Impact of Delay on Hospitalization in Older Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Multicenter Study.
Rosanne C SchoonbeekSuzanne FestenRoza RashidBoukje A C van DijkGyörgy B HalmosLilly-Ann van der VeldenPublished in: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2022)
This study highlights the importance and challenges of ensuring timely treatment initiation in older patients with HNC, as treatment delay was an independent predictor of hospitalization. During oncologic workup, taking time to consider patient-centered outcomes (including minimizing time spent in hospital) while ensuring timely start of treatment requires well-structured, fast-track care pathways.