Research summary
Because they tend to have more complex health issues, older adults generally make more use of the health-care system than younger people—and they can benefit from a better web of support when doing so. As Canada Research Chair in Care of Frail Older Adults, Dr. Martine Puts is investigating how the system can empower older patients and better meet their needs throughout their health-care experiences.
Puts and her research team are investigating the effectiveness of using a health issues screening and recommendation tool together with online exercise and health education classes to better support older adults with cancer. They are also implementing a web-based assessment of surgical and oncology clinics and exploring older adults’ post-surgical recovery and caregiver needs. An important result of their work will be a more equitable cancer care system in Canada.