bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing non-opioid pain management in the cancer patient presenting to the emergency department.
Authors: Wechsler Adriana , Vu Ngoc 
Published: October 2020

237 Background: The opioid epidemic is claiming more than 115 lives daily in the US (1). Pain is commonly the chief complaint of cancer patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) and aggressively managed with opioids. A recent study of cancer patients presenting to the ED showed they were also at high risk for opioid misuse (2). Non-opioid analgesia is often avoided from concerns of masking fevers, intolerance due to nausea/vomiting, or bleeding risk in thrombocytopenia. Our aim was to identify opportunities to reduce opioid use while safely alleviating pain in patients presenting to the Emergency Department of a comprehensive cancer center. Methods: Following the PDSA model, baseline data on current opioid use was obtained and perceived barriers to non-opioid analgesia were identified through questionnaires. Comfort level with non-opioid analgesia in cancer patients and current pain management practice was also queried. Patients eligible for non-opioid analgesia (solid tumors, no fever, pain score < 7) were then identified through retrospective chart review and the prevalence of contraindications for non-opioid (renal/liver failure, thrombocytopenia, oral intolerance) and patient preference for opioids was calculated. This data and opportunities to use non-opioid analgesia was shared with providers in education sessions. Medication order panels were modified to provide easy access to oral and intravenous acetaminophen (APAP) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After two months the change in opioid prescribing was calculated. Results: Providers self-reported barriers to prescribing opioids as: low platelets, patient preference, and poor oral intake. Of 237 patients presenting to the MDA Emergency Department with complaints of pain between January 2018 and May 2018, 76 (32%) were eligible for non-opioid analgesia. Only 3 patients had absolute contraindications to both APAP or NSAIDs. After provider education, order entry simplification and prescribing guidance, the use of non-opioid analgesia rose from 3.9% to 9.4%. Patient satisfaction with pain control rose from 57.4 to 60.4 % following the intervention based on Press Ganey results. Conclusions: There is opportunity for non-opioid acute pain management in the solid tumor patients. Contraindications to non-opioid analgesia are uncommon. In the emergency department, safe pain relief can be provided by non-opioids such as NSAIDs and APAP.
Using the Risk Assessment Index to predict mortality and quality of life in breast and gynecologic cancer patients.
Authors: Ormond Ellen , Borrebach Jeffrey , Altieri Dunn Stefanie C , Bilderback Andrew , Van Londen G J. , Hall Daniel 
Published: October 2020

239 Background: Cancer patients vary considerably in health status making it challenging to evaluate the risk of complications from cancer treatment. To aid oncologists in identifying patients with highest risk for adverse outcomes, we investigated the Risk Assessment Index (RAI), a validated tool used to assess frailty in patients prior to elective surgery. We assessed whether the RAI could serve to predict mortality, hospital utilization, and quality of life in cancer patients. Methods: Participants were breast and gynecological cancer patients treated at UPMC Magee Women’s Cancer Center who completed the RAI between July 2016 and December 2017. Patients completed patient reported outcomes (PROs) during each visit including the Short Form (SF)-12, Edmonton Symptom Assessment, anxiety and depression screens, and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and were analyzed up to 180 days from the RAI date. Mortality was assessed at 90, 180, and 365-day intervals, and hospital utilization was assessed within 90-days of RAI. Results: There were 1,764 unique breast and gynecological cancer patients. Significant correlations between the RAI and mortality were observed for both groups with frail patients having higher rates of mortality at each interval. Frailty was associated with higher rates of hospitalization compared to non-frail patients (31% vs 20%, p = 0.05 & 50% vs 34%, p = 0.02 for breast and gynecologic patients, respectively). Frailty correlated with fair/poor ratings on the SF-12 for breast and gynecologic patients (r = 0.13, p = 0.01; r = 0.37 p < 0.001, respectively). On the Edmonton, frailty correlated with lower ratings of well-being in breast cancer patients (r = 0.11, p = 0.012) and higher symptom burden in gynecological patients (r = 0.23, p = 0.01). No correlations were observed between the RAI and anxiety or depression. For gynecologic patients, there were significant correlations between the RAI and MDASI with frail patients having higher rates of pain, fatigue, appetite, diarrhea, and memory. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the RAI is correlated with mortality, self-reported quality of life, and hospitalizations in breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Using this tool to risk-stratify patients may help to guide shared decision-making discussions and provide appropriate treatment and/or supportive services for this vulnerable population.
Use of a rapid access multidisciplinary bone metastases clinic to decrease financial toxicity for patients undergoing single-fraction palliative radiation.
Authors: Maldonado Jose Alberto , Kim Minsoo , Pandey Prasamsa , Todd Sarah , Christopherson Kaitlin Marie , Ning Matthew S. , Grosshans David R , Lin Lilie L. , Reddy Jay , Bird Justin E. , Satcher Robert L. , Lewis Valerae O. , Tang Chad , Koong Albert C. , Colbert Lauren Elizabeth 
Published: October 2020

