Geriatric Assessment via Telehealth Feasible for Older Adults With Cancer

Study results presented at the virtual Oncology Nursing Society Congress found an advanced practice nurse-led clinic conducted through telehealth could safely perform geriatric assessment implementation, reports Healio . The clinic optimized engagement and communication among patients, family members, and caregivers while enabling collaboration with members of both the primary and multidisciplinary care teams. The researchers used electronic medical records to conduct geriatric assessments and facilitate interventions for patients on a telehealth platform. They offered 50 patients 65 and older a traditional in-person clinic visit or a tele-video visit through the hospital's telehealth platform between September 2019 and February 2021. Half the patients chose geriatric assessments via usual care and the other half opted for telehealth assessment. The investigators expect no difference in provision of care between groups. "The results showed we can provide the gold standard of care for the older adult with cancer with the implementation of a geriatric assessment in both settings of telehealth and usual care," said Leana Cabrera Chien, geriatric nurse practitioner at City of Hope.