Determining optimal follow up for patients with anal cancer following chemoradiation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 689-689
Author(s):  
Marissa Frazer ◽  
George Q Yang ◽  
Seth Felder ◽  
Julian Sanchez ◽  
Sophie Dessureault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Anal Carcinoma ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Disease Recurrence ◽  
First Year ◽  
High Volume Center ◽  
High Control ◽  
Cancer Network

689 Background: U.S. health care is increasingly defined by over expenditure and inefficiency. Optimizing patient follow-up is critical especially in cancers treated with high control rates. The objective of this study was to assess time to disease recurrence or toxicity in a cohort of patients with anal carcinoma in order to optimize patient care. Methods: 140 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven, non-metastatic anal carcinoma, treated with chemoradiation utilizing IMRT, were identified from an institutional database at our high volume center. After IRB approval, a retrospective study was conducted that evaluated local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), overall survival (OS), and late ≥ grade three toxicity (LG3T) based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology for Adverse Events version 4. Patients were followed post-treatment every three months for two years, every six months in years 3-5 then yearly thereafter with imaging per National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendations. Results: Median age and follow up is 58 years and 27 months, respectively. Patients were staged based on AJCC 8th edition and 24 patients were stage I (17%), 55 stage II (39%) and 61 stage III (44%). The median radiation dose was 54 Gy (range: 40-62.5), and 11% of patients required a radiation break. The two year LC, DMFS, and OS were 93%, 94% and 89% and 5-year LC, DMFS, OS were 92%, 87% and 85% respectively. In total, there were 29 disease or treatment related events: LR occurred in nine patients, DM in 11 patients, and LG3T in nine patients. Overall, 62% of events occurred within year one and 77 % within two years. Stratified by event type, at two years 79% of LR, 64% of DM and 89% LG3T were identified. At the remaining follow-up points after 2 years there was an event incidence rate of 1.4%. Conclusions: The majority of recurrences/toxicities in patients diagnosed with non-metastatic anal carcinoma after chemoradiation occur within the first year, with 77% of any event occurring before year two. The data from individual time points suggest a reduction in follow-up during years 3-5 may provide adequate surveillance. Considering revisions of the current follow-up recommendations could maximize health care resources while also improving patient quality of life.

scholarly journals Factors related to perceived continuity of care in hospitalized cardiac patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Safstrom ◽  
T.J Jaarsma ◽  
L.N Nordgren ◽  
M.L Liljeroos ◽  
A.S Stomberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background Since healthcare systems are increasingly complex and often fragmented, continuity of care after hospitalization is a priority to increase patient safety and satisfaction. Aim Describe factors related to continuity of care in patients hospitalized due to cardiac conditions. Methods This cross-sectional multicenter study enrolled patients 6 weeks after hospitalization due to cardiac conditions. A total of 993 patients were included (mean age 72.2 (SD 10.4), males 66%) with AMI (35%), AF (25%), angina (21%) and HF (17.3%). Patients completed the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the definition that continuity of care is “the extent to which a series of health care services is experienced as connected and coherent and is consistent with a patient's health needs and personal circumstances”. The total score of the questionnaire ranges from 6 to 30, higher score indicating higher continuity and a score <24 indicating insufficient continuity. Cronbach's alpha on the total PCCQ was 0.94. Correlations between PCCQ and quality of life, depression, anxiety, perceived control and health care utilization were estimated using spearman rang correlation. Results Insufficient continuity of care ranged between 47% to 59% in the different diagnosis groups, which the highest continuity in the AMI group and lowest in patients with atrial fibrillation. In patients hospitalized due to AMI (n=355, mean age 71 (± 11), 70% men), continuity of care was related to higher perceived control, higher quality of life, a good financial situation, being a man, no symptoms of anxiety or depression (ᚹ range 0.17–0.26 p≤0.002). A low score on the PCCQ were associated with follow-up visit to a nurse in primary care after hospitalization (ᚹ −0.12 p=0.033). In patients hospitalized due to angina (n=210, mean age 73 (± 9), 74% men), continuity of care was related to higher perceived control, higher quality of life and no depressive symptoms (ᚹ range between 0.20 and 0.26 p=0.005). In patients with AF, (n=255, mean age 71 (± 10.), 58% men), continuity of care was related to having had contact by telephone with a nurse-led AF clinic, higher perceived control, higher quality of life and not being depressed (ᚹ range between 0.14–0.25 p=0.03). In patients with HF, (n=173, mean age 77 (±8) 59% men), continuity was related to male ender, younger age, follow-up in a nurse-led HF clinic and not being anxious (ᚹ range between 0.16 and 0.22 p=0.004–0.047). Low total score on PCCQ correlated to having had telephone contact with nurse in primary care (ᚹ −0.24 p=0.002). Conclusion Almost half of all patient reported insufficient continuity of care. Perceived control, quality of life, and symptoms of depression were related to higher continuity of care in all diagnose groups except heart failure. Further, there was a correlation between continuity and follow-up visits or contact by telephone with nurse-led clinics in all diagnose groups except angina. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden, Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland

