Cancer survivorship algorithms as clinical tools for primary care providers.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 100-100
Author(s):  
Guadalupe R. Palos ◽  
Katherine Ramsey Gilmore ◽  
Paula A. Lewis-Patterson ◽  
Maria Alma Rodriguez

100 Background: Clinical decision tools (CDTs) such as survivorship algorithms may be valuable resources for primary care providers who provide post-treatment care for cancer survivors. Our objective was to assess providers’ perceptions, adoption, and satisfaction with clinical practice algorithms tailored to site-specific cancer survivorship clinics. Methods: Eligible providers were those assigned to one of 9 site-specific survivorship clinics, (breast, colorectal, genitourinary, gynecology, head and neck, lymphoma, melanoma, stem cell transplant, and thyroid). Potential respondents were invited to participate by emails. Voluntary return of the survey indicated a provider’s informed consent. Providers had the choice to participate by clicking on a link embedded in an email. Once the link was activated, the user was taken to a 10-item survey with questions asking about the usability, awareness, and satisfaction with the algorithms specific to their clinic. Descriptive statistics (i.e. frequencies and percentages) were used to summarize the responses. Results: Of 35 providers assigned in the survivorship clinics, 18 responded resulting in a 51% response rate. The majority of respondents (94.4%) were aware of the survivorship algorithms specific to their clinic. Over 75% reported using the algorithms occasionally (16.7%), frequently (33%) and always (33.3%). The major barrier to using the algorithms was a lack of awareness on to access the algorithms. Over half of the providers (55.6%) preferred using the digital versions of the algorithms. 68% strongly agreed the algorithms were practical to use and implement in their clinical setting. The majority of providers’ reported being satisfied (62.5%) or very satisfied (25.0%) with the algorithms tailored to their site specific clinic. Conclusions: Survivorship practice algorithms were perceived as useful clinical resources to deliver coordinated care to cancer survivors with diverse cancer diagnoses. Future work is needed to determine the impact of the algorithms on providers’ practice with cancer survivors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 182-182
Author(s):  
Guadalupe R. Palos ◽  
Maria Alma Rodriguez ◽  
Paula A. Lewis-Patterson ◽  
Rachel Harris ◽  
Lewis E. Foxhall

182 Background: One of the expected benefits of electronic health records (EHRs) is their interoperability to remotely access and exchange clinical information across systems and clinicians. Cancer survivors’ treatment summaries (TSs) and care plans (CPs) are documents that can be electronically transferred from oncologists to primary care providers. We conducted a needs assessment to identify factors which influenced EHRs in meeting these expectations in rural and underserved primary care settings. Methods: Clinicians from 2 family practice health care systems, located in central and northeast Texas were surveyed. REDCap, a web-based system, was used to develop, manage, and distribute the survey to a convenience sample of clinical staff from both settings. Survey questions focused on respondents’ demographic and clinical practice characteristics, current experience with TSs and CPs, and type of EHR used. Results: A total of 26 surveys were included in this analysis. Respondents were primarily physicians (73%). Overall 61.5% reported that ≤ 25% of their patients were diagnosed with cancer or currently had cancer. A patient’s self-report was the primary method used by majority of respondents to determine if a patient had a history of cancer. 80.8% indicated they would be interested in learning more about the use and development of TSs and CPs. Barriers reported towards the use of EHRs to deliver TSs and CPs included: EHRs interference with workflow (60%); limited knowledge on how to develop TSs and CPs (48%), inadequate access to IT resources (48%), and inefficient EHR systems (44%). In these settings, EHRs used were: Epic (61.6%), Aria (30.8%), and Medit (7.7%). Respondents’ comments on EHRs weaknesses included: “the two systems…do not completely communicate with each other” or “no place where a cancer treatment summary or survivorship plan is documented”. Conclusions: Primary care providers identified limitations in EHR operability as a major barrier to retrieving health information required for TSs and CPs. Clinicians in rural or underserved regions may benefit from education and retraining in EHR systems.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 84-84
Author(s):  
Joy M. Fulbright ◽  
Wendy McClellan ◽  
Gary C. Doolittle ◽  
Hope Krebill ◽  
Robin Ryan ◽  
...  

