Patient and staff perspectives on the concept of frailty and its role in assessment and decision making in treatment for older people with lung cancer

WARNOCK, Clare, ULMAN, Janet, SKILBECK, Julie and TOD, Angela (2024). Patient and staff perspectives on the concept of frailty and its role in assessment and decision making in treatment for older people with lung cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing (EJON), 71: 102611.

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Abstract

Purpose: Frailty influences outcomes in patients with cancer and should be considered when making decisions about treatment but concerns have been raised about possible negative consequences of doing this. Many patients with lung cancer have attributes of frailty and this study explores patient and staff perspectives on its role in decision making in older people with lung cancer. Methods: The study adopted a two-phase qualitative approach using semi-structured telephone interviews and an in-person focus group. Data was analysed using framework techniques. Results: Three key themes were identified: describing frailty, assessing frailty and perceptions of frailty. Each presented opportunities and challenges for using frailty in the context of treatment decision making. Frailty was described in relation to diverse attributes which made it difficult to define and assess. It was also associated with negative connotations, particularly by patients. Conclusion: Frailty has the potential to inform decision making that balances the wish to provide optimum treatment against risks to patients who may not be able to tolerate it. The challenge for healthcare staff is to incorporate frailty assessment into clinical practice in a way that is acceptable to patients and avoids potential unintended harms.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1110 Nursing; 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis; Nursing; 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis; 4203 Health services and systems; 4205 Nursing
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102611
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	23 May 2024 09:47
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2024 14:31
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33751

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