Reducing preventable ED visits in patients with advanced NSCLC: Collective insights from three cancer centers

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Background: While many patients with advanced NSCLC have complex medical needs, emergency department (ED) visits may be preventable if clinicians predict, identify and treat symptoms early and deliver outpatient interventions. The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) evaluated how cancer centers participating in a multi-phase initiative found ways to reduce preventable ED visits in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: After holding QI workshops, ACCC followed-up with three centers located in AL, OK, and OH. These centers aimed to improve lung cancer symptom management, patient education, and care coordination related to the CMS Measure #OP-35 diagnoses: dehydration, diarrhea, emesis, nausea, pain, or pneumonia. Results: Patient Education and Reminders: Patients who undergo systemic treatment often need to be reminded to call their medical oncology team if they develop symptoms. Examples of effective practices include: a patient education and reminder campaign to “call-first” before visiting the ED; wallet cards with phone numbers; and ongoing reminders whenever patients come for infusion or clinician visits. Intensive Care Coordination: Some patients with advanced NSCLC may be “high risk” for ED utilization (eg, co-morbidities, social determinants, etc.). Intensive care coordination delivered by nurses may be directed specifically at these patients. Interventions may include scheduled phone calls and/or telehealth visits to assess symptoms and coordinate outpatient interventions. Immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs): Patients with advanced NSCLC may receive immune checkpoint inhibitors which may cause irAEs. Colitis may lead to dehydration, diarrhea, emesis, nausea; pneumonitis may be misdiagnosed as pneumonia. One center began using a patient symptom questionnaire delivered by a nurse navigator and managed 94% of irAE symptoms in the outpatient setting. Another center surveyed ED providers to assess gaps in identifying irAE symptoms an formed a multidisciplinary irAE work group to discuss patient management and facilitate increased awareness and early recognition. These efforts led to a series of education programs for ED staff. Early Palliative Care: Since early palliative care is associated with reduced ED utilization, one center streamlined palliative care referrals in the outpatient setting by developing an electronic pathway. 91% of patients with advanced cancer enrolled after initial consult; only 24% made an ED visit. Conclusions: While many ED visits are necessary, some may be preventable, especially if members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team risk-stratify patients, proactively identify and empower patients to “call first,” treat symptoms early, and provide early palliative care. The collective insights from these cancer centers provide guidance around sustainable strategies that can potentially reduce preventable ED visits.

Clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cancer who are treated with chemo- or immunotherapy

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Background: Cancer patients infected with COVID-19 are very vulnerable to increased complications and mortality while actively being treated with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The full impact of COVID-19 infections on this subset of patients has not been fully defined. Our goal was to track clinical outcomes in patients with an underlying malignancy and COVID-19 infection who received chemotherapy or ICIs. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 121 patients (age > 18 years) at the University of Alabama-Birmingham from January 2020 till November 2021 with an advanced solid malignancy that were treated with chemotherapy or ICIs within 12 months of their COVID-19 diagnosis. The aim of this study was to track clinical outcomes including: hospitalization rates, ICU admissions, treatments, and deaths of any cause. Results: A total of 121 patients were examined in this study and 61 received immunotherapy treatment within 12 months. The median age at diagnosis for the ICI group was 62.3 years and 54% were male while for the patients that receive chemotherapy the median age at diagnosis was 65.1 years and 53% were male (Table1). The 3 most common cancers represented in the ICI cohort were lung (30%, NSCLC), liver (13%, HCC) and renal (11%, RCC). While in the chemotherapy group, the 3 most cancers were NSCLC (40%), HCC (12%,), and head & neck (10%, H&N). 25% of patients on ICIs died while only 13% of patients died post chemotherapy. Of the ICI patients that died, 33% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 53% received oxygen, steroids and antiviral therapy. For the chemotherapy patients that died, 25% were admitted to the ICU and 50% received oxygen, steroids and antiviral therapy. Patients with lower ECOG (0.98) had lower mortality compared to patients with worse functional status (0.98 vs 1.52; t = 3.20; p < 0.01). Factors associated with increased admission were higher ECOG (1.07 vs 1.67; f = 3.05; p = 0.05), higher AST (21.2 vs 40.9, f = 10.2; p < 0.001), lower absolute lymphocyte count (1122.8 vs 408.9, f = 5.99; p < 0.01) and higher oxygen needs (0.02 vs 1.11, f = 29.5; p < 0.001). Conclusions: ICI mortality was higher compared to patients receiving chemotherapy, especially for those with reduced functional status. Factors for hospitalization included: higher ECOG, higher AST, lower lymphocyte count and increased oxygen needs. However, further investigation still needs to be undertaken to understand if the PD-1-PD-L1 pathway with the subsequent inflammatory cascade post COVID-19 can impact overall survival.[Table: see text]

