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Bhatia R, Chen R, Monare B, Nsingo M, Ralefala T, Setlhako D, Martei Y, Ramogola-Masire D, Vuylsteke P, Ngwa W, Rendle K, Grover S. Trends in the Use of Hypofractionation in Treatment of Breast Cancer in Botswana. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e568. [PMID: 37785735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Clinical trials have shown that moderate hypofractionation (HF) is clinically effective as adjuvant treatment to breast conserving surgery or following mastectomy with advanced disease. ASTRO issued updated guidelines in 2018, expanding the population eligible to receive HF to all patients, regardless of age and tumor stage. Use of HF can promote efficient resource utilization for over-burdened health care systems; however, global adoption of HF has been previously only reported via ESTRO survey of individual physicians. These data note that HF following lumpectomy is 40% in Africa vs. >90% in North America, with limited data on the uptake of HF within individual African countries. In this study, we characterize temporal trends and clinical, socio-demographic factors associated with the use of HF in breast cancer in Botswana. MATERIALS/METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of breast cancer patients receiving curative intent radiation between 2015 and 2022 at the only radiation clinic in Botswana. We compared patients' characteristics between those who received HF vs. standard fractionation (SF) and report chi-square statistics when appropriate. We fit a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model with a random intercept for district while adjusting for fixed effects such as HIV infection status, laterality, hormone receptor status, and marital status. RESULTS A total of 234 patients were prescribed curative intent radiation between 2015 and 2022 in Gaborone, Botswana. Median age at diagnosis was 51 years old, and the majority of patients presented with stage III disease (61.9%, 109/234). 26.9% of this population were women living with HIV (WLWH), and 71% lived >100km from the hospital. HF was utilized overall in 59.4% (139/234) of patients. Most common fractionation patterns included: 4005cGy/15fx and 4267cG/16fx. One patient received ultra-HF (2600cGy/5fx). In unadjusted chi-square analysis, a higher proportion of HF was seen in right vs left-sided breast cancer (65.8% vs. 50.9%, p = 0.02), increasing year of diagnosis from 2015 - 2022 (p<0.001), and among patients >/ = 40 years of age vs. those <40 years of age (62.8% vs 42.1%, p = 0.017). Temporal trends show a significant increase in the utilization of HF starting from 23.8% (5/21) in 2015, to 61.5% (32/52) in 2018, and finally 100% (11/11) of cases in 2022. Our regression analysis shows that there is no statistically significant between-district variance or patient-level factors that associate with the uptake of HF. The overall utilization rate for HF between 2015-2022 was 59.4% (95% CI: 53.0%-65.5%). CONCLUSION Based on recent survey results the uptake of HF among African countries is lower than that of North America. To our knowledge, this is the first quantitative analysis of the utilization of HF over 5 years in an African country. Further analysis on factors related to physician prescription of hypofractionation is warranted, including influence of breast laterality, age, and primary surgery type.
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Silverwood S, Lichter K, Drew T, Conway A, Mohamad O, Grover S. Distance Traveled by Patients Globally to Access Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e625-e626. [PMID: 37785870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) This systematic review aims to investigate the global travel patterns of patients seeking radiotherapy and examines the distance traveled by patients and its impact on secondary outcomes such as travel time and survival. The findings of this review will provide crucial information on barriers to accessing radiotherapy and inform the development of patient-centered care strategies aimed at improving access to this important form of treatment. MATERIALS/METHODS A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted from June to August 2022. Studies were included if they were observational, retrospective, or randomized/non-randomized, published between June 2000 and June 2022, and reported the distance traveled globally for the treatment of malignant or benign disease. Studies were excluded if they did not report travel distance or were not written in English. RESULTS A total of 176 studies were included. Most of the studies (69.9%) were conducted in North America, with the majority (68.7%) in the United States. The treatment modalities varied with external beam radiation therapy being the most common (17.0%). The most common disease site was breast (26.7%). Of the included studies, 49 reported the mean distance traveled for radiation therapy. The shortest mean distance was reported in the United States at 4.83 miles, while the longest was reported in Iran at 276.5 miles. It was observed that patients living in countries outside the United States traveled greater distances for radiation therapy than those living within the U.S. Additional factors such as urban vs. rural residence and treatment modality were also found to impact the distance traveled for radiation therapy. Our results indicate a wide range of travel times, with approximately half of the studies reporting values greater than 1 hour, which was the case for 100% of the studies on low-income populations (n = 4). Out of 176 studies, only 15% discussed patient survival and reported conflicting results between travel distance and survival rates, regardless of treatment, disease site, or country of origin. CONCLUSION This systematic review is the most comprehensive to date on the global travel patterns of patients seeking radiotherapy. Results show that travel distances varied, but overall, patients in the U.S. traveled shorter distances for radiation therapy than those living outside the country. Treatment center location, patient residence, and treatment modality impacted patient travel distance, but the patterns were inconsistent. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the distance traveled as a barrier to receiving radiotherapy and highlight the need for strategies to improve patient access and prioritize patient-centered care.
