Geriatric Assessment For Older Adults Research Articles

Evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults with pancreaticobiliary cancers: A retrospective observational study

Evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults with pancreaticobiliary cancers: A retrospective observational study

Development and implementation of a geriatric oncology interprofessional case-based educational intervention for cancer care providers.

9020 Background: Geriatric assessment (GA) is recommended as part of the standard of care for older adults with cancer. However, the GA has not been fully adopted as part of routine practice in oncology in Mexico, mainly due to lack of qualified personnel and limited knowledge. We designed an interprofessional case-based educational intervention to address the main barriers for implementation of GA in oncology. Methods: We followed Kern’s six-step approach to design a continuing professional development (CPD) activity. Our targeted learners consisted of teams comprised of one oncologist and one geriatrician who practiced at the same site in Mexico. By the end of the intervention, participants would be able to perform GA in older adults with cancer, and to integrate information obtained through a GA in a cancer treatment plan through adequate interventions. We used Project ECHO’s model to create a CPD activity consisting of 12 weekly 75-minute online sessions via Zoom, with content selected from international geriatric oncology guidelines. At baseline, and at the end of the course, participants answered a 36-item multiple choice knowledge assessment (scale 0-100), a survey on self-perceived competence in GA skills (scale 0-10), and an adaptation of the Association for Community Cancer Centers Geriatric Oncology Gap Assessment Tool, which assesses subjective performance of the GA (scale 0-4). Participants also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. We compared baseline and post-intervention scores through paired t tests; results from the satisfaction questionnaire are reported descriptively. Results: We included 56 participants (28 geriatricians and 28 oncologists). Median participant attendance was 10 sessions (IQR 9-11). Thirty-eight participants completed the satisfaction questionnaire: median satisfaction was 10/10 (range 8-10). There was no difference in satisfaction scores between oncologists and geriatricians. Mean baseline knowledge score was 59.5±12.8 and mean post-intervention knowledge score was 74.4±9.7 (p<0.001, effect size 1.14). Mean baseline competence score was 6.42±2.5 and mean post-intervention competence score was 9.02±0.78 (p<0.001, effect size 1.03). Mean baseline performance score was 2.58±0.65 and mean post-intervention knowledge score was 3.29±0.5 (p<0.001, effect size 1.64). Increases in knowledge, competence, and performance scores were observed both in oncologists and in geriatricians separately. Conclusions: This interprofessional curriculum on GA in oncology was feasible and acceptable, and led to significant increases in knowledge, competence, and performance among participants. Project ECHO’s case-based learning model is adequate to provide interprofessional education, which is crucial in multidisciplinary areas such as geriatric oncology.

Association of cancer with functional decline at old age: a longitudinal study in Danish twins.

There is evidence that older adults with cancer have a higher risk of functional decline than cancer-free older adults. However, few studies are longitudinal, and none are twin studies. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between cancer and functional decline in older adult (aged 70+ years) twins. Cancer cases in the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins were identified through the Danish Cancer Registry. Functional status was assessed using hand grip strength (6 years follow-up), and self-reported questions on mobility (10 years follow-up), and cut-offs were defined to assess functional decline. Cox regression models were performed for all the individual twins. In addition, we extended the analysis to discordant twin pairs (twin pairs with one having cancer and the other being cancer-free), to control to a certain extent for (unmeasured) shared confounders (genetic and environmental factors). The analysis based on individual twins showed that individual twins with cancer are at increased hazard of worsening hand grip strength (hazard ratio (HR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 1.80) than cancer-free twins. Among the discordant twin pairs, twins with cancer had a higher hazard of worsening hand grip strength (HR 3.50, 95% CI 1.15, 10.63) than cancer-free cotwins. In contrast, there was no evidence of a difference between the hazard of experiencing mobility decline for twins with cancer compared with cancer-free twins, in both individual twins and discordant twin pairs analyses. Cancer was associated with hand grip strength functional decline in old individual twins and discordant pairs. Our results strengthen the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer, as well as the importance of routine assessment of functional status. Promoting physical activity through exercise training programmes could enable the prevention of functional decline in older adults with cancer.

