1
|
Hassoon A, Ng C, Lehmann H, Rupani H, Peterson S, Horberg MA, Liberman AL, Sharp AL, Johansen MC, McDonald K, Austin JM, Newman-Toker DE. Computable phenotype for diagnostic error: developing the data schema for application of symptom-disease pair analysis of diagnostic error (SPADE). Diagnosis (Berl) 2024; 11:295-302. [PMID: 38696319 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2023-0138] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diagnostic errors are the leading cause of preventable harm in clinical practice. Implementable tools to quantify and target this problem are needed. To address this gap, we aimed to generalize the Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error (SPADE) framework by developing its computable phenotype and then demonstrated how that schema could be applied in multiple clinical contexts. METHODS We created an information model for the SPADE processes, then mapped data fields from electronic health records (EHR) and claims data in use to that model to create the SPADE information model (intention) and the SPADE computable phenotype (extension). Later we validated the computable phenotype and tested it in four case studies in three different health systems to demonstrate its utility. RESULTS We mapped and tested the SPADE computable phenotype in three different sites using four different case studies. We showed that data fields to compute an SPADE base measure are fully available in the EHR Data Warehouse for extraction and can operationalize the SPADE framework from provider and/or insurer perspective, and they could be implemented on numerous health systems for future work in monitor misdiagnosis-related harms. CONCLUSIONS Data for the SPADE base measure is readily available in EHR and administrative claims. The method of data extraction is potentially universally applicable, and the data extracted is conveniently available within a network system. Further study is needed to validate the computable phenotype across different settings with different data infrastructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hassoon
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802 Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Harold Lehmann
- 1500 The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hetal Rupani
- 1500 Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan Peterson
- Emergency Medicine, 1500 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Horberg
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, 51637 Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute , Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ava L Liberman
- Neurology, 12295 Weill Cornell Medicine , New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam L Sharp
- Department of Research & Evaluation, 82579 Kaiser Permanente Southern California , Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Michelle C Johansen
- Department of Neurology and the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, 1500 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy McDonald
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing 15851 , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J Mathrew Austin
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine and the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, 1500 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marc Malovrh M, Adamic K. Unravelling the lung cancer diagnostic pathway: identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. Radiol Oncol 2024; 58:268-278. [PMID: 38613841 PMCID: PMC11165972 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0025] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A fast and well-organized complex diagnostic process is important for better success in the treatment of lung cancer patients. The aim of our study was to reveal the gaps and inefficiencies in the diagnostic process and to suggest improvement strategies in a single tertiary centre in Slovenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS We employed a comprehensive approach to carefully dissect all the steps in the diagnostic journey for individuals suspected of having lung cancer. We gathered and analysed information from employees and patients involved in the process by dedicated questionnaires. Further, we analysed the patients' data and calculated the diagnostic intervals for patients in two different periods. RESULTS The major concerns among employees were stress and excessive administrative work. The important result of the visual journey and staff reports was the design of electronic diagnostic clinical pathway (eDCP), which could substantially increase safety and efficacy by diminishing the administrative burden of the employees. The patients were generally highly satisfied with diagnostic journey, but reported too long waiting times. By analysing two time periods, we revealed that diagnostic intervals exceeded the recommended timelines and got importantly shorter after two interventions - strengthening the diagnostic team and specially by purchase of additional PET-CT machine (the average time from general practitioner (GP) referral to the multidisciplinary treatment board (MDTB) decision was 50.8 [± 3.0] prior and 37.1 [± 2.3] days after the interventions). CONCLUSIONS The study illuminated opportunities for refining the diagnostic journey for lung cancer patients, underscoring the importance of both administrative and capacity-related enhancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Marc Malovrh
- University Clinic for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Adamic
- University Clinic for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moyal-Smith R, Elam M, Boulanger J, Balaban R, Cox JE, Cunningham R, Folcarelli P, Germak MC, O'Reilly K, Parkerton M, Samuels NW, Unsworth F, Sato L, Benjamin E. Reducing the Risk of Delayed Colorectal Cancer Diagnoses Through an Ambulatory Safety Net Collaborative. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2024:S1553-7250(24)00121-1. [PMID: 38763793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 12 million adults in the United States experience delayed diagnoses and other diagnostic errors annually. Ambulatory safety nets (ASNs) are an intervention to reduce delayed diagnoses by identifying patients with abnormal results overdue for follow-up using registries, workflow redesign, and patient navigation. The authors sought to co-design a collaborative and implement colorectal cancer (CRC) ASNs across various health care settings. METHODS A working group was convened to co-design implementation guidance, measures, and the collaborative model. Collaborative sites were recruited through a medical professional liability insurance program and chose to begin with developing an ASN for positive at-home CRC screening or overdue surveillance colonoscopy. The 18-month Breakthrough Series Collaborative ran from January 2022 to July 2023, with sites continuing to collect data while sustaining their ASNs. Data were collected from sites monthly on patients in the ASN, including the proportion that was successfully contacted, scheduled, and completed a follow-up colonoscopy. RESULTS Six sites participated; four had an operational ASN at the end of the Breakthrough Series, with the remaining sites launching three months later. From October 2022 through February 2024, the Collaborative ASNs collectively identified 5,165 patients from the registry as needing outreach. Among patients needing outreach, 3,555 (68.8%) were successfully contacted, 2,060 (39.9%) were scheduled for a colonoscopy, and 1,504 (29.1%) completed their colonoscopy. CONCLUSION The Collaborative successfully identified patients with previously abnormal CRC screening and facilitated completion of follow-up testing. The CRC ASN Implementation Guide offers a comprehensive road map for health care leaders interested in implementing CRC ASNs.
Collapse
|
4
|
Rajan SS, Sarvepalli S, Wei L, Meyer AND, Murphy DR, Choi DT, Singh H. Medical Home Implementation and Follow-Up of Cancer-Related Abnormal Test Results in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240087. [PMID: 38483392 PMCID: PMC10940951 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0087] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Lack of timely follow-up of cancer-related abnormal test results can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses, adverse cancer outcomes, and substantial cost burden for patients. Care delivery models, such as the Veterans Affairs' (VA) Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT), which aim to improve patient-centered care coordination, could potentially also improve timely follow-up of abnormal test results. PACT was implemented nationally in the VA between 2010 and 2012. Objective To evaluate the long-term association between PACT implementation and timely follow-up of abnormal test results related to the diagnosis of 5 different cancers. Design, Setting, and Participants This multiyear retrospective cohort study used 14 years of VA data (2006-2019), which were analyzed using panel data-based random-effects linear regressions. The setting included all VA clinics and facilities. The participants were adult patients who underwent diagnostic testing related to 5 different cancers and had abnormal test results. Data extraction and statistical analyses were performed from September 2021 to December 2023. Exposure Calendar years denoting preperiods and postperiods of PACT implementation, and the PACT Implementation Progress Index Score denoting the extent of implementation in each VA clinic and facility. Main Outcome and Measure Percentage of potentially missed timely follow-ups of abnormal test results. Results This study analyzed 6 data sets representing 5 different types of cancers. During the initial years of PACT implementation (2010 to 2013), percentage of potentially missed timely follow-ups decreased between 3 to 7 percentage points for urinalysis suggestive of bladder cancer, 12 to 14 percentage points for mammograms suggestive of breast cancer, 19 to 22 percentage points for fecal tests suggestive of colorectal cancer, and 6 to 13 percentage points for iron deficiency anemia laboratory tests suggestive of colorectal cancer, with no statistically significant changes for α-fetoprotien tests and lung cancer imaging. However, these beneficial reductions were not sustained over time. Better PACT implementation scores were associated with a decrease in potentially missed timely follow-up percentages for urinalysis (0.3-percentage point reduction [95% CI, -0.6 to -0.1] with 1-point increase in the score), and laboratory tests suggestive of iron deficiency anemia (0.5-percentage point reduction [95% CI,-0.8 to -0.2] with 1-point increase in the score). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that implementation of PACT in the VA was associated with a potential short-term improvement in the quality of follow-up for certain test results. Additional multifaceted sustained interventions to reduce missed test results are required to prevent care delays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suja S. Rajan
- Department of Management, Policy & Community Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Li Wei
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ashley N. D. Meyer
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel R. Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Debra T. Choi
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou Y, Walter FM. Understanding cancer risk in patients at lower risk to improve early cancer diagnosis. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:1166-1167. [PMID: 37922926 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhou