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Bhatia R, Zhang S, Nsingo M, Chiyapo S, Balang D, Ralefala T, Zetola N, Ramogola-Masire D, Markovina S, Robertson ES, Grover S. SCCAg as a Biomarker of Advanced Stage and OS in Limited Resource Setting for Cervical Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:S80-S81. [PMID: 37784581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Elevated serum squamous cell antigen (SCCAg) has been previously correlated with poor survival, extensive tumor involvement, and recurrence for cervical cancer. Failure of serum SCCAg to normalize after treatment completion has also been studied as a poor prognostic indicator. This is the first study describing the association of SCCAg with stage and outcomes in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in Botswana, in a population with a majority of women who are living with HIV (WLWH). MATERIALS/METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer were enrolled in a prospective observational study between August 2016 and April 2020 in Botswana. Among all patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation, serum SCCAg was determined at pre-treatment baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 3-month follow-up (normal reference range 0.3 -1.9 ng/ml). Normalization of SCCAg was defined as return to the reference range after treatment (SCCAg response), and was measured first at EOT; if EOT values were not available, 3-month values were utilized. Patients were staged according to FIGO 2009 criteria, early stage was defined as Stage I-II; while advanced stage was defined as Stage III-IV. Median follow-up was 44 months. A significant cut-off point for baseline and SCCAg response correlated with overall survival (OS) was calculated utilizing a log-rank test RESULTS: Among 234 patients who were diagnosed with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, 73.5% were WLWH (mean CD4 count 466 cells/mL). 92.9% of all cancers were squamous cell carcinoma. 68.8% of patients had elevated SCCAg at time of diagnosis. There was no significant difference in mean baseline SCCAg between WLWH (13.3 ng/mL) and women living without HIV (9.07 ng/mL), p = 0.1052. There was a significant difference seen in mean SCCAg between early (7.9 ng/mL ± SD 13.4) and advanced (18.9 ng/mL, ± SD 29.8) stage disease at diagnosis, p < 0.0001. Baseline SCCAg > 7.9 ng/mL was found to be associated with worse OS (p < 0.001). 5-year OS was significantly different among patients with SCCAg response < = 2.8 (5-year OS 66.2%), vs. SCCAg >2.8 ng/mL (5-year OS 42.4%). There was no significant difference in average SCCAg values between EOT (p = 0.68) and 3-month follow-up (p = 0.24). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who experienced normalized SCCAg by HIV status (p = 0.67). CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in SCCAg among WLWH and women living without HIV. Among patients with elevated SCCAg above normal at baseline, SCCAg was associated with early vs. advanced stage disease. Additionally, there was a significant difference seen in overall survival by two measurement points: baseline SCCAg >7.9 ng/mL and response SCCAg >2.8 ng/mL. SCCAg may be utilized as a biomarker in low-resource settings to refine prognosis. Further studies will be needed to determine utility and validation in predicting recurrence risk and/or lymph node metastases.
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El Alam MB, Sammouri J, Lin D, Lynn EJ, Harris T, Lo DK, Wang R, Karpinets T, Ajami NJ, Wong M, Grover S, Kantelhardt EJ, Firdawoke E, Abebe T, Teka B, Romaguera J, Godoy-Vitorino F, Dorta-Estremera S, Klopp AH, Colbert L. Association of Bacterial Composition and Diversity in the Cervical Tumor Microbiome with HPV Genotype in a Large, International Patient Cohort. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:S130. [PMID: 37784335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Tumor bacterial composition is strongly associated with response to cancer therapy, and is impacted by environment, including geography. Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypic diversity composition and load are dynamic during pelvic radiation (RT) and correlate with differential responses to RT in cervical cancer patients. In this multi-institutional, collaborative study, we aimed to explore associations between bacterial composition, HPV serotypes, and geographical distribution in an international patient population. MATERIALS/METHODS Cervical swabs were collected from 287 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer/ dysplasia in four locations: Houston, USA (TX; N = 94), Ethiopia (ETH; N = 85), Puerto Rico (PR; N = 71), and Botswana (BOT; N = 37). Swabs were collected prior to treatment and were subjected to 16S V4 rRNA gene sequencing and HPV genotyping. We compared HPV types and geography via Chi-squared test. We analyzed bacterial composition, alpha diversity (ANOVA), and beta diversity (principal coordinates analysis [PCoA] with PERMANOVA) for HPV type and geography. We used Linear Discriminant Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to distinguish taxa associated with HPV types. RESULTS Overall, the global bacterial composition for patients with cancer or dysplasia did not significantly vary by location. However, the proportion of patients with each HPV type varied by location (p<0.01); HPV16 was most frequent in TX (54%), BOT (70%) and ETH (61%), while HPV18 was most frequent in PR (62%). The proportion of patients with HPV low-risk/negative tumors was highest in ETH (25%) compared to other sites (2% - 14%). Patients with HPV 16 had significantly higher bacterial alpha diversity across locations (all p<0.01). The bacterial composition also differed by HPV type across locations (p = 0.01). On LEfSe, bacterial genera enriched in HPV 16 samples were Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Prevotella. Non-HPV16 tumors were enriched in species of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella and HPV 18 and high-risk type tumors were enriched in Escherichia. CONCLUSION In thislarge, international cohort of cervical cancer and dysplasia patients, bacterial composition was more closely associated with cervical HPV genotype than with geography. This finding has implications for the development of biomarkers and interventions aimed at improving chemotherapy and radiation response through manipulation of the microbiome.
