The purpose of this multi-phase research study is to understand how consultation of cancer care with a geriatrician can best improve outcomes for older adults with gastrointestinal malignancies.
This research study will be conducted in three phases: * Phase 1 - Needs assessment and implementation plan * Phase 2 - Pilot Intervention * Phase 3 - Expanded Clinical Trial * Please note Phase 2 - Pilot Intervention and Phase 3 - Expanded Clinical Trial will be added to the clinicaltrials.gov record once Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved. Phase 1 is composed of three aims and will inform the subsequent two phases:. * Aim 1: To evaluate the perceived needs of Older Adults diagnosed with gastrointestinal malignancies, caregivers, staff, and faculty to characterize the implementation setting for a geriatric consultation. * Aim 2: To refine the proposed REACH program implementation plan based on qualitative feedback provided by Older Adult (OA) patients, their identified caregivers, staff, and faculty. * Aim 3: Determine the patient, demographic, social determinants, clinical and disease characteristics of Older Adults (OA) associated with ED visits/hospitalization following initial oncology consultation at DF/BWCC in year 2019. * Phase 2 intervention has started as of January 2022 following IRB approval. Study team has begun recruiting participants into Phase 2 intervention of REACH study starting in January 2022. Participants approached by REACH coordinator for consenting and enrollment after their initial consult visit at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (DF/BWCC). Participants are then asked to complete an electronic fitness assessment (EFA) that is sent to them via Patient Gateway. Participants complete this questionnaire and receive a score of "Robust", "Pre-frail", or "Frail" - those who score "Pre-frail" or "Frail" will be randomized to meet with a study geriatrician for geriatric co-management intervention alongside their standard oncology care. All enrolled participants will be followed for a duration of 1 year as they are continuing care at DF/BWCC.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
147
Participants will complete an electronic fitness assessment questionnaire - once completed, they will receive a score of "Robust", "Pre-Frail" or "Frail". Those who are "Pre-frail" or "Frail" will be randomized to meet with a study geriatrician for geriatric co-management in addition to usual oncology care. All participants will be followed for a duration of 1 year.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGFeasibility of electronic fitness assessment questionnaire (developed from Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment tool)
EFA questionnaire deployed to older adult patients age 70+ in the REACH study. Feasibility will be determined by the proportion of participants who consent to complete the electronic fitness assessment. The intervention will be considered feasible if 70% of participants consent to complete the fitness assessment.
Time frame: 1 year
Acceptability of electronic fitness assessment questionnaire
Acceptability of electronic fitness assessment questionnaire via the Patient Portal or internet-enabled device following second clinic visit among older adults diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer seeking consultation at DF/BWCC for medical, radiation, or surgical oncology. Acceptability will be determined by the proportion of participants who fully complete the EFA. The intervention will be considered acceptable if 60% of enrolled participants fully complete the EFA within 14 days of enrollment.
Time frame: 1 year
Association of geriatric consultation with number of unplanned ED visits/hospitalizations among older adult participants
Association of geriatrician consult with number of ED visits/hospitalizations among older adults diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer randomized to the geriatric consultation intervention. Randomization will be essential to evaluate the efficacy of geriatric consultation intervention in impacting unplanned ED visits and hospitalizations.
Time frame: 1 year
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