The 2023 Practitioner's Toolkit for Managing Menopause

OBJECTIVE

The Practitioner's Toolkit for Managing the Menopause, developed in 2014, provided an accessible desk-top tool for health-care practitioners caring for women at midlife. To ensure the Toolkit algorithms and supporting information reflect current best practice, the Toolkit has been revised in accordance with the published literature.

METHODS

A systematic search for guidelines, position and consensus statements pertaining to the menopause and published after 2014 was undertaken, and key recommendations extracted from the Clinical Practice Guidelines determined to be the most robust by formal evaluation. The peer-reviewed literature was further searched for identified information gaps.

RESULTS

The revised Toolkit provides algorithms that guide the clinical assessment and care of women relevant to menopause. Included are the reasons why women present, information that should be ascertained, issues that may influence shared decision-making and algorithms that assist with determination of menopausal status, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal treatment options for symptom relief. As clear guidelines regarding when MHT might be indicated to prevent bone loss and subsequent osteoporosis in asymptomatic women were found to be lacking, the Toolkit has been expanded to support shared decision-making regarding bone health.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2023 Toolkit and supporting document provide accessible desk-top information to support health-care providers caring for women at midlife.The Toolkit has been endorsed by the International Menopause Society, Australasian Menopause Society, British Menopause Society, Endocrine Society of Australia and Jean hailes for Women's Health.

Pancreas: An Organ-at-Risk to Consider in Future Pediatric Abdominal Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Irradiation to the pancreas during pediatric radiotherapy is associated with secondary late effects, yet the pancreas is not typically considered an organ-at-risk (OAR) during radiotherapy planning. This audit investigated incidental pancreatic doses to estimate the relative risk (RR) of developing diabetes in later life.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Incidental pancreas doses were audited from 92 patients aged 2 to 19 historically treated with photons for craniospinal irradiation (CSI, N = 73) and for abdominal neuroblastoma (N = 19). Prescription doses ranged 21-36 Gy and 21-39 Gy (with boost to spine up to 50 Gy) for neuroblastoma and CSI patients, respectively. The pancreas was segmented on all planning CT scans following RTOG guidelines. Furthermore, the pancreas was split into its sub-volumes (head, body and tail) for abdominal cases only, since these scans were acquired with contrast enhancement. The RR of developing subsequent diabetes was estimated as a function of dose (D): RR = 1+0.65 × D × exp(-0.3 × D). Dose to the pancreas tail was used for neuroblastoma cases, whereas dose to the whole pancreas was used for CSI patients given that the pancreas could not be split in non-contrast scans.

RESULTS

The mean dose delivered to the whole pancreas was 15.4±7.5 Gy for all patients, 12.7±4.7 Gy for CSI patients and 25.9±7.4 Gy for abdominal patients. Pancreas V10Gy was 61.2% for all patients, 51.5% for CSI, and 98.6% for abdominal patients; V30Gy = 0% in all cases. These doses represented an estimated diabetes RR of 7.3±1.5, 6.6±1.3, and 8.7±0.6, respectively; RR>5 in 88%, 85% and 100% of all patients, CSI and abdominal patients audited, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Current incidental doses were associated with a diabetes RR>5 in all patients treated for abdominal neuroblastoma and the majority who received CSI. These findings suggest the pancreas should be routinely delineated and considered as an OAR in radiotherapy planning. This may help to identify higher risk patients and inform late-effect monitoring during survivorship. Further work in underway to assess if proton therapy could reduce the RR of diabetes particularly in abdominal cases. Improved availability of high-quality imaging during radiotherapy planning, such as contrast administration or planning MRI, is becoming more necessary to accurately delineate subsegments of the pancreas for improved RR estimations.

Is Programmed Death Ligand 1(PD-L1) Expression in Vulvar Cancer Prognostic for Locoregional Control?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Vulvar cancer is a rare female genital neoplasm in which surgery and radiotherapy play an integral role in the treatment paradigm; however, locoregional recurrence remains the predominant pattern of failure. Little is known about the impact of PD-L1 status in vulvar cancer and its value for clinical outcomes and response prediction to immunotherapy. We sought to explore clinical outcomes of patients with positive PD-L1 expression in vulvar cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Single-institution retrospective analysis of patients with surgically resectable invasive vulvar carcinoma from 2001-2021 was performed. Patients with locally advanced disease not amendable to upfront surgery or de novo metastatic disease were excluded. Immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression was assessed using the Combined Positive Score (CPS) with positive expression defined as ≥1, and Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) with positive expression defined as ≥1%. Survival and disease control outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier Method with log-rank t-test. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a parsimonious cox regression analysis using forward conditional selection.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were identified with a median age of 69 years old (IQR: 59-78), 54% (n = 46) FIGO stage I-II, 97% (n = 82) squamous cell carcinoma histology, 41% (n = 35) p16 positive status, 74% (n = 63) without a history of lichen sclerosis, 40% (n = 34) without co-existing vulvar intraepithelial neoplasm (VIN), and 49% (n = 42) treated with surgery alone. There were 72% (n = 61) with positive PD-L1 TPS (≥1%), and 81% (n = 69) with positive PD-L1 CPS (≥1) expression. The median follow up was 49 months (IQR: 21-75 months). The 5-year OS was 79% (95% CI, 70%-89%), DFS 55% (95% CI, 43%-67%), local control (LC) 59% (95% CI, 47%-72%), regional control (RC) 86% (95% CI, 78%-94%), and distant metastasis (DM) 96% (95% CI, 92%-100%). PD-L1 expression was associated with lower LC and DFS by TPS ≥1%. The 5-year LC of 82% (95% CI, 65%-98%) for PD-L1 negative versus 50% (95% CI, 34%-65%) positive disease (p = 0.03). The 5-year DFS was 77% (95% CI, 59%-95%) for PD-L1 negative versus 46% (95% CI, 31%-61%) positive disease (p = 0.03). No significant DFS or LC difference was noted by CPS levels ≥1. No significant difference was observed for RC, DM, or OS. On multivariable analysis, PD-L1 TPS remained a significant predictor for LC (HR = 3.01, 95% CI, 1.07-8.95, p = 0.04). No significant difference in DFS was observed for PD-L1 TPS on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

PD-L1 expression is associated with higher rates of local recurrence and may represents a potentially important actionable target independent of p16 status to improve the predominant pattern of relapse in this uncommon malignancy.

