Older cancer patients face heightened treatment pressure due to age-related health issues
In a significant study published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology, researchers from Geisinger, a leading healthcare provider, have highlighted the need for interventions that reduce treatment burden among older adults with cancer, particularly in rural areas.
The study, led by Dr. Lars Lund, evaluated 73,395 Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older who had been diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The research team found that nearly two-thirds of the patients had multiple co-existing chronic conditions at the time of bladder cancer diagnosis.
The study revealed that the presence of multiple co-existing conditions had the largest effect on treatment burden, with each additional condition increasing the average number of health system contact days by 13%. Rural patients consistently had higher treatment burden than their urban counterparts, regardless of the number of chronic conditions reported.
Geisinger, based in Pennsylvania, is committed to making better health easier for patients age 65 and older and those with chronic conditions. Through innovative programs like 65 Forward Health Centers and Geisinger at Home, they are providing personalized care to those who need it most.
65 Forward Health Centers offer personalized primary care and wellness services for Geisinger Gold members. Geisinger at Home, on the other hand, brings care into the home for Geisinger Gold members with certain chronic conditions. This service is particularly beneficial for older adults who may find traveling to healthcare facilities challenging.
With over 1,600 employed physicians and nearly 24,000 employees, Geisinger serves more than 1 million people. The organisation also operates nine hospital campuses and has a health plan with over half a million members. Geisinger's commitment to its community is further evident in its significant economic contributions. Each year, Geisinger contributes billions of dollars to its hometown economies in Pennsylvania.
In addition to its clinical work, Geisinger also boasts the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and a Research Institute, both dedicated to advancing healthcare knowledge and improving patient care.
The study about bladder cancer in older adults was published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology with the DOI 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.04.005. In a separate study, the research team led by Dr. Lund also found increased healthcare contact frequency in older patients with bladder cancer, with the results published in the journal "European Urology."
This research underscores Geisinger's dedication to improving healthcare for older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions. By providing innovative solutions like 65 Forward Health Centers and Geisinger at Home, Geisinger is setting a new standard for patient-centered care.
