How the team works

Patients identified in medical-oncology clinics are invited to complete a questionnaire called SAOP3 (a geriatric screening tool) including a cognition screening test (Mini-Cog), which is completed by a member of staff. If the assessment suggests that patients may benefit from the input of the SAOP team, they are then offered a referral to the service.

After completion of the assessment, the patient will be contacted by telephone by a member of  the SAOP Team, offering further assessments and interventions. With the patient’s permission, we may also involve additional team members, eg. to provide welfare rights advice, emotional support, and complementary therapies. Their GP and medical oncology team will be informed of the outcome.

Patients may be also be offered an appointment in the SAOP multi-disciplinary clinic. In these clinics, older patients being considered for anticancer drug therapy will meet the team who will provide them with specific recommendations for support on their identified areas highlighted on the SAOP3. This will include any additional problems based on their individual circumstances.