Decision-Making Process in Older Adults with Cancer and Frailty

Marije E. Hamaker, Grant Punnett, Janelle Yorke, Fabio Gomes

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingChapter in an edited book (as author)Academic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Older patients with frailty present additional factors to be considered when making decisions about cancer treatment that can increase uncertainty about the best course of action to take. Frailty can be due to decreased reserves and comorbid conditions across somatic, psychosocial and functional domains. Each of these aspects can affect prognosis and remaining life expectancy, risk of complications and a patient’s ability to tolerate treatment as well as patient priorities and preferences. In addition, factors related to disease, treatment and the physician, further contribute to the challenge of shared decision-making for this growing patient population. This chapter discusses all these factors in more detail, highlighting how they may affect the decision-making process or present a barrier to incorporating shared decision-making into consultations with older cancer patients with frailty. Furthermore, the chapter proposes key questions that can support the patient and the multidisciplinary team in optimising the shared decision-making process in this complex setting.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFrailty in Older Adults with Cancer
PublisherSpringer International Publishing AG
Pages203-218
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9783030891626
ISBN (Print)9783030891619
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Frailty
  • Older
  • Oncology
  • Patient preferences
  • Shared decision-making

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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