The prevalence of potentially modifiable functional deficits and the subsequent use of occupational and physical therapy by older adults with cancer.
BACKGROUND
Occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT) services seek to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve the quality of life of individuals; however, little is known about the needs and use of OT/PT for older adults with cancer. The goal of this study was to describe the functional deficits and their associations with other factors, and to examine the use of OT/PT after a noted functional deficit.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study analyzed data from an institution-based registry that included geriatric assessments of older adults with cancer linked to billing claims data. Logistic regression was used to model predictors of functional deficits. Use of OT/PT was determined and validated with medical chart review.


RESULTS
529 patients with cancer, a median age of 71, 78% were female, 87% Caucasian, 57% married, 53% post-secondary education, and 63% with breast cancer were included. In a multivariable model, the odds of having any functional deficits increased with age [5 year OR: 1.31, 95% CI: (1.10, 1.57)] were higher for those with a high school diploma versus those with advanced degrees [OR: 1.66, 95% CI: (1.00, 2.77)] and were higher for patients with comorbidities [OR: 1.15, 95% CI: (1.10, 1.21)]. Of patients with functional deficits only 9% (10/111) received OT/PT within 12 months of a noted deficit.


DISCUSSION
The odds of having any potentially modifiable functional deficit were higher in patients with increasing age, comorbid conditions, and with less than a college degree. Few were referred for OT/PT services suggesting major underutilization of these potentially beneficial services.
['Pergolotti|Mackenzi|M|', 'Deal|Allison M|AM|', 'Lavery|Jessica|J|', 'Reeve|Bryce B|BB|', 'Muss|Hyman B|HB|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D005260:Female D015577:Geriatric Assessment D006801:Humans D016015:Logistic Models D008297:Male D009369:Neoplasms D009657:North Carolina D009788:Occupational Therapy D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities D015995:Prevalence D011788:Quality of Life D012307:Risk Factors
Physical therapy Geriatric assessment Cancer rehabilitation Functional status Geriatric oncology Health services research Occupational therapy