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Y, Singh H, Hamilton W, Archer S, Tan S, Brimicombe J, Lyratzopoulos G, Walter FM. Improving the diagnostic process for patients with possible bladder and kidney cancer: a mixed-methods study to identify potential missed diagnostic opportunities. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:e575-e585. [PMID: 37253628 PMCID: PMC10242858 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0602] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with bladder and kidney cancer may experience diagnostic delays. AIM To identify patterns of suboptimal care and contributors of potential missed diagnostic opportunities (MDOs). DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective, mixed-methods study recruiting participants from nine general practices in Eastern England between June 2018 and October 2019. METHOD Patients with possible bladder and kidney cancer were identified using eligibility criteria based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for suspected cancer. Primary care records were reviewed at recruitment and at 1 year for data on symptoms, tests, referrals, and diagnosis. Referral predictors were examined using logistic regression. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 patients to explore their experiences of the diagnostic process, and these were analysed thematically. RESULTS Participants (n = 940) were mostly female (n = 657, 69.9%), with a median age of 71 years (interquartile range 64-77 years). In total, 268 (28.5%) received a referral and 465 (48.5%) had a final diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). There were 33 (3.5%) patients who were diagnosed with cancer, including prostate (n = 17), bladder (n = 7), and upper urothelial tract (n = 1) cancers. Among referred patients, those who had a final diagnosis of UTI had the longest time to referral (median 81.5 days). Only one-third of patients with recurrent UTIs were referred despite meeting NICE referral guidelines. Qualitative findings revealed barriers during the diagnostic process, including inadequate clinical examination, female patients given repeated antibiotics without clinical reviews, and suboptimal communication of test results to patients. CONCLUSION Older females with UTIs might be at increased risk of MDOs for cancer. Targeting barriers during the initial diagnostic assessment and follow-up might improve quality of diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhou
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
| | | | - Stephanie Archer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge and Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sapphire Tan
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Brimicombe
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes (ECHO), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge and Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gitlin M, McGarvey N, Shivaprakash N, Cong Z. Time duration and health care resource use during cancer diagnoses in the United States: A large claims database analysis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:659-670. [PMID: 37276034 PMCID: PMC10388018 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.29.6.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnostic pathways are highly variable and not clearly established in the United States, which can lead to a diagnosis process that takes more time and exposes patients to invasive or unnecessary procedures, delays in treatment, worsening patient outcomes, and elevated health care resource utilization (HRU) and health care system costs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate current trends in time to diagnosis and diagnostic-related HRU preceding the patient's cancer diagnosis across all cancer types in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective claims analysis was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with cancer identified from 2018-2019 using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart database, which includes Medicare Advantage and commercially insured members. Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and were required to have at least 2 outpatient visits at least 30 days apart or at least 1 inpatient cancer visit without prior cancer claims. The first diagnostic test was identified based on an algorithm of a 60-day gap between diagnostic tests prior to diagnosis. The index date was defined as the first diagnostic test date or an office visit less than 4 weeks prior to the first diagnostic test date. Patient characteristics, time to diagnosis, and HRU were descriptively analyzed for all patients and by cancer type. RESULTS: Among the 458,818 patients newly diagnosed with cancer included in this analysis, the mean age was 70.6 years, approximately half were female, and most were White people (65.0%) with Medicare Advantage coverage (74.0%). Patients with cancer had an overall mean (SD) time to diagnosis of 156.2 (164.9) days and 15.4% of patients waited longer than 180 days before a cancer diagnosis. High heterogeneity among cancer types was observed, with a mean time to diagnosis ranging from 121.6 days (bladder cancer) to 229.0 days (multiple myeloma). Imaging resource use during the diagnostic pathway was high for radiology (60.7%), computerized tomography (50.8%), magnetic resonance imaging (48.6%), and ultrasound (42.6%). A total of 69.3% of patients had endoscopy without biopsy, 36.5% had endoscopy with biopsy, 62.5% had other biopsies, and most patients did general urine and serum tests (91.3%) and nongenetic cancer-specific laboratory tests (84.3%). Resource use was highly varied by cancer type but tended to increase with a longer time to diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients experiencing a diagnostic process of longer than 180 days is clinically and economically meaningful. Diagnostic-related HRU was significant and highly variable, highlighting the inefficiencies in the cancer diagnostic process in the United States and the need for policies, guidelines, or medical interventions to streamline cancer diagnostic pathways to optimize patient outcomes and reduce health care system burden. DISCLOSURES: Dr Cong is an employee of Grail, LLC, which supported this study. Drs Gitlin and McGarvey are employees of BluePath Solutions, and Ms Shivaprakash was an employee of BluePath Solutions, which received financial support from Grail, LLC, for study-related research activities. This study was sponsored by Grail, LLC, a subsidiary of Illumina Inc. currently held separate from Illumina Inc. under the terms of the Interim Measures Order of the European Commission dated October 29, 2021. The sponsor had no role in the collection, management, and analysis of the data. The sponsor contributed to study design and data interpretation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ze Cong
- Grail, LLC, a subsidiary of Illumina Inc. currently held separate from Illumina Inc. under the terms of the Interim Measures Order of the European Commission dated October 29, 2021, Menlo Park, CA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Freund O, Azolai L, Sror N, Zeeman I, Kozlovsky T, Greenberg SA, Epstein Weiss T, Bornstein G, Tchebiner JZ, Frydman S. Diagnostic delays among COVID-19 patients with a second concurrent diagnosis. J Hosp Med 2023; 18:321-328. [PMID: 36779316 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effect of a new pandemic on diagnostic errors. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify delayed second diagnoses among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with COVID-19. DESIGNS An observational cohort Study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Consecutive hospitalized adult patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary referral center with COVID-19 during the Delta and Omicron variant surges. Included patients had evidence of a second diagnosis during their ED stay. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES The primary outcome was delayed diagnosis (without documentation or treatment in the ED). Contributing factors were assessed using two logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 1249 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 216 (17%) had evidence of a second diagnosis in the ED. The second diagnosis of 73 patients (34%) was delayed, with a mean (SD) delay of 1.5 (0.8) days. Medical treatment was deferred in 63 patients (86%) and interventional therapy in 26 (36%). The probability of an ED diagnosis was the lowest for Infection-related diagnoses (56%) and highest for surgical-related diagnoses (89%). Evidence for the second diagnosis by physical examination (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-4.68) or by imaging (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.16-3.79) were predictors for ED diagnosis. Low oxygen saturation (AOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.79) and cough or dyspnea (AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.94) in the ED were predictors of a delayed second diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ophir Freund
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lee Azolai
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neta Sror
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idan Zeeman
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tom Kozlovsky
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon A Greenberg
- Emergency Department, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Epstein Weiss
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Bornstein
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joseph Zvi Tchebiner
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shir Frydman
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Black GB, Lyratzopoulos G, Vincent CA, Fulop NJ, Nicholson BD. Early diagnosis of cancer: systems approach to support clinicians in primary care. BMJ 2023; 380:e071225. [PMID: 36758989 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B Black
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Charles A Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Naomi J Fulop
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Brian D Nicholson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Increasing the value of PSA through improved implementation. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:96-103. [PMID: 34750055 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.09.016] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Low-value testing and treatment contribute to billions of dollars in waste to the United States health care system annually. High frequency, low-cost testing, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, is a major contributor to this inefficient health care delivery. Despite decreasing mortality of prostate cancer over the last few decades, the reputation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer screening has fluctuated over the last decade due to lack of clarity of the benefits of screening and high risk for overtreatment. The value of PSA could be improved by efficient implementation of smarter testing strategies that reduce the harms and increase the benefits.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mikhael J, Bhutani M, Cole CE. Multiple Myeloma for the Primary Care Provider: A Practical Review to Promote Earlier Diagnosis Among Diverse Populations. Am J Med 2023; 136:33-41. [PMID: 36150517 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States and the most common hematologic malignancy among Blacks/African Americans. Delay in diagnosis is common and has been associated with inferior disease-free survival and increased rates of myeloma-related complications. Despite a roughly 2-times higher risk of multiple myeloma, diagnostic delay appears more common, and improvements in 5-year survival rates have been slower among Blacks/African Americans than their White counterparts. When patient symptoms and basic laboratory findings are suggestive of multiple myeloma, the primary care provider should initiate extended laboratory work-up that includes serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunoglobulin free light chain assay, and serum immunofixation. Heightened awareness within high-risk populations such as Blacks/African Americans may help to eliminate racial disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mikhael
- Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), City of Hope Cancer Center, Phoenix, Ariz; International Myeloma Foundation, Studio City, Calif.
