Tailor-Made for Older Adults, New Tools Improve Doctor-Customer Relations

A study in JAMA Oncology shows that when doctors fully appreciate the concerns of older adults with cancer, it improves care and customer satisfaction, reports EurekAlert . The research involved assessing geriatric assessment (GA) for meaningfully directing cancer care for vulnerable seniors. GA can tailor care and encourage better conversations between physicians, patients, and their families. "We've shown that we can modify the behavior of oncologists if they have the right tools and guidance," said Wilmot Cancer Institute Professor Supriya Mohile. "And when oncologists are better informed about the special needs of their older adult customers, everyone's experience is much improved." The researchers suggested a GA summary should be considered standard care for seniors with cancer, and suitable interventions based on the report should be applied on an as-needed basis.