Barriers to telehealth: The patient perspective

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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for telehealth has come to the forefront of healthcare. In the right clinical context, telehealth is an easy and effective way for providers to deliver high quality care, while also taking away barriers to care access such as clinic inconvenience, distance traveled, financial toxicity, etc. An abundance of data exists regarding the benefits and potential of telehealth, but most data is from the perspective of the provider. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding the patient’s perspective and satisfaction; and even less regarding accessibility issues in terms of technology and cultural perception of telehealth. We postulate that there is a need for individualized grass root level understanding of the population being served to make sure telehealth adoption is sustained and equitable. We are studying this using a rapid cycle improvement project using a Plan Do Study Act format (PDSA), with a cohort of veterans in a medical oncology clinic in Birmingham, AL. Methods: We spoke with a pilot cohort of 67 patients in the medical oncology clinic at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, AL. Surveys were done on all patients prior to their initial telehealth visit. Patients first agreed to participate, and then answered a 6-question survey regarding their perception of telehealth, their willingness to participate, and their perceived barriers to participation. We then identified barriers to intervene upon, with the plan to engage senior VA Leadership for the same. Results: 67 medical oncology patients in the Birmingham VA between May 1 and May 31, 2020, agreed to participate in a survey prior to their first telehealth appointment. We found that of the 67 patients surveyed, only 48 (71.6%) had a video capable phone and only 41 (61.2%) had high-speed internet or data to support that call. Interestingly 25 patients (37%) did not feel they could access the video on their own phone. While this presented one barrier to telehealth, we also found that 11 patients (16.4%) would not want to participate in telehealth even if they had a video capable device. Conclusions: This data, while not exhaustive, clearly captures some unique barriers to telehealth that may not have been previously studied or understood. Hearing the voice of the patient is critical in developing culturally competent forms of telehealth delivery. We will use this data to implement interventions that not only provide access of technology for our patients but will also make sure to specifically address the cultural/socioeconomic barriers to this form of healthcare distribution and how to overcome those barriers.

Racial disparities in cancer clinical trials

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Background: Cancer-related mortality has been found to be disproportionately higher in racial minorities and medically underserved populations.[1] This necessitates adequate representation of these subgroups in clinical trials for these practices to become an acceptable benchmark for all.However, this has been historically challenging and various studies have failed to show the equitable representation of various ethnic groups in these trials that ultimately guide clinical practice. Methods: We reviewed all abstracts presented at the 2020 ASCO Virtual meeting, from which we selected abstracts discussing results from phase III trials. Of these, we included phase III studies that provided explicit information on the demographic distribution of the clinical trial participants with respect to their race/ethnicity. We then extracted information on the demographic data of participants in the clinical trial using the slides or posters available on the ASCO website. Further, we utilized descriptive statistics to analyze and compare the clinical trial population with the general cancer population using the 2020 ACS Cancer statistics. However, our analysis was potentially limited by the absence of full demographic distribution when previously described elsewhere and the lack of uniform reporting of different ethnicities among these abstracts. Results: Of the total 476 abstracts studied, 120 described phase III studies. Among these, 23 did provide detailed demographic (race/ethnicity) distribution. However, 98 studies did not include standardized subgroups (White, African American, and Others) and 6 studies provided data only on Whites. A total of 9 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, the following was found: White 7083 (76.8%), African Americans 675 (7.3%), and “Others” 1466 (15.9%). Meanwhile, a comparison of cancer demographic data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) demonstrates the overall cancer incidence rates from 2012-2017 was found to be 464.6/100,000 in non-Hispanic whites and a comparable 460/100,000 in Non-Hispanic Blacks. However, our analysis shows that these ethnic minorities continue to be severely underrepresented in these phase III clinical trials. Conclusions: Despite several efforts, health care disparities persist and racial minorities continue to be underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. Further measures are needed to ensure adequate representation, healthcare equity and the generalizable nature of these “practice-changing” trials. References: 1. https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2017/results_merged/topic_race_ethnicity.pdf .