Longitudinal Patient-Reported Outcomes and Clinical Outcomes By VES-13 and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Adults with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Background: Older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can experience durable remissions with therapy but also substantial toxicities and healthcare utilization. The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) is a 13-item tool assessing age, self-rated health, and ability to perform physical and functional activities (score of 3+ indicates vulnerability). The Fondazione Italiana Linfomi comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) assesses age, comorbidities, and ability to perform physical and functional activities and classifies patients as fit, unfit, or frail. Both the VES-13 and CGA hold promise to risk stratify older adults for poor outcomes. Few data are available comparing these tools in assessing risk for poor survival and healthcare utilization, and prior studies have not examined the impact of therapy on longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: We conducted a longitudinal prospective study of 105 older adults with aggressive NHL at Massachusetts General Hospital or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 9/2020 and 1/2023. Eligible patients were age >= 65 years at time of treatment initiation receiving combination chemoimmunotherapy. Patients could enroll up until cycle 1 day 8 of therapy. Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks, and 6 months post therapy initiation assessing demographics, quality of life (QOL-Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lymphoma [FACT-Lym]), depression and anxiety (Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale [HADS]), and physical symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-revised [ESAS-r]). At baseline patients also completed the VES-13 and underwent CGA evaluated by an oncologist. We utilized linear mixed models to examine longitudinal QOL, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms. We assessed univariate factors associated with longitudinal QOL. Using Cox regression models controlling for gender, age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI), hypoalbuminemia, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and lymphoma subtype, we assessed the relationship of VES-13 and CGA in separate models with overall survival (OS). We also examined factors associated with unplanned hospitalization within 6 months of therapy start using logistic regression. Results: We enrolled 106/163 (65.0%) patients. 1 patient was excluded due to treatment with an ineligible therapy. Patients had a median age of 73 years (range: 65-99, 38.1% >75, 21.9% >=80); most were male gender (64.8%), White race (96.2%), and married/with a life partner (72.4%). The most common lymphoma subtypes were DLBCL (73.0%), DLBCL/high grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 translocations (12.4%), and mantle cell lymphoma (10.5%). The majority (56/104, 53.8%) had an age-adjusted IPI of 2 or 3, over a third (34.3%) had a CCI score of 2+, and 82.9% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-1. 45.7% (48/105) had a VES-13 score of 3+. 40.0%, 9.5%, and 50.5% were fit, unfit, and frail, respectively, on CGA. QOL, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms all improved over time (Figure 1). QOL improved regardless of age group, VES-13 category (<3 vs 3+), or CGA result (Figure 1). Compared to other patients, those 80+ years with either VES-13 score 3+ (β= -2.90, p=0.045) or frail on CGA (β= -3.68, p=0.007) had a worse QOL trajectory. Income > $50,000 annually (β=2.41; p=0.041) was associated with better QOL trajectory. VES-13 score of 3+ (HR=6.08; p=0.014) and frail on CGA (HR=5.20; p=0.028) were both associated with worse survival. Of those with follow up (N=66), 8 died within 1 year (1-year OS=87.9%), all of whom were both frail on CGA and had VES-13 score 3+. 25.8% (8/31) of the CGA frail patients and 28.6% (8/28) of those with VES-13 3+ died within 1 year. VES-13 score (OR=1.16, p=0.028) was associated with greater likelihood of unplanned hospitalization. Conclusion: Older adults with aggressive NHL often experience improvement in QOL and other PROs with treatment, even across age and frailty categories. VES-13 score and CGA identify patient groups at high risk for early death and poor QOL trajectory, for whom novel therapies and supportive care interventions are warranted. Higher VES-13 score is also associated with higher risk of unplanned hospitalization. Routine assessment of VES-13 and CGA has high potential for early identification of high risk patients and implementation of appropriate interventions.

