Survey on current clinical practice in geriatric oncology: the individual experience in five European Cancer Centers

AimTo gather information from clinicians on how geriatric oncology models of care have emerged in different European countries and describe current practice in this clinical area.FindingsInterdisciplinary models of care in geriatric oncology are perceived to present benefits in terms of quality of care and increase professional satisfaction among team members.MessageSupporting models that promote Person-Centered Care and professional satisfaction could represent an opportunity to retain healthcare workforce. PurposeTo gather information from clinicians on how geriatric oncology models of care have emerged in different European countries and describe current practice in this clinical area.MethodsA semi-structured online interview was performed, exploring aspects related to implementation, perceived quality of care, and professional satisfaction.ResultsThe centers participating in this interview showed significant differences in terms of resource allocation, team members, components of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), and CGA-driven interventions. High levels of professional satisfaction were expressed by all participants. This was deemed a consequence of a perception of increased quality in the provision of care and enhanced educational and academic opportunities.ConclusionInterdisciplinary models of care in geriatric oncology, regardless of implementation details, seem to provide grounds for increased professional satisfaction and perception of better provision of quality of care. These characteristics could support promoting and further developing similar collaborations on a wider scale.