The utilization of formal and informal home care by older patients with cancer: a Belgian cohort study with two control groups.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the utilization of formal and informal home care among older patients with cancer (OCP) and to compare this with middle-aged patients with cancer (MCP) and older patients without cancer (ONC). Additionally, we examined predictors of transitions towards formal care one year after a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

OCP and MCP had to be recruited within three months after a cancer diagnosis and have an estimated life expectancy over six months. ONC consisted of patients without known cancer, seen by the general practitioner. Formal and informal care were compared between the patient groups at baseline, i.e. shortly after a cancer diagnosis and changes in care were studied after one year.

Results

A total of 844 patients were ev

SUBMITTER: Baitar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5596475 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature