Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

3-27-2013

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Advisors:

Nancy L. Chernett, MD, MPH (Capstone Chair)

Tarae Waddell-Terry, MS (Capstone preceptor)

Christine Arenson, MD and Christine Hsieh, MD

Abstract

Older adults have higher cancer rates than younger adults. Treating geriatric cancer patients is a challenge because they present with comorbidities, poly-pharmacy, physical frailty, and/or cognitive impairment. The interprofessional oncology treatment team may not be adequately trained to meet the special needs of geriatric cancer patients. The EPaD GEC focuses on interprofessional geriatric education targeting students, faculty and practitioners by developing and disseminating interprofessional geriatric training programs, including self-directed online learning modules. The Geriatric Oncology Care Module focuses on specialized considerations in the treatment/care of older cancer patients. The purpose of this project is to develop a Geriatric Oncology toolkit as a companion to the online learning module, and assess its benefits for enhancement of interdisciplinary health providers’ knowledge and ability to assist older adult cancer patients and their families. Specific aims are to evaluate the organizational utility and content of the toolkit from the perspective of healthcare providers and student and its ability to improve their knowledge of resources for older cancer patients/families. A qualitative and quantitative survey was administered to a convenience sample of 23 interprofessional healthcare students and practitioners. Results using Survey Monkey demonstrate that practitioners from geriatric-related specialties are more familiar with the content, that the toolkit can improve efficiency and effectiveness, and an overall satisfaction with organizational utility and content. Results support the following recommendations to the EPaD GEC: use of toolkit as a training tool for residents and fellows in Oncology, Geriatrics, and Family Medicine, and targeted dissemination to practitioners in the same sub-specialties. There is a continuing need to educate interprofessional health care providers on the specialized needs of older cancer patients.

45 PowerPoint slides (no audio).

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