Patterns of follow-up in oncologic care across Canada.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20589-e20589
Author(s):  
Allison Y. Ye ◽  
Winson Y. Cheung ◽  
Karen Goddard ◽  
Robert Anton Olson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Scenarios

e20589 Background: With continual advancements in cancer care, improved outcomes and increasing survivor populations, cancer survivorship has become an important area of research. Methods: A 35-question electronic survey was sent to physician members of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists. Based on their scope of practice, respondents were presented with brief clinical scenarios pertaining to various survivor populations. A subsequent series of questions were posed to determine routine follow-up practices. Results: In total, 111 radiation oncologists (RO) responded (44% response rate); 29% were female, 43% were in practice less than 10 years, and most regions of Canada were well represented. Most worked in centers staffed by more than 10 oncologists (69%), and saw more than 200 new patient consults per year (78%). 10% would not follow patients routinely, mainly in cases involving breast or prostate survivors. 73% of such patients (73%) would be followed by their primary care providers (PCP) whereas ROs would follow their CNS, GI, HN and GYNE patients. Lack of resources (55%) and a belief that follow-up by PCPs is equally effective (55%) were the top two reasons for not following patients. Treatment toxicity (92%) and the possibility of salvage or palliative treatment (86%) were the two most common reasons for routine follow-up. The majority (55%) of ROs follow patients for < 5 years, with 36% following for 5-10 years, and a minority (9%) following for longer than 10 years. 54% would not change the frequency of their follow-up, but 39% would decrease and only 7% would make no change. Workload and lack of resources were major barriers to follow-up, but in addition, many felt that follow-up by FPs or Advanced Practice Nurses could be equally effective. Some felt this would require additional training and more guidelines to make this effective. Conclusions: The majority of ROs follow their patients, especially when salvage treatment is possible. A significant portion would decrease their follow-up in frequency because of workload burden, resource limitations and a belief that there can or should be increased involvement from FPs and other allied health care providers.

scholarly journals A169 DEVELOPMENT OF A DECISION TOOL TO IMPROVE UTILISATION OF RECOMMENDED SURVEILLANCE INTERVALS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH COLORECTAL POLYPS: A FOCUS GROUP ANALYSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
E Lee ◽  
H Singh ◽  
A Simms ◽  
G Restall ◽  
L Shafer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Decision Tool ◽  
Communication Aid ◽  
Canadian Association

Abstract Background Several studies have demonstrated a high utilization of colonoscopy at shorter and longer time intervals than guideline recommendations. Innovative methods are required to increase adherence to recommended timing. Aims 1) Explore current approaches used by endoscopist (EPs) and primary care providers (PCPs) to determine and communicate colonoscopy surveillance intervals (SI) between EPs, PCPs, and patients. 2) Obtain feedback for refining a decision tool to facilitate recommended SI. 3) Determine participant agreement of recommended SIs with current guidelines. Methods We conducted 4 focus groups (FGs); 3 FGs included EPs (n=12) and EPs in training (n=6); 1 FG included PCPs (n=4). FG questions explored use of guidelines, communication and follow-up practices with PCPs, EPs and patients, and challenges to follow-up. Participants were also asked for feedback about a prototype polyp SI decision tool that was developed using an algorithm synthesizing current Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, US Multisociety Task Force, and expert panel guidelines on SI. FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed for qualitative content analysis. FGs were analysed separately, then compared for similarities and differences. Finally, participants individually made interval recommendations for 7 common endoscopy scenarios. Responses were analyzed for agreement with the guidelines used to develop the decision tool. Results EPs reported not routinely referring to guidelines and were confident in their memory of the intervals although some reported checking occasionally. Many indicated they may use the tool in a web based or mobile application for more complicated scenarios, although some would never use it. Concerns regarding the tool included being up to date with research evidence and having required data to input on hand. PCPs reported the tool may be useful as a communication aid to involve patients in decision making. A challenge noted in all FGs was role confusion regarding communicating, tracking, and scheduling patients’ future procedures on time. Analysis of EPs (n=9) responses to the 7 scenarios showed that percent agreement with guidelines was low: 44% scored below 50% correct. Participants with the highest agreement scored 6/7; responses with the lowest agreement scored 0/7. The most common score was 3/7. Conclusions EPs appeared to be overconfident in their recommendations, but many were open to trying a website or mobile application decision tool to make evidence-based colonoscopy SI recommendations. Understanding, among PCPs and EPs, regarding responsibility for communicating results and scheduling follow-up surveillance for patients was inconsistent. Participant feedback informed development of a mobile application that is currently being pilot tested. Funding Agencies Research Manitoba

