2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP10.01-012. Geriatric Assessment in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery and Their Family Caregivers

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This study examined the geriatric assessment (GA) measures of lung cancer patients and their family caregivers (FCGs) before surgery. The GA tool included various measures such as instrumental activities of daily living, physical health scale, social activity limitations, social support, performance rating, and more. The study enrolled 122 patients and 122 FCGs, with FCGs being younger on average. Patients had worse baseline scores compared to FCGs in terms of physical functioning, comorbidities, and social support. FCGs also reported deficits in social activity limitations and social support. <br /><br />The study is part of a larger trial of a self-management intervention for lung cancer surgery patients and their FCGs. The intervention arm receives a handbook, videos, and self-management coaching, while the control arm receives information about clinical trials. The primary endpoint of the trial is quality of life (QOL) at 3 months post-surgery. This interim analysis focused on the baseline GA measures.<br /><br />The authors highlight that FCGs play a vital role in supporting lung cancer patients but may also experience significant distress themselves. The study found that FCGs often have geriatric deficits, even though they tended to be younger and had better GA scores than patients. GAs for lung cancer FCGs can help identify their unique needs and concerns related to caregiving. The ongoing study aims to correlate GA with FCGs' quality of life outcomes.<br /><br />Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of assessing the geriatric needs of lung cancer patients and their FCGs, as well as the potential impact on their quality of life. It suggests that GAs can provide valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by FCGs and inform interventions to support their well-being. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between GA and FCG outcomes. This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Asset Subtitle

Jae Yul Kim

Meta Tag

Speaker Jae Yul Kim

Topic Palliative and Supportive Care

Keywords

geriatric assessment

lung cancer patients

family caregivers

surgery

instrumental activities of daily living

physical health scale

social activity limitations

social support

performance rating

self-management intervention