24 Background: A rapid access bone metastases clinic (RABC) was instituted at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) to allow outpatient consult, simulation and radiation treatment (RT) initiation in < 6 hours for patients with painful bone metastases. Patients underwent multidisciplinary evaluation with orthopedics and radiation oncology. One aspect of financial toxicity is distress due to out-of-pocket (OOP) cost associated with a treatment. We hypothesized the RABC would decrease financial toxicity for MDACC patients over traditional RT. Methods: RABC patients surveyed between April 2018 and January 2020 were included. Patients were asked to estimate OOP cost for RT (including travel and treatment cost) and perceived cost burden of treatment. Travel distance was hometown distance to MDACC. Subset analyses were performed for patients receiving single fraction (1fx) and 2-5 fractions (2-5fx). Estimated OOP cost (1fx: RABCN= 34, nonRABCN= 20; 2-5fx: RABCN= 4, nonRABCN= 22), perceived cost burden (1fx: RABCN= 32, nonRABCN= 27; 2-5fx: RABCN= 7, nonRABCN= 38) and travel distance (1fx: RABCN= 34, nonRABCN= 28; 2-5fx: RABCN= 7, nonRABCN= 38) were compared using a Mann-Whitney U Test. Travel distance was also compared to OOP cost. Patients treated with 6+ fractions were excluded. Results: Median estimated OOP cost was significantly lower for 1fx RABC patients vs. 1fx non-RABC patients ($450 [IQR $187.5-$1,050] vs. $2,000 [$625-$4,000]; p = 0.008), but there was no significant difference for 2-5fx ($1,900 vs. $1,375; p = 0.593). Overall patient satisfaction with cost burden was high regardless of treatment setting (1fx: 10 [8-10]; 2-5fx: 10 [8-10]). Median travel distance was not significantly different between clinics (1fx: 245 [39.8-351.5] vs. 262.5 [83-879.3], p = 0.3651; 2-5fx: 274 [36-1293] vs. 176 [25-626], p = 0.2721). Travel distance was directly correlated with out of pocket cost for single fraction (1fx: R2= 0.125, p = 0.0109; 2-5fx: R2= 0.037, p = 0.3433). Conclusions: The establishment of a RABC at MDACC significantly decreased financial toxicity for 1fx patients receiving palliative RT, but not in the 2-5fx cohort. Increased financial toxicity was associated with longer travel distance for 1fx palliative radiation. Implementation of a similar model in local community centers may decrease financial toxicity for patients receiving palliative radiation.
Using an integrated social-behavioral text message approach to improve screening mammography in African American women.
Authors: Dhahri Amina , Nyanin Paapa , Ntiri Shana 
Published: October 2020

