Older oncological patients' demand for coordinated care services after discharge from the hospital

The increasing prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults, particularly those with cancer, highlights the need for coordinated post-hospital care. This study aimed to assess the demand for multidisciplinary post-discharge services among older patients, with a focus on oncological individuals.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from 200 patients aged ≥65 years hospitalized at the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Hospital in Krakow, Poland. Patients were divided into two age groups: 65-79 and ≥80 years. Data on medical history, cancer diagnosis, nutrition, rehabilitation needs, pharmacotherapy, and psychosocial aspects were extracted to determine post-discharge care needs.

The most frequently identified needs included dietary counseling (54 patients), pharmacological review (27), psychological support (21), nursing care (13), and social work services (6). Cancer patients had significantly higher needs for psychological (100% vs. 40.1%, p <0.001) and nutritional support (85.7% vs. 64.2%, p = 0.002) compared to non-cancer patients. Older patients (≥80 years) showed significantly greater demand for social support (p = 0.045), with all requiring at least one type of post-hospital intervention.

Older adults, especially those with cancer, have high and complex post-discharge care needs that are inadequately addressed by existing services. The findings support the development of integrated geriatric care models to enhance continuity of care and patient outcomes following hospitalization.