Implementing nurse-led geriatric screening and management with older adults with lung cancer as part of team-based care: a quality improvement project
Co-Leads: Bonnie Leung (BCC), Dr. Jamie Feng (Medical Oncologist)
Supported by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) Physician Quality Improvement Initiative, we are piloting routine geriatric screening and management of older adults with lung cancer in the ambulatory care unit (ACU). Our ACU team RNs are adopting the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology Toolkit, refining the screening process in their daily practice, and developing care pathways within our local context.
Background
In British Columbia (BC), ~65% of new diagnosis of cancer are among adults age 65 or older. The older adult population is diverse with multifarious health and social care needs. Older adults are often under-represented in clinical trials, resulting in suboptimal treatment of their cancer and worse outcomes compared to younger people. Many oncology professional organizations recommend routine geriatric assessment and management for old adults with cancer and there are specialized programs in central Canada but there are no specialized services in BC.
Goal
Develop a standardized workflow within team-based care than can be implemented with other tumour sites and across all BC Cancer centres.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about this project please contact Bonnie Leung at bonnie.leung@bccancer.bc.ca
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