Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Most cancer treatment is provided in the ambulatory setting; thus, it is important to know what issues ambulatory oncology nurses identify in their practice with older cancer patients as well as resources that are helpful or are needed. An expert panel and two focus groups informed the development of a item survey scored on a 5-point Likert-type agreement scale and two open-ended questions.
Psychometric testing and descriptive statistics summarized the quantitative responses. Using thematic analysis, we identified the themes from the open-ended responses. The survey demonstrated good psychometric qualities. Although most perceived their geriatric practice environment favorably, nurses recognized the complexity of caring for older adults with cancer.
They identified gaps in care such as the need for geriatric specialists and better community resources, paid by insurance. Nurses need more time in the clinic to address complex advanced care planning, symptom burden and home services of older adults with cancer. Each institution should seek feedback from nurses to guide resource allocation. Cancer disproportionately affects older persons. Thus, comprehensive geriatric assessment CGA is recommended by the U.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network to identify the unique multidimensional impairments of older cancer patients that may lead to treatment-related toxicities, postoperative complications and reduced function. Not all cancer centers, however, have a geriatric consultation service or other services specific to meet the needs of this population. Gero-oncology nurse leaders advocate the critical role of ambulatory nurses in incorporating CGA into their practice as well their role in facilitating the interdisciplinary team to implement recommendations based on the CGA.
Despite these initiatives, it is not known if nurses are utilizing these resources in practice. Most cancer diagnostic and treatment services are provided in the ambulatory setting; thus, it is important to know what issues ambulatory oncology nurses identify in their practice with older cancer patients as well as resources that are helpful or needed.
