Aim: This integrative review aimed to describe the perceptions of the quality of care of older patients (aged 65 and above) living with cancer in acute-care settings.
Methods: We identified relevant research suitable for inclusion criteria through systematic searches of the PubMed®, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier®, Scopus® and Web of Science® databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used to conduct the research and report the results. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) checklist.
Results: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed that care quality could be described through three distinct themes: individuality, a sense of security and respectful encounters.
Conclusion: The perceptions of older people living with cancer regarding the quality of acute care have not been extensively covered in the literature. Health- and age-related challenges, patients' overall life situation, clear, realistic information about care and the future and respect during encounters should be given attention.
Implications for practice: Patient-centred and tailored care, considering the heterogeneity of the population and support for independence, is needed.
Keywords: acute cancer care; integrative review; nursing; older people; patient; quality of care.
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