Perspectives of health care professionals on active surveillance for the management of prostate cancer.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 81-81
Author(s):  
Fred Saad ◽  
Kittie Pang ◽  
Margaret Fitch ◽  
Veronique Ouellet ◽  
Simone Chevalier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Risk Prostate Cancer ◽  
Low Risk Prostate Cancer

81 Background: Active surveillance has gained widespread acceptance as a safe approach for patients with low risk prostate cancer. Despite presenting several advantages for both patients and the health care system, active surveillance is not adopted by all eligible patients. In this study, we evaluated the factors that influence physicians to recommend active surveillance and the barriers that impact adherence to this approach. Methods: We conducted five focus groups with a total of 48 health care providers (HCP) including family physicians, urologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, fellows, and residents/medical students. These participants were all providing care for men with low risk prostate cancer and had engaged in conversations with men and their families about active surveillance. The experience of these HCP from academic hospitals in four Canadian provinces was captured. A content and theme analysis was performed on the verbatim transcripts to understand HCP decisions in proposing active surveillance and reveal the facilitators that affect the adherence to this approach. Results: Participants agreed that active surveillance is a suitable approach for low risk prostate cancer patients, but expressed concerns on the rapidly evolving and non-standardized guidelines for patient follow-up. They raised the need for additional tools to appropriately identify the patients best suited for active surveillance. Collaborations between urologists, radiation-oncologists, and medical oncologists were favoured, however, the role of general practitioners remained controversial once patients were referred to a specialist. Conclusions: Integration of more reliable tools and/or markers, and more specific guidelines for patient follow-up would help both patients and physicians in the decision-making for active surveillance.

scholarly journals “It’s More Difficult…”: Clinicians’ Experience Providing Palliative Care to Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e100-e108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Avery ◽  
Arielle Geist ◽  
Norma Mammone D’Agostino ◽  
Sarah K. Kawaguchi ◽  
Ramona Mahtani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Constant Comparative Analysis

PURPOSE: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; age 15-39 years) with advanced cancer are a population in whom quality of life is uniquely affected because of their stage of life. However, training focused on palliative care for AYAs is not routinely provided for health care providers (HCPs) in oncology. This study aims to explore the experiences of HCPs involved in introducing and providing palliative care caring for AYAs with advanced cancer and their families to understand the unique challenges HCPs experience. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews were conducted with medical and radiation oncologists, palliative care physicians, psychiatrists, and advanced practice nurses involved in caring for AYAs diagnosed with advanced cancer (N = 19). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis in combination with constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling. RESULTS: There were 19 participants, 9 men and 10 women, with a median age of 45 years (range, 24-67 years). Six were palliative care physicians, 5 medical oncologists, 4 nurse practitioners, and 2 each radiation oncologists and psychiatrists. Overall, participants perceived the provision of palliative care for AYAs to be more difficult compared with older adults. Four themes emerged: (1) challenges helping AYAs/families to engage in and accept palliative care, (2) uncertainty regarding how to involve the family, (3) HCP sense of tragedy, and (4) HCP sense of emotional proximity. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study support the development of dedicated training for HCPs involved in palliative care for AYA.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement, Management, and Retrieval at a Multi-Center Institution

