Frederique Retornaz1, Valerie Seux, Vanessa Pauly, Jacques Soubeyrand. 1. Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Sainte-Marguerite, 270 Boulevard de Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseilles, France. frederique.retornaz@free.fr
Abstract
PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to characterize an elderly population admitted to an Acute Care for Elders Unit (ACE) and to determine their trajectory as well as the prevalence of functional dependencies. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 186 older cancer inpatients, admitted over a period of 30 months. Demographic and oncologic data, reasons for admission, and geriatric assessment (comorbidity, dependency, medication, nutritional status, neurosensory deficits, cognition, mood, and mobility) were recorded. RESULTS: Older cancer inpatients presented a high prevalence of disability, impaired mobility, malnutrition, and depression. Reasons for admission were mostly due to non-specific symptoms. For one-third of the patients, hospitalization led to the diagnosis of cancer. Patients already diagnosed with cancer presented advanced stage disease and progressive disease; only a few received specific care. CONCLUSION: Older cancer inpatients seen in ACE present numerous geriatric problems, non-specific symptoms, and advanced disease.
PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to characterize an elderly population admitted to an Acute Care for Elders Unit (ACE) and to determine their trajectory as well as the prevalence of functional dependencies. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 186 older cancer inpatients, admitted over a period of 30 months. Demographic and oncologic data, reasons for admission, and geriatric assessment (comorbidity, dependency, medication, nutritional status, neurosensory deficits, cognition, mood, and mobility) were recorded. RESULTS: Older cancer inpatients presented a high prevalence of disability, impaired mobility, malnutrition, and depression. Reasons for admission were mostly due to non-specific symptoms. For one-third of the patients, hospitalization led to the diagnosis of cancer. Patients already diagnosed with cancer presented advanced stage disease and progressive disease; only a few received specific care. CONCLUSION: Older cancer inpatients seen in ACE present numerous geriatric problems, non-specific symptoms, and advanced disease.
Authors: Marije E Hamaker; Bianca M Buurman; Barbara C van Munster; Ingeborg M J A Kuper; Carolien H Smorenburg; Sophia E de Rooij Journal: Oncologist Date: 2011-09-13