Efficacy of Mepliex® Ag Versus Xeroform® As A Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site Dressing: Bad Habits Die Hard

Autografting with split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) remains an essential procedure in burn and reconstructive surgery. The process of harvesting STSG, however, leaves behind a donor site, an exposed area of partial-thickness dermis left to heal by secondary intention. There has yet to be a consensus amongst surgeons regarding optimal management of the donor site. The ideal donor site dressing is one that allows for expeditious healing while minimizing pain and infection. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the superiority of moist wound healing, many surgeons continue to treat STSG donor sites dry, with petroleum-based gauze. In this study, two burn centers performed a retrospective review of burn patients whose STSG donor sites were treated with either Xeroform® or Mepilex® Ag dressings. Infections were documented and in a subgroup analysis of patients, postoperative pain scores were noted and total opiate usage during hospitalization was calculated. Analysis revealed an overall infection rate of 1.2% in the Mepilex® Ag group and 11.4% in the Xeroform® group (p<0.0001). Patients with Xeroform® donor site dressings had increased odds of donor site infection (OR=10.8, p=0.002). In subgroup analysis, there were no significant differences in maximum pain scores between Mepilex® Ag and Xeroform® groups, nor were there differences in opiate usage. STSG donor sites dressed with silver foam dressings have a lower rate of donor site infection relative to those dressed with petroleum-based gauze. Moist donor site dressings such as foam dressings (including Mepilex® Ag) should be the standard of care in STSG donor site wound care.

Development of 'gastrostomy tube - is it for me?', a web-based patient decision aid for people living with motor neurone disease considering having a gastrostomy tube placed

Objective: To develop and pilot a web-based patient decision aid (PDA) to support people living with motor neurone disease (plwMND) considering having a gastrostomy tube placed. Methods: In Phase 1, content and design were informed by semi-structured interviews, literature reviews and a prioritization survey. In Phase 2, the prototype PDA was tested with users and developed iteratively with feedback from surveys and 'think-aloud' interviews. Phase 1 and 2 participants were plwMND, carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs). In Phase 3, the PDA was evaluated by plwMND using validated questionnaires and HCPs provided feedback in focus groups. Results: Sixteen plwMND, 16 carers and 25 HCPs took part in Phases 1 and 2. Interviews and the literature review informed a prioritization survey with 82 content items. Seventy-seven per cent (63/82) of the content of the PDA was retained. A prototype PDA, which conforms to international standards, was produced and improved during Phase 2. In Phase 3, 17 plwMND completed questionnaires after using the PDA. Most plwMND (94%) found the PDA completely acceptable and would recommend it to others in their position, 88% had no decisional conflict, 82% were well prepared and 100% were satisfied with their decision-making. Seventeen HCPs provided positive feedback and suggestions for use in clinical practice. Conclusion: Gastrostomy Tube: Is it for me? was co-produced with stakeholders and found to be acceptable, practical and useful. Freely available from the MND Association website, the PDA is a valuable tool to support the shared decision-making process for gastrostomy tube placement.

A national qualitative investigation of the impact of service change on doctors' training during Covid-19

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 crisis sparked service reconfigurations in healthcare systems worldwide. With postgraduate medical education sitting within these systems, service reconfigurations substantially impact trainees and their training environment. This study aims to provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of the impact of service reconfiguration on doctors' training during the pandemic, identifying opportunities for the future as well as factors that pose risks to education and training and how these might be mitigated.

METHODS

Qualitative parallel multi-centre case studies examined three Trusts/Health Boards in two countries in the United Kingdom. Data were collected from online focus groups and interviews with trainees and supervisors using semi-structured interview guides (September to December 2020). A socio-cultural model of workplace learning, the expansive-restrictive continuum, informed data gathering, analysis of focus groups and coding.

RESULTS

Sixty-six doctors participated, representing 25 specialties/subspecialties. Thirty-four participants were male, 26 were supervisors, 17 were specialty trainees and 23 were foundation doctors. Four themes described the impact of pandemic-related service reconfigurations on training: (1) Development of skills and job design, (2) Supervision and assessments, (3) Teamwork and communication, and (4) Workload and wellbeing. Service changes were found to both facilitate and hinder education and training, varying across sites, specialties, and trainees' grades. Trainees' jobs were redesigned extensively, and many trainees were redeployed to specialties requiring extra workforce during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid and unplanned service reconfigurations during the pandemic caused unique challenges and opportunities to doctors' training. This impaired trainees' development in their specialty of interest, but also presented new opportunities such as cross-boundary working and networking.

Association between testosterone and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women: a systematic review of observational studies

This review was conducted to explore the association between endogenous testosterone blood concentrations and cognitive performance among community dwelling postmenopausal women. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases for observational studies with at least 100 postmenopausal participants. The results were categorized by study design, reporting of total or free testosterone and risk of bias assessments, narratively. Ten of the 26 articles retrieved for full-text review met the inclusion criteria, six provided cross-sectional data, seven provided longitudinal data and one provided case-control data. Cognitive performance tests differed between studies. Eight studies measured testosterone by immunoassay, one by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and one did not specify their methodology. Eleven different cognitive domains were tested by 37 different instruments. Irrespective of the study design, the findings were inconsistent and inconclusive. Both positive and inverse associations were reported for each of global cognition and immediate and delayed verbal recall. The majority of studies reported no association between total or free testosterone and cognitive performance. Although this review did not demonstrate an association between testosterone and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women, the findings should be considered inconclusive due to the imprecision of testosterone measurement and the methodological heterogeneity of the included studies.

