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Kale SS, Tosto GD, Rush LJ, Kullgren J, Russell D, Fried M, Igboeli B, Teater J, Jones KF, Check DK, Merlin J, McAlearney AS. Creating a Palliative Care Clinic for Patients with Cancer Pain and Substance Use Disorder. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 68:e138-e145. [PMID: 38670295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are a first-line treatment for severe cancer pain. However, clinicians may be reluctant to prescribe opioids for patients with concurrent substance use disorders (SUD) or clinical concerns about non-prescribed substance use. MEASURES Patient volume, 60-day retention rate, and use of sublingual buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. INTERVENTION We created the Palliative Harm Reduction and Resiliency Clinic, a palliative care clinic founded on harm reduction principles and including formal collaboration with addiction psychiatry. OUTCOMES During the first 18 months, patient volume increased steadily; 70% of patients had at least one subsequent visit within 60 days of the initial appointment; and buprenorphine was prescribed for 55% of patients with opioid use disorder. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED The formal collaboration with addiction psychiatry and the integration of harm reduction principles and practices into ambulatory palliative care improved our ability to provide treatment to a previously underserved patient population with high symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin S Kale
- Division of Palliative Medicine(S.S.K., J.K., D.R.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Gennaro Di Tosto
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science(G.D.T., L.J.R., A.S.M.), Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura J Rush
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science(G.D.T., L.J.R., A.S.M.), Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin Kullgren
- Division of Palliative Medicine(S.S.K., J.K., D.R.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Deborah Russell
- Division of Palliative Medicine(S.S.K., J.K., D.R.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Martin Fried
- Division of General Internal Medicine(M.F.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Blessing Igboeli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health(B.I., J.T.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Julie Teater
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health(B.I., J.T.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- New England Geriatrics Research(K.F.J.), Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, Massachussetts, USA
| | - Devon K Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences(D.K.C.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Merlin
- CHAllenges in Managing and Preventing Pain (CHAMPP) clinical research center(J.M.), Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science(G.D.T., L.J.R., A.S.M.), Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine(A.S.M.), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Decker H, Colom S, Graham-Squire D, Wick E, Kushel MB, Raven M, Kanzaria HK. Housing Status and Acute Care Use After Cancer Diagnosis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2419657. [PMID: 38954418 PMCID: PMC11220561 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.19657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This cohort study examines housing status and acute care use after a cancer diagnosis among individuals treated at a public hospital in San Francisco, California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Decker
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sara Colom
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, California
| | - Dave Graham-Squire
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, California
| | - Elizabeth Wick
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Margot B. Kushel
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, California
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Maria Raven
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, California
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Hemal K. Kanzaria
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, California
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Gilson S. Deconditioning in Hospitalized Patients with Cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024:151676. [PMID: 38945732 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151676] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Provide an overview of hospital-associated deconditioning in hospitalized patients with cancer, including risk factors and trajectory of deconditioning. Discuss interdisciplinary roles in preventing deconditioning, best practices, and oncology nursing implications. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed and on Google Scholar using search terms Hospital*, Mobility, Immobility, Deconditioning, Cancer, and Oncology. Peer-reviewed research studies, review articles, and websites of professional organizations were reviewed to provide an overview on mobility concerns in hospitalized patients with cancer. RESULTS Thirty-eight references were included in this overview of hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) in patients with cancer. HAD is a widespread phenomenon with grave consequences. Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to HAD due to their cancer diagnosis and treatment effects. Physical activity in hospitalized patients is one of the most important practices to prevent HAD and is achieved through standardized mobility assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. CONCLUSIONS Promoting mobility in hospitalized patients with cancer is essential to prevent the complications of HAD. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Nurses are leaders of the interdisciplinary approach to enhance inpatient mobility. As they are most often at the bedside, nurses assess patients' level of mobility, recognize risk factors for HAD, and implement safe mobility interventions. Nurses experience barriers to promoting mobility including workforce shortages, high workloads, and competing priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savanna Gilson
- PIH Health Whittier Hospital, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical Oncology, Whittier, CA.
