Abstract 1860P
Background
For the majority of geriatric patients with cancer throughout the world, everyday reality still is never receiving any form of geriatric assessment. Lack of time and human resources, the complexity of geriatric tests and financial issues are reasons frequently cited for not performing these geriatric evaluations. To circumvent these constraints, we devised a realistic designed geriatric assessment (RDGA) with the purpose of efficiently and in a short time, evaluate the most critical geriatric domains, extracting crucial information with the least use of human and financial resources. We assessed the capacity of our RDGA to help the oncology team to design tailored medical decisions to our patients, as well as implement essential preventive measures before or concomitant to planned treatment(s).
Methods
Previously to the first patient consultation, the Nurse applied the RDGA consisting of: a) Gait speed analysis (4 meters test), b) Polypharmacy questionary, c) Mini-nutritional assessment, d) Geriatric depression scale-5 (GDS-5) and, e) Mini-Cog. We analyzed the descriptive statistics of our population and the results of the RDGA, with particular attention to time to complete the assessments.
Results
In six months, we evaluated 61 patients (59% women) >60 years-old. The mean age was 74 years (range 62-92). The mean time to complete the RDGA was 9.5 minutes (range 5-16). Treatment was palliative in 49% of patients. According to gait speed, 36% of patients were fit (≥ 1m/s), 41% pre-frail (< 1m/s > 0.6m/s) and 23% frail (≤ 0.6m/s). Mini-Cog and GDS-5 were positive in 45% and 25% of patients. Nutritional risk and polypharmacy (> 3 medications) were present in 62% and 48% of patients, respectively. Table: 1860P
Demographic and characteristics of patients
| Characteristic | 61 pts |
| Median age | 72 years (62-92) |
| Palliative intention of treatment | 30 pts (49%) |
| Mean time to perform RDGA | 9,5 min (5-16) |
| Mean time Speed gait | 0.93m/s (0,19-1,69) |
| Fit (>1m/s) | 22 pts (36%) |
| Pre-frail (<1 m/s > 0.6m/s) | 25 pts (41%) |
| Frail (<0.6 m/s) | 14 pts (23%) |
| Polypharmacy (>3 medications) | 29 pts (48%) |
| Risk of malnutrition | 38 pts (62%) |
| Risk of depression | 15 pts (25%) |
| Risk of cognitive impairment or dementia | 27 (45%) |
Conclusions
As described, The RDGA is not only feasible and effective but also practical. Speedily, in only 10 minutes medium time, It unveils critical pieces of clinical information for the oncology team and is highly suitable for use in busy oncology units where resources are scarce.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.