SIOG2023-4-OA-109 - Geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

SIOG2023-4-OA-109 - Geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

137 Harnessing technology to augment comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults with frailty in CRISP admissions

Abstract Background The Community Rehabilitation Inpatient Specialist Program (CRISP) is an Advance Nurse Practitioner (RANP) led program that provides direct access for community-dwelling older adults to short-term (2-weeks) in-patient, intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Patients attending the CRISP program are typically frail and have complex, multi-morbid medical backgrounds, many having multiple falls prior to admission. Older adults who are both frail and have impaired orthostatic blood pressure control have a particularly high risk of falling and should receive tailored management to mitigate this risk. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recognised as especially helpful for identifying hypotension in older adults, where antihypertensive treatment should be individualised. The novel use of 24-hour ABPM in this setting offers these patients early diagnostics and early treatment options. Methods For patients, whom the CGA deems ABPM would be beneficial, monitors are fitted by the RANP as they return home for weekend leave mid-program. Results are promptly available to the RANP/Consultant Geriatrician and treatment plans are initiated and monitored throughout the remainder of the inpatient stay. Results In April 2023, the first month of use, APBM equipment was used for 80% (n-8) of older adults admitted to CRISP. 24-hour APBM has benefitted patients with a new diagnosis of hypertension, those with poorly controlled hypertension, patients with suspected orthostatic hypotension and those with concurrent hypertension and orthostatic hypotension where alterations to antihypertensive medication are initiated. We anticipate performing ABPM on 64 older adults in 2023 (80% of predicted admissions to CRISP). Conclusion The introduction of 24-hour ABPM as a diagnostic tool in this setting offers immediate diagnostic and early treatment options, reducing referrals, waiting lists and costs at over-stretched cardiac departments and increases the value of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for older adults attending CRISP.

Association between Computed Tomography-Determined Loss of Muscle Mass and Impaired Three-Month Survival in Frail Older Adults with Cancer.

As patients with solid (non-hematological) cancers and a life expectancy of <3 months rarely benefit from oncological treatment, we examined whether the CT-determined loss of muscle mass is associated with an impaired 3-month overall survival (OS) in frail ≥75-year-old patients with cancer. Frailty was assessed with G8-screening and comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults at risk of frailty. The L3-level skeletal (SMI) and psoas (PMI) muscle indexes were determined from routine CT scans. Established and optimized SMI and PMI cut-offs were used. In the non-curative treatment group (n = 58), 3-month OS rates for normal and low SMI were 95% and 64% (HR 9.28; 95% CI 1.2-71) and for PMI 88%, and 60%, respectively (HR 4.10; 1.3-13). A Cox multivariable 3-month OS model showed an HR of 10.7 (1.0-110) for low SMI, 2.34 (0.6-9.8) for ECOG performance status 3-4, 2.11 (0.5-8.6) for clinical frailty scale 5-9, and 0.57 (0.1-2.8) for males. The 24-month OS rates in the curative intent group (n = 21) were 91% and 38% for the normal and low SMI groups, respectively. In conclusion, CT-determined low muscle mass is independently associated with an impaired 3-month OS and, alongside geriatric assessment, could aid in oncological versus best supportive care decision-making in frail patients with non-curable cancers.

Cost-utility of geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer: Results from the 5C trial.

