Treatment of Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancers at a Community Hospital: Successful Application of Tertiary Care Treatment Standards

Background. The treatment of pancreatic cancer and other periampullary neoplasms is complex and challenging. Major high-volume cancer centers can provide excellent multidisciplinary care of these patients but almost two-thirds of pancreatic cancer patients are treated at low volume centers. There is very little published data from low volume community cancer programs in regards to the treatment of periampullary cancer. In this study, a review of comprehensive periampullary cancer care at two low volume hospitals with comparison to national standards is presented.Methods. This is a retrospective review of 70 consecutive patients with periampullary neoplasms who underwent surgery over a 5-year period (2006–2010) at two community hospitals.Results. There were 51 successful resections of 70 explorations (73%) including 34 Whipple procedures. Mortality rate was 2.9%. Comparison of these patients to national standards was made in terms of operative mortality, resectability rate, administration of adjuvant therapy, clinical trial participation and overall survival. The results in these patients were comparable to national standards.Conclusions. With adequate commitment of resources and experienced surgical and oncologic practitioners, community cancer centers can meet national tertiary care standards in terms of pancreatic and periampullary cancer care.

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Inequal benefits from regionalization of cancer care: The pancreatic cancer surgery paradigm.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.4059 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 4059-4059

Author(s):

Theodore P. McDade ◽

Jillian K Smith ◽

Zeling Chau ◽

Elan R. Witkowski ◽

James K. West ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Care ◽

High Volume ◽

Cancer Surgery ◽

Perioperative Outcomes ◽

Hospital Inpatient ◽

Median Income ◽

Discharge Data ◽

Pancreatic Resections ◽

Low Volume

4059 Background: Regionalization has been proposed for high-level care, including multidisciplinary cancer treatment and complex procedures. Pancreatic resections can serve as a marker for both. Using Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) data, we investigated regionalization of surgery for pancreatic cancer (PCa), its potential effect on perioperative outcomes, and disparities in access to high-volume PCa surgery centers. Methods: Using MA DHCFP Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data, 2005-2009, 10,524 discharges for PCa were identified, of which 746 were associated with pancreatic resection. Discharges with missing or out-of-state residence were excluded (n=704). Using geodetic methods and ZIP codes, center-to-center distances were calculated between patient (pt) and treating hospital. Median ZIP income was estimated from 2009 census data. High volume hospitals (4 of 25 performing pancreatic resections in MA) were defined using Leapfrog Criteria (> 11 per year (87th percentile for MA). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed using SAS software. Results: Median age was 65. Pts were predominantly White (87.2%), with median ZIP income of $54,677. Pts travelled in-state up to 112 miles (median 15.4), with the majority resected at high volume hospitals (76%). Median length of stay (LOS) was 8.0 days, with LOS>1 week associated with low volume hospitals (p=0.0002). Of 14 in-hospital deaths, 7 were at low volume hospitals (4.14% of 169 pts) compared to 7 at high volume hospitals (1.31% of 535 pts) (p=0.0214). Predictors of shorter travel distance were: Black race (OR 4.45 (95% CI 1.66-11.93)), operation at low volume hospital (OR 2.62 (95% CI 1.81-3.77), and increased age (per year) (OR 1.02 (95% CI 1.00-1.03), but not sex or median income. Conclusions: Using MA statewide discharge data, regionalization of pancreatic cancer surgery to high-volume, better-outcome centers is seen to be occurring. However, it is not uniform, and disparities exist between groups of cancer pts that do and do not travel for their care. In the current era of scrutiny on cost, quality, and access to cancer care, further study into predictors of pts receiving optimal care is warranted.

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Effect of a gastrointestinal multidisciplinary clinic on the quality of pancreatic cancer care delivery at a community cancer center.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.4_suppl.378 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 378-378

Author(s):

Laurence E. McCahill ◽

Gerald P. Wright ◽

Sunil Konduri ◽

Mary May ◽

Coralyn Martinez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Clinical Stage ◽

Quality Measures ◽

Cancer Center ◽

R0 Resection ◽

Value Assessment ◽

Periampullary Neoplasms

378 Background: Healthcare reform calls for measurements of value in services received. The 2002 IOM report Crossing the Quality Chasm emphasized deficits in efficiency, effectiveness, and patient centeredness. In 2009, a pancreatic cancer panel proposed 43 measures for high quality pancreatic cancer care. We incorporated these composite measures into a unique program of multidisciplinary (MD) care, nurse navigation (NN), and quality monitoring. Methods: A MD gastrointestinal cancer program was initiated in Jan 2010. Key components included a treatment planning conference followed immediately by a MD clinic. A GI NN coordinated staging, clinical evaluation, and treatment initiation. Patients with suspected /newly diagnosed pancreatic or periampullary neoplasms were included. We evaluated our quality of cancer care and outcomes proposed by the pancreatic cancer quality expert panel. Results: A total of 76 patients with pancreatic neoplasms were evaluated over 18 months, 55 subjects had confirmed malignancies. Of these, 20 were clinical Stage I/II, 15 stage III and 20 Stage IV. Quality measures in Table 1 focus on quality measures. 25 patients underwent resection. Mean OR time was 424 min, mean EBL 843 mL, morbidity 30%, mortality 4%, R0 resection rate 76%, mean nodes evaluated 24, and mean hospital LOS 10 days. Complete adherence with guidelines occurred in all 30 non-operative patients and 22 of 25 patients who undergoing resection. Overall compliance for all pancreatic cancer care guidelines was 99.7%. Conclusions: Comprehensive MD pancreatic cancer evaluation and care is feasible in a community cancer. We believe this study establishes new benchmarks of quality and value assessment for pancreatic cancer programs. [Table: see text]

