Video vs. in-person genetic counseling for men considering germline prostate cancer testing: A patient-choice study.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1577-1577
Author(s):  
Veda N. Giri ◽  
Nicholas Bowler ◽  
Sarah Hegarty ◽  
Laura Gross ◽  
Colette Hyatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Counseling ◽  
Cancer Genetics ◽  
Decisional Conflict ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Genetics Knowledge

1577 Background: Germline testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is rapidly increasing with higher demand for genetic counseling (GC). Alternate GC strategies need to be studied to address pretest informed consent. Here we conducted a patient-choice study of pretest video-based genetic education (VBGE) or in-person GC (IPGC) and assessed men’s preference and patient-reported outcomes from the first cohort of the Evaluation and Management for Prostate Oncology, Wellness, and Risk (EMPOWER) study. Methods: Eligibility for EMPOWER includes any male with PCA or at-risk for PCA based on family history or African American race. Men may choose pretest IPGC or VBGE. All receive results by a genetic professional. Demographics and PCA features were collected at baseline. The following outcomes and scales were assessed: baseline anxiety (GAD-7 scale), change in cancer genetics knowledge from baseline (Giri 2019), decisional conflict for GT (O’Connor 1993), and satisfaction (DeMarco 2004). Understanding of personal GT results was assessed after disclosure (Giri 2019). Descriptive statistics summarized results with counts and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Data were compared with Fisher’s exact, Chi-squared, or Wilcoxon two-sample tests, as appropriate. Mean change in cancer genetics knowledge was compared with t-tests. Significance level was set a priori at 0.05. All analyses were performed with SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). Results: At the time of this analysis, 94 men were enrolled. Characteristics of the cohort were: White (88.3%), bachelor’s degree (67%), PCA diagnosis (93%), mean age of consent 59 years (IPGC) and 61 years (VBGE), Gleason > = 8 (32%), and > = T3 (31%). The majority preferred VBGE (77%) vs. IPGC (23%). Men who opted for IPGC had lower educational levels ( < = high school/GED) (18% IPGC vs 7% VBGE) and reported higher baseline anxiety (45% IPGC vs. 24% VBGE). Cancer genetics knowledge improved significantly with IPGC vs. VBGE (+2.5 vs +0.8; p < 0.01). No differences were observed in decisional conflict, satisfaction, or understanding of personal GT results between IPGC vs. VBGE. Both groups had high rates of GT uptake (IPGC 91%, VBGE 93%). Pathogenic mutations were identified in 15% in IPGC group and 10.4% in VBGE group. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of men opted for VBGE, and results suggest that VBGE is comparable to IPGC for men considering PCA GT. IPGC may be more suitable for men with lower knowledge of cancer genetics and greater levels or anxiety. Further study is warranted.

scholarly journals Pretest Genetic Education Video Versus Genetic Counseling for Men Considering Prostate Cancer Germline Testing: A Patient-Choice Study to Address Urgent Practice Needs

2021 ◽  
pp. 1377-1386
Author(s):  
Jessica Russo ◽  
Carey McDougall ◽  
Nicholas Bowler ◽  
Ayako Shimada ◽  
Laura Gross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Counseling ◽  
Decisional Conflict ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Genetic Education ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Genetics Knowledge ◽  
Germline Testing

PURPOSE Germline testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is now central to treatment and hereditary cancer assessment. With rising demand for and shortage of genetic counseling (GC), tools to deliver pretest informed consent across practice settings are needed to improve access to GT and precision care. Here, we report on Evaluation and Management for Prostate Oncology, Wellness, and Risk (EMPOWER), a patient-choice study for pretest video-based genetic education (VBGE) versus GC to inform urgent practice needs. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men with PCA or at risk for PCA (family history of PCA) were eligible and could choose pretest VBGE or GC. Outcomes included decisional conflict for GT, change in genetics knowledge, satisfaction, and intention to share results with family and/or providers. Descriptive statistics summarized results with counts and percentages for categorical variables and mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables. Data were compared with Fisher's exact, chi-squared, or Wilcoxon two-sample tests. Mean change in genetics knowledge was compared with t tests. The significance level was set a priori at .05. RESULTS Data on the first 127 participants were analyzed. Characteristics were White (85.8%), bachelor's degree (66.9%), and PCA diagnosis (90.6%). The majority chose VBGE (71%) versus GC (29%; P < .001). No differences were observed in decisional conflict for GT or satisfaction. Cancer genetics knowledge improved in both groups without significant difference (+0.9 VBGE, +1.8 GC, P = .056). Men who chose VBGE had higher intention to share GT results (96.4% VBGE v 86.4% GC, P = .02). Both groups had high rates of GT uptake (VBGE 94.4%, GC 92%). CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of men opted for pretest VBGE, with comparable patient-reported outcomes and uptake of GT. The results support the use of pretest video to address the critical GC shortage in the precision era.