84 Background: Children's Mercy (CM) established a cancer survivorship clinic that cares for approximately 180 survivors a year. A third of the survivors are 18 years or older requiring transition to adult care. The importance of transitioning childhood cancer survivors from pediatric oncology care to adult primary care has been acknowledged in literature, but obstacles remain. Barriers include patient and provider anxiety, difficulty navigating the complex health care system and lack of knowledge regarding late effects. CM and The University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) collaborated to decrease barriers to transition for childhood cancer survivors. Methods: The work group met for 2 years to develop the clinic at KUCC. Models and delivery of survivorship care, including the breast cancer survivorship clinic at KUCC, were reviewed. A shared nurse navigator was identified as an essential component to a seamless transition. Philanthropic support was obtained and job description was developed. Contracts were negotiated to allow the navigator to be present at both institutions. Results: The Survivorship Transition Clinic (STC) at KUCC launched July 2014, with a navigator supporting patients at CM as they begin their transition. The same navigator then meets with the patient at KUCC STC as they initiate care. The navigator provides treatment summaries, patient education and navigates the referral services for survivors. Since clinic launch, 16 survivors out of 16 have successfully transitioned from pediatric to adult survivorship care. Positive feedback was received from patient satisfaction surveys that were administered. A common theme showed a relief from anxiety due to having a contact person to facilitate communication among providers in a complex healthcare system. Conclusions: The nurse navigator has minimized anxiety about transition for patients and parents as she establishes a relationship with patients at CM, and then is able to provide continuity as they transition to the STC at KUMC. The navigator also improves communication between pediatric providers, adult primary care providers and sub-specialists caring for the patients. Overall, our transition process has been effective and is now serving as a model across both institutions.


Author(s):  
Amanda E. Garver ◽  
Salini Mohanty ◽  
Brad E. Dicianno ◽  
Renee M. Turchi

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to caring for youth with SB within a statewide pediatric primary care medical home network. METHODS: Health care professionals who were members of the PA MHP statewide network were surveyed on sociological demographics, confidence in and knowledge of topics that impact the SB population, education on SB, designating responsibility of care, tasks completed in the office, and transition from pediatric to adult care from October 2016 through November 2016. RESULTS: Among 67 respondents, 78%believed counseling families/caregivers about the impact of SB on everyday life was a shared responsibility between PCPs and SB clinics. Eighty five percent of participants indicated they had exposure to SB through clinical courses or didactics in training but only 54%of participants felt knowledgeable on the impact of SB on everyday life. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest a need for increased educational efforts, improved awareness of SB, and access to evidence-based guidelines for PCPs to promote accessible and coordinated care to individuals with SB.


Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Vannoy ◽  
Mijung Park ◽  
Meredith R. Maroney ◽  
Jürgen Unützer ◽  
Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Suicide rates in older men are higher than in the general population, yet their utilization of mental health services is lower. Aims: This study aimed to describe: (a) what primary care providers (PCPs) can do to prevent late-life suicide, and (b) older men's attitudes toward discussing suicide with a PCP. Method: Thematic analysis of interviews focused on depression and suicide with 77 depressed, low-socioeconomic status, older men of Mexican origin, or US-born non-Hispanic whites recruited from primary care. Results: Several themes inhibiting suicide emerged: it is a problematic solution, due to religious prohibition, conflicts with self-image, the impact on others; and, lack of means/capacity. Three approaches to preventing suicide emerged: talking with them about depression, talking about the impact of their suicide on others, and encouraging them to be active. The vast majority, 98%, were open to such conversations. An unexpected theme spontaneously arose: "What prevents men from acting on suicidal thoughts?" Conclusion: Suicide is rarely discussed in primary care encounters in the context of depression treatment. Our study suggests that older men are likely to be open to discussing suicide with their PCP. We have identified several pragmatic approaches to assist clinicians in reducing older men's distress and preventing suicide.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winson Y. Cheung ◽  
Noreen Aziz ◽  
Anne-Michelle Noone ◽  
Julia H. Rowland ◽  
Arnold L. Potosky ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110660
Author(s):  
Shuying Sha ◽  
Mollie Aleshire

Primary care providers’ (PCPs) implicit and explicit bias can adversely affect health outcomes of lesbian women including their mental health. Practice guidelines recommend universal screening for depression in primary care settings, yet the guidelines often are not followed. The intersection of PCPs’ implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women may lead to even lower screening and diagnosis of depression in the lesbian population than in the general population. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between PCPs’ implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women and their recommendations for depression screening in this population. PCPs ( n = 195) in Kentucky completed a survey that included bias measures and screening recommendations for a simulated lesbian patient. Bivariate inferential statistical tests were conducted to compare the implicit and explicit bias scores of PCPs who recommended depression screening and those who did not. PCPs who recommended depression screening demonstrated more positive explicit attitudes toward lesbian women ( p < .05) and their implicit bias scores were marginally lower than the providers who did not recommend depression screening (p = .068). Implications for practice: Depression screening rates may be even lower for lesbian women due to implicit and explicit bias toward this population. Training to increase providers’ awareness of bias and its harm is the first step to improve primary care for lesbian women. Policies must protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 843-856
Author(s):  
Constance Gundacker ◽  
Tyler W. Barreto ◽  
Julie P. Phillips