| | - Manisha Bhutani
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Division of Plasma Cell Disorders, Atrium Health/Wake Forest Baptist, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC
| | - Craig E Cole
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University-Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing, Lansing
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Merker VL, Slobogean B, Jordan JT, Langmead S, Meterko M, Charns MP, Elwy AR, Blakeley JO, Plotkin SR. Understanding barriers to diagnosis in a rare, genetic disease: Delays and errors in diagnosing schwannomatosis. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:2672-2683. [PMID: 35678462 PMCID: PMC9378587 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of rare, genetic diseases is challenging, but conceptual frameworks of the diagnostic process can guide quality improvement initiatives. Using the National Academy of Medicine diagnostic framework, we assessed the extent of, and reasons for diagnostic delays and diagnostic errors in schwannomatosis, a neurogenetic syndrome characterized by nerve sheath tumors and chronic pain. We reviewed the medical records of 97 people with confirmed or probable schwannomatosis seen in two US tertiary care clinics. Time-to-event analysis revealed a median time from first symptom to diagnosis of 16.7 years (95% CI, 7.5-26.0 years) and median time from first medical consultation to diagnosis of 9.8 years (95% CI, 3.5-16.2 years). Factors associated with longer times to diagnosis included initial signs/symptoms that were intermittent, non-specific, or occurred at younger ages (p < 0.05). Thirty-six percent of patients were misdiagnosed; misdiagnoses were of underlying genetic condition (18.6%), pain etiology (16.5%), and nerve sheath tumor presence/pathology (11.3%) (non-mutually exclusive categories). One-fifth (19.6%) of patients had a clear missed opportunity for genetics workup that could have led to an earlier schwannomatosis diagnosis. These results suggest that interventions in clinician education, genetic testing availability, expert review of pathology findings, and automatic triggers for genetics referrals may improve diagnosis of schwannomatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Merker
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Bronwyn Slobogean
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Justin T. Jordan
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Shannon Langmead
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mark Meterko
- Analytics and Performance Integration, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Bedford, MA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Martin P. Charns
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - A. Rani Elwy
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI
| | - Jaishri O. Blakeley
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Scott R. Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chima S, Martinez-Gutierrez J, Hunter B, Manski-Nankervis JA, Emery J. Optimization of a Quality Improvement Tool for Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e39277. [PMID: 35925656 PMCID: PMC9389376 DOI: 10.2196/39277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common route to a diagnosis of cancer is through primary care. Delays in diagnosing cancer occur when an opportunity to make a timely diagnosis is missed and is evidenced by patients visiting the general practitioner (GP) on multiple occasions before referral to a specialist. Tools that minimize prolonged diagnostic intervals and reduce missed opportunities to investigate patients for cancer are therefore a priority. Objective This study aims to explore the usefulness and feasibility of a novel quality improvement (QI) tool in which algorithms flag abnormal test results that may be indicative of undiagnosed cancer. This study allows for the optimization of the cancer recommendations before testing the efficacy in a randomized controlled trial. Methods GPs, practice nurses, practice managers, and consumers were recruited to participate in individual interviews or focus groups. Participants were purposively sampled as part of a pilot and feasibility study, in which primary care practices were receiving recommendations relating to the follow-up of abnormal test results for prostate-specific antigen, thrombocytosis, and iron-deficiency anemia. The Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory (CP-FIT) was applied to the analysis using a thematic approach. Results A total of 17 interviews and 3 focus groups (n=18) were completed. Participant themes were mapped to CP-FIT across the constructs of context, recipient, and feedback variables. The key facilitators to use were alignment with workflow, recognized need, the perceived importance of the clinical topic, and the GPs’ perception that the recommendations were within their control. Barriers to use included competing priorities, usability and complexity of the recommendations, and knowledge of the clinical topic. There was consistency between consumer and practitioner perspectives, reporting language concerns associated with the word cancer, the need for more patient-facing resources, and time constraints of the consultation to address patients’ worries. Conclusions There was a recognized need for the QI tool to support the diagnosis of cancer in primary care, but barriers were identified that hindered the usability and actionability of the recommendations in practice. In response, the tool has been refined and is currently being evaluated as part of a randomized controlled trial. Successful and effective implementation of this QI tool could support the detection of patients at risk of undiagnosed cancer in primary care and assist in preventing unnecessary delays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Chima
- Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Javiera Martinez-Gutierrez
- Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Barbara Hunter
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jon Emery
- Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Charlot M, Stein JN, Damone E, Wood I, Forster M, Baker S, Emerson M, Samuel-Ryals C, Yongue C, Eng E, Manning M, Deal A, Cykert S. Effect of an Antiracism Intervention on Racial Disparities in Time to Lung Cancer Surgery. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:1755-1762. [PMID: 35157498 PMCID: PMC9148687 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Timely lung cancer surgery is a metric of high-quality cancer care and improves survival for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Historically, Black patients experience longer delays to surgery than White patients and have lower survival rates. Antiracism interventions have shown benefits in reducing racial disparities in lung cancer treatment. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity, an antiracism prospective pragmatic trial, at five cancer centers to assess the impact on overall timeliness of lung cancer surgery and racial disparities in timely surgery. The intervention consisted of (1) a real-time warning system to identify unmet care milestones, (2) race-specific feedback on lung cancer treatment rates, and (3) patient navigation. The primary outcome was surgery within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using log-binomial regression and adjusted for clinical and demographic factors. RESULTS A total of 2,363 patients with stage I and II non-small-cell lung cancer were included in the analyses: intervention (n = 263), retrospective control (n = 1,798), and concurrent control (n = 302). 87.1% of Black patients and 85.4% of White patients in the intervention group (P = .13) received surgery within 8 weeks of diagnosis compared with 58.7% of Black patients and 75.0% of White patients in the retrospective group (P < .01) and 64.9% of Black patients and 73.2% of White patients (P = .29) in the concurrent group. Black patients in the intervention group were more likely to receive timely surgery than Black patients in the retrospective group (RR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.64). White patients in the intervention group also had timelier surgery than White patients in the retrospective group (RR 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.18). CONCLUSION Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity is associated with timelier lung cancer surgery and reduction of the racial gap in timely surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjory Charlot
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
| | - Jacob Newton Stein
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Emily Damone
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Isabella Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Moriah Forster
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Stephanie Baker
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC
| | - Marc Emerson
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cleo Samuel-Ryals
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Christina Yongue
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Eugenia Eng
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew Manning
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Cone Health Cancer Center, Greensboro, NC
| | - Allison Deal
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Samuel Cykert
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Scott IA. Using information technology to reduce diagnostic error: still a bridge too far? Intern Med J 2022; 52:908-911. [PMID: 35718736 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Scott
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Knoll B, Horwitz LI, Garry K, McCloskey J, Nagler AR, Weerahandi H, Chung WY, Blecker S. Development of an Electronic Trigger to Identify Delayed Follow-up HbA1c Testing for Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:928-934. [PMID: 35037176 PMCID: PMC8904310 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Knoll
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Leora I Horwitz
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kira Garry
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeanne McCloskey
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arielle R Nagler
- Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Himali Weerahandi
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei-Yi Chung
- Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Clinical Research DataCore, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saul Blecker
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kletter M, Melendez-Torres GJ, Lilford R, Taylor C. A Library of Logic Models to Explain How Interventions to Reduce Diagnostic Errors Work. J Patient Saf 2021; 17:e1223-e1233. [PMID: 29369895 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to create a library of logic models for interventions to reduce diagnostic error. This library can be used by those developing, implementing, or evaluating an intervention to improve patient care, to understand what needs to happen, and in what order, if the intervention is to be effective. METHODS To create the library, we modified an existing method for generating logic models. The following five ordered activities to include in each model were defined: preintervention; implementation of the intervention; postimplementation, but before the immediate outcome can occur; the immediate outcome (usually behavior change); and postimmediate outcome, but before a reduction in diagnostic errors can occur. We also included reasons for lack of progress through the model. Relevant information was extracted about existing evaluations of interventions to reduce diagnostic error, identified by updating a previous systematic review. RESULTS Data were synthesized to create logic models for four types of intervention, addressing five causes of diagnostic error in seven stages in the diagnostic pathway. In total, 46 interventions from 43 studies were included and 24 different logic models were generated. CONCLUSIONS We used a novel approach to create a freely available library of logic models. The models highlight the importance of attending to what needs to occur before and after intervention delivery if the intervention is to be effective. Our work provides a useful starting point for intervention developers, helps evaluators identify intermediate outcomes, and provides a method to enable others to generate libraries for interventions targeting other errors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Kletter
- From the Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry
| | | | - Richard Lilford
- From the Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry
| | - Celia Taylor
