Physicians’ perceptions of cancer care for elderly patients: A qualitative sociological study based on a pilot geriatric oncology program

Lynda Sifer-Rivière (1) , V Girre (2) , M Gisselbrecht (3) , O Saint-Jean (3)

1 CERMES3 - UMR 8211 / U988 / UM 7 - CERMES3 - Centre de recherche Médecine, sciences, santé, santé mentale, société
2 Institut Curie [Paris]
3 HEGP - Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou [APHP]

The Aim : of this study was to document physicians’ perceptions of cancer care for elderly patients within an oncogeriatric coordination pilot unit (UPCOG) created in Paris, France. We focused on how physicians apply new cancer care practices, how they establish new teamwork, and their experience of oncogeriatrics in everyday practice. Qualitative methods were used, including a literature review, observation of working sessions in the oncogeriatric pilot unit, and semi-structured interviews with 28 physicians. The results show how physicians’ differing perceptions of geriatric oncology can hinder routine collaboration.

Mots clés: Geriatric medical oncology; Medical project; Organization; Physician perception; Elderly patients; Qualitative research

Domaines: Sciences de l'Homme et Société

Lynda Sifer-Rivière, V Girre, M Gisselbrecht, O Saint-Jean. Physicians’ perceptions of cancer care for elderly patients: A qualitative sociological study based on a pilot geriatric oncology program. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 2010, 75 (1), pp.58-69. ⟨10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.04.001⟩. ⟨hal-03477270⟩