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Fujiyoshi MRA, Fujiyoshi Y, Gimpaya N, Bechara R, Jeyalingam T, Calo NC, Forbes N, Khan R, Atalla M, Toshimori A, Shimamura Y, Tanabe M, Mosko J, Inoue H, Grover S. A114 UNIFIED MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPIC CLASSIFICATION (UMEC) FOR GASTROINTESTINAL LESIONS: A NORTH AMERICAN EDUCATION STUDY. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991233 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Magnification endoscopy and magnification narrow-band imaging are image enhanced endoscopy technologies that may allow for the diagnosis of advanced neoplasia in the GI tract on the basis of imaging characteristics. Recently, the Unified Magnifying Endoscopic Classification (UMEC) has been developed, which unified the criteria for the esophagus, stomach, and colon. UMEC divides optical diagnosis into one of the three categories: non-neoplastic, intramucosal neoplasia, and deep submucosal invasive cancer.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to educate North American endoscopists on the use of the UMEC schema, and to ascertain performance of the UMEC framework among North American endoscopists.
Method
Using UMEC, five North American endoscopists (>1000 procedures) without prior training in magnifying endoscopy independently diagnosed previously collected endoscopic image set of the esophagus, stomach, and colon. The endoscopists were trained on the use of UMEC via an eleven-minute training video with exemplars of each element of UMEC from esophagus, stomach, and colon. All endoscopists were blinded to white-light and non-magnifying NBI findings as well as histopathological diagnosis. The diagnostic performance of UMEC was assessed while using the gold standard histopathology as a reference.
Result(s)
A total of 299 gastrointestinal lesions (77 esophagus, 92 stomach, and 130 colon) were assessed using UMEC. For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for all 5 endoscopists ranged from 65.2% (95% CI: 50.9–77.9) to 87.0% (95% CI: 75.3–94.6), 77.4% (95% CI: 60.9–89.6) to 96.8% (95% CI: 86.8–99.8), and 75.3% to 87.0%, respectively. For gastric adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for all 5 endoscopists ranged from 94.9% (95% CI: 85.0–99.1) to 100%, 52.9% (95% CI: 39.4–66.2) to 92.2% (95% CI: 82.7–97.5), and 73.3% to 93.3%, respectively. For colorectal adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for all 5 endoscopists ranged from 76.2% (95% CI: 62.0–87.3) to 83.3% (95% CI: 70.3–92.5), 89.7% (95% CI: 82.1–94.9) to 97.7% (95% CI: 93.1–99.6), and 86.8% to 90.7%, respectively.
Image
Conclusion(s)
UMEC is a simple and practical classification that can be used to introduce and educate endoscopists to magnification narrow-band imaging and optical diagnosis.
Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below
CAG
Disclosure of Interest
M. R. A. Fujiyoshi Grant / Research support from: 2022 CAG/AbbVie Education Research Grant, Y. Fujiyoshi: None Declared, N. Gimpaya: None Declared, R. Bechara: None Declared, T. Jeyalingam: None Declared, N. Calo: None Declared, N. Forbes: None Declared, R. Khan: None Declared, M. Atalla: None Declared, A. Toshimori: None Declared, Y. Shimamura: None Declared, M. Tanabe: None Declared, J. Mosko: None Declared, H. Inoue: None Declared, S. Grover: None Declared
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Sabrie N, Seleq S, Homsi H, Khan R, Gimpaya N, Bansal R, Scaffidi M, Lightfoot D, Grover S. A128 GLOBAL TRENDS IN TRAINING AND CREDENTIALING GUIDELINES FOR GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) ENDOSCOPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991236 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Credentialing in GI endoscopy is not a universally standardized process. National guidelines may provide a framework for local training, however in certain settings, training committees set minimal competency requirements that must be met before a clinician can be accredited to practice independently. There is a paucity of literature assessing the inter-societal and geographic variability in guidelines and training requirements in endoscopy. Purpose To systematically review the available credentialing guidelines proposed by different GI endoscopy societies and affiliated training committees internationally. Method We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed for credentialing guidelines for GI endoscopy from inception until January 2022. Two reviewers screened and one reviewer abstracted data using a pre-defined data collection form. Result(s) From the 653 records obtained from our search, 20 credentialing guidelines from 12 different GI societies were ultimately included in the review. These guidelines encompassed the following procedures and outlined the following key-performance indicators; a) Colonoscopy: the recommended minimum number of procedures performed ranged from 150-275 with a minimum cecal intubation and adenoma detection rate of 85-90% and 20-30% respectively; b) EGD: the minimum number of procedures prior to credentialing ranged from 130-1000, the minimum duodenal intubation rate ranged from 95-100%, and the range for minimum number of upper GI bleeds managed was 20-45 (in addition to other procedural KPIs); c) ERCP: the recommended minimum number of procedures prior to credentialing ranged from 100-300 cases with a minimum selective duct cannulation rate of 80-90%. Guidelines for flexible sigmoidoscopy, EUS and capsule endoscopy were also obtained. Image ![]()
Conclusion(s) There is a general concordance amongst the various international GI societies with regards to minimum procedural volume and performance in key procedural tasks prior to credentialing, however the use of validated education assessment tools was lacking in the majority of guidelines. Additional KPI’s need to be explored for less routinely performed procedures such as EUS and capsule endoscopy. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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Sabrie N, Jogendran R, Khan R, Scaffidi M, Gimpaya N, Lightfoot D, Grover S. A115 THE PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING IN INTERPRETING COLONOSCOPY REPORTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991314 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Screening colonoscopy is integral in the effort to identify and remove potentially cancerous lesions. Important quality indicators include the adenoma detection rate and more recently, the sessile/serrated adenoma detection rate. Natural language processing (NLP) is a computer-based linguistic technique that leverages artificial intelligence to abstract meaningful information from text. This tool carries the potential to automate the task of analyzing large volumes of colonoscopy and pathology reports to generate data on key performance metrics. Purpose The aim of this study is to systematically review the available literature on the performance of NLP in identifying the presence of an adenoma or a sessile/serrated adenoma in colonoscopy reports. Method We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA recommendations. A comprehensive literature query was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CDSR, through July 2022. Studies were included if they evaluated the performance of NLP in extracting data from colonoscopy reports. Our primary outcome was the performance of NLP models in correctly identifying an adenoma reported in a colonoscopy report. Two authors independently screened studies and abstracted data using an a priori designed data collection form. We pooled the sensitivity and specificity of our primary outcome using a univariate analysis first, followed by a bivariate analysis. Using the open-source package ‘mada’ which is written in R, we generated a summary estimate and a summary receiver operating characteristic curve. Result(s) From the 1030 unique studies obtained from our literature search, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were used for our meta-analysis. In the univariate analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting an adenoma by the NLP systems was 0.978 (95% CI 0.938-0.992) and 0.997 (95% CI 0.984-0.999), respectively. Similarly, in univariate analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting a sessile/serrated adenoma by the NLP systems was 0.984 (95% CI 0.929-0.996) and 1.0 (95% CI 0.998-1.000), respectively. In the bivariate analysis, the summary estimates for the sensitivity and specificity of the NLP system in detecting an adenoma were 0.973 (95% CI 0.929-0.990) and 0.992 (95%CI 0.978-0.997) respectively. For detecting a sessile/serrated adenoma, the summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity were 0.964 (95% CI 0.895-0.988) and 0.998 (95% CI 0.995-0.999) respectively. Conclusion(s) NLP models have excellent performance in extracting quality metric data from colonoscopy reports. Based on the available literature, we suggest integration of NLP in quality improvement efforts in colonoscopy. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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Khan R, Homsi H, Gimpaya N, Sabrie N, Gholami R, Bansal R, Scaffidi M, Lightfoot D, James P, Siau K, Forbes N, Wani S, Keswani R, Walsh C, Grover S. A117 VALIDITY EVIDENCE FOR ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT TOOLS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991253 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Assessment of competence in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential to ensure trainees possess the skills needed for independent practice. Traditionally, ERCP training has used the apprenticeship model, whereby novices learn skills under the supervision of an expert. A growing focus on procedural quality, however, has supported the implementation of competency-based medical education models which require documentation of a trainee’s competence for independent practice. Observational assessment tools with strong evidence of validity are critical to this process. Validity evidence supporting ERCP observational assessment tools has not been systematically evaluated. Purpose To conduct a systematic review of ERCP assessment tools and identify tools with strong evidence of validity using a unified validity evidence framework Method We conducted a systematic search using electronic databases and hand-searching from inception until August 2021 for studies evaluating observational assessment tools of ERCP performance. We used a unified validity framework to characterize validity evidence from five sources: content, response process, internal structure, relations to other variables, and consequences. Each domain was assigned a score of 0-3 (maximum score 15). We assessed educational utility and methodological quality using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education framework and the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument, respectively. Result(s) From 2769 records, we included 17 studies evaluating 7 assessment tools. Five tools were studied for clinical ERCP, one on simulated ERCP, and one on simulated and clinical ERCP. Validity evidence scores ranged from 2-12. The Bethesda ERCP Skills Assessment Tool (BESAT), ERCP Direct Observation of Procedural Skills Tool (ERCP DOPS), and The Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP Skills Assessment Tool (TEESAT) had the strongest validity evidence with scores of 10, 12, and 11, respectively. Regarding educational utility, most tools were easy to use and interpret, and required minimal additional resources. Overall methodological quality was strong, with scores ranging from 10-12.5 (maximum 13.5). Conclusion(s) The BESAT, ERCP DOPS, and TEESAT have strong validity evidence compared to other assessments. Integrating tools into training may help drive learners’ development and support competency decision-making. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CAG Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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Wankhede D, Hofman P, Grover S. Prognostic impact of tumour budding in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Histopathology 2023; 82:521-530. [PMID: 36217904 DOI: 10.1111/his.14822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumour budding is an established prognostic factor in various solid tumours, including colorectal cancers and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its role is unclear and needs to be defined for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LSCC). Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the prognostic role of tumour budding in LSCC. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed literature investigating the association between tumour budding and survival outcomes or clinicopathological variables in LSCC. The primary outcomes were pooled estimates for overall and recurrence-free survival with hazard ratio (HR) as the effect measure. The association between tumour budding and clinicopathological parameters was also investigated. Of 243 studies, nine were included, comprising 2546 patients. An increased risk of death [HR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50-2.05, P < 0.00001] and recurrence (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.12-1.68, P = 0.003) was evident in patients with high-grade tumour budding. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses revealed consistent results. Pathological stage II, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular and pleural invasion were associated with high-grade tumour budding. Tumour budding is a new and promising prognostic factor in patients with LSCC. However, pervasive heterogeneity and publication bias reduces the credibility of these findings and the applicability of tumour budding in clinical practice. Future studies are required to standardise reporting on tumour budding in LSCC.