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Impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation patient education and telephone follow-up on transitions of care: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06156-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lamis R. Karaoui ◽

Elsy Ramia ◽

Hanine Mansour ◽

Nisrine Haddad ◽

Nibal Chamoun

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Bleeding Event ◽

Transitions Of Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Published Data ◽

Post Discharge ◽

Readmission Rates ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background There is limited published data in Lebanon evaluating the impact of supplemental education for anticoagulants use, especially DOACs, on clinical outcomes such as bleeding. The study aims to assess the impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education and follow-up on bleeding and readmission rates. Methods This study was a randomized, non-blinded interventional study conducted between August 2017 and July 2019 in a tertiary care teaching Lebanese hospital. Participants were inpatients ≥18 years discharged on an oral anticoagulant for treatment. Block randomization was used. The control group received the standard nursing counseling while the intervention group additionally received pharmacy counseling. Phone call follow-ups were done on day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Primary outcomes included readmission rates and any bleeding event at day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Secondary outcomes included documented elements of education in the medical records and reported mortality upon day 30 post-discharge. Results Two hundred patients were recruited in the study (100 patients in each study arm) with a mean age of 73.9 years. In the pharmacist-counseled group, more patients contacted their physician within 3 days (14% versus 4%; p = 0.010), received explicit elements of education (p < 0.001) and documentation in the chart was better (p < 0.05). In the standard of care group, patients were more aware of their next physician appointment date (52% versus 31%, p < 0.001). No difference in bleeding rates at day 3 and 30 post-discharge was observed between the groups. Conclusions Although pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education did not appear to reduce bleeding or readmission rates at day 30, pharmacist education significantly increased patient communication with their providers in the early days post-discharge. Trial registration Lebanon Clinical Trial Registry LBCTR2020033424. Retrospectively registered. Date of registration: 06/03/2020.

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The Australian Youth Cancer Service: Developing and Monitoring the Activity of Nationally Coordinated Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13112675 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 2675

Author(s):

Pandora Patterson ◽

Kimberley R. Allison ◽

Helen Bibby ◽

Kate Thompson ◽

Jeremy Lewin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Young Adults ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Young Patients ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Adolescent And Young Adult ◽

Trial Participation ◽

Clinical Trial Participation ◽

Activity Data ◽

Cancer Services

Adolescents and young adults (aged 15–25 years) diagnosed with cancer have unique medical and psychosocial experiences and care needs, distinct from those of paediatric and older adult patients. Since 2011, the Australian Youth Cancer Services have provided developmentally appropriate, multidisciplinary and comprehensive care to these young patients, facilitated by national service coordination and activity data collection and monitoring. This paper reports on how the Youth Cancer Services have conceptualised and delivered quality youth cancer care in four priority areas: clinical trial participation, oncofertility, psychosocial care and survivorship. National activity data collected by the Youth Cancer Services between 2016–17 and 2019–20 are used to illustrate how service monitoring processes have facilitated improvements in coordination and accountability across multiple indicators of quality youth cancer care, including clinical trial participation, access to fertility information and preservation, psychosocial screening and care and the transition from active treatment to survivorship. Accounts of both service delivery and monitoring and evaluation processes within the Australian Youth Cancer Services provide an exemplar of how coordinated initiatives may be employed to deliver, monitor and improve quality cancer care for adolescents and young adults.

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Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Experience and Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Resection for Pancreatic Cancer at a High-volume Tertiary Care Center

Journal of the American College of Surgeons ◽

10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.08.316 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 233 (5) ◽

pp. e117

Author(s):

Rachel C. Kim ◽

Alexandra M. Roch ◽

Eugene P. Ceppa ◽

Attila Nakeeb ◽

C. Max Schmidt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Care Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

High Volume ◽

Tertiary Care Center

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The Joint Facial and Invasive Neck Trauma (J-FAINT) Project, Iraq and Afghanistan: 2011-2016

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599817725713 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 157 (4) ◽

pp. 602-607 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Alexander Lanigan ◽

Brentley Lindsey ◽

Stephen Maturo ◽

Joseph Brennan ◽

Adrienne Laury

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Case Series ◽

Soft Tissue Injuries ◽

Published Data ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Neck Injuries ◽