- From the Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vaghani V, Wei L, Mushtaq U, Sittig DF, Bradford A, Singh H. Validation of an electronic trigger to measure missed diagnosis of stroke in emergency departments. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 28:2202-2211. [PMID: 34279630 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnostic errors are major contributors to preventable patient harm. We validated the use of an electronic health record (EHR)-based trigger (e-trigger) to measure missed opportunities in stroke diagnosis in emergency departments (EDs). METHODS Using two frameworks, the Safer Dx Trigger Tools Framework and the Symptom-disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error Framework, we applied a symptom-disease pair-based e-trigger to identify patients hospitalized for stroke who, in the preceding 30 days, were discharged from the ED with benign headache or dizziness diagnoses. The algorithm was applied to Veteran Affairs National Corporate Data Warehouse on patients seen between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2017. Trained reviewers evaluated medical records for presence/absence of missed opportunities in stroke diagnosis and stroke-related red-flags, risk factors, neurological examination, and clinical interventions. Reviewers also estimated quality of clinical documentation at the index ED visit. RESULTS We applied the e-trigger to 7,752,326 unique patients and identified 46,931 stroke-related admissions, of which 398 records were flagged as trigger-positive and reviewed. Of these, 124 had missed opportunities (positive predictive value for "missed" = 31.2%), 93 (23.4%) had no missed opportunity (non-missed), 162 (40.7%) were miscoded, and 19 (4.7%) were inconclusive. Reviewer agreement was high (87.3%, Cohen's kappa = 0.81). Compared to the non-missed group, the missed group had more stroke risk factors (mean 3.2 vs 2.6), red flags (mean 0.5 vs 0.2), and a higher rate of inadequate documentation (66.9% vs 28.0%). CONCLUSION In a large national EHR repository, a symptom-disease pair-based e-trigger identified missed diagnoses of stroke with a modest positive predictive value, underscoring the need for chart review validation procedures to identify diagnostic errors in large data sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viralkumar Vaghani
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Li Wei
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Umair Mushtaq
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dean F Sittig
- University of Texas-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality & Safety, School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrea Bradford
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dave N, Bui S, Morgan C, Hickey S, Paul CL. Interventions targeted at reducing diagnostic error: systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 31:297-307. [PMID: 34408064 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-012704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incorrect, delayed and missed diagnoses can contribute to significant adverse health outcomes. Intervention options have proliferated in recent years necessitating an update to McDonald et al's 2013 systematic review of interventions to reduce diagnostic error. OBJECTIVES (1) To describe the types of published interventions for reducing diagnostic error that have been evaluated in terms of an objective patient outcome; (2) to assess the risk of bias in the included interventions and perform a sensitivity analysis of the findings; and (3) to determine the effectiveness of included interventions with respect to their intervention type. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019. Publications were included if they delivered patient-related outcomes relating to diagnostic accuracy, management outcomes and/or morbidity and mortality. The interventions in each included study were categorised and analysed using the six intervention types described by McDonald et al (technique, technology-based system interventions, educational interventions, personnel changes, structured process changes and additional review methods). RESULTS Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen of the 20 included studies (including three randomised controlled trials (RCTs)) demonstrated improvements in objective patient outcomes following the intervention. These three RCTs individually evaluated a technique-based intervention, a technology-based system intervention and a structured process change. The inclusion or exclusion of two higher risk of bias studies did not affect the results. CONCLUSION Technique-based interventions, technology-based system interventions and structured process changes have been the most studied interventions over the time period of this review and hence are seen to be effective in reducing diagnostic error. However, more high-quality RCTs are required, particularly evaluating educational interventions and personnel changes, to demonstrate the value of these interventions in diverse settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Dave
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandy Bui
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Corey Morgan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Hickey
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,The University of Newcastle Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Clinical Decision Support Systems for Diagnosis in Primary Care: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168435. [PMID: 34444182 PMCID: PMC8391274 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis is one of the crucial tasks performed by primary care physicians; however, primary care is at high risk of diagnostic errors due to the characteristics and uncertainties associated with the field. Prevention of diagnostic errors in primary care requires urgent action, and one of the possible methods is the use of health information technology. Its modes such as clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been demonstrated to improve the quality of care in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals and primary care centers, though its usefulness in the diagnostic domain is still unknown. We conducted a scoping review to confirm the usefulness of the CDSS in the diagnostic domain in primary care and to identify areas that need to be explored. Search terms were chosen to cover the three dimensions of interest: decision support systems, diagnosis, and primary care. A total of 26 studies were included in the review. As a result, we found that the CDSS and reminder tools have significant effects on screening for common chronic diseases; however, the CDSS has not yet been fully validated for the diagnosis of acute and uncommon chronic diseases. Moreover, there were few studies involving non-physicians.
Collapse
|
21
|
Van Den Bulck S, Spitaels D, Vaes B, Goderis G, Hermens R, Vankrunkelsven P. The effect of electronic audits and feedback in primary care and factors that contribute to their effectiveness: a systematic review. Int J Qual Health Care 2021; 32:708-720. [PMID: 33057648 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review was (i) to assess whether electronic audit and feedback (A&F) is effective in primary care and (ii) to evaluate important features concerning content and delivery of the feedback in primary care, including the use of benchmarks, the frequency of feedback, the cognitive load of feedback and the evidence-based aspects of the feedback. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and CENTRAL databases were searched for articles published since 2010 by replicating the search strategy used in the last Cochrane review on A&F. STUDY SELECTION Two independent reviewers assessed the records for their eligibility, performed the data extraction and evaluated the risk of bias. Our search resulted in 8744 records, including the 140 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the last Cochrane Review. The full texts of 431 articles were assessed to determine their eligibility. Finally, 29 articles were included. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers extracted standard data, data on the effectiveness and outcomes of the interventions, data on the kind of electronic feedback (static versus interactive) and data on the aforementioned feedback features. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-two studies (76%) showed that electronic A&F was effective. All interventions targeting medication safety, preventive medicine, cholesterol management and depression showed an effect. Approximately 70% of the included studies used benchmarks and high-quality evidence in the content of the feedback. In almost half of the studies, the cognitive load of feedback was not reported. Due to high heterogeneity in the results, no meta-analysis was performed. CONCLUSION This systematic review included 29 articles examining electronic A&F interventions in primary care, and 76% of the interventions were effective. Our findings suggest electronic A&F is effective in primary care for different conditions such as medication safety and preventive medicine. Some of the benefits of electronic A&F include its scalability and the potential to be cost effective. The use of benchmarks as comparators and feedback based on high-quality evidence are widely used and important features of electronic feedback in primary care. However, other important features such as the cognitive load of feedback and the frequency of feedback provision are poorly described in the design of many electronic A&F intervention, indicating that a better description or implementation of these features is needed. Developing a framework or methodology for automated A&F interventions in primary care could be useful for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Van Den Bulck
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Spitaels
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Vaes
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Goderis
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rosella Hermens
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500, HB, The Netherlands
| | - Patrik Vankrunkelsven
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Green BB, Baldwin LM, West II, Schwartz M, Coronado GD. Low Rates of Colonoscopy Follow-up After a Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test in a Medicaid Health Plan Delivered Mailed Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 11:2150132720958525. [PMID: 32912056 PMCID: PMC7488888 DOI: 10.1177/2150132720958525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follow-up colonoscopy after a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is necessary for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to be effective. We report colonoscopy follow-up rates after a positive FIT overall and by population characteristics in the BeneFIT demonstration pilot, a Medicaid health insurance plan-delivered mailed FIT outreach program. METHODS In 2016, 2 health insurance plans in Oregon and in Washington state mailed FIT kits to Medicaid patients who, based on claims data, were overdue for CRC screening. We report follow-up colonoscopy completion rates after positive FIT, and differences in completion rates by age, sex, race, ethnicity, preferred language, and number of primary care visits in the prior year. This research was human subjects approved with a waiver of consent for data collection. RESULTS The FIT positivity rates in Health Plan Oregon and Health Plan Washington were 7.9% (39/488) and 14.6% (125/857), respectively. Colonoscopy completion rates within 12 months of the positive test were 35.9% (14/41) in Health Plan Oregon and 32.8% (41/125) in Health Plan Washington. Colonoscopy completion rates were higher among individuals who preferred a language other than English (Non-English speakers 70.0%, English speakers 31.3%, P = .04). CONCLUSION In a health plan-delivered mailed FIT outreach program, follow-up colonoscopy rates after a positive test were low. Additional interventions are needed to assure colonoscopy after a positive FIT test and to reap the benefits of screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beverly B Green
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gloria D Coronado