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Damaraju V, Singh N, Garg M, Kathirvel S, Basher RK, Grover S, Kalra N, Prasad KT. Effect of prior pulmonary TB on low-dose computed tomography during lung cancer screening. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:223-225. [PMID: 36855039 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
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Wroe LM, Ige TA, Asogwa OC, Aruah SC, Grover S, Makufa R, Fitz-Gibbon M, Coleman N, Dosanjh M, Van den Heuvel F, Sheehy SL. Corrigendum to "Comparative Analysis of Radiotherapy Linear Accelerator Downtime and Failure Modes in the UK, Nigeria and Botswana" [Clinical Oncology 32 (2020) e111-e118]. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:e347. [PMID: 36813695 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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Lichter K, Maniar A, Husain M, Kishan R, Hantel A, Grover S. Are National Cancer Centers Prepared to Deliver Climate-Smart, Resilient Healthcare? An Overview and Analysis of Organizations' Sustainability Plans. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Lichter K, Demeulenaere S, Drew T, Wong E, Grover S, Gundling K, Mohamad O, Singer L. The Environmental Impact of a Hybrid Medical Conference: Reduced Carbon Emissions of ASTRO's Digital XP 2021 Conference Model. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Grover S, Engelhart CA, Perez‐Herran E, Tiwari D, Li W, Abrahams KA, Papavinasasundaram K, Bean JM, Sassetti CM, Mendoza‐Losana A, Besra GS, Jackson M, Aldrich C, Schnappinger D. Two‐way regulation of protein expression for identification and validation of on‐target inhibitors of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.l7723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ramatlho P, Grover S, Mathoma A, Tawe L, Matlhagela K, Ngoni K, Molebatsi K, Chilisa B, Zetola NM, Robertson ES, Paganotti GM, Ramogola-Masire D. Human papillomavirus prevalence among unvaccinated young female college students in Botswana: A cross-sectional study. S Afr Med J 2022; 112:335-340. [PMID: 35587246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and a causative agent of cervical cancer. It is common in adolescent girls and young women, and the majority of infections are transient and asymptomatic. In Botswana, there are currently no data on the HPV prevalence against which the impact of prophylactic HPV vaccines can be measured. OBJECTIVES To establish a baseline HPV prevalence in an unvaccinated cohort of young women. METHODS Women aged ≥18 years were recruited from the University of Botswana between September 2016 and May 2020. Demographic and behavioural characteristics of participants were collected. Subsequently, cervicovaginal swabs were obtained and tested for HPV using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We determined the prevalent HPV types, and evaluated the risk factors associated with HPV positivity. RESULTS A total of 978 young women were recruited. Overall, there were 589 (60.2%) participants with HPV infection and 12 (1.2%) with HIV. The median (interquartile range) age of the study participants was 19 (18 - 20) years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that significant factors associated with HPV positivity were sexual activity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49 - 2.63; p<0.001), number of sex partners ≥3 (aOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.39 - 3.18; p<0.001), and smoking (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.26 - 3.20; p=0.004). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate for the first time the prevalence of HPV in unvaccinated young women in Botswana. We found a high prevalence of HPV infection, with statistical differences with different risk factors. This finding supports the need for HPV vaccination strategies for females prior to sexual debut to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in Botswana.
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Grover S, Brandt JS, Reddy UM, Ananth CV. Chronic hypertension, perinatal mortality and the impact of preterm delivery: a population-based study. BJOG 2022; 129:572-579. [PMID: 34536318 PMCID: PMC9214277 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the association between chronic hypertension and perinatal mortality and to evaluate the extent to which risks are impacted by preterm delivery. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING United States, 2015-18. POPULATION Singleton births (20-44 weeks of gestation). EXPOSURE Chronic hypertension, defined as elevated blood pressure diagnosed before pregnancy or recognised before 20 weeks of gestation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We derived the risk of perinatal mortality in relation to chronic hypertension from Poisson models, adjusted for confounders. The impacts of misclassification and unmeasured confounding were assessed. Causal mediation analysis was performed to quantify the impact of preterm delivery on the association. RESULTS Of the 15 090 678 singleton births, perinatal mortality rates were 22.5 and 8.2 per 1000 births in chronic hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies, respectively (adjusted risk ratio 2.05, 95% CI 2.00-2.10). Corrections for exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding biases substantially increased the risk estimate. Although causal mediation analysis revealed that most of the association of chronic hypertension on perinatal mortality was mediated through preterm delivery, the perinatal mortality rates were highest at early term, term and late term gestations, suggesting that a planned early term delivery at 37-386/7 weeks may optimally balance risk in these pregnancies. Additionally, 87% (95% CI 84-90%) of perinatal deaths could be eliminated if preterm deliveries, as a result of chronic hypertension, were preventable. CONCLUSIONS Chronic hypertension is associated with increased risk for perinatal mortality. Planned early term delivery and targeting modifiable risk factors for chronic hypertension may reduce perinatal mortality rates. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Maternal chronic hypertension is associated with increased risk for perinatal mortality, largely driven by preterm birth.