12012 Background: Geriatric assessment is a guideline-recommended approach to optimize cancer management in older adults. We conducted a cost-utility analysis alongside the recently published 5C randomized controlled trial to compare geriatric assessment and management (GAM) with usual care in older adults with cancer. Methods: The economic evaluation was conducted from a societal perspective, using a 12-month time horizon. The 5C study enrolled patients age 65+ from 8 Canadian hospitals and randomly assigned them to receive GAM or usual care. Patients were initiating systemic therapy with curative or palliative intent. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Healthcare utilization was evaluated using cost diaries and chart reviews. The primary outcome, an incremental monetary benefit (INMB), was evaluated for the full sample and for preselected subgroups. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using bootstrapping. Results: The study included 350 patients, of which 173 received GAM and 177 received usual care. At 12 months, the average QALYs per patient were 0.747 and 0.753 for GAM and usual care respectively (ΔQALY = -0.006, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.05). The total average costs per patient were $48,397 and $45,342 for GAM and usual care (ΔCost = $3,078 (95% CI: -$5,336 to $12,050). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50,000/QALY the INMB was negative (-$3,962; 95% CI: -$7,117 to -$794) meaning that GAM was not cost-effective compared to usual care. In a subgroup analysis the INMB was positive ($4,639, 95% CI: $61 to $8,607) for patients treated with curative intent, and the intervention was cost effective in 78% of simulations, but remained negative (i.e. not cost-effective) for patients treated with palliative intent (INMB -$13,307, 95% CI -$18,063 to -$8,264). Conclusions: This is the first cost-utility analysis of GAM in cancer. The findings showed that GAM was cost-effective for cancer patients treated with curative intent but not for patients with palliative intent. Although the primary results of the 5C trial were negative, extrapolating our costing data to positive GAM trials like GAIN, GAP70, and INTEGERATE will provide a more complete picture of the cost effectiveness of GAM in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03154671 .

Defining an abnormal geriatric assessment for older adults with cancer: Which deficits matter most?

12039 Background: At present, there is no universal, objective, and evidence-based definition of what constitutes an abnormal geriatric assessment (GA) in geriatric oncology (GO). In the literature, a threshold number of abnormal GA domains (ranging from 1-4) is often used to define an abnormal GA. However, it is not well-established whether having a specific number of abnormal domains more frequently leads to treatment plan modification (TPM), a key goal of GA, or if particular domains have a greater impact on TPM. The primary objectives of this study are: (1) to determine how well the current definitions of an abnormal GA predict TPM following GA, and (2) to identify particular GA domains associated with TPM. Methods: A retrospective review of the GO clinic database at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre was conducted. All new patients seen in clinic from May 22, 2015 to June 10, 2022 who met the following criteria were included: (1) referred for treatment decision making, (2) received a complete GA, and (3) had a proposed oncologic treatment plan. Demographic, oncologic, and GA-domain variables were extracted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modelling was conducted using SPSS to determine each variable’s association with TPM; age, sex, frailty (VES-13) score, and treatment intent were included in all multivariate models. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each model. Results: The study cohort (n = 736) had a mean age of 80.7 years (61-100), 46.1% was female, and 78.3% had a VES-13 score indicating vulnerability. In univariate analysis, age, VES-13 score, disease stage, treatment intent, all GA domains (except Medication Optimization and Social Supports), and all threshold numbers of abnormal domains (except 1 and 7) were significantly associated (p-value &lt; 0.050) with TPM. The best-performing threshold number of abnormal domains in univariate analysis was 4 (AUC 0.628). Overall, the best-performing multivariate model based on AUC was the model containing all 6 significant GA domains (AUC 0.710). In this model, age, treatment intent, Comorbidities, Falls Risk, and Cognition were independently associated with TPM (p-value &lt; 0.05). The multivariate model with a threshold of 4 abnormal domains alone had an AUC of 0.689 and age, VES-13 score, treatment intent, and the threshold were independently associated with TPM. Of the models which included a single GA domain plus the threshold, the models with Comorbidities and Cognition performed best, having AUCs of 0.699 and 0.700, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that an abnormal GA (leading to TPM) may be best defined as one with abnormalities in the domains of Comorbidities, Falls Risk, and Cognition. In terms of a strictly numerical threshold, a GA may be best defined as abnormal if at least 4 GA domains are abnormal. When at least 4 GA domains are abnormal, abnormalities in Comorbidities and Cognition appear to best predict TPM.