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Koshiaris C, Van den Bruel A, Nicholson BD, Lay-Flurrie S, Hobbs FR, Oke JL. Clinical prediction tools to identify patients at highest risk of myeloma in primary care: a retrospective open cohort study. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e347-e355. [PMID: 33824161 PMCID: PMC8049204 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.0697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with myeloma experience substantial delays in their diagnosis, which can adversely affect their prognosis. AIM To generate a clinical prediction rule to identify primary care patients who are at highest risk of myeloma. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective open cohort study using electronic health records data from the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2014. METHOD Patients from the CPRD were included in the study if they were aged ≥40 years, had two full blood counts within a year, and had no previous diagnosis of myeloma. Cases of myeloma were identified in the following 2 years. Derivation and external validation datasets were created based on geographical region. Prediction equations were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models including patient characteristics, symptoms, and blood test results. Calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility were evaluated in the validation set. RESULTS Of 1 281 926 eligible patients, 737 (0.06%) were diagnosed with myeloma within 2 years. Independent predictors of myeloma included: older age; male sex; back, chest and rib pain; nosebleeds; low haemoglobin, platelets, and white cell count; and raised mean corpuscular volume, calcium, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A model including symptoms and full blood count had an area under the curve of 0.84 (95% CI = 0.81 to 0.87) and sensitivity of 62% (95% CI = 55% to 68%) at the highest risk decile. The corresponding statistics for a second model, which also included calcium and inflammatory markers, were an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.84 to 0.90) and sensitivity of 72% (95% CI = 66% to 78%). CONCLUSION The implementation of these prediction rules would highlight the possibility of myeloma in patients where GPs do not suspect myeloma. Future research should focus on the prospective evaluation of further external validity and the impact on clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brian D Nicholson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Lay-Flurrie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fd Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jason L Oke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Inadomi JM, Issaka RB, Green BB. What Multilevel Interventions Do We Need to Increase the Colorectal Cancer Screening Rate to 80%? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:633-645. [PMID: 31887438 PMCID: PMC8288035 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Screening reduces colorectal cancer mortality; however, this remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and adherence to colorectal cancer screening falls far short of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable goal of 80%. Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening uptake. Outreach is the active dissemination of screening outside of the primary care setting, such as mailing fecal blood tests to individuals' homes. Navigation uses trained personnel to assist individuals through the screening process. Patient education may take the form of brochures, videos, or websites. Provider education can include feedback about screening rates of patient panels. Reminders to healthcare providers can be provided by dashboards of patients due for screening. Financial incentives provide monetary compensation to individuals when they complete screening tests, either as fixed payments or via a lottery. Individual preference for specific screening strategies has also been examined in several trials, with a choice of screening strategies yielding higher adherence than recommendation of a single strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Inadomi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA,Divisions of Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA,Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - Rachel B. Issaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA,Divisions of Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rubin G, Walter FM, Emery J, Hamilton W, Hoare Z, Howse J, Nixon C, Srivastava T, Thomas C, Ukoumunne OC, Usher-Smith JA, Whyte S, Neal RD. Electronic clinical decision support tool for assessing stomach symptoms in primary care (ECASS): a feasibility study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041795. [PMID: 33737422 PMCID: PMC7978254 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of a definitive trial in primary care of electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) for possible oesophago-gastric (O-G) cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING Feasibility study in 42 general practices in two regions of England, cluster randomised controlled trial design without blinding, nested qualitative and health economic evaluation. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged 55 years or older, presenting to their general practitioner (GP) with symptoms associated with O-G cancer. 530 patients (mean age 68 years, 58% female) participated. INTERVENTION Practices randomised 1:1 to usual care (control) or to receive a previously piloted eCDS tool for suspected cancer (intervention), for use at the discretion of the GPs, supported by a theory-based implementation package and ongoing support. We conducted semistructured interviews with GPs in intervention practices. Recruitment lasted 22 months. OUTCOMES Patient participation rate, use of eCDS, referrals and route to diagnosis, O-G cancer diagnoses; acceptability to GPs; cost-effectiveness. Participants followed up 6 months after index encounter. RESULTS From control and intervention practices, we screened 3841 and 1303 patients, respectively; 1189 and 434 were eligible, 392 and 138 consented to participate. Ten patients (1.9%) had O-G cancer. eCDS was used eight times in total by five unique users. GPs experienced interoperability problems between the eCDS tool and their clinical system and also found it did not fit with their workflow. Unexpected restrictions on software installation caused major problems with implementation. CONCLUSIONS The conduct of this study was hampered by technical limitations not evident during an earlier pilot of the eCDS tool, and by regulatory controls on software installation introduced by primary care trusts early in the study. This eCDS tool needed to integrate better with clinical workflow; even then, its use for suspected cancer may be infrequent. Any definitive trial of eCDS for cancer diagnosis should only proceed after addressing these constraints. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN125595588.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Rubin
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jon Emery
- Department of General Practice and Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Willie Hamilton
- Primary Care Diagnostics, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Zoe Hoare
- North Wales Organisation for Randomised Trials in Health, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Jenny Howse
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Catherine Nixon
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Tushar Srivastava
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Chloe Thomas
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Obioha C Ukoumunne
- NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC), University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Juliet A Usher-Smith
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Whyte
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Georgiou A, Li J, Thomas J, Dahm MR, Westbrook JI. The impact of health information technology on the management and follow-up of test results - a systematic review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2020; 26:678-688. [PMID: 31192362 PMCID: PMC6562156 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of health information technology (IT) systems on clinicians' work practices and patient engagement in the management and follow-up of test results. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search for studies reporting health IT systems and clinician test results management was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Scopus from January 1999 to June 2018. Test results follow-up was defined as provider follow-up of results for tests that were sent to the laboratory and radiology services for processing or analysis. RESULTS There are some findings from controlled studies showing that health IT can improve the proportion of tests followed-up (15 percentage point change) and increase physician awareness of test results that require action (24-28 percentage point change). Taken as whole, however, the evidence of the impact of health IT on test result management and follow-up is not strong. DISCUSSION The development of safe and effective test results management IT systems should pivot on several axes. These axes include 1) patient-centerd engagement (involving shared, timely, and meaningful information); 2) diagnostic processes (that involve the integration of multiple people and different clinical settings across the health care spectrum); and 3) organizational communications (the myriad of multi- transactional processes requiring feedback, iteration, and confirmation) that contribute to the patient care process. CONCLUSION Existing evidence indicates that health IT in and of itself does not (and most likely cannot) provide a complete solution to issues related to test results management and follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Georgiou
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Li
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Judith Thomas
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria R Dahm
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Johanna I Westbrook
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fleming S, Nicholson BD, Bhuiya A, de Lusignan S, Hirst Y, Hobbs R, Perera R, Sherlock J, Yonova I, Bankhead C. CASNET2: evaluation of an electronic safety netting cancer toolkit for the primary care electronic health record: protocol for a pragmatic stepped-wedge RCT. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038562. [PMID: 32843517 PMCID: PMC7449309 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Safety-netting in primary care is the best practice in cancer diagnosis, ensuring that patients are followed up until symptoms are explained or have resolved. Currently, clinicians use haphazard manual solutions. The ubiquitous use of electronic health records provides an opportunity to standardise safety-netting practices.A new electronic safety-netting toolkit has been introduced to provide systematic ways to track and follow up patients. We will evaluate the effectiveness of this toolkit, which is embedded in a major primary care clinical system in England:Egerton Medical Information System(EMIS)-Web. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a stepped-wedge cluster RCT in 60 general practices within the RCGP Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) network. Groups of 10 practices will be randomised into the active phase at 2-monthly intervals over 12 months. All practices will be activated for at least 2 months. The primary outcome is the primary care interval measured as days between the first recorded symptom of cancer (within the year prior to diagnosis) and the subsequent referral to secondary care. Other outcomes include referrals rates and rates of direct access cancer investigation.Analysis of the clustered stepped-wedge design will model associations using a fixed effect for intervention condition of the cluster at each time step, a fixed effect for time and other covariates, and then include a random effect for practice and for patient to account for correlation between observations from the same centre and from the same participant. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the North West-Greater Manchester West National Health Service Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference 19/NW/0692). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and sent to participating practices. They will be published on the University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Primary Care and RCGP RSC websites. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15913081; Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Fleming
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian D Nicholson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Afsana Bhuiya
- North Central and East London Cancer Alliance, London, UK
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
- Research and Surveillance Centre, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, London, UK
| | - Yasemin Hirst
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College, London, UK
| | - Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rafael Perera
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Sherlock
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ivelina Yonova
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
- Research and Surveillance Centre, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, London, UK
| | - Clare Bankhead
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Singh H, Bradford A, Goeschel C. Operational measurement of diagnostic safety: state of the science. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 8:51-65. [PMID: 32706749 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2020-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reducing the incidence of diagnostic errors is increasingly a priority for government, professional, and philanthropic organizations. Several obstacles to measurement of diagnostic safety have hampered progress toward this goal. Although a coordinated national strategy to measure diagnostic safety remains an aspirational goal, recent research has yielded practical guidance for healthcare organizations to start using measurement to enhance diagnostic safety. This paper, concurrently published as an Issue Brief by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, issues a "call to action" for healthcare organizations to begin measurement efforts using data sources currently available to them. Our aims are to outline the state of the science and provide practical recommendations for organizations to start identifying and learning from diagnostic errors. Whether by strategically leveraging current resources or building additional capacity for data gathering, nearly all organizations can begin their journeys to measure and reduce preventable diagnostic harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd. #152, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Bradford