Remote classroom modelling: a professional development model for in-service generalist primary teachers of science

We present a model for Professional Development (PD) for in-service generalist primary teachers of science. The Remote Classroom Modelling (RCM) model is specifically designed to address salient challenges in the context of professional isolation. We share the principles that supported the design of this PD prototype, and the insights and lessons learned from a pilot of the model. We employed open-ended questionnaires, individual interviews and focus group interviews using a qualitative exploratory study to capture the experiences of teachers and students involved in this trial. Our findings suggest that the model supports primary teachers in developing: (1) their technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge, (2) their leadership, and (3) their resourcefulness in science. Our analysis reveals two important factors underpinning the successful implementation of this model: participant engagement and expert support. We discuss the applicability of this model in different settings and propose an agenda to progress the development of the RCM.

Extracellular volume fraction by computed tomography predicts long-term prognosis among patients with cardiac amyloidosis

Objective

This study sought to investigate the association of extracellular volume fraction by computed tomography (ECVCT), myocardial remodeling and mortality in patients with systemic amyloidosis.

Background

Light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloid fibrils are deposited in the extracellular space of the myocardium, resulting in heart failure and premature mortality. Extracellular expansion can be quantified by CT, offering a rapid and cost-effective alternative to cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), especially among patients with cardiac devices or on renal dialysis.

Methods

Patients with confirmed systemic amyloidosis and varying degrees of cardiac involvement underwent ECG-gated cardiac CT. ECVCT was analysed in the inter-ventricular septum. All patients also underwent clinical assessment, ECG, echocardiography, serum amyloid protein component (SAP) and/or technetium-99m (99mTc) 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid scintigraphy. ECVCT was compared across different extents of cardiac infiltration (ATTR Perugini Grade / AL Mayo Class) and evaluated for its association with myocardial remodelling and all-cause mortality.

Results

72 patients were studied (AL n=35, ATTR n=37; age 67 (59–76) years, 71% males). Mean septal ECVCT was 42.7±13.1% and 55.8±10.9% in AL and ATTR, respectively, and correlated with indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (r=0.426, p&lt;0.001), LV ejection fraction [LVEF, (r=0.460, p&lt;0.001)], NT-proBNP (r=0.563, p&lt;0.001) and hsTnT (r=0.546, p=0.02). ECVCT increased with cardiac amyloid involvement in both AL and ATTR (Figure 1). Over a mean follow-up of 5.3±2.4 years, 40 deaths occurred (AL 14 [35%]; ATTR 26 [65%]). ECVCT was independently associated with all-cause mortality in ATTR (not AL) after adjustment for age and IV septal wall thickness (HR: 1.046, 95% CI: 1.003–1.090, p=0.037).

Conclusion

Cardiac amyloid burden quantified by ECVCT is associated with adverse cardiac remodelling as well as all-cause mortality among ATTR amyloid patients. ECVCT may address the need for better identification and risk stratification of amyloid patients, using a widely-accessible imaging modality (Figure 2).

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Current pressure on the UK imaging workforce deters imaging research in the NHS and requires urgent attention

Medical imaging is a multidisciplinary specialty, combining clinical expertise from medical physics, radiography, and radiology, and plays a key role in patient care. Research is vital to ensure the care delivered to patients is evidence-based, and is a core component of clinical governance; however, there are pressures on the imaging workforce, which are significantly impeding imaging research. This commentary presents a research gap analysis pertaining to the multidisciplinary imaging workforce on behalf of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Imaging Workforce Group. Data were summarised from membership surveys of the Royal College of Radiologists, Society and College of Radiographers, and Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine; national reports; and feedback from NIHR Clinical Research Network Imaging Champions meeting in 2020/2021. Common barriers to delivering research were found across the multidisciplinary workforce. The key issues were lack of staff, lack of time, and lack of funding to backfill clinical services. Given the ongoing workforce shortages and increasing clinical demands on radiologists, diagnostic radiographers, and medical physicists, these issues must be tackled with a high priority to ensure the future of clinical research within the NHS.

AB1051 CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND HEALTHCARE RESOURCE UTILIZATION OF UNCONTROLLED GOUT PRIOR TO PEGLOTICASE THERAPY

Background

By definition, uncontrolled gout (UG) cannot be managed with oral urate lowering therapies (ULTs) and is associated with substantial morbidity. UG, also known as refractory gout, results in escalated treatment and management. Recent American College of Rheumatology guidelines recommend treating gout to serum uric acid targets; if targets are not achieved or patients continue to have symptoms, pegloticase is recommended. There is a paucity of data documenting the clinical and economic burden of UG patients.

Objectives

Assess clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of UG prior to pegloticase initiation.

Methods

A retrospective observational database analysis was conducted among patients initiating pegloticase between April 1, 2011 and August 31, 2020 using the PharMetrics Plus database. Eligible subjects had ≥1 pegloticase claim (first claim = index date) and continuous enrollment for 24 months prior to index. Relevant clinical and economic (HCRU) outcomes were evaluated over a 24-month pre-index period and compared between two different time intervals prior to index: time interval 1 (Day -720 to Day -361) and time interval 2 (Day -360 to Day -1). Assessment of comorbid disease burden included Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and relevant health conditions. Dependent pairwise comparisons were conducted to compare clinical and economic outcomes between time intervals prior to pegloticase initiation. To assess statistical differences, paired t-tests (continuous variables) or McNemar’s tests (categorical variables) were used.