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1157-1157
Author(s):  
Charis Durham ◽  
Kelsey Reely ◽  
Wencong Chen ◽  
Lucas Wong ◽  
Bryce Betteridge
Keyword(s):  
Vena Cava ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Filter Placement ◽  
Provider Group ◽  
Retrieval Rate ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) were developed to address the adverse events associated with permanent IVCF. However, this benefit cannot be fully appreciated if filters are not removed in a timely manner and when appropriate. Although there are clinical scenarios when permanent placement is desired, studies show that these situations are far outweighed by scenarios of medically inappropriate non-retrieval. There is substantial evidence describing adverse events related to IVCF such as filter thrombosis, DVT, fracture, perforation, and migration. Furthermore, evidence supporting the benefit of IVCF to prevent the development or progression of pulmonary embolism remains controversial. Therefore, indications for IVCF placement are not standardized at most centers. Specialty societies, such as radiology and cardiology, have differing recommendations for filter placement. IVCF placement is not uncommon (of 130,643 patients hospitalized at 263 hospitals with acute venous thromboembolism [VTE], 15% had IVCF placed) and retrieval rates of non-permanent filters remain low (18-41%). Methods: This study assesses IVCF indications, removal rate, complications, and practice patterns at a multi-center institution via retrospective chart review. Procedure codes and associated diagnosis codes were used to identify 626 adult patients who had IVCF placed over a span of 5 years by either interventional radiology, vascular surgery, or interventional cardiology. Of note, patients were excluded from analysis if they had a documented death within 60 days of filter placement. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for statistical analysis. All IVCF evaluated were retrievable filters. Results: Most IVCF were placed by interventional radiology (77%) as expected. Retrieval rate was 27%. No significant difference was found in retrieval rates among the procedural specialties. Also, retrieval rate was not significantly different between specialty groups that followed the patient after filter placement, including radiology, vascular surgery, or hematology (p value: 0.5382). Overall, 58% of IVCF were unmanaged after placement and, as expected, this was associated with a higher rate of non-retrieval (p value: 0.0001). There was no significant difference in retrieval rate among inpatient or outpatient procedures (p value: 0.2067). Patients in the retrieval group had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index score than those in the non-retrieval group (p value: 0.0001). The most common indications for placement were acute VTE with contraindication to anticoagulation (40%) and anticoagulation failure (21%). The most common filter complication was filter thrombus (2%). Primary care providers were the most common ordering provider group that requested filter placement (51% of filter placement requests). Interestingly, patients with Medicare/Medicaid had a lower rate of retrieval than patients with any other coverage, including no coverage (20% versus 35%, p value <0.0001). Recurrent VTE occurred in 44 patients (not including filter thrombus) and 9 of those events occurred after filter removal. 62% of patients received anticoagulation therapy during or after filter placement. Conclusion: Lack of follow-up and filter non-removal continues to remain a problem since the emergence and use of IVCF. Surprisingly, our study didn't show that retrieval rates were different based on inpatient or outpatient status, or by follow-up specialty. We did not expect to find that retrieval rates would be lowest in patients with Medicare/Medicaid, or that the most frequently ordering provider group would be primary care providers (over pulmonologists or hematologists, for example). Even after excluding patient deaths within 60 days of filter placement, we still found retrieval rates to be low. As a retrospective study, we can only show association and there may be unique characteristics of our centers that affect external validity. Also, in some clinical scenarios permanent filter placement may be indicated. Regardless, this analysis challenges assumptions regarding the factors involved with filter placement and persistently low rates of retrieval. It also proposes new targetable areas for collaboration and improvement. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals What Matters in Cancer Survivorship Research? A Suite of Stakeholder-Relevant Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 3188-3200
Author(s):  
Robin Urquhart ◽  
Sarah Murnaghan ◽  
Cynthia Kendell ◽  
Jonathan Sussman ◽  
Geoffrey A. Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Descriptive Qualitative

