The role of the gerontologist in the assessment and implementation of multidisciplinary interventions among older adults with cancer: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among older adults in Latin America. In this study we evaluated the effect of the inclusion of gerontologists as part of an oncology clinic. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 with gastrointestinal cancer treated in a Mexican public hospital were included. Clinical and geriatric assessment data were collected, and geriatric syndromes were described. The implementation of geriatric interventions was recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty patients were included. 87% had colorectal neoplasms and 13% gastric tumors, 40% presenting metastatic disease. 37% were dependent on basic activities of daily living and 80% on instrumental activities. Interventions most commonly implemented by the gerontologist were aimed at mitigating urinary incontinence (80%), promoting exercise (70%), promoting vaccination (60%) and providing nutritional counseling (60%). Conclusions: Integrating gerontologists in an oncology clinic is feasible, allows for the identification of geriatric syndromes, and leads to the implementation of interventions.