Journal of Nursing & Care

Meeting Communication Needs Of Aged Patients With Cancer. A Continuous Challenge

Abstract

Pavlos Sarafis and Maria Malliarou

Introduction : The world population is aging and it is estimated that the number of older people with cancer will increase in the years ahead. Every patient communication needs are linked and related to their communication goals, in order to manage the cancer. Aim : Of this literature review is to present the importance of meeting communication needs of older people with cancer. Methodology : The present review is a literature review focusing on studies evaluating the communication needs of older people with cancer. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE for 10 years to 2014, using the following search terms: aged, older, people, patient, cancer, and need. Specific inclusion (reviews, research articles) discussing about communication needs of older people diagnosed with cancer have guided our review plan and the reviewed articles chosen were 16 manuscripts. Results : Communication needs differs according to the age of the patients. Older people need their clinicians to recognize, appreciate and take into account the emotional and psychological impact of the diagnosis and treatment as well as being included in the decisions taken. Conclusion : Good communication with older patients requires knowledge of their unmet needs. Nurses should be close to patients, discuss with them, stimulate them, especially older ones, and give them the opportunity to express their needs.