Specialties

Specialties - Allergy and Immunology, Anesthesiology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Breast Medical Oncology, Breast Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Critical Care, Dentistry, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, ENT, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, General Surgery, Genitourinary Oncology, Geriatric Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Head and Neck Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hematology, Hepatology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Integrative Medicine, Internal Medicine, Interventional Radiology, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Nephrology, Neurology, Neuro-Oncology, Neurosurgery, Oncology and Hematology, Ophthalmology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Psychiatry, Pulmonary Medicine, Pulmonology, Radiation Oncology, Rheumatology, Sleep Medicine, Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery

Overview

Aging is a risk factor for the development of cancer. As the United States population ages, the need for clinicians skilled in the care of older adults with cancer increases. Research, however, suggests that common geriatric syndromes along with many psychosocial needs of older adult oncology patients are often unintentionally overlooked or under-addressed. This evidence-based course is designed to optimize the care of older adult oncology patients by advancing the knowledge and expertise of advanced practice providers.

A general overview of key geriatric oncology topics will be provided, including the use of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, communication strategies in the assessment of older adults, and resilience. Additionally, psychosocial aspects of care will be addressed, including ethical and legal concerns related to older adults, the importance of social supports, and identification of depression in this population. Content proficiency will be assessed with pre- and post-course evaluations.

Cancer care, from the patient and family caregiver perspective, will be discussed by members of the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality (PFACQ) at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Founded in 2015, and sponsored by the Division of Quality and Safety, PFACQ is a partnership of current and former patients, family members, caregivers, and clinical and administrative staff that seeks to integrate the patient, family, and caregiver perspective into every aspect of MSK’s efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure cancer.

Keynote Presenter

We are pleased to announce Carolyn Clancy, MD as this year's keynote speaker. Dr. Clancy is a healthcare researcher and current Assistant Under Secretary for Health (AUSH) for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks (DEAN) at Veterans Health Administration (VHA). She will share her expertise and insights on consumer engagement in healthcare.

Virtual Instructions and Online Syllabus

This course will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendee instructions, including the Zoom link, will be emailed to attendees prior to the start of the program.

After the conclusion of this course, attendees will receive access to an online syllabus, which will include video recordings of the presentations from the live program.

Target Audience

This course is intended for healthcare professionals who work with or have an interest in working with older cancer patients.

Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of the comprehensive geriatric assessment
Utilize effective communication strategies in the assessment of older adult patients
Demonstrate knowledge of the psychosocial needs of the older adult with cancer
Define the concept of resiliency in the older adult
Recognize the value of collaboration in the care of older adults with cancer
Discuss cancer care from the patient and family caregiver perspective