Facial Fractures ◽

Tympanic Membrane Perforations ◽

Tissue Injuries

Objective Define the number and type of facial and penetrating neck injuries sustained in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2011 to 2016. Compare recent injury trends to prior years of modern conflict. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Methods The Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) was queried for facial and neck injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan from June 2011 to May 2016. Injury patterns, severity, and patient demographics were analyzed and compared to previously published data from combat operations during January 2003 to May 2011. Results A total of 5312 discrete facial and neck injuries among 922 service members were identified. There were 3842 soft tissue injuries (72.3%) of the head/neck and 1469 (27.7%) facial fractures. Soft tissue injuries of the face/cheek (31.4%) and neck/larynx/trachea (18.8%) were most common. The most common facial fractures were of the orbit (26.3%) and maxilla/zygoma (25.1%). Injuries per month were highest in 2011 to 2012 and steadily declined through 2016. The percentage of nonbattle injuries trended up over time, ranging from 14.7% to 65%. Concurrent facial/neck soft tissue trauma or fracture was associated with an overall mortality rate of 2.44%. Comparison of our data to that previously published revealed no statistical difference in concurrent mortality (3.5%-2.2%, P = .053); an increase in orbital fractures ( P < .005), facial nerve injury ( P < .0005), and ear/tympanic membrane perforations ( P < .0005); and a decrease in mandible fractures ( P < .005). Conclusion Penetrating neck and facial injuries remain common in modern warfare. Assessing injury characteristics and trends supports continued improvements in battlefield protection and identifies areas requiring further intervention.

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Development of immunohistochemistry services for cancer care in western Kenya: Implications for low- and middle-income countries

African Journal of Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.4102/ajlm.v5i1.187 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kirtika Patel ◽

R. Matthew Strother ◽

Francis Ndiangui ◽

David Chumba ◽

William Jacobson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Care ◽

Cost Model ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Middle Income ◽

Western Kenya ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Limited Setting ◽

Low And Middle Income

Background: Cancer is becoming a major cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Unlike infectious disease, malignancy and other chronic conditions require significant supportive infrastructure for diagnostics, staging and treatment. In addition to morphologic diagnosis, diagnostic pathways in oncology frequently require immunohistochemistry (IHC) for confirmation. We present the experience of a tertiary-care hospital serving rural western Kenya, which developed and validated an IHC laboratory in support of a growing cancer care service.Objectives, methods and outcomes: Over the past decade, in an academic North-South collaboration, cancer services were developed for the catchment area of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in western Kenya. A major hurdle to treatment of cancer in a resource-limited setting has been the lack of adequate diagnostic services. Building upon the foundations of a histology laboratory, strategic investment and training were used to develop IHC services. Key elements of success in this endeavour included: translation of resource-rich practices to are source-limited setting, such as using manual, small-batch IHC instead of disposable- and maintenance-intensive automated machinery, engagement of outside expertise to develop reagent-efficient protocols and supporting all levels of staff to meet the requirements of an external quality assurance programme.Conclusion: Development of low- and middle-income country models of services, such as the IHC laboratory presented in this paper, is critical for the infrastructure in resource-limited settings to address the growing cancer burden. We provide a low-cost model that effectively develops these necessary services in a challenging laboratory environment.

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What are the opportunities for cancer care and related research in primary care? A qualitative study of the views of patients, carers, and practice staff

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp19x703505 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. bjgp19X703505

Author(s):

Joseph Clark ◽

Elvis Amoakwa ◽

John Blenkinsopp ◽

Florence Reedy ◽

Miriam Johnson

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Information Needs ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Care Staff ◽

Trial Participation

BackgroundResearch to identify the role of primary care in cancer care is important. However, trials in primary care are difficult.AimTo understand how patients, families, and primary care clinicians view their role in cancer care and identify opportunities for cancer primary care research.MethodQualitative study embedded within a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a primary care based needs assessment intervention. The Supportive Cancer Needs Survey (SCNS) was the main outcome. In-depth interviews with patients/carers and focus groups with primary care staff explored views on cancer care and trial participation. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically by three independent researchers.ResultsFifteen cancer patients and three carers were interviewed and four focus groups (n = 11) were conducted. Three themes were generated satisfaction with current care; key time-points for improved cancer care; and information and research. Satisfaction with current care among patients was high in spite of 72% reporting at least one moderate-high unmet need at baseline. Most patients undergoing cancer treatment were unsure when to access primary care. Patients and carers highly valued proactive contact from their practice following diagnosis though this was uncommon. Post-oncology discharge was a key time-point for information needs and support for patients. Patients were reluctant to consider palliative care in spite of palliative care needs. Some felt therapeutic benefit from completing study measures.ConclusionPatients are satisfied with cancer primary care despite unmet needs. Palliative care is poorly understood by many who may benefit. Research participation may benefit some patients.

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