Feasibility of developing a Twitter journal club for hematology/oncology education

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Background: Medical trainees are increasingly utilizing social media platforms for professional development, networking and education. Twitter chats (TC) are a growing tool to engage health professionals in virtual multi-institutional, cross-discipline discussions. A meta-analysis of Twitter as a tool in residency education demonstrated high rates of satisfaction and concept retention. Despite rapid uptake, few studies address needs for social media use and implementation in graduate medical education. Methods: We created a Twitter account (@HOjournalclub) and registered a certified hashtag (#HOJournalClub) with healthcare symplur. For each monthly TC, a specific tumor type and relevant publication was selected. This information was disseminated and amplified to reach trainees on Twitter. A content expert was invited to each TC to provide additional commentary. During TCs, participants answer questions based on domains of critical journal appraisal. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. Basic demographics and tracked hashtag use to measure impressions, participants, and tweets per TC were gathered. Responses were collated and general themes were assessed. Participants were surveyed on ease of participation, article accessibility, and prior use of social media for education. Results: Since inception, @HOJournalClub has grown to >650 followers. Most are US-based (83%) medical trainees or healthcare professionals. Additional followers are in South America, Africa, UK, Europe, Middle East, India, East Asia and Australia. Gender is evenly distributed (51% male, 49% female.) Five #HOJournalClub chats have been held to date. Each attracted a mean of 30 participants, generating a mean of 217 tweets. Chats garnered a mean of 270,000 impressions (221,000-319,000) in the 48h after TC. Most participants accessed the chat in real time, with a small subset responding at alternate times. This asynchronous use has enhanced international participation. In post-TC surveys, majority of respondents report being new (48%) or sporadic (48%) users of TCs. Survey participants reported TC participation increased interaction with others in the field, improved literature appraisal skills and led to changes in clinical practice. Conclusions: Implementation of a Twitter-based journal club is feasible and attracts participation from trainees, promoting engagement and networking. It represents a novel educational tool for engagement in multi-institutional, multi-national and cross-discipline discussion of relevant hematology/oncology literature.

A quality improvement approach to optimizing infusion wait times

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Background: Long wait times are a common and occasionally unavoidable experience for patients receiving chemotherapy infusions. It unfavorably impacts patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency. Our primary objective was to evaluate the impact of infusion clinic process changes on patient wait times within a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PSDA) framework. Methods: A multi-disciplinary team, consisting of oncology, nursing, pharmacy, quality improvement, and support staff, met to have brainstorming sessions, make surveys, and conduct time studies to analyze our current process (Plan). A Pareto chart created using survey results showed communication issues were likely causing the largest modifiable impact on our wait times. A common source of miscommunication was whether patients are waiting on labs results for treatment. Beginning March 2019, patients not requiring labs on the day of treatment were assigned to a separate scheduling title to designate them as priority for vital signs and review by pharmacy (Do). Upon clinic check-in, these patients now have vitals signs collected immediately and pharmacy is notified of their arrival to begin chemotherapy preparation. Results: Baseline as well as prospective wait time data was collected from 30 clinic days (360 patient wait times) from chart reviews and timestamp data available in the electronic medical record (EMR). Results were analyzed (Study) using Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts to allow for early detection of improvement. Pre-implementation wait times averaged 1 hour and 37 minutes. Post implementation wait times average 1 hour and 16 minutes (Act). This change was significant based on a shift visible on the SPC chart. Our balancing measure of wait times for all patients did not increase compared to baseline (2 hours and 15 minutes). No significant correlation was observed between average daily wait times and the day of the week or the number of patients treated that day at baseline. Conclusions: Implementation of a new clinic scheduling title and workflow reduced wait times for patients not requiring labs on the day of treatment without increasing wait times for patients requiring labs. Additional PDSA cycles will be conducted for further reductions in wait times for all patients at our site.