3 QUESTIONS ON . . . Geriatric Assessment for Older Adults With Cancer

3 QUESTIONS ON . . . Geriatric Assessment for Older Adults With Cancer

Geriatric assessment in the older adult with genitourinary cancer: A narrative review.

Genitourinary (GU) cancers including bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers affect older adults with a higher prevalence compared to younger adults. GU cancer treatment is associated with poorer outcomes in older adults compared to their younger counterparts. To better identify and support older adults receiving cancer care, oncologic societies recommend the use of a geriatric assessment (GA) to guide management. However, little is known about the implementation and usefulness of the GA in older adults with GU cancers. We performed a narrative review to investigate the utility of the GA in older adults with GU cancers and propose strategies to optimize the real-world use of the GA. Here, we describe a framework to incorporate GA into the routine cancer care of older adults with GU cancers and provide several implications for future research.

Using comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults undertaking a facility-based transition care program to evaluate functional outcomes: a feasibility study

BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in a residential transition care setting to measure older adults’ functional outcomes.MethodsA convenience sample of older adults (n = 10) and staff (n = 4) was recruited. The feasibility of using assessment tools that comprise a CGA to comprehensively measure function in physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains was evaluated pre- and post-rehabilitation.Results10 older adults (mean ± SD age = 78.9 ± 9.1, n = 6 male) completed a CGA performed using assessments across physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The CGA took 55.9 ± 7.3 min to complete. Staff found CGA using the selected assessment tools to be acceptable and suitable for the transition care population. Older adults found the procedure to be timely and 60% found the assessments easy to comprehend. Participating in CGA also assisted older adults in understanding their present state of health. The older adults demonstrated improvements across all assessed domains including functional mobility (de Morton Mobility Index; baseline 41.5 ± 23.0, discharge 55.0 ± 24.0, p = 0.01) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L; baseline 59.0 ± 21.7, discharge 78.0 ± 16.0, p < 0.01).ConclusionsIncorporating CGA to evaluate functional outcomes in transition care using a suite of assessment tools was feasible and enabled a holistic assessment.

The association between perioperative frailty and ability to complete a web-based geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer.

e24022 Background: With expansion of web-based geriatric assessment (GA), the aim of our study is to assess whether patients’ independency and time to complete electronic Rapid Fitness Assessment (eRFA), a web-based GA at our institution, is associated with frailty. Methods: Retrospective study of 3456 patients with cancer who underwent cancer surgery in 2015-2020 with hospital length of stay of 1+ days and completed the eRFA prior to surgery. Frailty was assessed by two methods: Memorial Sloan Kettering Frailty Index (MSK-FI, score 0-11) and accumulative geriatric deficits (AGD, score 0-13). In both measures, higher score is reflective of higher degree of frailty. Patient’s independency to complete the eRFA was self-reported (no help, some help, someone else). Time to complete the eRFA was captured by the system based on survey start time and submission time. Association between characteristics and patient’s independency to complete the eRFA were assessed using Kruskal Wallis test for continuous variable and Chi-square test for categorical variables. Analysis into time to complete the eRFA excluded surveys completed by someone else (n = 407), those completed in &lt; 2 min (n = 1) or &gt; 40 min (n = 82). Association between time to complete the eRFA and frailty was assessed using two separate linear regression models with frailty—MSK-FI and AGD, separately—as the outcome, and minutes to complete the eRFA as the predictor, in surveys completed with no help and some help, separately. Time to complete the eRFA was included in the model as a non-linear term with restricted cubic splines with knots at the tertiles. Results: Among our cohort, the median age at the time of survey completion was 78 (quartiles 75, 82), just under half (49%) of patients were male. Survey completion corresponded to 58% with no help, 30% with some help, and 12% by someone else. Independency in completing the eRFA was associated with younger age (median ages: no help 77, some help 80, someone else 80), and lower frailty (median AGD: no help 4, some help 6, someone else 8; median MSK-FI: no help 2, some help 3, someone else 3) (all p &lt; 0.001). Longer time to complete the eRFA was associated with higher degree of frailty measured by MSK-FI and AGD (all non-linear association p &lt; 0.001). For example, for surveys completed with no help in 5, 10, and 15 minutes, the estimated MSK-FI is 1.4 (95% CI 1.3, 1.6); 2.3 (95% CI 2.2, 2.4); and 2.3 (95% CI 2.1, 2.6), and the estimated AGD is 3.1 (95% CI 2.9, 3.3); 5.1 (95% CI 4.9, 5.4), and 5.1 (95% CI 4.7, 5.5). Conclusions: Patients who needed assistance or took a longer time to complete the assessment were more likely to have a higher degree of frailty. To avoid burdening the hospital, placing undue stress on patients, and possibly inaccurate responses, we should test solutions that may enhance the ability of frail patients to complete the eRFA faster and without assistance from others, such as by using voice assistants.