scholarly journals IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN SCREENING AND EDUCATION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN A RURAL AREA IN SOUTHERN INDIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Shanmuga Sundaram Rajagopal ◽  
Krishnaveni Kandasamy ◽  
Agilan Natarajan ◽  
Joyal Sebastian ◽  
Manikanta Konakalla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacist Intervention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

ABSTRACTObjective: Hypertension (HTN) expends a consequential public health concern on cardiovascular health status and health-care systems in India. Theeffectuation of the pharmaceutical care program in the health care is an extremely important need to achieve the optimum therapeutic effect. Theobjective of the study was to assess the impact of pharmacist intervention on patient’s blood pressure (BP) level, quality of life (QOL), and knowledge,attitude, and practice (KAP) of hypertensive patients.Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out for 6 months. The hypertensive patients were randomized into control and interventiongroup based on age, and both the groups were interviewed using KAP and WHO QOL-BREF questionnaires, screened BP, respectively, at baseline andeach follow-up after post counseling section to the intervention group. The effect of pharmacist intervention on QOL and KAP among control andintervention was statistically analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS version 16.Results: The total sample studied was 60, of which 20 (33.33%) were males and 40 (66.67%) were females. In our study, the QOL score for eachdomain of both intervention and control groups were almost poor (p˃0.05) at baseline and for the intervention group, a highly significant improvement(p<0.001) was observed for all domains in final follow-up. KAP score of intervention group also showed a significant improvement (p<0.001) frombaseline to final follow-up. In this study, intervention group showed a significant mean reduction of systolic BP from baseline 150.13±25.670 to finalfollow-up 145.33±12.914.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a significant improvement in the patient’s KAP toward different aspects of HTN and QOL followingpharmacist mediated counseling. Involvement of pharmacy practitioners in the management of HTN significantly improves QOL and KAPs.Keywords: Hypertension, Quality of life, Knowledge, Attitude and practice, Pharmacist intervention, Patient counseling.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional audit of distress in patients undergoing adjuvant therapy or follow-up in central nervous system malignancies

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-310
Author(s):  
Vijay M Patil ◽  
Mridul Malhotra ◽  
Raees Tonse ◽  
Jayita Deodhar ◽  
Arun Chandrasekharan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Distress Score ◽  
High Distress ◽  
Cancer Network

Abstract Background Unaddressed high distress leads to noncompliance with treatment, negatively affects quality of life, and may also have a negative impact on the prognosis of cancer patients. Patients with brain tumors have higher levels of distress than the general population and hence we hypothesize that even routine visits during adjuvant treatment or follow-up are likely to be stressful. This analysis was performed to identify the incidence of distress and factors affecting it. Methods This was an audit of 84 consecutive patients seen in an adult neuro-medical oncology outpatient department who were either receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or were on follow-up. Distress screening with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer was performed. Patients in whom distress was scored as 4 or above were considered as having high distress. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors affecting distress. Results The median age of the cohort was 40 years (interquartile range, 28.3 to 50 years). Actionable distress defined as a distress score of 4 or more was seen in 52 patients (61.9%, 95% CI 51.2% to 71.5%). Presence of physical deficit (odds ratio [OR] = 3.412, P = .020) and treatment under the private category (OR = 5.273, P = .003) had higher odds of having high distress. Conclusion A high proportion of brain tumor patients either on adjuvant chemotherapy or on follow-up have high distress levels that need to be addressed even during follow-up.