Meeting lung cancer value based care requirements with documentation of patient goals and preferences

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Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths with 5-year survival of 6%. Recent scientific advances in molecular based treatments and immunotherapy and insurers’ emphasis on patient-centered care is changing patient care. This study sought to incorporate patients’ perceptions, goals, and preferences into treatment planning. Methods: After provider education and using electronic care planning software (CPS), a pilot of 50 patients with advanced NSCLC from two academic centers completed tablet-based surveys addressing treatment goals, decision-making preferences, and interest in clinical trials. Results were shared with the provider during the visit. Once treatment was selected, the CPS generated a personalized care management plan. Results: Participants were mean age 65 (range 41-86), 52% female, and 78% white. 60% (12/20) Stage IV patients believed that their cancer was curable. 62% (31/50) were not interested in clinical trial participation. 48% (24/50) wanted to share treatment decision making; 34% (12/50) wanted to make the final decision after seriously considering the doctor’s opinion; 6% (3/ 50) wanted the provider to make the final decision but consider their opinion, and 10% (5/50) wanted to leave all decisions to the provider. Conclusions: Patient perception of curability and decision-making preferences were important domains identified by personalized-care management planning in this Lung Cancer pilot study. Pre-visit CPS use provided the opportunity for the provider to address treatment intent and decision-making at the point-of-care. Academic centers generally expect their patients to have strong interest in clinical trials; Investigation for the reasons for disinterest warrants further exploration.

Real-world practice patterns of providers managing older patients with non-small cell lung cancer

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Background: Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have advanced disease at diagnosis and are older with median age 72 years. Evidence-based treatment (EBT) selection requires availability of molecular testing (MT) results at time of treatment decision and geriatric assessment (GA) helps determine a patient’s ability to tolerate therapy. This study describes practice patterns and evidence based treatment selections of providers managing older patients with NSCLC. Methods: After provider education and using care planning software (CPS), 50 patients with advanced NSCLC from two academic centers completed surveys regarding treatment goals and decision-making preferences, and patients ≥ 65 completed a modified GA that included activities of daily living and comorbidity assessment. Once treatment was selected, a personalized care plan was generated. Comparison treatment data from 17 community patients was obtained. Results: Participants were mean age 65, 52% female, and 78% white. Of 28 stage IV patients, 79% had MT and results available at time of treatment decision, and 100% met EBT guidelines. The community cohort had 47% testing, 29% results available, and 65% met guidelines. GA results in 24 patients were 46% frail, 29% intermediate fit, and 25% fit. Two patients (8%) were frail and had a plan change due to GA results. Conclusions: Obtaining timely MT results remains challenging. Continued strategies to ensure MT and timely results should be explored, including quality assurance monitoring given the increasing importance of MT in treatment selection. GA was less impactful in this setting, likely due to later stage patients, presumed frailty, and treatment goal being palliation. We believe GA would have greater impact in early stage NSCLC where aggressive treatments are offered with curative intent.

Restructuring of inpatient rounds to improve quality of care in patients with cancer