Results

Of the 408 eligible subjects, most were male (88.5%), with an average age (SD) of 55.2 (11.3) years, 66.9% were between the ages of 45-64 years and 78.2% had a preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan. Most often (34.8% of patients), a rheumatologist was associated with initiation of pegloticase therapy, while primary care physicians accounted for 23.8% of initiations. Mean (SD) CCI score was 2.4 (2.4) with 37.3% of subjects having a CCI score of >3. Prevalence of relevant health conditions over the 24-month pre-index period included tophi (62.5%), urolithiasis (8.6%), chronic kidney disease (34.6%) and chronic pain/fibromyalgia (76.5%), all of which significantly increased from time interval 1 (Day -720 to Day -361) to time interval 2 (Day -360 to Day -1) prior to pegloticase initiation (Table 1). Of patients initiating pegloticase, 57.4% had 1 ULT (excluding probenecid), 11.3% had >2 ULT (excluding probenecid), and 10.3% UG patients had ≥1 probenecid claim over the 24-month pre-index period. Most patients (98.3%) had ≥1 physician office visit, 27.2% had ≥1 hospitalization and 45.3% had ≥1 emergency room (ER) visit over the 24-month pre-index period. HCRU significantly increased from time interval 1 to time interval 2, prior to pegloticase (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Relevant Health Conditions and Disease-specific Health Care Resource Utilization (HCRU)

Overall N= 408Time Interval 1Time Interval 2Tophi62.5%15.4%61.5%***Urolithiasis8.6%4.2%6.9%*Chronic kidney disease34.6%22.5%31.6%***Cardiovascular disease32.6%21.3%28.4%**Type 2 diabetes mellitus31.4%23.3%28.9%**Hypertension76.2%58.1%70.3%***≥1 gout flare87.7%48.5%83.8%***Mean number of gout flare (SD)3.5 (2.4)1.02.1***Gout-related medications ≥1 claim for colchicine56%39.5%63.7%***≥1 claim for opioids71%52.9%60.3%*≥1 claim for oral corticosteroids80%50.2%75.7%***≥1 claim for injectable corticosteroids64%38.5%53.7%***

†Time Interval 1: Day -720 to Day -361 prior to pegloticase initiation; ††Time Interval 2: Day -360 to Day -1 prior to pegloticase initiation

***, p<0.0001; **, p<0.001; *, p<0.05

Conclusion

Overall, these data demonstrate the progressive nature of UG as confirmed by significant increases in gout-related conditions and healthcare resource utilization prior to pegloticase initiation. Further research is needed on healthcare resource utilization among patients with UG post-pegloticase use.

Disclosure of Interests

Robert Morlock Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Victoria Divino Grant/research support from: Horizon Therapeutics, Mitchell DeKoven Grant/research support from: Horizon Therapeutics, Brian LaMoreaux Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Atsuko Powers Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Naina Barretto Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Robert Holt Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Stephanie Taylor Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics

POS0867 COMORBIDITY AND COMPLICATIONS PRIOR TO SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS DIAGNOSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT ANALYSIS

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by progressive microvascular damage, collagen deposition and subsequent fibrosis of the skin and internal organs which contributes to substantial morbidity and premature death.1-2

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the disease burden of SSc patients prior to their SSc diagnosis.

Methods

Patients with SSc were identified in a claims dataset (IBM MarketScan Commercial Database, 2015-2019) using ICD 10 diagnosis codes for SSc. Eligible subjects were required to have > 1 inpatient or >2 outpatient/office claims with a scleroderma diagnosis code on separate days and > 24 months of continuous health plan enrollment without a SSc diagnosis before the first SSc claim (‘index date’) and > 12 months of enrollment after the index date. Overall comorbid disease burden was assessed via the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 13-24 and 12 months before and 12 months after index date. The prevalence of SSc-related complications for atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), Raynaud’s Phenomenon (RP), and gastrointestinal (GI) complications (e.g., GERD, dysphagia, etc.) were identified using ICD codes and reported as percentages for the aforementioned time intervals relative to patients’ index dates.

Results

902 eligible SSc patients were identified for analysis. The mean age at index SSc diagnosis was 54.3 years and 84.7% of patients were female. Mean CCI scores 13-24 months before, 12 months before, and 12 months after index SSc diagnosis were 0.84, 1.13 and 1.30, respectively. From the time points 13-24 months before, 12 months before, and 12 months after index SSc diagnosis, increasing rates were also observed of atherosclerosis, PAH, PF, RP, and GI complications (Table 1).

Table 1.

Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and systemic sclerosis-related complications by time-interval

Clinical characteristic13-24 months before Index12 months before Index12 months after IndexMean CCI (std dev)0.84 (1.58)1.13 (1.71)1.30 (1.75)Systemic sclerosis-related complicationsAtherosclerosis7%9%14%Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)1%4%12%Pulmonary fibrosis (PF)5%8%16%Raynaud’s Phenomenon (RP)13%29%43%GI complications23%32%46%

Conclusion

Results from this analysis suggests that SSc-related sequalae are present at least two years prior to SSc diagnosis and rates of these complications increased markedly over time. Patients’ overall comorbid disease burden also worsened substantially over this period, likely because of these complications. The internal organ involvement is likely under reported due to requirements to link each diagnosis with an ICD-10 code. These data indicate the significant burden of SSc, prior to and after diagnosis, highlighting the need for awareness, prompt diagnosis, and effective therapies for SSc and its related complications.

References

[1]Cutolo M, et al. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2019;15(7):753-764.

[2]Steen VD, Medsger TA. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(7):940-944.