scholarly journals The Uptake and Use of Telemonitoring in Chronic Care Between 2014 and 2019: Nationwide Survey Among Patients and Health Care Professionals in the Netherlands (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine W J Huygens ◽  
Helene R Voogdt-Pruis ◽  
Myrah Wouters ◽  
Maaike M Meurs ◽  
Britt van Lettow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Medical Specialists

BACKGROUND Telemonitoring could offer solutions to the mounting challenges for health care and could improve patient self-management. Studies have addressed the benefits and challenges of telemonitoring for certain patient groups. OBJECTIVE This paper will examine the nationwide uptake of telemonitoring in chronic care in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019 by means of an annual representative survey among patients and health care professionals. METHODS Between 2014 and 2019, approximately 2900 patients with chronic diseases, 700 nurses, and 500 general practitioners (GPs) and medical specialists received a questionnaire. About 30 questions addressed topics about the use of eHealth and experiences with it, including data about telemonitoring. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2019, the use of telemonitoring remained stable for all groups except medical specialists. In medical specialist departments, the use of telemonitoring increased from 11.2% (18/161) in 2014 to 19.6% (36/184) in 2019 (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup><sub>4</sub>=12.3; <i>P</i>=.02). In 2019, telemonitoring was used by 5.8% (28/485) of people with chronic disease. This was 18.2% (41/225) in GP organizations and 40.4% (44/109), 38.0% (78/205), and 8.9% (29/325) in the organizations of nurses working in primary, secondary, and elderly care, respectively. Up to 10% of the targeted patient group such as diabetics were regarded by health care professionals as suitable for using telemonitoring. The main benefits mentioned by the patients were “comfort” (421/1043, 40.4%) and “living at home for longer/more comfortably” (334/1047, 31.9%). Health care professionals added “improvement of self-management” (63/176, 35.8% to 57/71, 80.3%), “better understanding of the patient’s condition” (47/176, 26.7% to 42/71, 59.2%), “reduction of workload” (53/134, 39.6% of nurses in elderly care), “better tailoring of care plan to the patient’s situation” (95/225, 42.2% of GPs), and “saves time for patients/caregivers” (61/176, 34.7% of medical specialists). Disadvantages mentioned by professionals were that “it takes time to monitor data” (13/130, 10% to 108/225, 48.0%), “it takes time to follow up alerts” (15/130, 11.5% to 117/225, 52.0%), and “it is difficult to estimate which patients can work with telemonitoring” (22/113, 19.5% to 94/225, 41.8%). CONCLUSIONS The uptake of telemonitoring in Dutch chronic care remained stable during 2014-2019 but increased among medical specialists. According to both patients and professionals, telemonitoring improves the quality of life and quality of care. Skills for suitably including eligible patients and for allocating the tasks of data monitoring and follow-up care within the team would help to further increase the use of telemonitoring.

scholarly journals Evaluation of quality of life before and after repair of biliary surgical injury, resolved by specialists in a high-volume center

HPB ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. S149
Author(s):  
M. Poupard ◽  
E. Quiñonez ◽  
R.M. Vergara Sandoval ◽  
M.L. Del Bueno ◽  
M. Chahdi Beltrame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Volume Center ◽  
Surgical Injury

Experimental Evidence on the Long-Run Impact of Community-Based Monitoring

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Björkman Nyqvist ◽  
Damien de Walque ◽  
Jakob Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Lower Cost ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Short Run

We evaluate the longer run impact of a local accountability intervention in primary health care provision in Uganda. Short-run improvements in health care delivery and health outcomes remained in the longer run despite minimal follow-up. We find no impact on the quality of care or health outcomes of a lower cost intervention that focused on encouraging participation but did not provide information on staff performance. We provide suggestive evidence that informed beneficiaries are more likely to identify and challenge (mis)behavior by providers and, as a result, turn their focus to issues that they can manage locally. (JEL H75, I11, I18, O15, O18)

Cost-Effectiveness of Interim PET Response Adapted Therapy In ABVD-Treated, Advanced-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1563-1563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Gallamini ◽  
Monia Marchetti ◽  
Anna Borra ◽  
Roberto Sorasio ◽  
Francesca Fiore
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Interim Pet

