Cancer in home care: unintended weight loss and ethical challenges. A cross-sectional study of older people at 11 sites in Europe

Cancer in home care: unintended weight loss and ethical challenges. A cross-sectional study of older people at 11 sites in Europe

Author:
Publication type: 
Journal Article
Year: 
2011
InterRAI Authors: 
Journal/Series title: 
Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics
Volume number: 
53
Issue: 
1
Pages: 
64-9
ISSN/ISBN: 
1872-6976
Abstract: 

The aim of this study was to compare unintended weight loss in cancer patients to other elderly. Home care users, aged >65 from urban areas at 11 sites in Europe (N=4010) were assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care. Epidemiological and medical characteristics of clients and service utilization were recorded. A total of 321 (8%) patients had a cancer diagnosis; they were on average 80.4+/-7.3 years. Socio-demographic, functional and clinical parameters revealed small variations in the two groups. Compared to the non-cancer group, they more frequently suffered from: severe malnutrition (odds ratio=OR=2.4) unintended weight loss (OR=2.0), had been hospitalized during the last 6 months (OR=1.8). Older patients with cancer suffer more frequently from problems associated with nutrition than non-cancer patients. A comprehensive assessment could lead to better management of food and fluid supply based on basic ethical principles.Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.