Interdisciplinary provider visits attenuate relationship between patient concerns and distress in older adults with cancer.

PURPOSE

This study examined the relationship between multidimensional patient concerns and anxiety and depression in a national sample of older adults with cancer (OACs ≥ 65 years) and the buffering effect of visiting providers across disciplines (e.g., oncology, allied health, primary care, mental health) on these relationships.

METHODS

Participants completed a cross-sectional survey through the Cancer Support Community's Cancer Experience Registry (CER), an online community-based research initiative. Eligible participants were 65 years and older and diagnosed with cancer in the past five years. Participants completed self-report measures of (1) the severity of their concerns across multiple domains, (2) anxiety and depression, and (3) whether they received care for "symptoms and side effects" from various providers.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 277 OACs; 45% endorsed elevated anxiety and 31% endorsed elevated depression. The most severe concerns were in the domains of body image and healthy lifestyle and symptom burden and impact. More severe concerns were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. The relationship between concern severity and distress was weaker in OACs who saw a palliative care, mental health, physical or occupational therapy provider, pharmacist, or primary care provider relative to OACs who did not. A visit with an oncology provider did not moderate most relationships between concerns and distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between OACs' concerns and distress was attenuated by treatment with a specialty provider. Interdisciplinary team care may be a vital component of comprehensive patient-centered care for OACs.