Geriatric Assessment Screening Tool for the Identification of At-Risk Older Adults Who Are Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Overview

This phase II trial investigates how easy it is to incorporate a nursing led geriatric assessment screening tool into a busy oncology practice, in order to identify at-risk older adults being evaluated for cancer treatment. This screening tool may help identify at-risk patients who can be referred for more in depth assessment, allowing for the creation of an individualized treatment plan that puts the patient's safety and personal goals as a priority.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To determine the feasibility of training nurses to administer the Geriatric 8 (G8) screening tool in an oncology practice, to identify older patients (\> 65 years old \[y/o\]) that would benefit from a more extensive Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: I. To report the positive predictive value of the G8 screening tool with the final frailty designation determined by the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment completed in patients referred to the Senior Adult Oncology Center (SAOC). OUTLINE: PHASE I: Registered Nurses receive training on how to administer the G8 screening tool utilizing an Epic flowsheet to patients using a self-directed education module and by direct assessment by a geriatrician. PHASE II: Patients complete the G8 screening tool questionnaire over 10 minutes as part of their standard initial assessment, and their answers are entered into their electronic health record (EHR) flowsheet. Patients who score =\< 14 on the G8 are referred for a CGA at SAOC, and these patients and their medical oncologists are made aware. Within 2 weeks of the initial screening, the results are communicated with the patient and medical oncologist at a 2-hour SAOC visit. Patients with a score of \> 15 on the G8 are made aware of their results without any referral generated.