Palliative and supportive care issues: breaking the silence

ARTICLE IN PRESS ABSTRACTS cancer information topics and (b) the satisfaction with the information received. The tool was completed while the patient was waiting in the clinic reception area. Subsequently, a focus group was held to explore the potential reasons for the ratings on the satisfaction items and ideas for improving the provision of information to this group of patients. The discussion was tape record for later transcription. Results: The patients rated all topic areas as important with the items concerning cancer, cancer treatments, side effects of cancer treatment, and pain as most important. Across all topic areas, ratings for satisfaction were lower than those for importance. Overall, women rated all the items as more important than did the men, although the satisfaction scores for both men and women were similar. During the focus group discussion, patients talked about their experiences receiving information in the outpatient clinic at a time when they were coming to terms with their cancer diagnosis. Barriers for this group of older adults included the busy nature of the environment, the speed with which staff members talked, the medical language with many new words, and the overwhelming amount of information that was provided. Conclusion: Clearly, older adults believe cancerrelated information is important, However, providing information to this group of cancer patients requires special attention to their capacity to attend to, and comprehend, information during times of distress. 10.1016/j.ejon.2006.04.010

Palliative and supportive care issues: Breaking the silence D.S. Pramod, R.S. Rahul, P.S. Vaishali Health Alert Organisation of India [NGO], Community Care, Dhule, India Issues: Relationship between nursing personnel and palliative care team is very important, providing continuity of care, relief from hopelessness and smooth transition from diagnosis to death. Qualitative collaborative relationship between these makes elderly patients life bearable. This strategy provides support for old age patients and their families. This presentation outlines the extensive and developing collaborative working relationship between a NGO-based nursing personnel and palliative care team. Recognition and treatment of depression in cancer of elderly remains a neglected area, despite its negative impact on quality of life

217 of patients with incurable disease. For patients with advanced cancer, it is often assumed that depression is an inevitable sequel to diagnosis and that treatment of mood disorder is unnecessary or impractical. Diagnosis and management of mood disorder of elderly should be a high priority. Retrospective analysis of many studies in past have shown—that this step improves quality of life and moral attitude to fight cancer of elderly. Average survival rate with advanced cancer is 7–16 months. Aims: To describe issues of palliative and supportive care in elderly patients. To also observe nature of relationship between a cancer-care-nurse and Palliative care team. To evolve combined working pattern for patients and families, and to achieve effective degree of communication. Methods: A retrospective analysis of three major cancer data base to establish between April 2003 till October 2005. During course of study it was also noted that chemotherapy is not only frequently used for palliation in advanced disease and more acceptable for use in early stage disease as part of multimodality treatment concepts. Many older patients have additional complex medical problems that must be considered accordingly. Results: Two hundred and eighteen oral cancer, 68 colon cancer, 55 lung cancer patients evaluated. Opinion evaluation for 25 nursing personnel from palliative care team. Main issues of concern were: (1) illness and coping with their feelings. (2) Initial impact of diagnosis and a search for solution? Expectations for future life and its quality? (3) Concerns of social stigma and cost of RX. Conclusion: Relationship between nurse and palliative care team is crucial. This relationship provides support for nurse and continuous care for both patient and their families. 10.1016/j.ejon.2006.04.011

The assessment of clinical resources in a senior adult oncology program D. Johnson, J. Blair, L. Balducci, M. Extermann, T. Crocker, M. Mcginnis, P. Vranas, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Senior Adult Oncology, Tampa, Florida, USA Introduction/purpose/objective: The purpose of this exercise in clinical data collection was to