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Goeschel
- MedStar Health Institute for Quality and Safety, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Butterly LF. Proven Strategies for Increasing Adherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening. Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am 2020; 30:377-392. [PMID: 32439077 DOI: 10.1016/j.giec.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although colorectal cancer (CRC) can be prevented or detected early through screening and surveillance, barriers that lower adherence to screening significantly limit its effectiveness. Therefore, implementation of interventions that address and overcome adherence barriers is critical to efforts to decrease morbidity and mortality from CRC. This article reviews the current available evidence about interventions to increase adherence to CRC screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn F Butterly
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sarma EA, Kobrin SC, Thompson MJ. A Proposal to Improve the Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancers in the United States. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:715-720. [PMID: 32493702 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many people are diagnosed with cancer after presenting with signs and symptoms of their disease to a healthcare provider. Research from developed countries suggests that, in addition to indicating later-stage disease, symptoms can also indicate earlier-stage disease, leading to investment in research and quality improvement efforts in the early detection of symptomatic cancers. This approach, labeled early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers, focuses on identifying cancer at the earliest possible stage in patients with potential signs and symptoms of cancer, and subsequently diagnosing and treating the cancer without delay. In the United States, early detection has focused on cancer screening, with relatively less research focused on early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers. In this commentary, we propose that research focused on early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers provides an important opportunity to achieve more earlier-stage cancer diagnoses in the United States. We highlight the potential of these efforts to improve cancer outcomes, and outline a research agenda to improve early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers in the United States focused on defining and describing pathways to cancer diagnosis, identifying signs and symptoms that can be used to promote early cancer detection, and developing interventions to improve early diagnosis of symptomatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Sarma
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland. .,Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah C Kobrin
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Matthew J Thompson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Powell L, Sittig DF, Chrouser K, Singh H. Assessment of Health Information Technology-Related Outpatient Diagnostic Delays in the US Veterans Affairs Health Care System: A Qualitative Study of Aggregated Root Cause Analysis Data. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e206752. [PMID: 32584406 PMCID: PMC7317596 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.6752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Diagnostic delay in the outpatient setting is an emerging safety priority that health information technology (HIT) should help address. However, diagnostic delays have persisted, and new safety concerns associated with the use of HIT have emerged. OBJECTIVE To analyze HIT-related outpatient diagnostic delays within a large, integrated health care system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study involved qualitative content analysis of safety concerns identified in aggregated root cause analysis (RCA) data related to HIT and outpatient diagnostic delays. The setting was the US Department of Veterans Affairs using all RCAs submitted to the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Patient Safety from January 1, 2013, to July 31, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Common themes associated with the role of HIT-related safety concerns were identified and categorized according to the Health IT Safety framework for measuring, monitoring, and improving HIT safety. This framework includes 3 related domains (ie, safe HIT, safe use of HIT, and using HIT to improve safety) situated within an 8-dimensional sociotechnical model accounting for interacting technical and nontechnical variables associated with safety. Hence, themes identified enhanced understanding of the sociotechnical context and domain of HIT safety involved. RESULTS Of 214 RCAs categorized by the terms delay and outpatient submitted during the study period, 88 were identified as involving diagnostic delays and HIT, from which 172 unique HIT-related safety concerns were extracted (mean [SD], 1.97 [1.53] per RCA). Most safety concerns (82.6% [142 of 172]) involved problems with safe use of HIT, predominantly sociotechnical factors associated with people, workflow and communication, and a poorly designed human-computer interface. Fewer safety concerns involved problems with safe HIT (14.5% [25 of 172]) or using HIT to improve safety (0.3% [5 of 172]). The following 5 key high-risk areas for diagnostic delays emerged: managing electronic health record inbox notifications and communication, clinicians gathering key diagnostic information, technical problems, data entry problems, and failure of a system to track test results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This qualitative study of a national RCA data set suggests that interventions to reduce outpatient diagnostic delays could aim to improve test result management, interoperability, data visualization, and order entry, as well as to decrease information overload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Powell
- Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Patient Safety, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dean F Sittig
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Weingart SN, Yaghi O, Barnhart L, Kher S, Mazzullo J, Roberts K, Lominac E, Gittelson N, Argyris P, Harvey W. Preventing Diagnostic Errors in Ambulatory Care: An Electronic Notification Tool for Incomplete Radiology Tests. Appl Clin Inform 2020; 11:276-285. [PMID: 32294771 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to complete recommended diagnostic tests may increase the risk of diagnostic errors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate an electronic monitoring tool that notifies the responsible clinician of incomplete imaging tests for their ambulatory patients. METHODS A results notification workflow engine was created at an academic medical center. It identified future appointments for imaging studies and notified the ordering physician of incomplete tests by secure email. To assess the impact of the intervention, the project team surveyed participating physicians and measured test completion rates within 90 days of the scheduled appointment. Analyses compared test completion rates among patients of intervention and usual care clinicians at baseline and follow-up. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to control for secular trends and differences between cohorts. RESULTS A total of 725 patients of 16 intervention physicians had 1,016 delayed imaging studies; 2,023 patients of 42 usual care clinicians had 2,697 delayed studies. In the first month, physicians indicated in 23/30 cases that they were unaware of the missed test prior to notification. The 90-day test completion rate was lower in the usual care than intervention group in the 6-month baseline period (18.8 vs. 22.1%, p = 0.119). During the 12-month follow-up period, there was a significant improvement favoring the intervention group (20.9 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.027). The change was driven by improved completion rates among patients referred for mammography (21.0 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed no significant impact of the intervention. CONCLUSION There was a temporal association between email alerts to physicians about missed imaging tests and improved test completion at 90 days, although baseline differences in intervention and usual care groups limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Research is needed to understand the potential benefits and limitations of missed test notifications to reduce the risk of delayed diagnoses, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Omar Yaghi
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Liz Barnhart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sucharita Kher
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John Mazzullo
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kari Roberts
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Eric Lominac
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Philip Argyris
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - William Harvey
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
[Information technology and eHealth to improve patient safety]. Internist (Berl) 2020; 61:460-469. [PMID: 32236764 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-020-00780-6] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patient safety is a key element of high-quality healthcare. Digitalization, new eHealth applications and data-based algorithms have high potential to make a significant contribution. This article presents current technological developments along a simplified patient journey from emergency medical triage, diagnosis and therapy to follow-up. The technical interventions are highly diverse and mostly accompanied by a low level of evidence, since most of them are from single academic projects or start-ups. Although there should be no doubt that technology is an important instrument for increasing patient safety, new technologies also involve new risks. Furthermore, technical measures must always be embedded in an overall concept of organizational measures, adequate education, training and accompanying research in order to generate the highest possible benefits and lowest possible risks.
Collapse
|
34
|
Swann R, Lyratzopoulos G, Rubin G, Pickworth E, McPhail S. The frequency, nature and impact of GP-assessed avoidable delays in a population-based cohort of cancer patients. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 64:101617. [PMID: 31810885 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2019.101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing emphasis on the speed of diagnosis as an aspect of cancer prognosis. While epidemiological data in the last decade have quantified diagnostic timeliness and its variation, whether and how often prolonged diagnostic intervals can be considered avoidable is unknown. METHODS We used data from the English National Cancer Diagnosis Audit (NCDA) on 17,042 patients diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Participating primary care physicians were asked to identify delays in diagnosis that they deemed avoidable, together with the 'setting' of the avoidable delay and key attributable factors. We used descriptive analysis and regression frameworks to assess validity and examine variation in the frequency and nature of avoidable delays. RESULTS Among 14,259 patients, 24% were deemed to have had an avoidable delay to their diagnosis. Patients with a reported avoidable delay had a longer median diagnostic interval (92 days) than those without (30 days). Of all avoidable delays, 13% were deemed to have occurred pre-consultation, 49% within primary care, and 38% within secondary care. Avoidable delays were mostly attributed to the test request/performance phase (25%). Multimorbidity was associated with greater odds of avoidable delay (OR for 3+ vs no comorbidity: 1.43 (95% CI 1.25-1.63)), with heterogeneous associations with cancer site. CONCLUSION We have shown that GP-identified instances of avoidable delay have construct validity. Whilst the causes of avoidable diagnostic delays are multi-factorial and occur in different settings and phases of the diagnostic process, their analysis can guide improvement initiatives and enable the examination of any prognostic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Swann
- Cancer Research UK, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom; National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom.