Abstract Abstract 1563 Background: ABVD chemotherapy (AT) is the standard treatment for patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, BEACOPP achieves a higher disease control at a cost of a definitely higher toxicity. Positron emission tomography (PET) after two chemotherapy cycles (PET2) is the most reliable predictor of treatment outcome in ABVD-treated patients. A PET-2 response-adapted strategy with a therapy shift from ABVD to BEACOPP in PET2 positive patients (A/B-T) was shown to increase the 2-y Failure Free Survival (FFS) in the latter from 12% to 62% by indirect retrospective comparison, and to improve the disease control in the overall patient population (Gallamini Br. J. Haematol 2011). However, PET is an expensive test which deserves a careful economic assessment before widespread adoption and reimbursement. Methods: We built a Markov decision model comparing A/B-T with AT strategies for advanced HL. The model was calibrated on the reported retrospective cohort of 154 ABVD-treated HL patients in which treatment intensification with BEACOPP was given in PET-2 positive patients. Briefly, patients were treated with standard ABVD × 2 courses and an interim-PET performed afterwards: PET-2 negative patients continued with ABVD × 4 and consolidation RxT in presence of bulky disease; PET-2 positive patients shifted to BEACOPP escalated × 4 + BEACOPP baseline × 4. Patients failing either AT or A/B-T underwent rescue treatment with IGEV × 4, followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT). In patients failing ASCT, DHAP reinduction therapy was given and allogeneic SCT (alloSCT) was performed whenever possible. The model included 12 health-states: ABVD cycles 1–2, ABVD cycles 3–6, BEACOPP escalated (4 cycles), BEACOPP baseline (4 cycles), IGEV (4 cycles), ASCT, DHAP + allogeneic SCT, follow-up (FFS patients PET2 negative), follow-up (FFS patients PET2 positive), follow-up (FFS after ASCT/CST), relapse, death. Each health state last 1 month and the overall time horizon at baseline was 5 years. We considered severe toxicity needing inpatient care and transplant-related mortality. Quality of life was reduced by 20% for chemotherapy-treated patients, 30% for transplanted ones and 40% in relapsed ones. The model assessed the following endpoints: survival, quality of life – adjusted survival (QALY) and costs (in the perspective of the health-care system) as the principal end-points. TreeAge SW (2008) was run. National charges were used as estimators of unitary costs. First and second-order sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: A/B-T reduced the overall percentage of patients failing treatment (refractory and relapsing) from 27% to 14%. This clinical advantage induced a prolongation of quality-adjusted survival from 53.20 to 55.63 quality-adjusted months, that is a gain of 0.18 QALYs (90% CI: −0.1;+1.4). The number of interim PET needed to avoid one ASCT was 8.3. The cost of universal interim PET (€1,546) was offset by the reduced number of ASCT procedures (€36,575). Consequently, health-care costs were €27,861 for A/BT versus €29,050 for AT strategy which is a €1189 (90%CI: −41,208; +13,240) saving. At sensitivity analysis we verified that the results were mildly sensitive to the costs of PET and ASCT: A/B-T was not cost saving if PET would cost more than €3,031 and ASCT less than €20,200. A/B-T would cost more than €40,000/QALY only at a PET cost higher than €16,300. The results were also sensitive to the portion of PET2 positive patients: A/B-T wouldn't turn out cost saving if the portion was higher than 22%. The results were not sensitive to the rate of severe adverse events during chemotherapy. The results were overall robust, since A/B-T cost less than €30,000/QALY in more than 80% out of 100,000 simulations (MonteCarlo analysis). Conclusions: A/B-T is more efficacious and less expensive than standard AT treatment for advanced-stage HL patients, therefore the routine use of interim-PET is warranted in treatment planning and chemosensitivity adapting in these patients. Disclosures: Off Label Use: The study includes use of Rituximab as maintenance in responding patients after first line chemoimmunotherapy.