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Parvataneni S, Sarkis Y, Haugh M, Baker B, Tang Q, Nephew LD, Ghabril MS, Chalasani NP, Vuppalanchi R, Orman ES, Harrison NE, Desai AP. A Comprehensive Evaluation of Emergency Department Utilization by Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01201. [PMID: 38912688 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency department (ED)-based care is required for cirrhosis management, yet the burden of cirrhosis-related ED healthcare utilization is understudied. We aimed to describe ED utilization within a statewide health system and compare the outcomes of high ED use (HEDU) vs non-HEDU in individuals with cirrhosis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed charts of adults with cirrhosis who presented to any of 16 EDs within the Indiana University Health system in 2021. Patient characteristics, features of the initial ED visit, subsequent 90-day healthcare use, and 360-day outcomes were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors HEDU status which was defined as ≥2 ED visits within 90 days after the index ED visit. RESULTS There were 2,124 eligible patients (mean age 61.3 years, 53% male, and 91% White). Major etiologies of cirrhosis were alcohol (38%), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (27%), and viral hepatitis (21%). Cirrhosis was newly diagnosed in the ED visit for 18.4%. Most common reasons for ED visits were abdominal pain (21%), shortness of breath (19%), and ascites/volume overload (16%). Of the initial ED visits, 20% (n = 424) were potentially avoidable. The overall 90-day mortality was 16%. Within 90 days, there were 366 HEDU (20%). Notable variables independently associated with HEDU were model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005-1.085), prior ED encounter (aOR 1.520, 95% CI 1.136-2.034), and avoidable initial ED visit (aOR 1.938, 95% CI 1.014-3.703). DISCUSSION Abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and ascites/fluid overload are the common presenting reasons for ED visits for patients with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis presenting to the ED experience a 90-day mortality rate of 16%, and among those who initially visited the ED, 20% were HEDU. We identified several variables independently associated with HEDU. Our observations pave the way for developing interventions to optimize the care of patients with cirrhosis presenting to the ED and to lower repeated ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Parvataneni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yara Sarkis
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michelle Haugh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brittany Baker
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lauren D Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marwan S Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Naga P Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric S Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Archita P Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Brauer DG, Gonen M, Drebin JA, Groeger JS, Jewell EL. Establishing Regionalized Acute Care Across a Health Care System to Decentralize Postoperative Care After Oncologic Surgery. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:666-672. [PMID: 38295332 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients undergoing oncologic surgery at major referral centers frequently experience postdischarge care fragmentation, which has been associated with poor outcomes. This report describes and evaluates the outcomes of an intervention at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to decentralize postdischarge postoperative acute care within our health care system. METHODS In 2018, MSKCC completed the addition of six regional acute care clinics called symptom care clinics (SCCs) to existing regional outpatient clinics. Acute care was previously only available within our system at a single centralized urgent care center (UCC). All patients undergoing surgery in our system between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021, were followed for 90 days. The exposure was the site of initial acute care presentation-UCC or SCC-and outcomes included utilization, access, financial toxicity, and mortality. Mortality was adjusted using hierarchical modeling at the level of the region. RESULTS A total of 6,992 postsurgical patients experienced 10,525 acute care visits in our system within 90 days of surgery. Twenty-nine percent of these patients presented to the SCC first. These patients were older but had fewer comorbidities and shorter index length of stay compared with UCC patients. Utilization of SCCs increased substantially while UCC utilization decreased during a period of stable case volume. SCCs were closer to patients' homes, and wait times were shorter. Rates of financial toxicity were similar between groups. Of this high-risk cohort accessing acute care postoperatively, 90-day mortality was similar for UCC and SCC patients (P = .731). CONCLUSION This model of decentralized acute care after oncologic surgery was increasingly used over time with comparable patient safety. Health systems should emphasize patient-centered care by supporting safe strategies for regionalized care even when treatments are delivered at centralized referral centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Brauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Mithat Gonen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey A Drebin
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey S Groeger
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth L Jewell
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Labe S, Jones G, Dailey H, Bhasker J, Kanwar R, Crago M, Fitzgerald B, Mikhail D, Hafiz S, Kramer C, Zhu J, Vasekar M. D-CRSE: Diminishing chemotherapy-related side effects through patient education, a mixed-methods pilot study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38684105 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2345124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient education materials regarding self-management of chemotherapy-related side effects are limited, which may result in patients using disreputable sources. We created a brochure that educates patients on common side effects, tools to address problems themselves, and guidance on when to contact their oncologist or seek emergency care. This mixed-methods study conducted at Penn State Cancer Institute evaluates the feasibility of using an educational brochure to improve patient outcomes through education. METHODS Chemotherapy naïve patients with breast or gastrointestinal (GI) cancer were enrolled in a single-arm clinical trial from December 