Disclosure of Interests

Dinesh Khanna Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Daniel Furst Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Justin W. Li Grant/research support from: Horizon Therapeutics, Saloni Shah Grant/research support from: Horizon Therapeutics, Tamara Lesperance Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Farah Ali Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Brian LaMoreaux Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics, Stephanie Taylor Shareholder of: Horizon Therapeutics, Employee of: Horizon Therapeutics

715 REDUCING OVERTREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN CARE HOMES

Introduction

Older people in care homes living with frailty are less likely to benefit from tight glycaemic control in the management of type 2 diabetes with increased risk of adverse effects for example hypoglycaemia, falls and hospital admission. We wished to ascertain the scale of the problem and reduce overtreatment. We defined overtreatment based on American Diabetes Association guidelines as being on an agent that can cause hypoglycaemia and having an HBA1C of ≤53 mmol/mol or, an HbA1c 53–64 mmol/mol with either three or more co-morbidities.

Methods

In 2016, we audited the management of type 2 diabetes in older people discharged from LTHT to care homes. We discussed our concerns with diabetes and geriatric medicine colleagues across medical, nursing and pharmacy disciplines. We engaged the support of the citywide diabetes network which comprises secondary care colleagues, general practitioners and pharmacists. We presented the findings of our initial audit to colleagues within primary and secondary care through departmental meetings and citywide network meetings. We wrote a new guideline, specifically for frail older people that was disseminated citywide through these networks. We re-audited in 2020.

Results

In total, 113 cases were reviewed in 2016 and 105 cases in 2020. In 2020, only 6% (6 patients) were overtreated compared to 38% (43 patients) in 2016.

Conclusions

There has been a marked reduction in overtreatment which should result in less adverse events. We believe the reasons for success lie in wide engagement of relevant stakeholder groups around an issue that is important, large in scale and meaningful to both patient and clinician. There are potential cost savings from reducing medications and reducing harm.

771 LET’S TALK ABOUT RESUS. DO WE DO IT? WHO DOES IT? WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES?

Introduction

Discussing preferences around cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is recommended to patients who wish to discuss this, or where there is foreseeable risk of life-threatening clinical deterioration. Our team felt that we discussed this routinely for our inpatients but wished to investigate how we did this, when we did this, why decisions were made and who led these discussions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic patient notes of 118 patients recently discharged from elderly medicine between February and November 2020 and recorded demographic details, co-morbidities and outcomes of discussions regarding resuscitation.

Results

100/118 patients had a RESPECT form documenting preferences. Of these 100 patients, 97% had a DNACPR recommendation, 2 had a ‘for resuscitation’ recommendation and one was undecided. 69% of patients had their preferences recorded during the current admission. 43% of discussions were led by a tier 1/2 doctor. 21% of discussions were led by a tier 3 doctor. 23% of discussions were led by a consultant. It was unclear who had led the discussion 13% of the time. 29/97 patients had a DNACPR due to their wishes. 16/97 patients had a DNACPR based on clinical grounds that it would not succeed. 33/97 patients had a DNACPR on the grounds that burden outweighed risks and they had capacity In 19/97 patients the reason for DNACPR was not clearly documented. There were 6 discussions where there was distress or disagreement—all of the discussions resulted in DNACPR recommendation 1 patient had a DNACPR reversed during their admission and none were reversed afterwards.

Conclusion

Systematically discussing preferences around resuscitation is feasible and rarely results in distress. The majority of patients have a recommendation for DNACPR and discussions are led by ‘junior’ doctors.

Is Substantial Lymphovascular Space Invasion Prognostic for Clinical Outcomes in Type II Endometrial Cancer?

AIMS

Substantial lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) compared with none or focal LVSI is predictive of lymph node involvement and worse clinical outcomes in endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma. We aimed to quantify the incidence of substantial LVSI in type II (clear cell and serous) endometrial cancer and correlate the extent of LVSI with clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on type II endometrial cancer patients who underwent surgical management from July 2017 to December 2019 using the three-tier LVSI scoring system. Binary logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyse predictors of lymph node involvement or survival outcomes, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to analyse differences in locoregional disease-free survival (LR-DFS), distant metastasis disease-free survival (DM-DFS) and overall survival between patients with substantial versus none/focal LVSI.

RESULTS

In 79 patients with type II endometrial carcinoma, no LVSI, focal LVSI and substantial LVSI was present in 48.1%, 15.2% and 36.7% of patients, respectively. Lymph nodes were involved in 0.0% with no LVSI, 20.0% with focal LVSI and 60.0% with substantial LVSI (P < 0.001). The median follow-up was 22.2 months. In patients with none/focal versus substantial LVSI, the 2-year LR-DFS and DM-DFS rates were 91.5% versus 71.4% (P = 0.01) and 90.2% versus 63.8% (P = 0.005), respectively. On univariate analysis, myometrial invasion ≥50%, tumour size ≥3.6 cm, substantial versus none/focal LVSI, lymph node involvement and omission of adjuvant radiotherapy were significant predictors for worse LR-DFS and DM-DFS (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Substantial LVSI has a high incidence in type II pathology at our institution and predicts for lymph node involvement and worse clinical outcomes.

Omani senior secondary school students’ knowledge of and attitudes to antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem that is increasing largely due to the misuse of antibiotics in human health and agriculture. This situation is further exacerbated by a dearth of new antibiotic development, the focus of pharmaceutical companies having shifted to more lucrative treatments for chronic conditions such as elevated blood pressure. To conserve the efficacy of the current crop of antibiotics, it is vital that they are used appropriately by individuals. Effective education may be a means to achieve such appropriate use. This paper reports on a large-scale, mixed methods study, which employed a survey and oral questionnaires, undertaken with senior secondary Omani students. The study explored students’ understanding of antibiotic resistance as well as their attitudes to the issue of antibiotic resistance. The study findings indicated that, although some students had a reasonably clear understanding of antibiotic resistance, many had serious misconceptions that could result in misuse of antibiotics. The article concludes with suggestions for amending secondary school pedagogy in Oman to address the misconceptions.

