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Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Garman, KS; McConnell, ES; Cohen, HJ
Published in: Crit Rev Oncol Hematol
September 2004

PURPOSE: To describe patterns of functional status, symptoms, therapeutic goals and outcomes among older adults with cancer diagnoses hospitalized on a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU). DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of veterans with a cancer diagnosis consecutively admitted to a Department of Veterans Affairs GEMU between 1996 and 1999. RESULTS: Thirty-six veterans with cancer diagnoses, average age of 80+/-5.0 years, 100% men, 50% white, 39% married were admitted during the target period. Comorbid illness was common (mean +/- S.D. = 4.6+/-2.0) as were associated symptoms (mean = 2.5+/-1.9). Average Karnofsky performance status was 55+/-7. Goals were accomplished 78% of the time for diagnosis, 73% for symptom management, 79% for functional improvement, and 100% for disposition/caregiver support. IMPLICATIONS: Elderly oncology patients admitted to a GEMU display diverse needs and goals that are realistic and attainable in this context. In-patient GEMU services represent a promising approach to care for older cancer patients, and deserve further evaluation of benefits and risks.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol

DOI

ISSN

1040-8428

Publication Date

September 2004

Volume

51

Issue

3

Start / End Page

241 / 247

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Veterans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • North Carolina
  • Neoplasms
  • Male
  • Karnofsky Performance Status
 

Citation

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Garman, K. S., McConnell, E. S., & Cohen, H. J. (2004). Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 51(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2004.03.002
Garman, Katherine Schuver, Eleanor S. McConnell, and Harvey Jay Cohen. “Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care.Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 51, no. 3 (September 2004): 241–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2004.03.002.
Garman, Katherine Schuver, et al. “Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care.Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, vol. 51, no. 3, Sept. 2004, pp. 241–47. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2004.03.002.
Journal cover image

Published In

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol

DOI

ISSN

1040-8428

Publication Date

September 2004

Volume

51

Issue

3

Start / End Page

241 / 247

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Veterans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • North Carolina
  • Neoplasms
  • Male
  • Karnofsky Performance Status