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. 2021 Jul 14;13(14):3514.
doi: 10.3390/cancers13143514.

Cultural and Ethical Barriers to Cancer Treatment in Nursing Homes and Educational Strategies: A Scoping Review

Cynthia Filteau  1   2 , Arnaud Simeone  3 , Christine Ravot  1 , David Dayde  4 , Claire Falandry  1   5
Affiliations

Cultural and Ethical Barriers to Cancer Treatment in Nursing Homes and Educational Strategies: A Scoping Review

Cynthia Filteau et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

(1) Background: The aging of the population, the increase in the incidence of cancer with age, and effective chronic oncological treatments all lead to an increased prevalence of cancer in nursing homes. The aim of the present study was to map the cultural and ethical barriers associated with the treatment of cancer and educational strategies in this setting. (2) Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted until April 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL. All articles assessing continuum of care, paramedical education, and continuing education in the context of older cancer patients in nursing homes were reviewed. (3) Results: A total of 666 articles were analyzed, of which 65 studies were included. Many factors interfering with the decision to investigate and treat, leading to late- or unstaged disease, palliative-oriented care instead of curative, and a higher risk of unjustified transfers to acute care settings, were identified. The educational strategies explored in this context were generally based on training programs. (4) Conclusions: These results will allow the co-construction of educational tools intended to develop knowledge and skills to improve diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, the consistency of care, and, ultimately, the quality of life of older cancer patients in nursing homes.

Keywords: barriers to treatment; cancer; education; nursing homes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flowchart summarizing the process for the identification of eligible articles.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Main barriers of cancer treatment in nursing homes divided in cancer continuum of care, palliative care, and nursing home care, as well as the solutions represented by educational strategies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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