2021 to 2022. Participants received the educational brochure and were asked to provide their initial impressions. They completed The Emotional Thermometer Scale (ETS) and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) to measure changes in patient symptoms and mental health throughout their chemotherapy course at 0, 6, and 12-week intervals. The drop-out rate was recorded as a measure of study feasibility. RESULTS The study participants were split between the following cancer types: 77.8% breast and 22.2% GI cancer. A significant decrease in overall mean ETS score was observed between baseline and week 6 (p = 0.001) and 12 (p = 0.0004), respectively. Moreover, the mean MSAS psychological symptoms decreased significantly at week 12 compared to baseline (p = 0.005), while no change was observed in physical symptoms (p = 0.101). Of the 40 participants who completed baseline surveys, 37 had at least one additional visit for a drop-out rate of 7.5%. CONCLUSION This mixed-methods pilot study was successful in demonstrating the feasibility of distributing a standardized educational brochure as an intervention for chemotherapy patients. While participants' emotional scores and psychological symptoms decreased over time, physical symptoms did not, which aligns with side effect progression from cumulative chemotherapy burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Labe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gavin Jones
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hannah Dailey
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joanna Bhasker
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rhea Kanwar
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Madison Crago
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Britney Fitzgerald
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniella Mikhail
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sonia Hafiz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Courtney Kramer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Junjia Zhu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monali Vasekar
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Wernli KJ, Haupt EC, Chawla N, Osuji T, Shen E, Smitherman AB, Casperson M, Kirchhoff AC, Zebrack BJ, Keegan THM, Kushi L, Baggett C, Kaddas HK, Ruddy KJ, Sauder CAM, Wun T, Figueroa Gray M, Chubak J, Nichols H, Hahn EE. Emergency Department Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Early Survivors from 2006 to 2020. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38682323 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Understanding emergency department (ED) use in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors could identify gaps in AYA survivorship. Methods: We conducted a cohort study of 7925 AYA survivors (aged 15-39 years at diagnosis) who were 2-5 years from diagnosis in 2006-2020 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. We calculated ED utilization rates overall and by indication of the encounter (headache, cardiac issues, and suicide attempts). We estimated rate changes by survivorship year and patient factors associated with ED visit using a Poisson model. Results: Cohort was 65.4% women, 45.8% Hispanic, with mean age at diagnosis at 31.3 years. Overall, 38% of AYA survivors had ≥1 ED visit (95th percentile: 5 ED visits). Unadjusted ED rates declined from 374.2/1000 person-years (PY) in Y2 to 327.2 in Y5 (p change < 0.001). Unadjusted rates declined for headache, cardiac issues, and suicide attempts. Factors associated with increased ED use included: age 20-24 at diagnosis [relative risk (RR) = 1.30, 95% CI 1.09-1.56 vs. 35-39 years]; female (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.47 vs. male); non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.38-1.95 vs. non-Hispanic white); comorbidity (RR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.55 for 1 and RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.40-2.30 for 2+ vs. none); and public insurance (RR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.70-2.32 vs. private). Compared with thyroid cancer, cancers associated with increased ED use were breast (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.70), cervical (RR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.76-2.71), colorectal (RR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.94-2.81), and sarcoma (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88). Conclusion: ED utilization declined as time from diagnosis elapsed, but higher utilization was associated with social determinants of health and cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Wernli
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Eric C Haupt
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Neetu Chawla
- Veteran's Affairs Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thearis Osuji
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Ernest Shen
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Andrew B Smitherman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Bradley J Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Lawrence Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Christopher Baggett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heydon K Kaddas
- Department of Pediatrics, Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kathryn J Ruddy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Candice A M Sauder
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Theodore Wun
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Jessica Chubak
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hazel Nichols
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin E Hahn
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
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Lin D, Tan R, Teigland C, Hernandez S, Kim S, Kilgore KM. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position in emergency department utilization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38639552 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Evaluate the association of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position (SEP) on emergency department (ED) visits for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may reflect access to and quality of cancer care. Materials & methods: Patients with HCC identified from a commercial multi-payer claims database between 2015 and 2018 were matched to near-neighborhood social determinants of health (SDOH) and stratified by race/ethnicity and SEP (proxied by annual household income). Analyses evaluated the effect of race/ethnicity and SEP on ED utilization, adjusting for SDOH, demographic and clinical characteristics using multivariable regression methods. Results: A total of 22,247 patients were included. Black and Hispanic patients had 43 and 18% higher ED utilization than White patients at higher-income levels (p < 0.01); these differences were nonsignificant at lower-income. Regardless of income level, Asian patients had lower ED utilization. Conclusion: Further research on the intersectionality between race/ethnicity, SEP and other SDOH may guide structural-level interventions to address health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ruoding Tan