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Elsolh K, Neary E, Seleq S, Gimpaya N, Scaffidi M, Khan R, Grover S. A104 PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (PPIN) IN IBD RESEARCH - A SCOPING REVIEW. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Over the past 10 years, interest in patient and public involvement (PPIn) in research has grown. Several arguments support the engagement of patients as partners in the research process. Patients with lived experience of a condition can offer their knowledge to study design as experience-based experts, helping researchers incorporate patient-pertinent outcomes. PPIn has also been shown to boost patient enrolment and retention in clinical trials. Benefits, challenges, and best practices of PPIn have been examined in other fields. However, to date, no study has examined PPIn in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. Many factors amenable to research involvement may impact IBD patients’ quality of life, including disease morbidity, complications, and efficacy/side effects of therapy.
Aims
This review aims to characterize methods of PPIn in IBD research and highlight themes relating to best practices, benefits, and challenges.
Methods
We ran a systematic search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane for all IBD research studies in which IBD patients were involved in the research process. PPIn included but was not limited to patient input in one of the following 3 stages: Study Design (prioritization of research topics, outcome selection, study tool development), Study Execution (recruitment, data collection & analysis), and Dissemination of Research. After abstract and full-text screening, 14 studies were selected.
Results
Patients were recruited for PPIn through IBD and patient organizations (7/14), outpatient clinics (4/14), tertiary care sites (2/14), and pre-existing patient advisory groups (1/14). The majority of studies (11/14) engaged patients in the development of study materials, which included a physical activity intervention for stoma patients, an IBD pregnancy decision aid, and a quality of life questionnaire. Two studies interviewed patients to determine comprehensibility of survey items and guide revisions. One study involved patients in data analysis and manuscript development. Most consultations were open-ended, including focus groups (8/14) and semi-structured interviews (3/14). According to study authors, PPIn helps guide IBD research priorities by focusing on patient-relevant issues. Authors also cited the role of PPIn in designing patient-friendly study tools. One challenge reported by 2 studies was that PPIn requires patients to have access to high-quality information and requires a significant time commitment, which may contribute to demographic biases.
Conclusions
The majority of IBD studies engaged patients in an open-ended format and were engaged in study design, particularly in developing study materials. Authors recommend continuous involvement of patients throughout the research process to address their research priorities.
Funding Agencies
None
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Gupta S, Seleq S, Gimpaya N, Khan R, Scaffidi M, Grover S. A140 INTEROBSERVER RELIABILITY OF THE PARIS CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPERFICIAL GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT NEOPLASMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Paris classification is an international classification system that characterizes the morphology of superficial gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Given its ability to predict the risk of submucosal invasion, this tool plays an important role in the preliminary endoscopic assessment of early gastrointestinal neoplastic lesions. Despite its international prevalence, there are no pooled reliability analyses to assess agreement amongst endoscopists using this classification system.
Aims
To systematically review and meta-analyze the interobserver reliability (IOR) of the Paris classification system.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA recommendations. A comprehensive literature query was conducted on biomedical databases through December 2020. Studies were included if they quantitively evaluated the IOR of the Paris classification with at least 5 endoscopists participating in the study cohort. Two authors independently screened studies and abstracted data using an a priori designed data collection form. We pooled the results of studies which provided IOR with kappa statistics and confidence intervals using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. Risk of bias was independently assessed by two study authors using the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRRAS) tool.
Results
From an initial 1541 studies, 5 were included in the qualitative review and 3 reported data that allowed for a quantitative analysis of the primary outcome, representing a total of 28 endoscopists. All three of these studies were high quality. The IOR for the Paris classification amongst all endoscopists was 0.541 (95% CI, 0.466–0.617). There was no significant improvement (p=0.551) in the IOR of the Paris classification system following an educational training intervention (pre-education pooled kappa, 0.498; 95% CI, 0.429–0.567 compared to post-education pooled kappa, 0.530; 95% CI, 0.451–0.608).
Conclusions
Interobserver reliability of the Paris classification is moderate with no significant improvement following educational intervention.
Funding Agencies
None
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Low DJ, Hong Z, Mukherjee A, Jugnundan S, Grover S. A120 AUTOMATED BOWEL PREPARATION DETECTION WITH DEEP. CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859219 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Introduction: Bowel preparation inadequacy has been shown to increase post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. As such, the USMSTF recommends repeating colonoscopy within 1 year if bowel preparation is inadequate. However, bowel preparation documentation is variable in clinical practice, and physician recommendations adherent to USMTF guidelines are inconsistent. Aims Aims: We present an automated computer assisted method using deep convolutional neural networks to detect bowel preparation and adequacy of bowel preparation with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Methods Methods: We extracted 38523 images of colonic lumen between 2015 and 2017 from screening colonoscopies. Bowel preparation scores were assessed with BBPS. Adequate bowel preparation was defined as BBPS ≥2, and inadequate bowel preparation was defined as BBPS <2. The dataset was split into 26966 images for training, 7704 for validation, and 3853 for testing. Training data was sampled with replacement from a multinomial distribution to balance subclass distributions in each batch. We developed 2 convoluted neural networks (CNN) using PyTorch with a Densenet-169 backbone pre-trained on ImageNet and fine-tuned on our data for classifying adequacy of bowel preparation (binary) and for subclassification of BBPS (multi-class). We used Adam optimiser with an initial learning rate of 3x10-4 and a scheduler to decay the learning rate of each parameter group by 0.1 every 7 epochs along with focal loss as our criterion for both classifiers. Results Results: The overall accuracy on the test data set for BBPS subclassification was 0.91. The sensitivity for BBPS 0, 1, 2 and 3 were 0.84, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.96, respectively. The specificity for BBPS 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 1.00, 0.98, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. The overall accuracy of the test data set for adequacy of bowel preparation was 0.97. The sensitivity for adequacy of bowel preparation for BBPS <2 and BBPS ≥2 was 0.92 and 0.99, respectively. The specificity for adequacy of bowel preparation for BBPS <2 and BBPS ≥2 was 0.99 and 0.92, respectively. Conclusions Conclusion: We present an automated computer-assisted detection method of bowel preparation with deep convolutional neural networks. The algorithm is capable of accurate classification of adequacy of bowel preparation (97%) and subclassification of bowel preparation (91%) with high sensitivity and specificity. This algorithm can be applied to automate documentation of bowel preparation and adequacy of bowel preparation. Additional studies will need to be conducted to demonstrate its applicability in real-time colonoscopy. Funding Agencies None
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Seleq S, Khan R, Gimpaya N, Vargas JI, Amin S, Bilal M, Bollipo S, Charabaty A, de-Madaria E, Hashim A, Kral J, Pawlak KM, Sandhu DS, Lui RN, Sanchez-Luna S, Siau K, Mosko J, Grover S. A32 DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE TORONTO UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL CLEANING SCORE. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859122 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
High quality esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) depends on the ability to appropriately visualize upper gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa pathology. Evaluation can be limited by the presence of mucus, foam, bubbles and solid materials. Currently, there is no standardized method to assess mucosal visualization for use in clinical or research settings.
