Cancer therapy and heart failure: Successful management through collaborative interdisciplinary practice.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 123-123
Author(s):  
Anecita P. Fadol ◽  
Jean-Bernard Durand ◽  
Barbara L. Summers ◽  
Myrshia L. Woods ◽  
Katie Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Average Hospital ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Core Measures

123 Background: Heart failure (HF) is a clinical problem of emerging importance in cancer care. The advances in cancer detection and complex treatment regimens have resulted in increased cancer treatment induced HF. The literature indicates that more than 50% of all patients exposed to anthracyclines will show some degree of cardiac dysfunction either acutely or 10 to 20 years after treatment, and 5% of those patients will develop overt HF. Successful management requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how the “Heart Success Program” (HSP) resulted in cost effective and clinical quality outcomes in patients with cancer and HF. Methods: The HSP was piloted in the emergency center and telemetry units with high volume admission of HF patients. The HSP includes comprehensive education of patients, families, and health care providers regarding HF management in cancer patients. HSP implementation includes a HF order set, patient education booklet, and educational videotape specific for patients with cancer and HF. Weekly interdisciplinary clinical rounds provide a forum for discussion of identified patient’s problems and formulation of solutions. Endpoint outcomes include compliance with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) core measures for HF, as well as decreasing HF readmissions. Results: The pilot implementation of the HSP resulted in decreased hospital length of stay by 57%, and average hospital admission cost by 60%. Despite multiple co morbid conditions, patients were discharged with improved functional status and compliance with CMS HF core measures. Conclusions: The findings from this quality improvement project showed significant impact in clinical and cost outcomes for patients with cancer and HF. The multidisciplinary team approach that provided support to patients and their families and allowed for patients to continue their cancer treatment resulting in improved outcomes. As we move toward value-based purchasing, the HSP provides an example of how collaboration and standardized process improvement impacts cost and quality in the oncology population.

30-Day Outcomes for Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients With Anemia

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110175
Author(s):  
Jordan R. Pollock ◽  
Matt K. Doan ◽  
M. Lane Moore ◽  
Jeffrey D. Hassebrock ◽  
Justin L. Makovicka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Preoperative Anemia ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Average Hospital ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Reoperation Rates

Background: While anemia has been associated with poor surgical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, the effects of anemia on total ankle arthroplasty remain unknown. This study examines how preoperative anemia affects postoperative outcomes in total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database from 2011 to 2018 for total ankle arthroplasty procedures. Hematocrit (HCT) levels were used to determine preoperative anemia. Results: Of the 1028 patients included in this study, 114 patients were found to be anemic. Univariate analysis demonstrated anemia was significantly associated with an increased average hospital length of stay (2.2 vs 1.8 days, P < .008), increased rate of 30-day readmission (3.5% vs 1.1%, P = .036), increased 30-day reoperation (2.6% vs 0.4%, P = .007), extended length of stay (64% vs 49.9%, P = .004), wound complication (1.75% vs 0.11%, P = .002), and surgical site infection (2.6% vs 0.6%, P = .017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found anemia to be significantly associated with extended hospital length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07-2.45; P = .023) and increased reoperation rates (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 1.15-26.00; P = .033). Anemia was not found to be a predictor of increased readmission rates (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 0.93-10.56; P = .066) or postoperative complications (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.35-4.56; P = .71). Conclusion: This study found increasing severity of anemia to be associated with extended hospital length of stay and increased reoperation rates. Providers and patients should be aware of the increased risks of total ankle arthroplasty with preoperative anemia. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

scholarly journals Modified Veterans Health Administration Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) Prevention Bundle: Progress Over 8 Years Decreasing CDI Laboratory-Identified (LabID) Events at a Large Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s319-s319
Author(s):  
Patricia Byers ◽  
Andrew Hunter ◽  
Edward J. Young ◽  
Sherri-Lynne Almeida ◽  
Karen Stonecypher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Veterans Health Administration ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Case Review ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Core Measures ◽  
Community Onset