Characterizing the features and course of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents with autoimmune encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) can present like a psychiatric disorder. We aimed to illustrate the psychiatric manifestations, course and management of AE in a paediatric cohort. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, investigations and treatment were retrospectively retrieved in 16 patients (mean age 11.31, SD 2.98) with an AE diagnosis at the liaison psychiatry services in two UK tertiary paediatric centres. Psychiatric presentation was characterised by an acute polysymptomatic (predominantly agitation, anger outbursts/aggressiveness, hallucinations, and emotional lability) onset. Antipsychotics produced side effects and significant worsening of symptoms in four cases, and benzodiazepines were commonly used. This psychiatric phenotype should make clinicians suspect the diagnosis of AE and carefully consider use of treatments.

The Effects of Cumulative and Noncumulative Exams Within the Context of Interteaching

Interteaching is a behavioral teaching method that has been empirically shown to increase student learning outcomes. The present study investigated the effect of combining interteaching with cumulative versus noncumulative exams in two sections of an online asynchronous class. Interteaching was used in both sections of the course. The noncumulative exam section experienced weekly exams with test questions that only covered material learned in that week of class. The cumulative exam section was given weekly exams in which half of the questions were from material learned that current week and the other half were cumulative up to that point in the class. This was followed by a cumulative final exam given to both groups. All exam questions were multiple choice. On average, students in the cumulative exam group scored 4.91% higher on the final exam than students in the noncumulative exam group. Students exposed to weekly cumulative exams also earned more As and Bs on the final compared to the noncumulative exam group. Overall, our experiment provides evidence that interteaching may be further improved when combined with cumulative weekly exams.

Mycobacterium avium infection associated with sterile polyarthritis in a dog

A 1-year-old male neutered Portuguese Podengo dog was presented for lameness, inappetence, pyrexia, diarrhoea and abdominal moderate to severe lymphadenomegaly. Cytology of synovial fluid revealed neutrophilic inflammation in multiple joints suggestive of immune-mediated polyarthritis. Cytology of fine-needle-aspiration material obtained from lymph nodes revealed macrophages with intracytoplasmic, rod-like Ziehl-Neelsen positive staining structures, indicative of mycobacteria. Four-month treatment with enrofloxacin, rifampicin and clarithromycin resulted in clinical improvement and resolution of polyarthritis as evidenced on repeat synoviocentesis, but diarrhoea recurred, Ziehl-Neelsen positive organisms were again found on lymph node cytology and analysis of the 16S rRNA-gene using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool facility resulted in a match to Mycobacterium avium with 100% sequence identity. Treatment was adjusted to include pradofloxacin, doxycycline, rifampicin and ethambutol and 3 months later the dog is clinically normal. Based on the literature search, this is the first time canine Mycobacterium avium infection associated with immune-mediated polyarthritis is reported. Based on scoping searches, this is the first report of canine Mycobacterium avium infection associated with immune-mediated polyarthritis.

The Vulnerability of Health Infrastructure to the Impacts of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Small Island Countries in the South Pacific

Anthropogenic climate change and related sea level rise will have a range of impacts on populations, particularly in the low lying Pacific island countries (PICs). One of these impacts will be on the health and well-being of people in these nations. In such cases, access to medical facilities is important. This research looks at the medical facilities currently located on 14 PICs and how climate change related impacts such as sea level rise may affect these facilities. The medical infrastructure in each country were located using information from a range of sources such as Ministry of Health (MoH) websites, World Health Organization, Doctors Assisting in South Pacific Islands (DAISI), Commonwealth Health Online, and Google Maps. A spatial analysis was undertaken to identify medical infrastructure located within 4 zones from the coastline of each country: 0 to 50 m, 50 to 100 m, 100 to 200 m, and 200 to 500 m. The findings indicate that 62% of all assessed medical facilities in the 14 PICs are located within 500 m of the coast. The low-lying coral atoll countries of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Tokelau, and Tuvalu will be highly affected as all medical facilities in these countries fall within 500 m of the coast. The results provide a baseline analysis of the threats posed by sea-level rise to existing critical medical infrastructure in the 14 PICs and could be useful for adaptive planning. These countries have limited financial and technical resources which will make adaptation challenging.

489 The Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Head and Neck Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

and

Aims

Method

This review follows the PRISMA guidelines. Database searches for MEDLINE and EMBASE were constructed to retrieve human studies published between 1st January 2010 and 1st July 2020 assessing the role and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck. Articles were independently screened by two reviewers and critically appraised using the MINORS criteria. The primary outcomes consisted of the sentinel node identification rate and test-performance measures, including the false-negative rate and the posttest probability negative.

Results

A total of 27 studies, including 4688 patients, met the eligibility criteria. Statistical analysis produced weighted summary estimates for the sentinel node identification rate of 97.3% (95% CI, 95.9% to 98.6%), the false-negative rate of 21.3% (95% CI, 17.0% to 25.4%) and the posttest probability negative of 4.8% (95% CI, 3.9% to 5.8%).

Discussion

Application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for the development of a community pharmacy ear health intervention for rural populations

Introduction

The World Health Organisation has identified ear disease to be a major public health problem in rural and remote communities, with access to services an identified barrier. (1) Rural community pharmacists are recognised as highly skilled, accessible and trusted health professionals. An innovative service “LISTEN UP” (Locally Integrated Screening and Testing Ear aNd aUral Program) has been implemented in two remote community pharmacies in Australia. The service involves patients with an ear complaint self-presenting to a participating pharmacy and receiving a clinical examination by a pharmacist, who has completed accredited training in ear health, otoscopy and tympanometry. “LISTEN UP” has been developed using the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model.(2) The PRECEDE component of the model assesses social, epidemiological, behavioural, environmental, educational and ecological factors to inform the development of an intervention.(2) The PROCEED-component consists of pilot testing and evaluation.

