A patient co-led project to set care and research priorities for older adults with cancer

Résumé fourni par la source

INTRODUCTION: Older adults with cancer face unique challenges, including complex needs and systemic barriers to care. These factors affect their medical treatment decisions and overall quality of life, while caregivers face concurrent burdens. Building on a multi-phase, patient- and community-engaged project, this survey study aimed to validate and rank research and care priorities for older adults with cancer in British Columbia, Canada generated from our earlier work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with healthcare professionals, older adults with cancer, caregivers, and community members recruited from health and community organizations. Respondents completed a 19-item online survey with five open-ended questions. Respondents rated and ranked six care and six research priorities identified from our previous work. Quantitative analysis utilized descriptive statistics to assess the significance of priorities, while thematic analysis examined factors influencing respondents' prioritization and decision-making. RESULTS: Data from106 respondents were analyzed. Financial barriers (e.g., medication costs, transportation, housing) was identified as the top care priority, followed by continuity of care. The highest-ranked research priority was implementing geriatric assessment and co-management by interdisciplinary teams. Open-ended responses emphasized financial strain, the need for holistic and culturally competent care, and challenges older adults face navigating fragmented healthcare systems. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the need for integrated geriatric oncology services that address financial, cultural, and systemic barriers. These priorities provide a foundation for developing tailored interventions and policies to improve cancer care for older adults in Canada. Differences in rankings across groups have methodological implications for inclusive, patient and community-engaged research.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.