The outcomes assessed in cancer survivorship research do not always match the outcomes that survivors and health system stakeholders identify as most important in the post-treatment follow-up period. This study sought to identify stakeholder-relevant outcomes pertinent to post-treatment follow-up care interventions. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews with stakeholders (survivors, family/friend caregivers, oncology providers, primary care providers, and cancer system decision-/policy-makers) across Canada. Data analysis involved coding, grouping, detailing, and comparing the data by using the techniques commonly employed in descriptive qualitative research. Forty-four participants took part in this study: 11 survivors, seven family/friend caregivers, 18 health care providers, and eight decision-makers. Thirteen stakeholder-relevant outcomes were identified across participants and categorized into five outcome domains: psychosocial, physical, economic, informational, and patterns and quality of care. In the psychosocial domain, one’s reintegration after cancer treatment was described by all stakeholder groups as one of the most important challenges faced by survivors and identified as a priority outcome to address in future research. The outcomes identified in this study provide a succinct suite of stakeholder-relevant outcomes, common across cancer types and populations, that should be used in future research on cancer survivorship care.

scholarly journals Client satisfaction with existing postnatal care and associated factors: A study among mothers in Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 174550652097601
Author(s):  
Daniel Adane ◽  
Biresaw Wassihun
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Postnatal Care ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Client Satisfaction ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Awi Zone

Background: The majority of maternal and neonatal adverse events take place during the postnatal period. However, it is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care. Objective: The aim of this study among mothers in the Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, was to assess client satisfaction with existing postnatal care and associated factors. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Awi Zone hospitals from 1 to 30 April 2018. A total of 422 post-partum mothers were selected by systematic sampling. The data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire via a face-to-face interview. Data entry and analysis were completed using EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 22, respectively. The data were summarized with frequency and cross-tabulation. Both binary and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify predictor variables using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Result: The prevalence of postnatal care satisfaction was 63%. Being from urban area (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = (1.11–3.99)), having a history of antenatal care follow up (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI = (1.23–1.64)), spontaneous vaginal birth (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI = (1.77–3.28)), and those who did not face any complications during birth (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = (1.47–1.69)) were some of the factors associated with client satisfaction. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the majority of mothers were satisfied with post-partum care services. The study findings indicate that maternal satisfaction on post-partum care is mainly affected by residency, antenatal care follow up, mode of delivery, and complications during birth. Therefore, health care providers and other concerned bodies should give special attention to those mothers who are from rural areas, who face complications during birth or who have instrumental-assisted or cesarean section birth. Also, every pregnant mother should be supported to have at least four regular antenatal care visits.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a multidisciplinary lipid clinic to improve the care of individuals with severe lipid conditions: a RE-AIM framework analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laney K. Jones ◽  
Megan McMinn ◽  
David Kann ◽  
Michael Lesko ◽  
Amy C. Sturm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Lipid Levels ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Lipid Clinic ◽  
Adherence Counseling ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background Individuals with complex dyslipidemia, or those with medication intolerance, are often difficult to manage in primary care. They require the additional attention, expertise, and adherence counseling that occurs in multidisciplinary lipid clinics (MDLCs). We conducted a program evaluation of the first year of a newly implemented MDLC utilizing the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework to provide empirical data not only on program effectiveness, but also on components important to local sustainability and future generalizability. Methods The purpose of the MDLC is to increase the uptake of guideline-based care for lipid conditions. Established in 2019, the MDLC provides care via a centralized clinic location within the healthcare system. Primary care providers and cardiologists were invited to refer individuals with lipid conditions. Using a pre/post-study design, we evaluated the implementation outcomes from the MDLC using the RE-AIM framework. Results In 2019, 420 referrals were made to the MDLC (reach). Referrals were made by 19% (148) of the 796 active cardiology and primary care providers, with an average of 35 patient referrals per month in 2019 (SD 12) (adoption). The MDLC saw 83 patients in 2019 (reach). Additionally, 50% (41/82) had at least one follow-up MDLC visit, and 12% (10/82) had two or more follow-up visits in 2019 (implementation). In patients seen by the MDLC, we found an improved diagnosis of specific lipid conditions (FH (familial hypercholesterolemia), hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia), increased prescribing of evidence-based therapies, high rates of medication prior authorization approvals, and significant reductions in lipid levels by lipid condition subgroup (effectiveness). Over time, the operations team decided to transition from in-person follow-up to telehealth appointments to increase capacity and sustain the clinic (maintenance). Conclusions Despite limited reach and adoption of the MDLC, we found a large intervention effect that included improved diagnosis, increased prescribing of guideline-recommended treatments, and clinically significant reduction of lipid levels. Attention to factors including solutions to decrease the large burden of unseen referrals, discussion of the appropriate number and duration of visits, and sustainability of the clinic model could aid in enhancing the success of the MDLC and improving outcomes for more patients throughout the system.