Aims
To develop and establish the content validity of the Toronto Upper Gastrointestinal Cleaning Score (TUGCS) and evaluate its interrater reliability.
Methods
An international panel of endoscopy experts rated potential items and their associated anchors for importance as indicators of adequacy of mucosal visualization during EGD. The survey utilized a Likert scale (1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)). The Delphi process was repeated until consensus was reached. Consensus was defined priori as ≥80% of experts in a given round scoring ≥4 on all survey items. To assess content validity, 48 EGD procedures were evaluated in real-time by two endoscopist reviewers using the TUGCS at a single institution. The interrater agreement between assessments was calculated for TUGCS total scores using intraclass correlation coefficient, one-way random effects model (ICC 1,1).
Results
Fourteen experts agreed to be part of the Delphi panel. An anatomical framework representing the upper GI mucosa and anchors for each mucosal portion representing various levels of visibility was generated through systematic review. Three survey rounds, with response rates of 100%, 100% and 71% respectively, achieved consensus. The final TUGCS includes four anatomical areas (fundus, body, antrum, duodenum) and mucosal visualization anchors ranging from 0 to 3 (Figure 1). TUGCS was used to assess foregut cleaning in 48 procedures (Table 1). The mean TUGCS for staff and trainee were 8.1 (±2.4) and 8.1 (±2.6), respectively. The ICC was 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.62–0.88) indicating good reliability.
Conclusions
We developed and generated content validity evidence for the TUGCS through rigorous Delphi methodology, reflective of practice across different centres. Planned as future research is a video survey distributed to endoscopists internationally to further validate the TUGCS to create a tool that may be used to judge mucosal visualization for EGD in research and clinical settings.
Funding Agencies
None
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Scaffidi M, Gimpaya N, Pattni C, Genis S, Khan R, Li J, Bansal R, Grover S. A89 PERCEPTIONS OF NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS IN GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF FOUR FOCUS GROUPS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859238 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nontechnical skills (NTS), which involve an individual’s cognitive, attitudinal, and social skills that supplement task expertise, are an essential component in the practice of gastrointestinal endoscopy. There is a growing body of literature that highlights the association between these skills and patient outcomes. To date, however, these skills have not been adequately defined within the context of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Aims To define the domain and corresponding characteristics of NTS in GI endoscopy. Methods We conducted a qualitative study at a tertiary-care academic center in Toronto, Ontario. Specifically, we held four focus groups with physician endoscopists, nurses who work in an endoscopy unit, and patients who have had previous endoscopies, in order to ascertain their input on the role of NTS in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The three groups were interviewed independently and there was one focus group of both physicians and nurses that was used for validation of our initial thematic framework. Data from the focus groups was collected using a combination of field notes and discussion transcriptions. Three authors independently generated codes from these data. Using these codes, a thematic network analysis was used to identify emerging themes. The primary outcome of this study was the development of a cohesive thematic network of NTS in endoscopy, including their characteristics and examples. Results The four focus groups included a total of 34 participants, including 15 physician endoscopists, 15 nurses, and 4 patients. Using thematic network analysis, we identified six dimensions of NTS using the first three focus groups: communication; professionalism; teamwork; leadership; decision-making; and situational awareness. Additional topics related to the practice and evaluation of NTS were identified. In particular, there is a degree of subjectivity in the appraisal of NTS due to the nuances among individual practice, aside from egregious errors of NTS (e.g. unprofessional behaviours). The use of video recordings was suggested as a way to capture signs of good NTS, such as appropriate levels of calmness during procedures and attention to patient comfort. Finally, patient involvement can be useful for evaluating communication and professionalism based on patient comprehension and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Conclusions Our findings provide the first cohesive framework of NTS in gastrointestinal endoscopy that is anchored in real world experiences with relevant stakeholders – physicians, nurses, and patients. Future research should consolidate these findings into an assessment tool for NTS in order to evaluate and provide feedback to endoscopists who are both in training and in practice. Funding Agencies CAG
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Tham D, Gimpaya N, Gholami R, Pattni C, Seleq S, Bansal R, Fujiyoshi MA, Ramkissoon A, Lisondra J, Ariaratnam J, Scaffidi M, Khan R, Grover S. A25 CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF GI ENDOSCOPY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859207 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are integral during a pandemic, offering guidance to clinicians through uncertainty. Existing literature has established that the need for rapid publication of CPGs during previous infectious disease outbreaks resulted in less rigorous guidelines. CPGs were rapidly developed since the onset of the pandemic in December 2019, providing guidance in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, an area where COVID-19 may pose risk of transmission.