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Background: Traditionally, hospital units function as multidisciplinary teams which work in silos and communicate via notes in the Electronic Health System. This often leads to communication breakdown, frequently translating to adverse clinical outcomes and prolonged hospital length of stay. Our primary objective was to introduce Inter-Professional Team (IPT) rounds on the oncology unit and evaluate the impact on length of stay (LOS) within a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. Methods: The care transition team planned the IPT rounds structure and training curriculum which included team goals, post-rounds structure for addressing barriers to care progression, and member roles/scripting. Change in LOS and case mix index (CMI)-adjusted LOS post-IPT round implementation ( Do) in July 2017 was analyzed ( Study) using hierarchical linear models for patients with an admission to the oncology service from September 2016 to March 2018. Beta coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated and models were adjusted for calendar time. Results: Ten attending medical oncologists participated in IPT round implementation. Of 889 oncology admissions, median LOS and CMI-adjusted LOS pre-IPT round implementation (n = 464) was 4 days (IQR 2-6) and 3 days (IQR 1.8-4.7), while post-IPT round implementation (n = 425) was 4 days (IQR 2-6) and 2.9 days (IQR 1.9-4.4), respectively. Three common reasons for admission were septicemia (n = 96), hematologic complications (n = 42, e.g. anemia/neutropenia), and renal failure (n = 25). Adjusted models for LOS and CMI-adjusted LOS showed no significant difference post-IPT round implementation (β = 0.8 days, 95% CI -0.7-2.3; β = 0.5 days, 95% CI -0.3-1.3, respectively) when compared to pre-implementation. Conclusions: We did not observe decreased LOS in early outcomes. However, IDT rounds built on TEAMSTEPPS 2.0 elements with incorporation of key principles desirable in a patient care team. Next steps include further analysis to better understand cancer stages and diagnoses contributing to longer LOS. We also plan to evaluate patient satisfaction, educational needs, and readmission rates to restructure ( Act) IPT rounds to better serve the needs of our unique patient population.

A double blind controlled study of propranolol and cyproheptadine in migraine prophylaxis

Role of propranolol and cyproheptadine in the prophylaxis of migraine was studied in a controlled double blind trial. Two hundred fifty-nine patients were divided into four groups. Each group was either given a placebo, cyproheptadine, propranolol or a combination of the latter two drugs. The patients were followed for a period of three months. Significant relief in frequency, duration and severity from migranous attacks was seen in all drug treated groups over placebo. Significant correlation in response was seen in frequency, duration and severity in all the groups which received drugs. Statistically more significant relief was seen in cyproheptadine and propranolol treated group as compared to individual drug treated groups. In cyproheptadine and propranolol treated groups, the dropout rate was lower and associated symptoms were better relieved than in other groups. The study shows efficacy of combination of cyproheptadine and propranolol in migraine prophylaxis.

A double-blind clinical trial of kamalahar, an indigenous compound preparation, in acute viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Kamalahar is an indigenous preparation reported to be beneficial in acute viral hepatitis.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of Kamalahain acute viral hepatitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

Fifty two patients with acute viral hepatitis were randomized to receive either Kamalahar 500 mg or a matched placebo three times a day for 15 days. Forty four patients (Kamalahar 20; placebo 24) completed the trial.

RESULTS

Improvement in clinical signs was more marked with Kamalahar compared to placebo. The fall in serum bilirubin (p < 0.001), SGPT (p < 0.001) and serum alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.005) at day 15 was significantly greater with the drug. No significant side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Kamalahar offers therapeutic promise in acute viral hepatitis.

A critical review of prescriptions in internal medicine

A study was undertaken to assess the prescribing trends in inpatients of the Internal Medicine Department of Government General Hospital which is attached to Guntur Medical College, Guntur. Prescriptions for 250 patients were audited under various heads like details of drugs used, generic versus trade name prescribing, dosage, dosage form, dose interval, drug of choice and duration of treatment. Among 250 prescriptions audited, 7 percent used generic names, 22 percent trade names, and 71 percent combinations of both generic and trade names. Dosages and dosage intervals were appropriate. In 75 percent of the audited cases, the duration of treatment was appropriate; 25 percent did not specify the duration. The choice of drugs was proper in 84 percent and inappropriate in 16 percent of cases. Certain deficiencies in the prescribing trends are analysed.

Effects of propranolol on gastric secretion in albino rats

1 Effects of graded doses of propranolol have been studied on gastric secretion and gastric ulcers in pylorus-ligated rats.2 A dose-dependent action of propranolol was observed; small doses increased total volume, acid output and pepsin secretion along with an increase in the incidence of ulcers but high doses were inhibitory.