- Public Affairs and Access, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christie Teigland
- Research Science and Advanced Analytics, Inovalon, Inc. Bowie, MD 20716, USA
| | - Sairy Hernandez
- Public Affairs and Access, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Seung Kim
- Research Science and Advanced Analytics, Inovalon, Inc. Bowie, MD 20716, USA
| | - Karl M Kilgore
- Research Science and Advanced Analytics, Inovalon, Inc. Bowie, MD 20716, USA
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Pettit N, Vachon E, Lash R, Spackman C, Draucker CB. Perspectives of emergency department physicians and nurses on reasons for preventable emergency department visits by patients with cancer. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 78:140-144. [PMID: 38271791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer frequently visit the emergency department (ED) for medical care, yet approximately half of ED visits for patients with cancer are thought to be preventable. Preventable ED visits are associated with increased healthcare costs and poor patient experiences and outcomes. The voices of ED providers who work with patients with cancer in their everyday practices have not been solicited as it pertains to preventable visits. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to describe the perspectives of ED physicians and nurses on reasons for preventable ED visits by patients with cancer. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design guided the study. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with ED physicians and nurses to query them about their perspectives on the reasons for preventable ED visits by patients with cancer. Content analysis was conducted to list and describe the reasons they discussed. RESULTS Participants identified five "medical" and five "non-medical" causes of preventable ED visits. Medical reasons included uncontrolled cancer pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia, fever, and on-going undiagnosed signs and symptoms. Non-medical reasons include patient hesitancy to contact primary care providers, lack of availability or responsiveness of primary providers, lack of access, lack of care coordination, and fears about diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION The voices of ED providers should be included in discussions about the problem of preventable ED visits by patients with cancer. The reasons supplied by the participants suggest that solutions to the problem will need to occur at the patient, provider, system, and societal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pettit
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America.
| | - Eric Vachon
- Indiana University, School of Nursing, Regenstrief Institute, Center for Health Services Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Lash
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Candice Spackman
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Sachdev R, Shearn-Nance G, Vu L, Bensken WP, Douglas SL, Koroukian SM, Rose J. Comparing the use of aggressive end-of life care among frail and non-frail patients with cancer using a claims-based frailty index. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101706. [PMID: 38320468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite mounting consensus that end-of-life (EOL) care for patients with cancer should focus on improving quality of life, many patients continue to receive aggressive, disease-oriented treatment until death. Within this group, patients with increased frailty may be at higher risk of adverse treatment-related outcomes. We therefore examined the relationship between degree of frailty and receipt of aggressive EOL care among Medicare-insured patients with cancer in Ohio. MATERIALS AND METHODS From the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS) linked with Medicare claims, we identified patients diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer who died between 2012 and 2016. Frailty was operationalized using a validated claims-based frailty index. Six quality indicators reflecting receipt of aggressive EOL care were identified from claims: (1) any cancer-directed treatment, (2) >1 emergency department (ED) visit, (3) >1 hospital admission, (4) any intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the last 30 days of life, (5) entry to hospice in the last three days of life, and (6) in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to control for demographic factors, Medicare and Medicaid dual enrollment, and cancer type and stage in the relationship between frailty and aggressive EOL care. RESULTS Overall, 31,465 patients met selection criteria. Patients with moderate/severe frailty were less likely than non-/pre-frail patients to receive any aggressive EOL care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.92 [95% confidence interval 0.86-0.99]). This group was also less likely to undergo cancer-directed treatment in their last 30 days or to enter hospice in their last three days. Increasing frailty was associated with lower odds of admission to the ICU in the last 30 days of life (mild frailty: aOR 0.88 [0.83-0.94]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 0.85 [0.78-0.92]) or of dying in-hospital (mild frailty: 0.85 [0.79-0.91]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 0.74 [0.67-0.82]), but higher odds of having >1 ED visit in the last 30 days of life (mild frailty: aOR 1.43 [1.32-1.53]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 1.61 [1.47-1.77]). DISCUSSION These findings suggest the need for more explicit discussion of emergency care seeking for patients with cancer at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sachdev
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Galen Shearn-Nance
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Long Vu
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Wyatt P Bensken
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Sara L Douglas
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH. 44104, USA
| | - Siran M Koroukian
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Johnie Rose
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11000 Cedar Ave., Ste. 402, Cleveland, OH 44106-7136, USA.
