EORTC Quality of Life module for the assessment of QOL in the Elderly patient with cancer (ELD15)

Principal investigator:
Colin Johnson, MD (Southampton General Hospital, UK):  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This module has been proposed to address potential deficiencies of the QLQ system for cancer patients who are elderly. Many modules were developed using data from younger patients. Phase 1 data suggested that older patients have different concerns and may need a specific module.

A systematic review and initial patient interviews were carried out, and a list of issues was evaluated by 17 health professionals. A series of interviews with 48 older patients and 40 patients aged 50-69 years led to selection of 45 potential age-specific issues. Phases 1&2 were completed in 2008.

in Phase 3, the list of 45 items was administered to 97 older patients and 86 younger patients and the responses have enabled selection (using pre-determined decision rules) of 15 items to form a provisional module. Phase 3 recruitment was completed in April 2009. A draft Report of Phase 3 has been approved by the MDC of the QLG and a paper was submitted for publication in December 2009.

Phase 4 will begin in early 2010, as a collaborative study of the QLG and the EORTC Task force for Cancer in the Elderly.

Direct link to ELD 15 within the EORTC QoL website (under "Modules Phases 1/2 Completed")

Link to home page of EORTC group for research into Quality of Life here

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