Aim

To describe an ecological approach to health promotion via the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model to develop a rural community pharmacy-based ear health intervention.

Methods

PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis) provided a framework to plan and develop a locally relevant and community focused program. This included research and engagement via meetings, surveys and interviews of consumers, pharmacists, health professionals and stakeholders. PROCEED (Policy, Regulatory, and Organisational Constructs in Educational and Environmental Development) outlined the structure for implementing and evaluating the intervention that was developed in the PRECEDE process. A pilot study has been included in PROCEED segment to allow improvement before implementing and evaluating the final model. Data will be collected in the pilot study via semi-structured interviews and surveys. This will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results

As part of the PRECEDE segment a social assessment was undertaken via mixed method studies of rural consumers, pharmacists and health professionals. Hearing testing was ranked as the seventh (from twenty-six) most important expanded pharmacy service by both consumer and health professional groups. An epidemiological assessment found extensive ear disease in rural and remote locations resulting in complications and hearing loss. Behavioural and environment assessments identified eleven ear health interventions which include hearing screening [3], otoscopy pilot studies [2], audiometry services [1], specific education for undergraduate pharmacy students [2] and a pharmacy-based clinic [3]. However none of the interventions described a framework for continued service provision. Policy and regulation assessment was undertaken to align the intervention within the regulatory framework. The application of this model is partially complete with the study protocol for the intervention developed and the initial pilot study in progress. This study’s strengths include its applicability to rural populations and the limited evidence base that currently exists. It is however limited by the small size of the pilot study and application of this model to a national intervention would be useful for future.

Conclusions

The application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model demonstrates the applicability of this planning model for developing and evaluating an ear health intervention with a particular focus on community pharmacies in rural and remote locations.

References

1. World Health Organisation. Deafness and hearing loss; 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1 [Accessed: 15/9/2020]

2. Binkley CJ, Johnson KW. Application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Planning Model in Designing an Oral Health Strategy. J Theory Pract Dent Public Health. 2013;1(3):http://www.sharmilachatterjee.com/ojs-2.3.8/index.php/JTPDPH/article/view/89

Sweet Corn Sentinel Monitoring for Lepidopteran Field-Evolved Resistance to Bt Toxins

As part of an insect resistance management plan to preserve Bt transgenic technology, annual monitoring of target pests is mandated to detect susceptibility changes to Bt toxins. Currently Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) monitoring involves investigating unexpected injury in Bt crop fields and collecting larvae from non-Bt host plants for laboratory diet bioassays to determine mortality responses to diagnostic concentrations of Bt toxins. To date, this monitoring approach has not detected any significant change from the known range of baseline susceptibility to Bt toxins, yet practical field-evolved resistance in H. zea populations and numerous occurrences of unexpected injury occur in Bt crops. In this study, we implemented a network of 73 sentinel sweet corn trials, spanning 16 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces, for monitoring changes in H. zea susceptibility to Cry and Vip3A toxins by measuring differences in ear damage and larval infestations between isogenic pairs of non-Bt and Bt hybrids over three years. This approach can monitor susceptibility changes and regional differences in other ear-feeding lepidopteran pests. Temporal changes in the field efficacy of each toxin were evidenced by comparing our current results with earlier published studies, including baseline data for each Bt trait when first commercialized. Changes in amount of ear damage showed significant increases in H. zea resistance to Cry toxins and possibly lower susceptibility to Vip3a. Our findings demonstrate that the sentinel plot approach as an in-field screen can effectively monitor phenotypic resistance and document field-evolved resistance in target pest populations, improving resistance monitoring for Bt crops.

Reported rationales for HPV vaccination vs. Non-vaccination among undergraduate and medical students in South Carolina

Objective: We sought to identify factors that influence Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in individuals at two higher education institutions in South Carolina (SC).Participants: We surveyed 1007 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 20.3 ± 3.3 from September 2018 to December 2018.Methods: Participants answered 13 questions, assessing HPV vaccination rates, demographics, and rationales for vaccination vs. non-vaccination.Results: Of 1007 respondents, 700 received HPV vaccination, 165 were unvaccinated, 75 received partial vaccination and 138 were uncertain. Commonalities in HPV vaccination existed between females (p = 0.037), individuals who received standard childhood vaccinations (p = 0.04), and those not native-born in SC (p < 0.001). Of non-vaccinated individuals, 37% "never thought about vaccination," 32% did not perceive a need for vaccination, and 31% reported vaccine safety as reasons for not receiving the vaccine.Conclusions: Promotion of HPV vaccination may benefit from targeting SC natives, males, and individuals who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated.

The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry 2010-2019: A Decade of Facilitating Clinical Research Througha Nationwide, Pan-NeuromuscularDisease Registry

We report the recruitment activities and outcomes of a multi-disease neuromuscular patient registry in Canada. The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR) registers individuals across Canada with a confirmed diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease. Diagnosis and contact information are collected across all diseases and detailed prospective data is collected for 5 specific diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Myotonic Dystrophy (DM), Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Since 2010, the CNDR has registered 4306 patients (1154 pediatric and 3148 adult) with 91 different neuromuscular diagnoses and has facilitated 125 projects (73 academic, 3 not-for-profit, 3 government, and 46 commercial) using registry data. In conclusion, the CNDR is an effective and productive pan-neuromuscular registry that has successfully facilitated a substantial number of studies over the past 10 years.

Sub-national structures matter when evaluating physical activity promotion: Lessons from Germany

Background

Public policies are increasingly acknowledged as important part of promoting physical activity (PA). However, especially in states with sub-national administrative structures such as Germany, national and sub-national approaches differ considerably. In Germany, sport for all (SfA) promotion is mostly organized at sub-national level, which is usually not covered in national evaluations. Knowledge of these structures helps to understand national outcomes, enables comparisons and learning within and between countries, and assists in identifying support structures for effective PA promotion.

