Enhanced supportive care of older adults with cancer at AWRCC

HRICS provided funding and support for the implementation of an enhanced supportive care service based at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC). The aim was to screen, assess and provide extra support for those patients aged 70 years or older with a diagnosis of cancer (55 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients), identifying and providing additional supports to improve overall fitness to deal with the effects of cancer treatment.

Patients were screened using the G8 screening tool. Supportive care staff undertook a geriatric assessment, for patients with a score of 14 or less and those patients aged 85 or older. The assessment comprised an electronic Rapid Fitness Assessment (eRFA), which could be clinician- or patient/carer-completed, a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to assess mobility, and a ‘Mini-Cog’/clock draw to identify changes in cognition. Results were discussed at a weekly supportive care meeting, with the clinician completing the assessment responsible for following up with appropriate referrals.

This project provided the evidence for a successful application for resources to continue this work on an ongoing basis.