Promoting Cancer Symptom Management in Older Adults

Promoting Cancer Symptom Management in Older Adults

The purpose of the project is to estimate the effect size of a technology based intervention for older adults with cancer for nausea and vomiting. Participants will be randomized to either an intervention or a wait control group. Outcomes such as symptom severity, quality of life and resource use will be examined.

The goal of this study is to increase the self-management behaviors for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and reduce treatment-related negative outcomes in older adults with cancer. CINV is a common reason for unplanned emergency department and/or hospital admissions in older adults with cancer. Early reinforcement of standard education and reframing preconceived beliefs about the potential serious consequences of CINV and the symptoms ability to be successfully managed will increase effective self-management behaviors and improve patient outcomes

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women age 65 and older
• newly diagnosed with any cancer
• treatment with any chemotherapeutic agent with a moderate to severe emetic potential (on a 3- or 4- week cycle)
• proficient in English
• have a telephone.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previous diagnosis and treatment for cancer
• advanced or end stage disease with a palliative intent
• visually or hearing impaired.