Enhancing Geriatric Assessment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with Intrinsic Capacity: Can we move beyond existing models of Frailty?

We read with interest the review by Akhtar et al. on “Geriatric assessment in older adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma” [ [1] Akhtar O.S. Huang L.-W. Tsang M. Torka P. Loh K.P. Morrison V.A. et al. Geriatric assessment in older adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a young International Society of Geriatric Oncology (YSIOG) review paper. J Geriatr Oncol. 2022; Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar ], noting the emphasis and incorporation of geriatric assessment in selected clinically validated screening tools such as the Simplified Geriatric Assessment [ [2] Merli F. Luminari S. Tucci A. Arcari A. Rigacci L. Hawkes E. et al. Simplified geriatric assessment in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: the prospective elderly project of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi. J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 1214-1222 Crossref PubMed Scopus (36) Google Scholar ] and the Geriatric-8 Screening Tool [ [3] Bellera C.A. Rainfray M. Mathoulin-Pelissier S. Mertens C. Delva F. Fonck M. et al. Screening older cancer patients: first evaluation of the G-8 geriatric screening tool. Ann Oncol. 2012; 23: 2166-2172 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (501) Google Scholar ]. These abbreviated geriatric assessment screening tools incorporate the assessment of functional impairment and the identification of frailty into clinical decision making and can predict treatment-related adverse events. While evaluating for frailty is key to the comprehensive geriatric assessment of older patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, using frailty as a lens through which these patients are viewed predominantly, may present an unbalanced perspective of their true functional reserve. In 2015, the World Health Organization, building on existing evidence for frailty, introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity as a novel model for capturing an individual's capacities and functions holistically as a multidimensional indicator of aging [ [4] World Health Organization WHO clinical consortium on healthy ageing topic focus: Frailty and intrinsic capacity. Geneva, Switzerland. 2017 Google Scholar ]. This represents a paradigm shift from Fried's phenotypic model of frailty [ [5] Fried L.P. Tangen C.M. Walston J. Newman A.B. Hirsch C. Gottdiener J. et al. Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype. J Gerontol Ser A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001; 56: M146-M157https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/56.3.M146 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar ] or the cumulative-deficit model of frailty by Rockwood et al. [ [6] Rockwood K. Song X. MacKnight C. Bergman H. Hogan D.B. McDowell I. et al. A global clinical measure of fitness and frailty in elderly people. CMAJ. 2005; 173: 489-495https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.050051 Crossref PubMed Scopus (4166) Google Scholar ] toward a capacity-centred model [ [7] Araujo De Carvalho I. Martin C. Cesari M. Sumi Y. Thiyagarajan J.A. Beard J. Operationalising the concept of intrinsic capacity in clinical settings. Geneva, Switzerland. 2017 Google Scholar ]. Five key domains of intrinsic capacity include: cognition, mood, sensory, locomotion and vitality, with each domain influencing one another and interacting with environmental factors [ [8] Cesari M. Araujo De Carvalho I. Thiyagarajan J.A. Cooper C. Martin F.C. Reginster J.-Y. et al. Evidence for the domains supporting the construct of intrinsic capacity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2018; 00: 1-8https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly011 Crossref Scopus (212) Google Scholar ].

