Geriatric Oncology Pilot Project at Western District Health Service

Australia’s aging population has led to a marked increase in cancer diagnoses among individuals aged 70 years and older.

This demographic group encounters distinct challenges stemming from aged-related health conditions, cognitive impairments, and psychosocial factors, which may influence treatment tolerance and overall quality of life.

In 2023, Western District Health Service (WDHS) provided cancer care to a significant number of older patients, however, tailored approaches for this population were notably absent.

In response to the release of the Care of Older Person with Cancer Toolkit, WDHS sought to develop and implement a geriatric oncology pilot project which commenced in January 2024. BSWRICS committed funding to support the appointment of a project officer and provide project management guidance. Additionally, the pilot project received support from the resident medical oncologist and a geriatric-oncologist consultant from Monash Health.

The primary objective of the pilot project is to implement, assess, and monitor the Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) tool for older patients. The PGA is intended to inform clinical decision-making through a multidimensional approach, enabling the provision of comprehensive and tailored care for this growing demographic.

As a part of this initiative, a geriatric-oncology Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDM) was established, providing dedicated time for clinicians and care teams to discuss older patients and receive education on cancer care for the elderly. This educational component has since been extended to all nursing staff with WDHS. Both patients and staff have been engaged for evaluation purposes.