327 REVIEW OF ONCOLOGY PATIENTS ADMITTED FROM 2019-2021: DEFINING THE NEED FOR AN ONCO-GERIATRIC SERVICE

Abstract

Abstract Background With an aging population, there is an increased need to consider older patients for cancer treatment. Involvement of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in an oncology workup can help guide cancer treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in older patients. We undertook a retrospective study looking at older patients admitted during their cancer treatment to establish the need for an onco-geriatric service in our hospital. Methods All patients over 85 admitted under oncology from 2019-2021 had a retrospective chart review. Patient demographics, indication for admission and discharge destination were collected. Clinical markers, such as total medications, comorbidities and social history were used to generate an overall understanding of the patient’s Clinical Frailty Score (CFS). We then retrospectively implemented a geriatric assessment to see how patients would benefit from a CGA if an onco-geriatric service was implemented in our hospital. Results A total of 22 patients over 85 accounted for 33 admissions, with 54.5% female (n=12). The median CFS was 4 (3-5). At time of admission, 90.1% were on concomitant cancer treatment; 41.7 concurrent chemo, 13.6% concurrent RT. The mean patient had conditions 5.61 (SD3.2 and took an average of 9.2 (SD3.7) regular medications. Most admissions (n=18) required at least one consult from another service (54.5%), with palliative care and cardiology having the highest burden of consults at 11 (33%) and 8 (26.7%) respectively. Only 1 patient had a geriatric consult, while another was seen by our Falls and Syncope Unit after a fall leading to admission. Patients following each attendance were discharge home in 75.7% cases (n=25). Hospice (12.1%), convalescence (3%) and nursing home (3%). Conclusion We identified multiple areas in which a CGA can improve management of older patients undergoing cancer treatment, including medication rationalisation. We feel that a onco-geriatric service development in our hospital will lead to better patient care for our older population.