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Geriatric Syndromes in Elderly Patients Admitted to an Oncology–Acute Care for Elders Unit

Kellie L. Flood, Maria B. Carroll, Cyndi V. Le, Linda Ball, Debbie A. Esker, David B. Carr

From the Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO

Address reprint requests to Kellie L. Flood, MD, Washington University School of Medicine, 4488 Forest Park Blvd, Ste 201, St Louis, MO 63144; e-mail: kflood{at}im.wustl.edu

Purpose The goal of this study was to characterize an elderly population admitted to a novel Oncology–Acute Care for Elders (OACE) unit, determine the prevalence of functional dependencies and geriatric syndromes, and examine their suitability for an interdisciplinary model of care.

Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 119 patients age 65 years or older who had a primary oncologic or hematologic diagnosis and were admitted to the OACE Unit. Standard geriatric screens were administered to assess mood, functional, and cognitive status. Demographic and medical data were compiled by review of patients' medical records.

Results The mean age of the patients was 74.1 years (standard deviation, 5.9 years). The sample was predominantly white, of equal sex, had limitations in instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and a mean length of stay of 6 days. Geriatric syndromes detected by the OACE interdisciplinary team included cognitive impairment (dementia and/or delirium), depression, weight loss, and use of high-risk medications. Adverse events such as falls, restraint use, and pressure sores were rare.

Conclusion In this descriptive study, many older cancer patients were found to have geriatric syndromes by the OACE team and these patients were considered appropriate for an interdisciplinary model of care. Additional studies are needed to compare the outcomes of hospitalized older oncology patients receiving an OACE intervention with those patients receiving usual care.

Supported by grants from the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation and the Division of State, Community, and Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), under Grant No. K01HP00079-01. The content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of the BHPr, HRSA, DHHS, or the US Government, nor should any endorsements be inferred.

Presented in part as posters at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, Las Vegas, NV, April 30-May 4, 2004, and at the Geriatric Oncology Consortium Multi-Disciplinary Conference, Washington, DC, September 9-12, 2004.

Authors' disclosures of potential conflicts of interest and author contributions are found at the end of this article.

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