Coombs receives Arti Hurria Manuscript of the Year Award
November 14, 2023
The University of North Carolina School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Lorinda A. Coombs, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, has been honored with the Arti Hurria Manuscript of the Year Award from the Journal of Geriatric Oncology.
The manuscript, titled ‘Treatment decision conversations, symptoms, and functional status in older adults with advanced cancer: An exploratory study utilizing mixed methods,’ authored by Dr. Coombs and her collaborators, has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to the field of geriatric oncology. The study delves into the complex landscape of treatment decision-making for adults aged 65 and older facing metastatic cancer, shedding light on the dynamics during during encounters with oncology clinicians.
The study, conducted in collaboration with a National Cancer Institute in the Mountain West region, assessed whether symptom burden or functional status influenced treatment decision conversations during clinic encounters. The research involved 19 participants followed for six months, utilizing the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. Results revealed that, despite significant symptom burden, only 10% of the 67 analyzed encounters included treatment decision discussions, indicating a potential gap in patient-oncologist communication. The findings highlight the need for more deliberate discussions to address the complexities of treatment decisions for older adults with incurable cancer.
In response to this accolade, Dr. Lorinda A. Coombs expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s an incredible honor to receive this award, knowing the legacy of advocacy Dr. Hurria left when she passed away at 48 in 2018.”
The Arti Hurria Manuscript of the Year Award is named in memory of Dr. Arti Hurria, a luminary in the geriatric oncology domain and a passionate advocate for older adults with cancer. Dr. Hurria’s legacy continues through this award, celebrating excellence in research that aligns with her commitment to advancing the care and understanding of older adults facing cancer challenges.
The winning manuscript, available on open access, can be accessed at the following link: geriatriconcology.net/article/S1879-4068(22)00536-7/fulltext.
