Dispelling myths about palliative care and older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the myths about palliative care and older adults with cancer.


METHODS
Research literature and review articles.


CONCLUSIONS
Several myths about older adults exist: older adults are the same as younger adults, older adults are all the same, and optimizing function and quality of life are not important outcomes. Little research has focused on older adults receiving palliative care and their families.


CONCLUSIONS
The Oncology Nursing Society and Geriatric Oncology Consortium published the Joint Position Statement on Cancer Care in Older Adults acknowledging the unique needs of older adults with cancer. Application of this statement may be helpful in guiding inquiry and practice in the care for older adults receiving palliative care.
Duggleby
Wendy
W
College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. wendy.duggleby@usask.ca
Raudonis
Barbara M
BM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D013240:Stereotyping