Background: In March 2012, the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) published the Guideline for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in VHA Inpatient Acute-Care Facilities, with a goal of 30% reduction of cases within 2 years. In March 2011, this facility, along with 31 others, served as a pilot site to develop the guidelines. Methods: The CDI prevention bundle was implemented to prevent new onset CDI cases in the facility with 4 core measures: (1) environmental cleaning (EMS), (2) hand hygiene, (3) contact precautions, and (4) cultural transformation. Education was provided to EMS staff, nursing, and care providers on the CDI case definition, criteria for testing, empiric isolation for patients with diarrhea, hand hygiene, and PPE to control spread. In 2014, antimicrobial stewardship was added, and within 5 years an algorithm for isolation and testing was published. Cases were reviewed weekly using TheraDoc software and were reported monthly to the national VHA Inpatient Evaluation Center (IPEC). Isolation was communicated using a ward roster/isolation list in TheraDoc for all unit champions to consult daily. CDI cases were classified using NHSN definitions for a laboratory-identified (LabID) event, recurrent cases, and community-onset cases. Real-time case review and weekly multidisciplinary case discussions identified opportunities for improved compliance with the core measures. Results: Over an 8-year period, CDI healthcare-onset LabID events decreased by 73%. The cases decreased from 149 to 40 over the 8-year period. The infection rate decreased 70% from 16.19 per 10,000 bed days of care in FY2011 (October 2010) to 4.88 in FY2019. The incidence of community onset infections increased from 75 in FY2011 to a high of 146 in FY2018 for a rate of 8.15 to 18.17. In FY2019, there was a decrease in both LabID events and community-onset cases to lows of 40 and 102, respectively. Inappropriate testing decreased by 84% from 50 in FY2011 to 8 in FY2019. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team approach that included support from leadership and clinical providers as well as front line staff involvement, daily rounding, and case review by infection preventionists has reduced all CDI cases over an 8-year period using the modified VHA CDI bundle. TheraDoc enabled case review, correct isolation, changes to cleaning practices, and more appropriate lab testing. The antimicrobial stewardship program that includes clinical pharmacists working daily with providers was a strong driver for change.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Optimizing Cardiovascular Health in Patients With Cancer: A Practical Review of Risk Assessment, Monitoring, and Prevention of Cancer Treatment–Related Cardiovascular Toxicity

2020 ◽  
pp. 501-515
Author(s):  
Susan F. Dent ◽  
Robin Kikuchi ◽  
Lavanya Kondapalli ◽  
Roohi Ismail-Khan ◽  
Christine Brezden-Masley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cardiovascular Toxicity ◽  
Patients With Cancer

Advances in cancer screening and improved treatment approaches have led to an increase in survivorship and, consequently, recognition of an association between cancer treatments and the development of cardiovascular complications. In addition, as the population becomes proportionally older, comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in the population and compound the risk of developing cancer treatment–related cardiovascular toxicity. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a new subspecialty of medicine that provides a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, cardiologists, and allied health care providers who are tasked with optimizing the cardiovascular health of patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapy. Using a case-based approach, practical advice on how to identify, monitor, and treat patients with cancer who are at risk for developing cancer treatment–related cardiovascular dysfunction is discussed. Cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., age, hypertension, diabetes) and cancer therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation) associated with cardiovascular toxicity are presented. Current cardiac monitoring strategies such as two- and three-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and biomarkers (troponin and brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) are discussed. Last, the current literature on pharmacologic (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, statins) and lifestyle (diet and exercise) strategies to mitigate cardiovascular toxicity during and following completion of cancer therapy are reviewed.

Differences in primary care providers’ and oncologists’ views on communication and coordination of care during active treatment of patients with cancer and comorbidities

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia P Brockway ◽  
Keerti Murari ◽  
Alexandra Rosenberg ◽  
Orit Saigh ◽  
Matthew J Press ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Active Treatment ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Coordination Of Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Medical Oncologists ◽  
Mount Sinai

Introduction Management of comorbid diseases in patients with cancer is often unclear. The purpose of our study was to identify differences and similarities between primary care providers and oncologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding coordination of care and comorbid disease management for patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous self-administered survey which was available to approximately 600 providers in primary care and medical oncology practicing in both outpatient and inpatient settings from March to December 2014 at three academic hospitals in New York City (Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and Weill Cornell). Our survey instrument assessed physician knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs using a clinical vignette of a cancer patient undergoing active treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and practice details of survey responses, and univariate analyses were used to assess differences in responses between primary care providers and oncologists. Results The survey was completed by 203 providers, including 127 primary care providers (62.5%), 32 medical oncologists (15.8%), 11 palliative care physicians (5.4%), and 33 nurse practitioners or physician assistants (16.3%). Medical oncologists admitted more uncertainty regarding who should manage preventive care as compared to primary care providers (34.4% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.02), whereas primary care providers were more concerned about duplicated care (22.8% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.03). Both primary care providers and medical oncologists agreed that diabetes should be actively managed during cancer treatment. More primary care providers felt less strict glycemic control was allowable (56.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.05) and that it is allowable for patients to miss some diabetes-related visits (80.6% vs. 56.3%, p = 0.01). Discussion Primary care providers and medical oncologists differ in their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding coordination of care and management of comorbid conditions in patients undergoing cancer treatment. These differences reflect systemic challenges to provision of care to cancer patients and the need for a model of care coordination.

