title: Organizing the geriatrician/oncologist partnership: one size fits all? Practical solutions.
abstract: Cancer in elderly patients is becoming a global issue, with the aging of the population and increased incidence of cancer with aging. Older patients with cancer have unique needs that can best be addressed by the integration of geriatrics principles and oncology care. Unfortunately, the worsening shortage of oncologists and geriatricians makes the care of the older patient with cancer increasingly challenging. Practical issues to consider when creating a geriatrics/oncology partnership include the available resources in terms of interdisciplinary team members, the patient population in need, and the ability to provide primary, consultative, and/or shared care. Ultimately, creative strategies will be needed to maximize the limited availability of the geriatrician and oncologist.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hholmes@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Holly M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Albrand
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods; D005544:Forecasting; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D017146:Models, Organizational; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*