Patient-Centered Care for the Older Adult With Hematologic Malignancy

Older adults have unique health concerns, and in particular, older adults with blood cancers
may have different disease and other health related issues than younger adults with similar
diagnoses. One aspect of aging which can make older adults more vulnerable is frailty.
Frailty is a general term that describes a decline in multiple areas of health, including the
loss of energy, physical ability, and mental ability. Frailty can make it difficult for
patients with cancer to respond to treatment and more likely to have side effects. On the
other hand, many older patients are not frail despite advanced age. This study is being done
to determine if co-management by a geriatrician of older adults who are found to be frail
through a detailed baseline assessment can improve outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

- All patients aged 75 and older who present for an initial consultation at the
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center for hematologic malignancy
(transplantation consultation excluded).

- Assessed to be pre-frail or frail on formal baseline geriatric assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Not willing to participate