Mohile SG, Epstein RM, Hurria A, Heckler CE, Canin B, Culakova E, Duberstein P, Gilmore N, Xu H, Plumb S, Wells M, Lowenstein LM, Flannery MA, Janelsins M, Magnuson A, Loh KP, Kleckner AS, Mustian KM, Hopkins JO, Liu JJ, Geer J, Gorawara-Bhat R, Morrow GR, Dale W. Communication With Older Patients With Cancer Using Geriatric Assessment: A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial From the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program. JAMA Oncol. 2019 Nov 7:1-9. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.4728. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31697365.
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Article Highlight
Age-related challenges—including memory loss, limited caregiver availability, or chronic conditions—can affect how older adults respond to treatment for cancer, but physicians sometimes aren’t aware of them. The COACH Study wanted to see if a report about issues related to a patient’s age would improve care-planning communication among the patient, caregiver, and doctor. As reported in JAMA Oncology, compared with patients without a report, patients who had one were engaged in and more satisfied with conversations with their physician.