Methods

Data were collected in the PEN Policy Evaluation Network project. In addition to the WHO HEPA PAT, a questionnaire was sent to the sports representatives of the 16 federal states. Responses of 11 state representatives were included and overarching issues were identified using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

PA promotion in Germany is organized in three areas: SfA, professional sports and school sports. SfA promotion at sub-national level is assigned to different administrative bodies (ministries, senate administration, state chancellery) and policy areas: culture, health and care, home affairs with various aspects, education, social affairs and family. The priorities of the federal states are more diverse and specific compared to the national level. There is an overlap in the topics: urban planning, cycling, health prevention and targeting children. Cooperation mechanisms and partners vary between federal states, but some partners are active at sub-national and national level.

Conclusions

The results provide an insight into the complexity of PA and especially SfA promotion at sub-national level in Germany. Our results suggest that a broader range of approaches is used in the 16 German states than national overviews would suggest. These particularities must be taken into account when assessing and comparing the results from different countries.

Key messages

The promotion of SfA at German sub-national level is much more diverse than represented at national level evaluations. Knowledge of sub-national structures enables the understanding of national outcomes, the promotion of cross-national learning and the identification of supportive structures for effective PA promotion.

"Always Events® "… just another quality improvement tool … or is it?

INTRODUCTION

Always Events® are defined as "those aspects of the care experience that should always occur when patients, their family members or other care partners, and service users interact with health care professionals and the health care system". It is a quality improvement methodology that starts by asking our patients the simple question "what matters to you?" and then through coproduction, works out a way to achieve this.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This article tells our story and highlights the value of undertaking an Always Event® within the Radiology department at Warrington and Halton Hospitals. It will demonstrate how this approach combines research, an evaluation of findings and implementation of those findings within a very short timeframe. Embedded within the article are comments from our staff, volunteers and patients which reflect upon their experiences, our limitations, the outcomes we achieved and the impact it has had upon our patients and staff.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It was important to our patients that they would be informed of how long they would wait for their examination once they booked in at x-ray reception. By undertaking an Always Event® this process is now embedded in our departments everyday activities with over 90% of our patients now being informed of their waiting time. This continued collaboration has really emphasised the value of listening to our patients, and the benefits this can lead to. It has also encouraged a positive research culture within our department (optimisation studies, working with industry, quality projects), helping to progress our profession and resulting in a quality service for our patients.

Polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions for people with HIV in the UK from the Climate-HIV database

Objectives

People with HIV (PWHIV) are likely to need therapies for comorbidities as they age. We assessed risk of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in PWHIV.

Methods

The Climate‐HIV electronic recording system was used to cross‐sectionally analyse records from PWHIV aged ≥ 18 years attending four UK HIV units with a current antiretroviral (ARV) prescription in February 2018. Antiretroviral and non‐ARV medications were categorized by clinical significance of DDIs (University of Liverpool DDI tool). Potential DDIs were predicted using treatment guidelines for commonly recorded comorbidities.

Results

Among 4630 PWHIV (44% female), 41% were ≥ 50 years old. The average number of non‐ARV comedications increased from < 1 for patients aged ≤ 24 years to > 5 for patients aged ≥ 75 years; 65% were taking one or more non‐ARV comedications. The median (interquartile range) number of non‐ARVs was 1 (0–2) and 2 (1–5) for those aged < 50 and ≥ 50 years, respectively. Common comorbidities/concurrent health conditions occurred more frequently in patients aged ≥ 50 years vs. < 50 (53% vs. 34%). Boosted protease inhibitors were associated with the highest proportion of contraindicated comedications; dolutegravir and raltegravir had the fewest. For non‐ARVs, sildenafil and quetiapine were most likely to result in DDIs. Guideline‐recommended treatments for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis had the highest proportions of contraindications when combined with ARV regimens, while treatments for hepatitis C, malignancy, and mental health conditions had the highest proportion of combinations potentially causing DDIs requiring dose monitoring or adjustment.

Conclusions

Non‐ARV use by PWHIV is high and increases with age. Treatment decisions for ageing PWHIV should consider guideline recommendations for comorbidities.

Introducing magnetic resonance imaging into the lung cancer radiotherapy workflow - An assessment of patient experience

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast to computed tomography (CT), the current standard imaging modality for planning radiotherapy treatment. Improved soft tissue contrast could reduce uncertainties in identifying tumour and surrounding healthy tissues, potentially leading to improved outcomes in patients with lung cancer. This study explored patient experience of MR treatment planning scans in addition to a CT scan.

METHODS

Participants were recruited to the 'Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Delineation of Organs At Risk and Target Volumes in Lung Cancer Patients (MR-Lung)' study at a UK specialist cancer centre. Participants completed their standard of care radiotherapy planning CT scan and two additional MRI scans. Baseline and post-scan questionnaires were completed assessing anxiety and claustrophobia. Motion artefact during MRI was assessed by a modified visual grading analysis. Sixteen participants completed semi-structured interviews; transcripts were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

29 people (66% female; aged 54-89 years) participated. Nineteen participants completed all imaging and 10 participants withdrew before completion. There was minimal adverse impact on state and scan-specific anxiety levels from completing the MRI scans. Completers experienced significantly less scan-specific anxiety during MRI 1 compared to non-completers (U = 33, z = -1.98, p < 0.05). 78% of those who withdrew during or post MRI 1 were positioned 'arms up'. Motion artefact negatively impacted image quality in 34% of scans. Participants commonly reported concerns during MRI; noise, claustrophobia and pain in upper limbs.

CONCLUSION

Two thirds of participants tolerated two additional MR scans with minimal adverse impact on anxiety levels.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Patient arm positioning and comfort ought to be considered when introducing MR-Linac systems. A screening tool to identify those at high risk of non-completion should be developed.