Survival analyses of adjuvant or neoadjuvant combination of a taxane plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (T-PF) in patients with bulky nodal metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (PSCC): Results of a single high-volume center.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 377-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Giannatempo ◽  
Anna Paganoni ◽  
Laura Sangalli ◽  
Maurizio Colecchia ◽  
Luigi Piva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Nodal Metastases ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Negative Prognostic Factor ◽  
High Volume Center ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
P53 Status

377 Background: Bulky nodal metastases (N2-N3) of PSCC represent a negative prognostic factor, yet efficacy of multimodal treatment is not defined. For these patients (pts) we explore T-PF combination in adjuvant and neo-adjuvant setting. Methods: Paclitaxel (120 mg/m2, d1) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 d1) plus cisplatin (75-100 mg/m2 d1) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU, 750-1000 mg/m2 96h d1) were scheduled prior to or following radical inguino-pelvic dissections in N2-3 M0 pts, according to protocol indications. Primary endpoints were overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); safety and response-rate represented secondary endpoints. Association of survival with treatment setting and pre-specified covariates was explored. Results: From 6/2004 to 10/2012, 47 consecutive pts received neoadjuvant (N=28) or adjuvant (N=19) T-PF. 18 (38.3%) were disease-free after a median follow-up (FU) of 22 mos (IQR 17-42). Durable remissions were more frequently observed in adjuvant (52.6%; median FU: 42 mos) than in neoadjuvant group (28.6%; median FU: 17 mos). Distribution of OS and PFS were statistically in favour of adjuvant T-PF (p=0.01 at Wilcoxon test; p=0.008 at t test). However, Kaplan-Meyer curves did not show significant differences. A model including therapy setting, N category, laterality, pelvic extent and p53 status showed that only adjuvant administration was associated with improved OS (p=0.008), while adjuvant therapy (p=0.002), pelvic extent (p=0.029) and laterality (p=0.086) were associated with PFS. In neoadjuvant group we recorded 43% responses (complete [CR] and partial) and 4 (14%) pathologic CR. Surgery was possible in 18 (64.3%) pts, independently of response. Neither OS nor PFS were associated with response. Tolerability was mild to moderate. Conclusions: Adjuvant chemotherapy was the most important favourable predictor of OS and PFS. Adjuvant T-PF results are among the best available ones. Neoadjuvant T-PF compares with other recent schedules in terms of activity and efficacy. Surgery remains the mainstay treatment for resectable nodal metastases from PSCC.

LuCaS (Lung Cancer Surveillance) study: Surveillance models for advanced lung cancer patients.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20546-e20546
Author(s):  
Sarah Anne Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Advanced Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients

e20546 I hope to present the trial protocol as a poster at ASCO with co design work commencing 2017. Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in NZ.1 85% of registrations annually are stage four at diagnosis, presenting a significant burden on resources. Despite novel therapies, survival is poor and quality of life is a key consideration in patient management .2,3 Currently the aim of surveillance is to detect for disease progression and follows a three monthly pattern. There is little literature around benefits of surveillance on survival, and quality of life in these patients. 4-6 Alternative approaches to surveillance should be evaluated to ensure safe, convenient, economical care. Lung cancer outcomes for Maori patients sit significantly lower than those for New Zealand Europeans. Maori patients are twice as likely to present with locally advanced disease and four times less likely to receive curative treatment (multivariate analysis). There are significant barriers for Maori patients to attending health care including time off work, health literacy, costs, child care, language barriers, and transport. 19 Ministry of Health data describes poor outcomes for Maori lung cancer patients with rate of death sitting at 3.4 times that of non-Maori. Co-Primary End Points To determine if there is a reduction in health services utilisation (ED visits, hospital visits, unplanned clinic visits, GP visits, and Nurse Specialist contact) with the end point identified at progression, lost to follow up, or death. To compare the impact of a novel virtual surveillance model (VSM) versus usual follow-up care on patient anxiety measured using the HADS-A tool. Methods: LuCaS is a Randomised Controlled trial in patients with advanced lung cancer randomised to virtual model or standard care. Results: recruitment begins this year. Conclusions: Hypothesis:A virtual follow up model for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer patients, extensive stage small cell lung cancer patients, and mesothelioma patients will reduce health care utilisation and patient experienced anxiety defined by reduction in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) score, while maintaining effectiveness detecting recurrence and survival.

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