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Salama H, Omer MH, Shafqat A, Binahmed A, Alghamdi GM, Saeed M, Alfagi MM, Alqahtany BS, Alshoshan F, Salih D, Hashim A, Alkaiyat M, Algarni A. Avoidable emergency department visits among palliative care cancer patients: novel insights from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:60. [PMID: 38419053 PMCID: PMC10900641 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies emerging from developed countries have highlighted a significant number of potentially avoidable emergency department (ED) visits by cancer patients during the end-of-life period. However, there is a paucity of information from developing nations regarding palliative care practices and the utilization of the ED by palliative care patients. Herein, we aim to characterize ED admissions among patients receiving palliative care at our tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluating ED visits amongst adult patients with advanced cancer who were receiving treatment under the palliative care department. This study took place over a period of 12 months from July 2021 through to July 2022. Three palliative care specialist physicians independently and blindly reviewed each patient's ED visits and determined whether the visit was avoidable or unavoidable. RESULTS A total of 243 patients were included in the final analysis, of which 189 (78.1%) patients had unavoidable visits and 53 (21.9%) patient visits were classified as avoidable. A significantly higher proportion of breast cancer patients presented with unavoidable admissions (14.3% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.037) compared to other cancer types. The incidence of dyspnea (23.8% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001) and fevers/chills (23.3% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.005) was significantly higher in patients with unavoidable visits. Patients with avoidable visits had a significantly greater proportion of visits for dehydration (13.2% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.002). Notably, although hospital stay was significantly longer in the unavoidable group (P = 0.045), mortality for palliative care patients-regardless of whether their ED visit was avoidable or unavoidable-was not statistically different (P=-0.069). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the largest and most comprehensive study from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East providing insights into the utilization of palliative care services in the region and the propensity of advanced cancer patients towards visiting the ED. Future studies ought to explore interventions to reduce the frequency of avoidable ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagir Salama
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Binahmed
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadah Muhammed Alghamdi
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Saeed
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Madani Alfagi
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Saeed Alqahtany
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Feda Alshoshan
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Salih
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hashim
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alkaiyat
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algarni
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Rizvi-Toner A, Coe AB, Friese CR, Manojlovich M, Wallner L, Farris KB. Patient symptoms, self-management, and unscheduled healthcare use during the first 6 months of targeted oral anticancer agent therapy: protocol for a mixed-methods US study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081375. [PMID: 38355181 PMCID: PMC10868296 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted oral anticancer agents (OAAs) are increasingly used to treat cancer, including haematological malignancies and ovarian cancer, but they can cause serious symptomatic side effects such as arrhythmias, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia. Unaddressed OAA symptoms or inadequately managed symptoms may also lead to unnecessary and unscheduled healthcare use that decreases patient quality of life and financially burdens both patients and the healthcare system. Limited information is available about patient symptoms, self-management behaviours, and use of healthcare services over time while taking targeted OAAs, but is needed to ensure successful OAA therapy. The primary objective is to understand patient experiences and behaviours on initiating targeted OAA, and elicit cancer care clinicians' (ie, physicians, advanced practice practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists) perspectives on supporting patients during therapy. Study results will inform comprehensive and realistic interventions that minimise disruptions to therapy while maximising quality of life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a remote single-arm, convergent-parallel mixed-methods cohort study within a large academic medical centre. A minimum of 60 patients will be enrolled. Patients will complete several validated patient-reported outcome measures at six timepoints over 6 months. Mixed-effects logistic regression will be used to predict the primary binary outcome of unscheduled healthcare use by patient self-efficacy for symptom self-management. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with patients and clinicians and thematically analysed. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative results will be reported using cross-case comparison joint display. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board of University of Michigan Medical School (IRBMED). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences, and disseminated to study participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Rizvi-Toner
- Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Antoinette B Coe
- Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Lauren Wallner
- Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Karen B Farris
- Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Zirulnik A, Wang D, Bowman JK. Emergency Palliative Care: Patient With Cancer Diagnosis and Escalating Symptom Burden. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:275-278. [PMID: 37878347 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this segment of the emergency department (ED) palliative care (PC) case series, we present a patient with advanced cancer not yet followed by PC or on hospice, who presents to the ED overnight with worsening nausea, vomiting, and acute on chronic abdominal pain. The ED team works to stabilize and treat the patient, reaches out to his oncologist, and seeks remote support and guidance from the on-call PC clinician. After a rapid "just-in-time" training, the ED clinician is able to have a focused goals-of-care conversation with the patient and his family and make person-centered recommendations. The patient is briefly admitted to the intensive care unit for ongoing medical optimization and symptom management, and then subsequently discharged home on hospice in alignment with his elucidated goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Zirulnik
- Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Wang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jason K Bowman
- Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Strum RP, Mondoux S, Mowbray FI, Griffith LE, Worster A, Tavares W, Miller P, Aryal K, Sivakumaran R, Costa AP. Validating the Emergency Department Avoidability Classification (EDAC): A cluster randomized single-blinded agreement study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297689. [PMID: 38261589 PMCID: PMC10805301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Emergency Department Avoidability Classification (EDAC) retrospectively classifies emergency department (ED) visits that could have been safely managed in subacute primary care settings, but has not been validated against a criterion standard. A validated EDAC could enable accurate and reliable quantification of avoidable ED visits. We compared agreement between the EDAC and ED physician judgements to specify avoidable ED visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized, single-blinded agreement study in an academic hospital in Hamilton, Canada. ED visits between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019 were clustered based on EDAC classes and randomly sampled evenly. A total of 160 ED visit charts were randomly assigned to ten participating ED physicians at the academic hospital for evaluation. Physicians judged if the ED visit could have been managed appropriately in subacute primary care (an avoidable visit); each ED visit was evaluated by two physicians independently. We measured interrater agreement between physicians with a Cohen's kappa and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We evaluated the correlation between the EDAC and physician judgements using a Spearman rank correlation and ordinal logistic regression with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We examined the EDAC's precision to identify avoidable ED visits using accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS ED physicians agreed on 139 visits (86.9%) with a kappa of 0.69 (95% CI 0.59-0.79), indicating substantial agreement. Physicians judged 96.2% of ED visits classified as avoidable by the EDAC as suitable for management in subacute primary care. We found a high correlation between the EDAC and physician judgements (0.64), as well as a very strong association to classify avoidable ED visits (OR 80.0, 95% CI 17.1-374.9). The EDACs avoidable and potentially avoidable classes demonstrated strong accuracy to identify ED visits suitable for management in subacute care (82.8%, 95% CI 78.2-86.8). DISCUSSION The EDAC demonstrated strong evidence of criterion validity to classify avoidable ED visits. This classification has important potential for accurately monitoring trends in avoidable ED utilization, measuring proportions of ED volume attributed to avoidable visits and informing interventions intended at reducing ED use by patients who do not require emergency or life-saving healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Strum
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Mondoux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fabrice I. Mowbray
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Griffith
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research and Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Tavares
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Paramedic Education and Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Komal Aryal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ravi Sivakumaran
- Health Information Management Department, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew P. Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Admane S, Clark M, Reddy A, Narayanan S, Bruera E. Safely Prescribing Opioids With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir - Case Report and Management Recommendations. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e99-e104. [PMID: 37797677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Admane
- Division of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitation Medicine - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, USA.