240 Background: The rate of breast cancer among Black and White women is nearly equivalent but the death rate is 40% higher for Blacks. This disparity is often attributed to lower screening mammography rates in Black women. The effectiveness of text messages on increasing screening mammography among Black women is not well known. Importantly, the themes that are most effective at promoting behavioral changes in Black women’s breast cancer screening practices through text message interventions have not been explored. An integrated social-behavioral approach was used to identify themes associated with Black women’s response to two types of text messaging: reminder and educational texts. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Metropolitan Baltimore with two focus groups among Black breast cancer survivors. Participants completed a demographic survey and indicated text messaging practices and preferences for future breast screening texts via survey. Participants provided feedback on a series of 17 educational and reminder text messages. Focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed for analysis. Text message preferences were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Multiple themes were identified, discussed and recorded. Results: 17 participants had an average age of 60. All participants reported cell phone ownership and 82% of participants reported texting. 46% reported an interest in reminder text messages and 54% reported an interest in educational text messages. Four main themes were derived from participants’ responses the text message series: 1) access to cancer care surveillance, 2) social network support, 3) patient-centered approach, and 4) self-advocacy. Text messages that included themes of self-advocacy, social network support, and patient-centered approach generated positive responses and the text messages that included access to cancer care surveillance were perceived as demotivating. Educational text messages were perceived to be more motivating than reminder text messages. Conclusions: Breast cancer screening behaviors are affected by various demographic, social-behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The findings from this study suggest that developing an educational text message content that incorporates social and behavioral themes focusing on the patient may be more beneficial to improve breast cancer screening rates in this population.
Investigating factors associated with postmastectomy emergency department visits: A population-based analysis.
Authors: Langer Steven , Quan May Lynn , Kong Shiying , Xu Yuan 
Published: October 2020

241 Background: In 2016, a multi-pronged pathway was implemented in 13 hospitals across the province of Alberta, Canada to improve the mastectomy perioperative care experience focused on two objectives: 1) to increase same day surgery mastectomy rates and 2) decrease the number of unnecessary postoperative ED visits. The pathway successfully increased same day mastectomy rates from 1.7% to 47.8%, however the rate of postoperative ED visits remained high at 22-27%, a rate several-fold greater than described at other centers (3.1-12.8%) in spite of focused interventions at the patient and provider level to enhance perioperative support. Objective: To investigate potential factors associated with high postoperative ED visits following mastectomies in Alberta, Canada. Methods: Data was collected using the Discharge Abstract Database, and the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System database. Eligible patients included all women over 18 years old who underwent a mastectomy in the province of Alberta between 2004 and 2018. Patient demographics and operative variables including age, SES, Charlson comorbidities, date of surgery, surgery type (same-day vs. overnight) and health regions were collected. Primary outcome of interest was an ED visit within 30 days of mastectomy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors for post-operative ED visits. Results: A total of 18,076 patients had mastectomy during the study period, of which 4219 (23.3%) had an ED visit within 30 days of surgery. The most common causes of ED visits were infection, pain, and nausea/vomiting. Independent factors associated with ED visits were increasing age, overnight stay mastectomy, having reconstruction, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer disease, diabetes, depression, and living rurally. There was a slight decrease in ED visits post-implementation of the perioperative pathway (21.6% vs. 23.7%) but it was not statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Post-operative ED visits remain high despite initiating a province-wide surgical pathway in 2016 which emphasizes patient education and improved perioperative care and supports. ED visits are associated with geographic location, specific comorbidities, and overnight stays. Currently, the majority of ED visits are manageable in non-emergent settings. Further investigations are necessary to discern whether additional perioperative interventions can curb the high ED visit rate.
Improving performance status documentation by hematology-oncology fellows.
Authors: Velazquez Manana Ana I. , Banerjee Rahul , Kennedy Vanessa Elaine , Dietrich August Reich , Lin Amy M. , Cinar Pelin 
Published: October 2020