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom; Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes (ECHO) Group, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Rubin
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Pickworth
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom
| | - Sean McPhail
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lacson R, Healey MJ, Cochon LR, Laroya R, Hentel KD, Landman AB, Eappen S, Boland GW, Khorasani R. Unscheduled Radiologic Examination Orders in the Electronic Health Record: A Novel Resource for Targeting Ambulatory Diagnostic Errors in Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:765-772. [PMID: 31954707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of unscheduled radiologic examination orders in an electronic health record, and the proportion of unscheduled orders that are clinically necessary, by modality. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted from January to October 2016 at an academic institution. All unscheduled radiologic examination orders were retrieved for seven modalities (CT, MR, ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound, bone densitometry, mammography, and fluoroscopy). After excluding duplicates, 100 randomly selected orders from each modality were assigned to two physician reviewers who classified their clinical necessity, with 10% overlap. Interannotator agreement was assessed using κ statistics, the percentage of clinically necessary unscheduled orders was compared, and χ2 analysis was used to assess differences by modality. RESULTS A total 494,503 radiologic examination orders were placed during the study period. After exclusions, 33,546 unscheduled orders were identified, 7% of all radiologic examination orders. Among 700 reviewed unscheduled orders, agreement was substantial (κ = 0.63). Eighty-seven percent of bone densitometric examinations and sixty-five percent of mammographic studies were considered clinically necessary, primarily for follow-up management. The majority of orders in each modality were clinically necessary, except for CT, obstetric ultrasound, and fluoroscopy (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Large numbers of radiologic examination orders remain unscheduled in the electronic health record. A substantial portion are clinically necessary, representing potential delays in executing documented provider care plans. Clinically unnecessary unscheduled orders may inadvertently be scheduled and performed. Identifying and performing clinically necessary unscheduled radiologic examination orders may help reduce diagnostic errors related to diagnosis and treatment delays and enhance patient safety, while eliminating clinically unnecessary unscheduled orders will help avoid unneeded testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronilda Lacson
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Michael J Healey
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laila R Cochon
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Romeo Laroya
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith D Hentel
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Adam B Landman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sunil Eappen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Giles W Boland
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramin Khorasani
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Weingart SN, Nelson J, Koethe B, Yaghi O, Dunning S, Feldman A, Kent DM, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Developing a cancer-specific trigger tool to identify treatment-related adverse events using administrative data. Cancer Med 2020; 9:1462-1472. [PMID: 31899856 PMCID: PMC7013078 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As there are few validated tools to identify treatment‐related adverse events across cancer care settings, we sought to develop oncology‐specific “triggers” to flag potential adverse events among cancer patients using claims data. Methods 322 887 adult patients undergoing an initial course of cancer‐directed therapy for breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer from 2008 to 2014 were drawn from a large commercial claims database. We defined 16 oncology‐specific triggers using diagnosis and procedure codes. To distinguish treatment‐related complications from comorbidities, we required a logical and temporal relationship between a treatment and the associated trigger. We tabulated the prevalence of triggers by cancer type and metastatic status during 1‐year of follow‐up, and examined cancer trigger risk factors. Results Cancer‐specific trigger events affected 19% of patients over the initial treatment year. The trigger burden varied by disease and metastatic status, from 6% of patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer to 41% and 50% of those with metastatic colorectal and lung cancers, respectively. The most prevalent triggers were abnormal serum bicarbonate, blood transfusion, non‐contrast chest CT scan following radiation therapy, and hypoxemia. Among patients with metastatic disease, 10% had one trigger event and 29% had two or more. Triggers were more common among older patients, women, non‐whites, patients with low family incomes, and those without a college education. Conclusions Oncology‐specific triggers offer a promising method for identifying potential patient safety events among patients across cancer care settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saul N Weingart
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,OptumLabs, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Nelson
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Koethe
- Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David M Kent
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Satterfield K, Rubin JC, Yang D, Friedman CP. Understanding the roles of three academic communities in a prospective learning health ecosystem for diagnostic excellence. Learn Health Syst 2019; 4:e210204. [PMID: 31989032 PMCID: PMC6971119 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inaccurate, untimely, and miscommunicated medical diagnoses represent a wicked problem requiring comprehensive and coordinated approaches, such as those demonstrated in the characteristics of learning health systems (LHSs). To appreciate a vision for how LHS methods can optimize processes and outcomes in medical diagnosis (diagnostic excellence), we interviewed 32 individuals with relevant expertise: 18 who have studied diagnostic processes using traditional behavioral science and health services research methods, six focused on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, and eight multidisciplinary researchers experienced in advocating for and incorporating LHS methods, ie, scalable continuous learning in health care. We report on barriers and facilitators, identified by these subjects, to applying their methods toward optimizing medical diagnosis. We then employ their insights to envision the emergence of a learning ecosystem that leverages the tools of each of the three research groups to advance diagnostic excellence. We found that these communities represent a natural fit forward, in which together, they can better measure diagnostic processes and close the loop of putting insights into practice. Members of the three academic communities will need to network and bring in additional stakeholders before they can design and implement the necessary infrastructure that would support ongoing learning of diagnostic processes at an economy of scale and scope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Satterfield
- Department of Learning Health SciencesUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichigan
| | - Joshua C. Rubin
- Department of Learning Health SciencesUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichigan
| | - Daniel Yang
- The Gordon and Betty Moore FoundationPalo AltoCalifornia
| | - Charles P. Friedman
- Department of Learning Health SciencesUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichigan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Decision support tools to improve cancer diagnostic decision making in primary care: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69:e809-e818. [PMID: 31740460 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19x706745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of cancer in primary care is complex and challenging. Electronic clinical decision support tools (eCDSTs) have been proposed as an approach to improve GP decision making, but no systematic review has examined their role in cancer diagnosis. AIM To investigate whether eCDSTs improve diagnostic decision making for cancer in primary care and to determine which elements influence successful implementation. DESIGN AND SETTING A systematic review of relevant studies conducted worldwide and published in English between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2018. METHOD Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, and a consultation of reference lists and citation tracking was carried out. Exclusion criteria included the absence of eCDSTs used in asymptomatic populations, and studies that did not involve support delivered to the GP. The most relevant Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists were applied according to study design of the included paper. RESULTS Of the nine studies included, three showed improvements in decision making for cancer diagnosis, three demonstrated positive effects on secondary clinical or health service outcomes such as prescribing, quality of referrals, or cost-effectiveness, and one study found a reduction in time to cancer diagnosis. Barriers to implementation included trust, the compatibility of eCDST recommendations with the GP's role as a gatekeeper, and impact on workflow. CONCLUSION eCDSTs have the capacity to improve decision making for a cancer diagnosis, but the optimal mode of delivery remains unclear. Although such tools could assist GPs in the future, further well-designed trials of all eCDSTs are needed to determine their cost-effectiveness and the most appropriate implementation methods.
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhou Y, van Melle M, Singh H, Hamilton W, Lyratzopoulos G, Walter FM. Quality of the diagnostic process in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of bladder or kidney cancer: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029143. [PMID: 31585970 PMCID: PMC6797416 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In urological cancers, sex disparity exists for survival, with women doing worse than men. Suboptimal evaluation of presenting symptoms may contribute. DESIGN We performed a systematic review examining factors affecting the quality of the diagnostic process of patients presenting with symptoms of bladder or kidney cancer. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2000 to 13 June 2019. ELIGIBLE CRITERIA We focused on one of the six domains of quality of healthcare: timeliness, and examined the quality of the diagnostic process more broadly, by assessing whether guideline-concordant history, examination, tests and referrals were performed. Studies describing the factors that affect the timeliness or quality of the assessment of urinary tract infections, haematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms in the context of bladder or kidney cancer, were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two authors. Due to the heterogeneity of study design and outcomes, the results could not be pooled. A narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS 28 studies met review criteria, representing 583 636 people from 9 high-income countries. Studies were based in primary care (n=8), specialty care (n=12), or both (n=8). Up to two-thirds of patients with haematuria received no further evaluation in the 6 months after their initial visit. Urinary tract infections, nephrolithiasis and benign prostatic conditions before cancer diagnosis were associated with diagnostic delay. Women were more likely to experience diagnostic delay than men. Patients who first saw a urologist were less likely to experience delayed evaluation and cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Women, and patients with non-cancerous urological diagnoses just prior to their cancer diagnosis, were more likely to experience lower quality diagnostic processes. Risk prediction tools, and improving guideline ambiguity, may improve outcomes and reduce sex disparity in survival for these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhou
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marije van Melle
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Houston Veterans Affairs Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abimanyi-Ochom J, Bohingamu Mudiyanselage S, Catchpool M, Firipis M, Wanni Arachchige Dona S, Watts JJ. Strategies to reduce diagnostic errors: a systematic review. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:174. [PMID: 31470839 PMCID: PMC6716834 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the effectiveness of audit and communication strategies to reduce diagnostic errors made by clinicians. Methods MEDLINE complete, CINHAL complete, EMBASE, PSNet and Google Advanced. Electronic and manual search of articles on audit systems and communication strategies or interventions, searched for papers published between January 1990 and April 2017. We included studies with interventions implemented by clinicians in a clinical environment with real patients. Results A total of 2431 articles were screened of which 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction was conducted by two groups, each group comprising two independent reviewers. Articles were classified by communication (6) or audit strategies (20) to reduce diagnostic error in clinical settings. The most common interventions were delivered as technology-based systems n = 16 (62%) and within an acute care setting n = 15 (57%). Nine studies reported randomised controlled trials. Three RCT studies on communication interventions and 3 RCTs on audit strategies found the interventions to be effective in reducing diagnostic errors. Conclusion Despite numerous studies on interventions targeting diagnostic errors, our analyses revealed limited evidence on interventions being practically used in clinical settings and a bias of studies originating from the US (n = 19, 73% of included studies). There is some evidence that trigger algorithms, including computer based and alert systems, may reduce delayed diagnosis and improve diagnostic accuracy. In trauma settings, strategies such as additional patient review (e.g. trauma teams) reduced missed diagnosis and in radiology departments review strategies such as team meetings and error documentation may reduce diagnostic error rates over time. Trial registration The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42017067056. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12911-019-0901-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Abimanyi-Ochom
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Shalika Bohingamu Mudiyanselage
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Max Catchpool
