scholarly journals Integration of Health Questionnaire Systems to Facilitate Supportive Care Services for Patients at an Academic Breast Care Center

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Wong ◽  
Celia P. Kaplan ◽  
Nickolas Dreher ◽  
Jimmy Hwang ◽  
Laura van’t Veer ◽  
...  

Purpose This study evaluated the use of an electronic Health Questionnaire System (HQS) within the University of California San Francisco Breast Care Center as a screening and triage tool to proactively recognize patients’ supportive care needs during new patient consultations and identify demographic characteristics associated with referrals to three supportive care services. Patients and Methods A total of 428 patients with and without breast cancer between the ages of 18 and 84 years completed HQS intake forms before appointments at the University of California San Francisco Breast Care Center between November 2014 and May 2015 and agreed to participate in this study. Patient HQS responses triggered referrals to supportive care services, and a review of electronic health records was conducted to determine the outcomes of these referrals. Results A total of 242 patients (56.5%) met criteria for at least one supportive care referral. Women with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ met criteria for supportive services more frequently than women without breast cancer diagnoses (76.9% v 23.8%; P < .001) and were most likely to receive referrals for genetic counseling (67.0%), psychological services (32.2%), and social services (12.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being married was associated with fewer referrals to social work (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.81) and that those between 45 and 54 years of age were less likely to receive referrals to genetic counseling than those ≥ 55 years of age (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.73). Among all referrals (n = 369), 26.8% resulted in completed appointments. Conclusion Using an automated intake form is an efficient way to identify and triage individuals in need of supportive care services and can provide insight into the populations with supportive care needs for targeted outreach.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Pomaa Akuoko ◽  
Shirley Chambers ◽  
Patsy Yates

Abstract PurposeThe study sought to understand the supportive care needs of women with advanced breast cancer (ABC) from the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and key informants of charitable/non-governmental organisations (NGOs), that provide supportive care services to women with advanced breast cancer, in Ghana.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was employed via one-to-one semi-structured interviews with 13 HCPs and key informants of charitable/NGOs in Ghana that provide supportive care services to women with advanced breast cancer. The study was underpinned by Bradshaw’s taxonomy of social needs and Fitch’s supportive care framework. The data were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach.ResultsHealthcare providers and key informants perceived that women with ABC in Ghana have numerous and complex supportive care needs in key areas that align with Fitch’s supportive care framework, including informational, psychological, emotional, physical, practical, social, sexuality and spiritual needs.ConclusionParticipants perceived that women who have ABC in Ghana require ongoing information about their condition, treatments and related effects, as well as spiritual support and guidance particularly due to the fatalistic beliefs they often associate with the condition. Tailored supportive care interventions and services, which address the unique sociocultural circumstances for this cohort, are required. Additional research is needed to explore how multidisciplinary teams can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive support to women in addressing their needs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 226-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Claire Wong ◽  
Celia Kaplan ◽  
Dianne Shumay ◽  
Yan Leykin ◽  
Laura Van't Veer ◽  
...  

226 Background: Psychological wellbeing and lifestyle changes are important factors in long-term health of cancer survivors. As part of the Athena Breast Health Network, the UCSF Breast Care Center (BCC) incorporated an electronic health questionnaire system (HQS) that collects patient-reported data on physical and psychological symptoms, medical conditions, family history, and lifestyle to identify patients’ supportive care needs. Methods: Through a semi-automated process, patients whose HQS responses meet pre-established thresholds are referred to Psycho-Oncology, social work, genetic counseling, and Onco-Fertility. Referrals generated within the HQS are signed and routed by clinicians at the time of a BCC visit. When patients decline appointments with these services, staff members document reasons within the electronic medical record (EMR). A retrospective chart review identified patients who did not receive supportive care services to which they were referred and a qualitative analysis was performed. Results: From 7/1/14-12/31/14, 525 patients completed an HQS and agreed to have their data used for research. The table summarizes referral information. 45 patients referred to Psycho-Oncology did not complete an appointment. Of these, ten did not respond to phone contact to schedule visits. 35 were reached, but declined an appointment. 25 (71.4%) were not ready to make an appointment; 5 (14.3%) cited distance as a primary barrier; 3 (8.6%) were satisfied with the psychological services they were receiving elsewhere; and 2 (5.7%) did not have insurance coverage. Reasons women disregarded referrals for genetic counseling and fertility are being evaluated. Conclusions: HQS can assist in identifying patient supportive care needs, but despite automation of referrals, many patients do not follow through to use supportive care and clinical resources. Timing and resource accessibility may be key. Through analysis of reasons for non-utilization, we hope to better tailor the delivery of supportive care services, when indicated, to better serve patient needs. [Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001081
Author(s):  
Noriko Anderson ◽  
S Andrew Josephson ◽  
Nicole Rosendale

AbstractThe University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Neurology Department incorporated a formal diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum into the residency education in 2015. During that time, we have learned a number of lessons that can be useful to other institutions planning similar initiatives including: 1) training should be led by a multidisciplinary team with experienced educators; 2) sustainability of the curriculum requires broad departmental buy-in from leadership to junior faculty to the residents themselves; 3) the curriculum needs to balance training on fundamental topics with flexibility to change in response to current events and the needs of the community; and 4) the sessions need to be practical.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. e1237
Author(s):  
Christina Kozul ◽  
Lesley Stafford ◽  
Chad Bousman ◽  
Allan Park ◽  
Kerry Shanahan ◽  
...  

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