250 Background: Accurate performance status (PS) documentation is essential as poor PS is a strong predictor of treatment-related toxicity. At our institution, a baseline chart review revealed missing PS documentation in 28% of Fellow-seen new patient visits (NPV); PS documentation as unstructured text comprised the remainder. The lack of structured PS documentation represents a missed opportunity for accurate data in registries, trial registration, and supportive care referrals. Methods: To improve standardized documentation of PS for NPV, we designed a Fellow-led quality improvement (QI) initiative over the course of 2 PDSA cycles. Specifically, we developed and implemented a structured PS smart data element tool (SDET) into our electronic medical record (EMR). PDSA cycle 1 (7/2019–11/2019) included SDET implementation and publicity using flyers & emails. PDSA cycle 2 (12/2019–4/2020) incorporated individualized feedback to Fellows, biweekly email reminders, and outreach to attendings regarding our SDET. We calculated cumulative usage of our SDET for PS documentation during the 2019-2020 academic year among NPV seen by Fellows. Our aim was to assess and document PS in at least 50% of NPV seen in person. Results: During PDSA cycle 1, cumulative structured PS documentation increased from 8% to 31% (Table). Focus groups revealed that Fellows were not consistently incorporating our SDET into their note templates or were relying on attending-written templates. Over PDSA cycle 2, the cumulative structured PS documentation rate increased from 24% to 54%. Overall our cumulative documentation rate is 40%, in large part driven by cycle 1 because of a drop in NPVs and the transition to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Our Fellow-led QI intervention improved cumulative structured PS documentation from 8% to 40% using two rapid PDSA cycles. Our intervention highlights the importance of real-time data review and stakeholder feedback to identify ongoing challenges. Our third PDSA cycle will include expansion to all clinic providers (Fellows, attendings, and advanced-practice providers), as well as the incorporation of telehealth encounters and follow-up visits. We also hope to align our QI initiative with broader steps toward data interoperability via the ASCO-sponsored mCODE initiative. [Table: see text]
Standardization of cardiac monitoring practices in patients receiving cardiotoxic cancer therapy at an ambulatory oncology center.
Authors: DeLuna Hannah , Hensing Thomas A. , Brockstein Bruce , Pursnani Amit , Saha Poornima , Carro George W. , Feld Jamie , Mees Rachel , Birks Katie , Catsaros Kara , Velikov Dmitriy 
Published: October 2020

251 Background: A significant number of cancer-directed therapies are associated with cardiotoxicity. This adverse effect is well-established in anthracyclines and anti-HER2 agents. At our ambulatory oncology practice, the recent availability of echocardiograms with strain imaging has prompted an evaluation of current practices for cardiotoxicity monitoring. A review of the electronic health record (EHR) in 2019 found that although our institution maintains high rates of baseline monitoring, follow-up monitoring is not standardized and not consistent between different practices. Methods: A multidisciplinary team was formed to conduct a quality improvement project with the aim of increasing the rate of follow-up monitoring in patients who receive anthracyclines or infusional anti-HER2 agents. A survey of providers identified the potential reasons that follow-up cardiac monitoring was not completed. A Pareto chart showed that lack of familiarity with clinical necessity and appropriate timing were the most common barriers to follow-up monitoring. Our first plan-do-study-act focused on addressing these barriers, and a pilot in breast cancer treatment plans was started. Cardiac monitoring orders were added to curative intent protocols containing doxorubicin, trastuzumab, or pertuzumab. Education was provided to physician and nursing teams regarding utility and timing of cardiotoxicity monitoring. Collaboration with the cardiology group ensured timely access and result turnaround time. Results: An initial review of the EHR was conducted to identify current trends in cardiac monitoring. The review showed that there was an increase in the use of echocardiograms with strain imaging for baseline and follow-up monitoring in our patients. From January to April 2020, there was a total of 102 echocardiogram orders which was a 23% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. The majority (61%) of those echocardiogram orders included strain imaging compared to 8% in the previous year. Review of treatment plan utilization and appropriate timing of cardiac monitoring in breast cancer patients is ongoing. Conclusions: This quality improvement project suggests that efforts to standardize cardiac monitoring practices can be achieved through provider education and workflow modifications. Further long-term review of the EHR will be needed to determine whether the timing of follow-up monitoring is appropriate and to identify what changes to the intervention should be made.
Patient characteristics associated with time-to-consult for inpatient palliative radiotherapy.
Authors: Wang Jon X , Boreta Lauren , Yee Emily , Braunstein Steve E. , Hong Julian C. 
Published: October 2020