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.,Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Marnie Firipis
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Sithara Wanni Arachchige Dona
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Watts
- Deakin Health Economics, Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhou Y, Funston G, Lyratzopoulos G, Walter FM. Improving the Timely Detection of Bladder and Kidney Cancer in Primary Care. Adv Ther 2019; 36:1778-1785. [PMID: 31102201 PMCID: PMC6602991 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-00966-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bladder and kidney cancer are the 10th and 7th most common cancers in the United Kingdom (UK). They present with symptoms that are typically investigated via the same diagnostic pathway. However, diagnosing these cancers can be challenging, especially for kidney cancer, as many of the symptoms are non-specific and occur commonly in patients without cancer. Furthermore, the recognition and evaluation of these symptoms may differ because of the lack of supporting high-quality evidence to inform management, a problem also reflected in currently ambiguous guidelines. The majority of these two cancers are diagnosed following a referral from a general practitioner. In this article, we summarise current UK and United States (US) guidelines for investigating common symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer-visible haematuria, non-visible haematuria and urinary tract infections. Our article aims to support clinicians in recognising and investigating patients with symptoms of possible bladder and kidney cancer in a timely fashion. We discuss challenges during the diagnostic process and possible future interventions for improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhou
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Garth Funston
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes) Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bates DW, Singh H. Two Decades Since To Err Is Human: An Assessment Of Progress And Emerging Priorities In Patient Safety. Health Aff (Millwood) 2019; 37:1736-1743. [PMID: 30395508 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2018.0738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Institute of Medicine's To Err Is Human, published in 1999, represented a watershed moment for the US health care system. The report dramatically raised the profile of patient safety and stimulated dedicated research funding to this essential aspect of patient care. Highly effective interventions have since been developed and adopted for hospital-acquired infections and medication safety, although the impact of these interventions varies because of their inconsistent implementation and practice. Progress in addressing other hospital-acquired adverse events has been variable. In the past two decades additional areas of safety risk have been identified and targeted for intervention, such as outpatient care, diagnostic errors, and the use of health information technology. In sum, the frequency of preventable harm remains high, and new scientific and policy approaches to address both prior and emerging risk areas are imperative. With the increasing availability of electronic data, investments must now be made in developing and testing methods to routinely and continuously measure the frequency and types of patient harm and even predict risk of harm for specific patients. This progress could lead us from a Bronze Age of rudimentary tool development to a Golden Era of vast improvement in patient safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W Bates
- David W. Bates ( ) is chief of the Division of General Internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Hardeep Singh is chief of the Health Policy, Quality, and Informatics Program, Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and a professor of medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, both in Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Smith RA, Andrews KS, Brooks D, Fedewa SA, Manassaram-Baptiste D, Saslow D, Wender RC. Cancer screening in the United States, 2019: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. CA Cancer J Clin 2019; 69:184-210. [PMID: 30875085 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, the American Cancer Society publishes a summary of its guidelines for early cancer detection, data and trends in cancer screening rates, and select issues related to cancer screening. In this issue of the journal, the current American Cancer Society cancer screening guidelines are summarized, and the most current data from the National Health Interview Survey are provided on the utilization of cancer screening for men and women and on the adherence of men and women to multiple recommended screening tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Smith
- Vice-President, Cancer Screening, and Director, Center for Quality Cancer Screening and Research, Cancer Control Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kimberly S Andrews
- Director, Guidelines Process, Cancer Control Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Durado Brooks
- Vice President, Cancer Control Interventions, Cancer Control Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stacey A Fedewa
- Senior Principal Scientist, Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Debbie Saslow
- Senior Director, Human Papillomavirus-Related and Women's Cancers, Cancer Control Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Richard C Wender
- Chief Cancer Control Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Koshiaris C. Methods for reducing delays in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Int J Hematol Oncol 2019; 8:IJH13. [PMID: 30863530 PMCID: PMC6410016 DOI: 10.2217/ijh-2018-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
45
|
Timely Interventions for Children with ADHD through Web-Based Monitoring Algorithms. Diseases 2019; 7:diseases7010020. [PMID: 30736492 PMCID: PMC6473761 DOI: 10.3390/diseases7010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate an automated trigger algorithm designed to detect potentially adverse events in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who were monitored remotely between visits. We embedded a trigger algorithm derived from parent-reported ADHD rating scales within an electronic patient monitoring system. We categorized clinicians’ alert resolution outcomes and compared Vanderbilt ADHD rating scale scores between patients who did or did not have triggered alerts. A total of 146 out of 1738 parent reports (8%) triggered alerts for 98 patients. One hundred and eleven alerts (76%) required immediate clinician review. Nurses successfully contacted parents for 68 (61%) of actionable alerts; 46% (31/68) led to a change in care plan prior to the next scheduled appointment. Compared to patients without alerts, patients with alerts demonstrated worsened ADHD severity (β = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.5–8.1 [p < 0.001] within 90 days prior to an alert. The trigger algorithm facilitated timely changes in the care plan in between face-to-face visits.
Collapse
|
46
|
Murphy DR, Meyer AN, Sittig DF, Meeks DW, Thomas EJ, Singh H. Application of electronic trigger tools to identify targets for improving diagnostic safety. BMJ Qual Saf 2019; 28:151-159. [PMID: 30291180 PMCID: PMC6365920 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-008086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Progress in reducing diagnostic errors remains slow partly due to poorly defined methods to identify errors, high-risk situations, and adverse events. Electronic trigger (e-trigger) tools, which mine vast amounts of patient data to identify signals indicative of a likely error or adverse event, offer a promising method to efficiently identify errors. The increasing amounts of longitudinal electronic data and maturing data warehousing techniques and infrastructure offer an unprecedented opportunity to implement new types of e-trigger tools that use algorithms to identify risks and events related to the diagnostic process. We present a knowledge discovery framework, the Safer Dx Trigger Tools Framework, that enables health systems to develop and implement e-trigger tools to identify and measure diagnostic errors using comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) data. Safer Dx e-trigger tools detect potential diagnostic events, allowing health systems to monitor event rates, study contributory factors and identify targets for improving diagnostic safety. In addition to promoting organisational learning, some e-triggers can monitor data prospectively and help identify patients at high-risk for a future adverse event, enabling clinicians, patients or safety personnel to take preventive actions proactively. Successful application of electronic algorithms requires health systems to invest in clinical informaticists, information technology professionals, patient safety professionals and clinicians, all of who work closely together to overcome development and implementation challenges. We outline key future research, including advances in natural language processing and machine learning, needed to improve effectiveness of e-triggers. Integrating diagnostic safety e-triggers in institutional patient safety strategies can accelerate progress in reducing preventable harm from diagnostic errors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Murphy
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley Nd Meyer
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dean F Sittig
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Derek W Meeks
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric J Thomas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Carlson J, Laryea J. Electronic Health Record-Based Registries: Clinical Research Using Registries in Colon and Rectal Surgery. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2019; 32:82-90. [PMID: 30647550 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1673358] [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: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Electronic health records (EHRs) or electronic medical records (EMRs) contain a vast amount of clinical data that can be useful for multiple purposes including research. Disease registries are collections of data in predefined formats for population management, research, and other purposes. There are differences between EHRs and registries in the data structure, data standards, and protocols. Proprietary EHR systems use different coding systems and data standards, which are usually kept secret. For EHR data to flow seamlessly into registries, there is the need for interoperability between EHR systems and between EHRs and registries. The levels of interoperability required include functional, structural, and semantic interoperability. EHR data can be manually mapped to registry data, but that is a tedious, resource-intensive endeavor. The development of data standards that can be used as building blocks for both EHRs and registries will help overcome the problem of interoperability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Carlson
- Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Jonathan Laryea
- Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Diagnostic error may be the largest unaddressed patient safety concern in the United States, responsible for an estimated 40,000-80,000 deaths annually. With the electronic health record (EHR) now in near universal use, the goal of this narrative review is to synthesize evidence and opinion regarding the impact of the EHR and health care information technology (health IT) on the diagnostic process and its outcomes. We consider the many ways in which the EHR and health IT facilitate diagnosis and improve the diagnostic process, and conversely the major ways in which it is problematic, including the unintended consequences that contribute to diagnostic error and sometimes patient deaths. We conclude with a summary of suggestions for improving the safety and safe use of these resources for diagnosis in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colene Byrne
- RTI International Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lyratzopoulos G. Electronic patient records research to aid diagnostic reasoning for possible cancer in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2018; 68:408-409. [PMID: 30166371 PMCID: PMC6104858 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp18x698585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London and THIS (The Health Improvement Studies) Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Malalasekera A, Nahm S, Blinman PL, Kao SC, Dhillon HM, Vardy JL. How long is too long? A scoping review of health system delays in lung cancer. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/149/180045. [PMID: 30158277 PMCID: PMC9488868 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0045-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier access to lung cancer specialist (LCS) care improves survival, highlighting the need for streamlined patient referral. International guidelines recommend 14-day maximum time intervals from general practitioner (GP) referral to first LCS appointment (“GP–LCS interval”), and diagnosis to treatment (“treatment interval”). We compared time intervals in lung cancer care against timeframe benchmarks, and explored barriers and facilitators to timely care. We conducted a scoping review of literature from MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and hand searches. Primary end-points were GP–LCS and treatment intervals. Performance against guidelines and factors responsible for delays were explored. We used descriptive statistics and nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare intervals in studies reporting fast-track interventions. Of 1343 identified studies, 128 full-text articles were eligible. Only 33 (26%) studies reported GP–LCS intervals, with an overall median of 7 days and distributions largely meeting guidelines. Overall, 52 (41%) studies reported treatment intervals, with a median of 27 days, and distributions of times falling short of guidelines. There was no effect of fast-track interventions on reducing time intervals. Lack of symptoms and multiple procedures or specialist visits were suggested causes for delay. Although most patients with lung cancer see a specialist within a reasonable timeframe, treatment commencement is often delayed. There is regional variation in establishing timeliness of care. Delays to lung cancer care occur, especially in secondary care; variation in timeframe guidelines needs addressinghttp://ow.ly/hZt730kvKAb
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashanya Malalasekera
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon Nahm
- Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Prunella L Blinman
- Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Steven C Kao
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, Australia
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janette L Vardy
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|