Geriatric assessment for older adults receiving less-intensive therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: report of CALGB 361101

AbstractGeriatric assessment (GA) predicts survival among older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated intensively. We evaluated the predictive utility of GA among older adults treated with low-intensity therapy on a multisite trial. We conducted a companion study (CALGB 361101) to a randomized phase 2 trial (CALGB 11002) of adults ≥60 years and considered “unfit” for intensive therapy, testing the efficacy of adding bortezomib to decitabine therapy. On 361101, GA and quality of life (QOL) assessment was administered prior to treatment and every other subsequent cycle. Relationships between baseline GA and QOL measures with survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards models. One-hundred sixty-five patients enrolled in CALGB 11002, and 96 (52%) of them also enrolled in 361101 (median age, 73.9 years). Among participants, 85.4% completed ≥1 baseline assessment. In multivariate analyses, greater comorbidity (hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index >3), worse cognition (Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration score >4), and lower European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer global QOL scores at baseline were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (P < .05 each) after adjustment for Karnofsky Performance Status, age, and treatment arm. Dependence in instrumental activities of daily living and cognitive impairment were associated with 6-month mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.5; confidence interval [CI], 1.2-10.4; and HR, 3.1; CI, 1.1-8.6, respectively). GA measures evaluating comorbidity, cognition, and self-reported function were associated with survival and represent candidate measures for screening older adults planned to receive lower-intensity AML therapies. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01420926 (CALGB 11002).

The predictive value of preoperative frailty screening for postoperative outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer

The predictive value of preoperative frailty screening for postoperative outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer

188 IMPROVING THE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF FALLS IN OLDER PEOPLE BY THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN THE HOME

Abstract Background Falls among older adults are the injury pattern that causes the most morbidity and mortality. Assessing and managing these in the patients’ homes is challenging; it requires a comprehensive, systematic approach. This quality Improvement Project used a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for older adults who have suffered fall, carried out by an Emergency Department in the Home (EDITH) practitioner in the patient’s home. Aim: To improve the evaluation and management of older people who have fallen and are attended to by the Emergency Department in the Home. Methods This OD project was carried out using the HSE People’s Needs Defining Change model. A new, streamlined version of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment tool was developed and introduced, and this was implemented and altered over two PDSA cycles. Results Documentation of falls improved dramatically, from a median of three out of 12 domains included to a median of 11 domains included. Users’ feedback helped the CGA evolve and was incredibly positive about the change. Conclusion This project shows that a CGA can be used successfully in patients’ own homes to assess risk factors for falling. The HSE’s People’s Needs Defining Change can be used to implement community-based projects. The community CGA tool could be explored by other areas and organisations in the future.