Background and Objectives: Traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction have a lifetime prevalence of 62%-75% and can negatively impact health outcomes. However, many primary care providers (PCPs) are inadequately prepared to treat patients with trauma due to a lack of training. Our objective was to identify trauma-informed approach curricula for PCPs, review their effectiveness, and identify gaps. Methods: We systematically identified articles from Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane, PsycINFO, MedEd Portal, and the STFM Resource Library. Search term headings “trauma-informed care (TIC),” “resilience,” “patient-centered care,” “primary care,” and “education.” Inclusion criteria were PCP, pediatric and adult patients, and training evaluation. Exclusion criteria were outside the United States, non-English articles, non-PCPs, and inpatient settings. We used the TIC pyramid to extract topics. We analyzed evaluation methods using the Kirkpatrick Model. Results: Researchers reviewed 6,825 articles and identified 17 different curricula. Understanding health effects of trauma was the most common topic (94%). Evaluation data revealed overall positive reactions and improved knowledge, attitudes, and confidence. Half (53%) reported Kirkpatrick level 3 behavior change evaluation outcomes with increased trauma screening and communication, but no change in referrals. Only 12% (2/17) evaluated Kirkpatrick level 4 patient satisfaction (significant results) and health outcomes (not significant). Conclusions: Pilot findings from studies in our review show trauma-informed curricula for PCPs reveal positive reactions, an increase in knowledge, screening, communication, and patient satisfaction, but no change in referrals or health outcomes. Further research is needed to examine the impact of trainings on quality of care and health outcomes.


Author(s):  
Jean-Grégoire Leduc ◽  
Erin Keely ◽  
Clare Liddy ◽  
Amir Afkham ◽  
Misha Marovac ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Patients and primary care providers (PCP) can experience frustration about poor access to specialist care. The Champlain Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation (BASETM) is a secure online platform that allows PCPs to ask a clinical question to 142 different specialty groups. The specialist is expected to respond within 7 days. Methods: This is a retrospective review of the Champlain BASETM respirology eConsults from January 2017 to December 2018. The eConsults were categorized by types of question asked by the referring provider, and by the clinical content of the referral. Specialists’ response time and time spent answering the clinical question was analyzed. Referring providers close out surveys were reviewed to assess the impact of the respirology eConsult service on traditional referral rates and clinical course of action. Results: Of the 26,679 cases submitted to the Champlain BASE TM eConsult service 268 were respirology cases (1%). 91% were sent by family physicians, 9% by nurse practitioners. The median time to respond by specialists was 0.8 days, and the median time billed by specialists was 20 minutes. The most common topics were pulmonary nodules and masses (16.4%), cough (10.4%), infective problems (8.6%), COPD (8.6%) and dyspnea NYD (7.8%). The most common types of question asked by PCP were related to investigations warranted (43.1% of cases), general management (17.5%), monitoring (12.6%), need for a respirology referral (12.3%), and drug of choice (6.3%). In 23% of cases the PCP indicated they were planning to refer the patient and no longer need to (avoided referrals) and in 13% of cases the PCP was not going to refer but did after receiving the eConsult advice (prompted referrals). The eConsult led to a new or additional clinical course of action by the PCP in 49% of cases. In 51% of cases the PCP suggested the clinical topic would be well suited to a CME event. Conclusions: Participation in eConsult services can improve timely access to respirologists while potentially avoiding clinic visit and significantly impacting referring PCPs clinical course of action. Using the most common clinical topics and types of question for CME planning should be considered. Future research may include a cost analysis, and provider perspectives on the role of eConsult in respirology care.


Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ramsden Marston ◽  
Robin Hadley ◽  
Duncan Banks ◽  
María Del Carmen Miranda Duro

The use and deployment of mobile devices across society is phenomenal with an increasing number of individuals using mobile devices to track their everyday health. However, there is a paucity of academic material examining this recent trend. Specifically, little is known about the use and deployment of mobile heart monitoring devices for measuring palpitations and arrhythmia. In this scoping literature review, we identify the contemporary evidence that reports the use of mobile heart monitoring to assess palpitations and arrhythmia across populations. The review was conducted between February and March 2018. Five electronic databases were searched: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), CINHAL, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. A total of 981 records were identified and, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine papers formed the final stage of the review. The results identified a total of six primary themes: purpose, environment, population, wearable devices, assessment, and study design. A further 24 secondary themes were identified across the primary themes. These included detection, cost effectiveness, recruitment, type of setting, type of assessment, and commercial or purpose-built mobile device. This scoping review highlights that further work is required to understand the impact of mobile heart monitoring devices on how arrhythmias and palpitations are assessed and measured across all populations and ages of society. A positive trend revealed by this review demonstrates how mobile heart monitoring devices can support primary care providers to deliver high levels of care at a low cost to the service provider. This has several benefits: alleviation of patient anxiety, lowering the risk of morbidity and mortality, while progressively influencing national and international care pathway guidelines. Limitations of this work include the paucity of knowledge and insight from primary care providers and lack of qualitative material. We argue that future studies consider qualitative and mixed methods approaches to complement quantitative methodologies and to ensure all actors’ experiences are recorded.


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