was variability in perceived importance for assessing objective measures of function and mobility. Of the 31 participants that completed the questionnaire, 29 participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) Who do we consider older? Chronological vs. functional age, (2) Clinical management of older adults – theory vs. practice, (3) Is there value in geriatric assessments? (4) Factors that impact GA implementation, and one overarching theme (5) Treatment decision-making for older adults with cancer.

Discussion

This study provides insight into current practice of care for older adults with cancer and the barriers and facilitators to GA implementation within Australian cancer services. Health economic research demonstrating cost-effectiveness of GAs to facilitate system-level change is required. There is also need for further education and training for Australian HCPs on geriatric principles and assessments to improve management for older adults with cancer.

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来源期刊

Journal of geriatric oncology ONCOLOGY-GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

CiteScore

5.30

自引率

10.00%

发文量

379

审稿时长

80 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Geriatric Oncology is an international, multidisciplinary journal which is focused on advancing research in the treatment and survivorship issues of older adults with cancer, as well as literature relevant to education and policy development in geriatric oncology. The journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts in the following categories: • Original research articles • Review articles • Clinical trials • Education and training articles • Short communications • Perspectives • Meeting reports • Letters to the Editor.