Systematic geriatric assessment for older patients with frailty in the emergency department: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundComprehensive geriatric assessment provided in hospital wards in frail patients admitted to hospital has been shown to reduce mortality and increase the likelihood of living at home later. Systematic geriatric assessment provided in emergency departments (ED) may be effective for reducing days in hospital and unnecessary hospital admissions, but this has not yet been proven in randomised trials.MethodsWe conducted a single-centre, randomised controlled trial with a parallel-group, superiority design in an academic hospital ED.ED patients aged ≥ 75 years who were frail, or at risk of frailty, as defined by the Clinical Frailty Scale, were included in the trial. Patients were recruited during the period between December 11, 2018 and June 7, 2019, and followed up for 365 days.For the intervention group, systematic geriatric assessment was added to their standard care in the ED, whereas the control group received standard care only.The primary outcome was cumulative hospital stay during 365-day follow-up. The secondary outcomes included: admission rate from the index visit, total hospital admissions, ED-readmissions, proportion of patients living at home at 365 days, 365-day mortality, and fall-related ED-visits.ResultsA total of 432 patients, 63 % female, with median age of 85 years, formed the analytic sample of 213 patients in the intervention group and 219 patients in the control group.Cumulative hospital stay during one-year follow-up as rate per 100 person-years for the intervention and control groups were: 3470 and 3149 days, respectively, with rate ratio of 1.10 (95 % confidence interval, 0.55–2.19, P = .78). Admission rates to hospital wards from the index ED visit for the intervention and control groups were: 62 and 70 %, respectively (P = .10). No significant differences were observed between the groups for any outcomes.ConclusionSystematic geriatric assessment for older adults with frailty in the ED did not reduce hospital stay during one-year follow-up. No statistically significant difference was observed for any secondary outcomes. More coordinated, continuous interventions should be tested for potential benefits in long-term outcomes.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number and date NCT03751319 23/11/2018).

Providing Medical Information to Older Adults in a Web-Based Environment: Systematic Review.

BackgroundCancer is a disease that predominantly affects older adults, and several organizations recommend the completion of a geriatric assessment to help with cancer treatment decision-making. Owing to a shortage of geriatric teams and the vast number of older adults diagnosed with cancer each year, a web-based geriatric assessment may improve access to geriatric assessment for older adults. We systematically reviewed the literature to obtain the latest evidence for the design of our web-based geriatric assessment tool Comprehensive Health Assessment for My Plan.ObjectiveThis review aimed to probe the following questions: what is the impact of providing health test results to older adults in a web-based environment without the presence of a health care provider for patient-centered outcomes, including satisfaction, perceived harm, empowerment, quality of life, and health care use (eg, hospitalization, physician visits, emergency room visits, and costs), and what recommendations do older adults and developers have for designing future apps or websites for older adults?MethodsThis systematic review was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) statement. Studies were limited to publications in English that examined a web-based tool that provided test results to older adults (aged ≥65 years) without the presence of a health care provider. A health sciences librarian performed the search on November 29, 2019, on the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018. The findings are summarized narratively and in tabular format.ResultsA total of 26,898 titles and abstracts were screened by 2 independent reviewers, of which 94 studies were selected for a full-text review, and 9 studies were included in this review. There were only 2 randomized controlled trials of high quality that explored the effects of receiving health care results on the web via eHealth tools for older adults or provided evidence-based recommendations for designing such tools. Older adults were generally satisfied with receiving screening results via eHealth tools, and several studies suggested that receiving health screening results electronically improved participants’ quality of life. However, user interfaces that were not designed with older adults in mind and older adults’ lack of confidence in navigating eHealth tools proved challenging to eHealth uptake and use. All 9 studies included in this systematic review made recommendations on how to design eHealth tools that are intuitive and useful for older adults.ConclusionseHealth tools should incorporate specific elements to ensure usability for older adults. However, more research is required to fully elucidate the impact of receiving screening and results via eHealth tools without the presence of a health care provider for patient-centered outcomes in this target population.

Methods for frailty screening and geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer.

This review highlights the latest development in the use of geriatric assessment(GA) and frailty assessment for older adults with cancer. From 2019, there were six large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) completed of GA for older adults with cancer, as well as several studies of frailty screening tools. The findings in this review highlight the benefits of implementing GA, followed by interventions to address the identified issues (GA -guided interventions). Four of six RCTs that implemented GA for older adults with cancer showed positive impact on various outcomes, including treatment toxicity and quality of life. GA implementation varied significantly between studies, from oncologist acting on GA summary, geriatrician comanagement, to full GA by a multidisciplinary team. However, there were several barriers reported to implementing GA for all older adults with cancer, such as access to geriatrics and resource issues. Future research needs to elucidate how to best operationalize GA in various cancer settings. The authors also reviewed frailty screening tools and latest evidence on their use and impact.