| | - Matthew Clark
- Division of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitation Medicine - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, USA
| | - Akhila Reddy
- Division of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitation Medicine - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, USA
| | - Santhosshi Narayanan
- Division of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitation Medicine - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Division of Palliative, Integrative, and Rehabilitation Medicine - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, USA
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16
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Azari L, Hemati H, Tavasolian R, Shahdab S, Tomlinson SM, Bobonis Babilonia M, Huang J, Tometich DB, Turner K, Jim HS, Tabriz AA. The efficacy and safety of ketamine for depression in patients with cancer: A systematic review. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100428. [PMID: 38179461 PMCID: PMC10764987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Management of depression in the oncology population includes supportive psychotherapeutic interventions with or without psychotropic medication, which take time to demonstrate effectiveness. Fast-acting interventions, like ketamine, can provide a rapid antidepressant effect; however, there has been limited research on effects of ketamine among cancer patients. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of research on the efficacy and safety of ketamine on depression in patients with cancer. Methods We reviewed the published literature in MEDLINE® (via PubMed®), EMBASE, and Scopus from 1 January 1982 to 20 October 2022. We screened the retrieved abstracts against inclusion criteria and conducted a full-text review of eligible studies. Following extraction of data from included studies, we used a framework analysis approach to summarize the evidence on using ketamine in patients with cancer. Results All 5 included studies were randomized clinical trials conducted in inpatient settings in China. In all included studies ketamine was administered intravenously. Three studies used only racemic ketamine, and two studies used both S-ketamine and racemic ketamine. All included studies reported ketamine a tolerable and effective drug to control depression symptoms. Conclusion Included studies showed administration of sub-anesthesia ketamine significantly improves postoperative depression among patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Azari
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Homa Hemati
- College of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronia Tavasolian
- Department of Clinical Science and Nutrition, University of Chester, England
| | - Sareh Shahdab
- College of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Stephanie M. Tomlinson
- University of South Florida Health Libraries Morsani University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Margarita Bobonis Babilonia
- Supportive Care Medicine Department, Behavioral Medicine Services, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Danielle B. Tometich
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kea Turner
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Heather S.L. Jim
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amir Alishahi Tabriz
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
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17
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O'Connell CP, Johnson KJ, Brown DS. Pediatric cancer patient emergency department visits and disposition by sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30636. [PMID: 37638808 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research has been conducted on cancer-related emergency department (ED) patterns among pediatric cancer patients, including whether there are differences in the characteristics of individuals who seek ED care for cancer complications. The objectives of this study were to determine whether rates and disposition of cancer-related ED visits and hospital admissions in childhood cancer patients differ by sociodemographic factors. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of ED encounters with a cancer diagnosis code among patients aged 0-19 years from the 2019 National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) was conducted. Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for a primary cancer-related encounter, and hospital admission overall and by subgroup characteristics. RESULTS Of the unweighted 6,801,711 ED encounters in children aged 0-19 years, 10,793 were classified as visits by cancer patients. ED encounters of Hispanic versus non-Hispanic White pediatric cancer patients had higher odds of having a cancer-related primary diagnosis (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.27). ED encounters of non-Hispanic Black pediatric patients and those in the lowest zip code income quartile had higher odds of hospital admission (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08-1.53; OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15-1.46), while rurality was associated with lower odds of hospital admission (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57-0.83). CONCLUSION These results suggest that pediatric cancer patients from certain under-resourced communities are more likely to use the ED for cancer treatment complications, and their encounters are more likely to result in admission to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly J Johnson
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Derek S Brown
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Fuentes Payán W, González Lorenzo K, Gelabert Martínez F, Conte Schmidt N, Tortolero-Luna G, Ramos-Fernández MR, Gierbolini-Bérmudez A, Melin K, Ortiz-Ortiz KJ. Association Between Concurrent Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids and Health Care Utilization Among Patients With Cancer in Puerto Rico. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300008. [PMID: 37797283 PMCID: PMC10664853 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association between concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) and emergency room (ER) visits and hospital admissions in patients with cancer. METHODS Data were obtained from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry-Health Insurance Linkage. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs and incidence rate ratio (IRR) were estimated using logistic and negative binomial regression analyses to assess the association between concurrent use of opioids and BZDs (overlap of at least 7 days) and ER visits and hospital admissions. RESULTS A total of 9,259 patients were included in the main analysis. The logistic regression results showed a significant association between concurrent use of opioids and BZDs and at least one ER visit (OR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.54]) or hospital admission (OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.18 to 1.71]) compared with individuals with BZDs alone, after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity index, cancer stage, health insurance, and health region. Compared with individuals with opioid use alone, the association did not reach significance. In the negative binomial regression, a significant association was observed for ER visits (IRR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.31 to 1.76]) and hospitalizations (IRR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.20 to 1.50]) when compared with individuals with BZDs alone. Compared with individuals with opioids alone, it only reached significance for ER visits (IRR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.20 to 1.61]). CONCLUSION Careful evaluation must be done before prescribing concurrent opioids and BZDs in patients with cancer, as the results suggest that coprescribing may increase the odds of ER visits and hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmarie Fuentes Payán
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Keyla González Lorenzo
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Nelly Conte Schmidt
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - María R. Ramos-Fernández
- Emergency Medicine Department, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Axel Gierbolini-Bérmudez
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Kyle Melin
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Shi JJ, Maldonado JA, Wu CF, Peterson SK, Chen YS, Diao K, Volk RJ, Giordano SH, Shih YCT, Kaiser K, Smith GL. Financial toxicity in cancer patients and subsequent risk of repeat acute care utilization. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1209526. [PMID: 37663351 PMCID: PMC10469858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute care (AC) visits by cancer patients are costly sources of healthcare resources and can exert a financial burden of oncology care both for individuals with cancer and healthcare systems. We sought to identify whether cancer patients who reported more severe initial financial toxicity (FT) burdens shouldered excess risks for acute care utilization. Methods In 225 adult patients who participated in the Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) survey study of individuals receiving ambulatory cancer care between March and September 2019, we measured the baseline FT (a multidimensional score of 0-10 indicating the least to most severe global, material, and coping FT burdens). All AC visits, including emergency department (ED) and unplanned hospital admissions, within 1-year follow-up were identified. The association between the severity of FT and the total number of AC visits was tested using Poisson regression models. Results A total of 18.6% (n = 42) of patients had any AC visit, comprising 64.3% hospital admissions and 35.7% ED visits. Global FT burden was associated with the risk of repeat AC visits within 1-year follow-up (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29, P < 0.001 for every unit increase), even after adjusting for sociodemographic and disease covariates. When examining subdimensions of FT, the burden of depleted FT coping resources (coping FT) was strongly associated with the risk of repeat AC visits (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.15-1.40, P < 0.001) while material FT burden showed a trend toward association (RR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.99-1.15, P = 0.07). Conclusion In this prospective study of acute oncology care utilization outcomes among adult cancer patients, FT was a predictor of a higher burden of acute care visits. Patients with severely depleted material and also practical and social coping resources were at particular risk for repeated visits. Future studies are needed to identify whether early FT screening and intervention efforts may help to mitigate urgent acute care utilization burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J. Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - J. Alberto Maldonado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Chi-Fang Wu
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan K. Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying-Shiuan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kevin Diao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert J. Volk
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sharon H. Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ya-Chen T. Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kelsey Kaiser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Grace L. Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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20
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Valsecchi D, Porcu L, Khater A, Battista RA, Giordano L, Cascinu S, Assanelli A, Lazzari C, Gregorc V, Mirabile A. Emergency Department Visits among Cancer Patients during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041240. [PMID: 36831581 PMCID: PMC9953801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact. Patients with cancer, their caregivers, and physicians need to balance the challenges associated with COVID-19 while ensuring cancer care. Nevertheless, emotional distress and hospital departmental reorganization could have led to a decrease in ED admissions even among oncological patients. Methods: We compared the 72 days of the pandemic in 2020 with the same calendar days in 2019 and 2021, defining a 20% decrease in ED visits as clinically significant. We studied the cause for visit, its severity, outcome (admission vs. discharge vs. death vs. hospice/palliative care), the tumor site, and method of arrival to the ED for the 3 time periods. Results: A significant decrease in ED oncological visits was found in 2020 compared to 2019, before returning to similar numbers in 2021. Fear, anxiety, and worry, in addition to hospital departmental reorganization, surely had an important role in the delay of ED visits, which resulted in irreparable consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Valsecchi
- Emergency Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Porcu
- Methodology for Clinical Research Laboratory, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Alessia Battista
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Leone Giordano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Assanelli
- Emergency Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Lazzari
- Medical Oncology Department, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gregorc
- Medical Oncology Department, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Aurora Mirabile
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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