Aims
To evaluate the quality of GI endoscopy guidelines developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare these with (a) endoscopy CPGs developed prior to the pandemic; (b) CPGs for other endoscopic topics unrelated to COVID-19; and, (c) non-endoscopic CPGs published during the pandemic.
Methods
We systematically searched Medline, Embase and Scopus for CPGs published by GI societies from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A grey literature search was conducted. Two authors screened full-texts. In this interim analysis, CPGs were grouped based on publication year: before 2020, or 2020. Endoscopy CPGs published in 2020 were categorized as COVID or non-COVID related. Two authors independently assessed the CPGs using the AGREE II tool, consisting of six domains for evaluating guidelines. A domain score of 60 was set as a threshold to indicate good quality.
Results
There were 70 endoscopy guidelines and 27 CPGs focused on other GI topics. The mean overall scores were 69% (±12%) for endoscopy CPGs published before 2020 (n=28), and 51% (±23%) for CPGs published in 2020 (n=42). For individual AGREE II domains, mean scores for pre-2020 CPGs ranged from 33.11 (±17.39) in Applicability to 81.55 (±10.37) in Clarity of Presentation. For CPGs published during COVID-19, mean domain scores ranged from 34.18 (±10.52) in Applicability to 75.26 (±13.85) in Clarity of Presentation. 21 of 42 CPGs published in 2020 were related to COVID. Mean overall scores were 35% (±20%) for COVID-related CPGs and 67% (±13%) for non-COVID-19 CPGs. For COVID-19 CPGs, scores ranged from 27.88 (±20.31) in Rigour of Development to 69.58 (±10.81) in Scope and Purpose. For non-COVID CPGs, the scores ranged from 37.30 (±8.93) in Applicability to 84.52 (±5.93) in Clarity of Presentation.
Conclusions
The difference in overall scores between COVID-19 endoscopy CPGs and non-COVID endoscopy CPGs may suggest that the urgency to disseminate COVID-19 information decreased CPG quality or completeness of reporting. This interim analysis is limited by the lack of distinction between peer-reviewed CPGs and non-peer reviewed recommendations. Given the importance of CPGs in clinical decision making, it is important to ensure that the rapid development of guidelines does not compromise quality and rigour.
Funding Agencies
None
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Verma Y, Bansal R, Gimpaya N, Scaffidi M, Khan R, Grover S. A99 PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY FUNDING TO GASTROINTESTINAL PATIENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859379 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) are not-for-profit organizations that aim to support families and individuals afflicted by illnesses. PAOs play a significant role in guiding health policy, providing education to patients, lobbying, and supporting research. Previous studies have demonstrated that PAOs may receive financial payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. This may create a risk of conflict of interest. Aims To assess the prevalence and transparency of financial donations from industry to gastrointestinal patient advocacy groups based in the United States (US). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of industry donations to PAOs. Data was extracted from the Kaiser Health News (KHN) Database, a database that tracked payments from pharmaceutical companies to PAOs in 2015. After an initial list of 1215 PAOs was obtained from the database, authors extracted the annual revenues, websites and mission statements for each PAO. Authors individually screened each organization’s mission statement and website to determine whether their primary scope of focus included gastroenterology. A final list of 11 PAOs with annual revenues surpassing $500,000 USD was included for descriptive analysis. From this list, the annual reports and websites of each group were reviewed to determine the extent of transparency of PAOs disclosing financial relationships with industry sponsors. The primary outcome of our study was the total amount of funding that each PAO received from pharmaceutical companies. The secondary outcome was the self-reported amount of funding stated on each PAO’s website and annual report. Results From our analysis of 11 PAOs, 9 (81%) organizations received payments from pharmaceutical companies. The median dollar value of donations received was $31,052 USD (IQR=$25 to $302,550). The total dollar value of donations received was $4,059,433 USD. Across the 9 PAOs that received donations, 5 (56%) organizations disclosed a financial relationship with a pharmaceutical company on their website and 2 (22%) disclosed the value of industry donations within a range. No group specified an exact amount of funding received. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that a majority of US based gastrointestinal PAOs receive funding from pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, our results show that many PAOs that receive industry funding do not disclose this amount on their website or annual reports. Given their role in providing patient centered support, it is important for PAOs to disclose financial relationships with industry so as to not produce a conflict of interest. Funding Agencies None
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McGinnis G, Ning M, Makufa R, Nsingo M, Chiyapo S, Balang D, Grover S, Cardenas C, Court L, Smith G. Survey of Radiation Therapy Providers Evaluating Barriers and Facilitators of Use of Automated Radiotherapy Planning Tool. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bhatia R, Ramogola-Masire D, Friebel-Klingner T, Monare B, Grover S. Cervical Cancer Screening in Botswana: An Urgent Call for Guideline Change. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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