scholarly journals SAT0640-HPR RHEUMATOLOGY CARE OF MIGRANTS FROM SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA; A QUALITATIVE PILOT STUDY OF PATIENTS’ PERSPECTIVES

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1279.1-1279
Author(s):  
Z. Rutter-Locher ◽  
J. Galloway ◽  
H. Lempp
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Uk

Background:Rheumatological diseases are common in Sub-Saharan Africa [1] but specialist healthcare is limited and there are less than 150 rheumatologists currently serving 1 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa [2]. Rheumatologists practising in the UK NHS are likely to be exposed to migrant patients. There is therefore, an unmet need for health care providers to understand the differences in rheumatology healthcare provision between Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK and the barriers which migrants face in their transition of rheumatology care.Objectives:To gain an understanding of the experiences of patients with rheumatological conditions, about their past healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa and their transition of care to the UK.Methods:A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Participants were recruited from two rheumatology outpatient clinics in London. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes.Results:Seven participants were recruited. Five had rheumatoid arthritis, one had ankylosing spondylitis and one had undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis. Participants described the significant impact their rheumatological conditions had on their physical and emotional wellbeing, including their social and financial implications. Compared to the UK, rheumatology healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa was characterised by higher costs, limited access to specialists, lack of investigations and treatments, the use of traditional medicines and poor communication by clinicians. Barriers to transition of rheumatology care to the UK were: poor understanding of rheumatological conditions by the public and primary care providers, lack of understanding of NHS entitlements by migrants, fear of data sharing with immigration services and delayed referral to specialist care. Patient, doctor and public education were identified by participants as important ways to improve access to healthcare.Conclusion:This study has described, for the first time, patients’ perspectives of rheumatology health care in Sub-Saharan Africa and the transition of their care to the UK. These initial findings allow healthcare providers in the UK to tailor management for this migrant population and suggests that migrants need more information about their NHS entitlements and specific explanations on what non-clinical data will be shared with immigration services. To increase access to appropriate care, a concerted effort by clinicians and public health authorities is necessary to raise awareness and provide better education to patients and migrant populations about rheumatological conditions.References:[1]G. Mody, “Rheumatology in Africa-challenges and opportunities,” Arthritis Res. Ther., vol. 19, no. 1, p. 49, 2017.[2]M. A. M. Elagib et al., “Sudan and Sweden Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Central Africa: A Comparative Study Between,” J. Rheumatol. J. Rheumatol. January, vol. 43, no. 10, pp. 1777–1786, 2016.Acknowledgments:We are grateful to the patients involved in this study for their time and involvement.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals A Patient-Held Medical Record Integrating Depression Care into Diabetes Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. JCM.S39766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriko Satoh-Asahara ◽  
Hiroto Ito ◽  
Tomoyuki Akashi ◽  
Hajime Yamakage ◽  
Kazuhiko Kotani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Clinical Pathways ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Depression Care ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Levels Of Integration

Purpose Depression is frequently observed in people with diabetes. The purpose of this study is to develop a tool for individuals with diabetes and depression to communicate their comorbid conditions to health-care providers. Method We searched the Internet to review patient-held medical records (PHRs) of patients with diabetes and examine current levels of integration of diabetes and depression care in Japan. Results Eight sets of PHRs were found for people with diabetes. All PHRs included clinical follow-up of diabetes and multidisciplinary clinical pathways for diabetes care. No PHRs included depression monitoring and/or treatment. In terms of an integrated PHR for a patient comorbid with diabetes and depression, necessary components include hopes/preferences, educational information on diabetes complications and treatment, medical history, stress and coping, resources, and monitoring diabetes and depression. Conclusion A new PHR may be suitable for comorbid patients with diabetes and depression.

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