27 Background: Delayed inpatient radiotherapy (RT) consultation can result in delayed treatment, extended hospitalization, and increased costs. There are limited data characterizing populations that may have longer time-to-consult (TTC). Methods: A single institutional electronic health record deidentified corporate data warehouse was used to identify adult inpatients with a consultation to radiation oncology between 2014-2019. TTC was defined as time from admission to placement of consultation. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine adjusted associations for factors including age, diagnosis, admission date, admitting service, and patient-reported sex, race and ethnicity to TTC. Continuous variables were normalized to generate standardized beta coefficients (B). Results: A total of 856 admissions with radiation oncology consult were identified. Median TTC was 21 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 5-69). Median age was 61 (IQR 49-68) and 51% of patients were male. Most patients were white (58%) and non-Hispanic or Latino (80%). The most common admission primary diagnoses were brain metastasis (14%), bone metastasis (10%), and primary brain neoplasm (9%), Most common admitting services were Neurosurgery (49%), Hospital Medicine (22%), Malignant Hematology (8%), and Gynecologic Oncology (8%). Primary brain neoplasms (vs brain metastases B = 64; P < .001), other non-metastatic diagnoses (vs brain metastases B = 45; P < .001) and admission on the malignant hematology service (vs neurosurgery; B = 37; P = .03) were associated with longer TTC. Patient demographic characteristics (age sex, race, ethnicity), and admission date did not have significant associations with TTC. Longer TTC was correlated with longer hospitalization (Pearson’s corr = 0.48). Conclusions: No clear demographic disparities in inpatient RT consultation were identified. Certain diagnoses and services were associated with longer TTC, potentially related to clinical practice. Increased TTC was associated with longer hospital length of stay.
Real-world patient pathway of care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Authors: Yang Fei , Zhang Ju , Abraham Anup , Xiao Yan , Hammer Richard D. , Prime Matthew Stewart 
Published: October 2020

272 Background: Use of immunophenotyping and molecular diagnostics is the most important first step in the care process for DLBCL patients according to recommendations by the NCCN and the WHO. Process mining is a novel approach of statistical and graphical analytics and may provide insights on real-world patient pathway of care and guidelines-recommended diagnostic testing for appropriate DLBCL classification in clinical settings. Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with DLBCL between 01/01/2011 and 12/31/2019, using the Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database. The database includes information on the date of diagnostic testing and corresponding results abstracted from pathology reports or clinical visit notes. This study included information on diagnostic testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular diagnostics through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or karyotype for markers with a confirmed known result that can be used to classify cell of origin according to Hans algorithm and to identify double-/triple-hit lymphoma and double expressor lymphoma. We explored the application of process mining analytics to produce patient pathway graphs for visual investigation on the real-world care process for DLBCL patients, from initial diagnosis through diagnostic testing and line of therapy, until death or end of the study follow-up. Results: A total of 5387 patients (female 45%, mean age at diagnosis 66.4±13.6 years) were included. During a median follow-up of 19.2 months (IQR: 6.1-43.8), 4400 (82%) patients had evidence for IHC testing, 3205 (59%) had evidence for molecular testing, and few had information for next-generation sequencing (n = 91). Among those with evidence of diagnostic testing, 3721 (85%) and 1613 (50%) had the first test performed on the day (specimen collection date) of DLBCL diagnosis by IHC and molecular testing, respectively. During the study follow-up, most patients (n = 5005, 93%) started treatment within a median of 24 days (IQR: 14-36) and few participated in clinical trials (n = 131). When we stratified analysis by year of DLBCL diagnosis, patients with evidence of diagnostic testing increased from 67% (249/372) in 2011 to 86% (506/591) in 2019 for IHC and 50% (184/372) in 2011 to 67% (396/591) in 2019 for molecular testing, respectively. Conclusions: In DLBCL, use of recommended diagnostic testing appeared to increase from 2011 to 2019. Clinical insights generated using process mining could be used by institutions for benchmarking and for care pathway optimization.