Integrating geriatric screening in the clinical setting: Recommendations for older adult oncology patients

The optimal time to assess older adults during cancer treatment regimen has not been established. This research study evaluated different points in time to reassess the geriatric oncology patient undergoing treatment.

This study included 250 patients who were new to the Senior Adult Oncology Clinic. Inclusion criteria were actively receiving treatment of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation or other targeted therapies; age 65 or older if head and neck cancer diagnosis and age 70 or older with other malignancies referred to the program; and able to read and understand English. The SAOP3 is a two-page tool consisting of eleven questions and three instructional items followed by a scoring threshold, that was repeated at the patient's three- and six-month visits.

Two hundred and thirty-eight patients completed the SAOP3 at baseline; 112 completed the SAOP3 at three months; and 90 completed the SAOP3 at six months. Fifty-four patents completed the SAOP3 at all three timepoints. Overall, SAOP3 results indicated referral for 42% (95% confidence interval = 36-49%) of patients at baseline. For the 54 patients that completed the SAOP3 at all timepoints, referrals decreased across the timepoints for the two most common referrals: nutritionist which was statistically significant (p = 0.03); and social worker which was not (p = 0.08).

Utilizing the objective findings related to functional and cognitive status can aid in treatment planning and guide goals of care discussions with patients and families. Review of the follow-up screens at three- and six-months during the treatment process demonstrated the impact of cancer treatments in the older adult.