Abstract P33: Improving Heart Failure Metrics: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany L Cunningham ◽  
Zachary L Cox ◽  
Connie M Lewis ◽  
Daniel Lenihan
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Readmission Rate ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Core Measures

Background: Quality of care has become a priority as heart failure (HF) core measures and readmission have been publically reported on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. In an effort to decrease readmissions Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) joined the H2H (Hospital to Home) initiative. Based on the CMS data for 2005 to 2008 the middle Tennessee region was in the 5 th Quartile of readmission scores (25.2%-29.0%). The 30-day HF readmission rate at VUMC (25.7%) was comparable to the national rate of 24.5%. Aim: The goal of this project was to decrease readmissions by 20% as suggested by the ACC through participation with the H2H initiative. Method: A multidisciplinary team, including Physicians, Pharmacist, Case Management, Nutrition, Nursing, and a Social Worker, was structured to round on the heart failure floor each morning to identify HF patients as part of a demonstration project. All identified patients were assessed by the multidisciplinary team for teaching needs and self care abilities based on their specialties. Based on their initial assessment, teaching was performed for newly diagnosed or reinforcement teaching. Education materials were updated for all patients and given to all heart failure patients regardless of status in the demonstration project. Results: Thirty day follow-up has been completed on 52 patients and 7 have been readmitted for any cause. This has decreased the readmission rate from 25.7% to 13.4%. There are 5 interventions which could have been completed. The most frequent, the Pharmacy intervention was completed on 76% of the patients; however there is not a statistical correlation between this intervention alone and readmission. Discharge instructions in core measures were also associated with a positive trend as evidence by quarter 4 2009 at 88.4% and quarter 4 2010 at 96.8%. Conclusions: Our project targeted recognizing the needs of the patient and matching them with the appropriate consult. This approach has been associated with reduction in readmission rates and in an increase in core measure compliance. Further data collection will be needed to confirm findings.

The Interaction of Pulmonary Physiology and Swallowing: A Juggling Act for the Physician and Speech-Language Pathologist

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40
Author(s):  
Karen J. Dikeman ◽  
Marta S. Kazandjian ◽  
Elbert Tun ◽  
Panina Niyazova ◽  
Tien-Tsai Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Pulmonary Physiology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Ventilator Dependence ◽  
Clinical Case Studies ◽  
Single Disease Entity

Abstract Patients who are dependent upon tracheostomy and/or ventilator use present a particular challenge to health-care providers. The interaction of pulmonary physiology and deglutition is complex, as illustrated in the course of patients who are in the weaning process. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) should work closely with their physician colleagues to understand the influence of multiple medical co-morbidities on intervention. In traditional medicine, the clinician's objective is to connect a patient's many symptoms and complaints to a single disease entity. However, in caring for the ventilator dependent geriatric population, a symptom such as dysphagia typically results from the interplay of various, multi-organ symptoms, and conditions. This article strives to demonstrate the “juggling act” that the physician and SLP must balance between the patient's current medical condition, pulmonary dysfunction, and disordered swallowing. Clinical case studies illustrate the benefit of swallowing intervention on quality of life. While the care of patients with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence requires a team approach, with respiratory therapy and nursing vital members, this article emphasizes the roles of the SLP and physician.

scholarly journals A descriptive analysis of end-of-life discussions for high-grade glioma patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Chikada ◽  
Sayaka Takenouchi ◽  
Yoshiki Arakawa ◽  
Kazuko Nin
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Patient Participation ◽  
High Grade Glioma ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Goals ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eol Care

Abstract Background End-of-life discussions (EOLDs) in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) have not been well described. Therefore, this study examined the appropriateness of timing and the extent of patient involvement in EOLDs and their impact on HGG patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 105 bereaved families of HGG patients at a university hospital in Japan between July and August 2019. Fisher’s exact test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to assess the association between patient participation in EOLDs and their outcomes. Results In total, 77 questionnaires were returned (response rate 73%), of which 20 respondents replied with refusal documents. Overall, 31/57 (54%) participated in EOLDs at least once in acute hospital settings, and a significant difference was observed between participating and nonparticipating groups in communicating the patient’s wishes for EOL care to the family (48% vs 8%, P = .001). Moreover, &gt;80% of respondents indicated that the initiation of EOLDs during the early diagnosis period with patients and families was appropriate. Most EOLDs were provided by neurosurgeons (96%), and other health care providers rarely participated. Additionally, patient goals and priorities were discussed in only 28% of the EOLDs. Patient participation in EOLDs was not associated with the quality of EOL care and a good death. Conclusions Although participation in EOLDs is relatively challenging for HGG patients, this study showed that participation in EOLDs may enable patients to express their wishes regarding EOL care. It is important to initiate EOLDs early on through an interdisciplinary team approach while respecting patient goals and priorities.

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