scholarly journals POS0942 THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF UNDIAGNOSED DEPRESSION IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHROPARTHY: RESULTS OF A SCREENING STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 734.1-734
Author(s):  
S. Maguire ◽  
F. B. O’shea
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
P Value ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Numerical Result ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Patient Reported

Background:Previous research in axial spondyloarthropathy(axSpA) has shown this population to have a high prevalence of depression. This co-morbidity has been previously shown to impact disease activity in patients with rheumatic disease.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to screen for early signs of depression using two validated tools, the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for depression (HADs-D) in patients with known axSpA.Methods:AxSpA patients attending the Rheumatology department in St James’ Hospital between February and October 2020 were invited to take a self-administered survey which included the PHQ-9 and the HADs-D. Scores from the HADs-D yielded a numerical result which was then categorised as normal, borderline or abnormal. PHQ-9 numerical results were categorised as normal, mild, moderate, moderate/severe or severe. Patients with a known diagnosis of depression were excluded. In addition to baseline demographics, patient reported outcomes from the clinic visit were also recorded.Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26. Continuous variables were recorded as means, categorical variables as frequencies with percentages. A one-way analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to determine significance of variation in outcomes between patient outcomes as determined by the HADs-D and PHQ-9. A p-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Consent was obtained prior to participation. Approval was received from the St James’/Tallaght Hospital Joint Ethics Committee.Results:In total 71 axSpA patients took part in the survey. The population was 70.4%(50) males and 29.5%(21) female, with an average age 47.9 years and mean disease duration 19.7 years (mean outcomes: BASDAI 4.08, BASFI 3.62, BASMI 3.54, ASQoL 6.79). Overall, 7 (9.9%) participants recorded abnormal HADs-D scores, while 17 (23.9%) recorded moderate to severe PHQ-9 scores indicative of underlying depression. AxSpA females had higher mean HADs-D scores (7.5 vs 4.8, p=0.01) than males, with abnormal scores in 19%(4) of females and 6% (3) of males. No significant differences were found in PHQ-9 scores between genders.Analysis revealed significantly worse BASDAI (6.27 vs 3.42, p<0.01) and AQoL scores (12.57 vs 5.26, p<0.01) in axSpA patients with abnormal compared to normal HADs-D scores. No significant differences were noted in BASFI, BASMI or baseline demographics. A similar pattern was noted on analysis of PHQ-9 scores, with significantly worse BASDAI (7.9 vs 2.55, p<0.01), BASFI (8.05 vs 2.33, p<0.01) and ASQoL (19.5 vs 2.62, p<0.01) noted in those scoring as severe compared to normal. No significant differences were detected in BASMI scores or baseline demographics.Conclusion:A high percentage of axSpA patients recorded high HADs-D and PHQ-9 scores concerning for undiagnosed depression. These patients were noted to have significantly worse disease activity and quality of life as compared to patients with normal scores. Clinicians treating axSpA should consider screening for depression in this population.Disclosure of Interests:Sinead Maguire Speakers bureau: Speaker fee from Jassen, Grant/research support from: Recipient of the Gilead Inflammation Fellowship Grant, Finbar Barry O’Shea: None declared

P4579Prediction of CABG indication in patients admitted for NSTEMI with the new CABG DAPE2S score

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Faria Da Mota ◽  
P Azevedo ◽  
R Fernandes ◽  
J S ◽  
J Guedes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Discriminant Score ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Introduction A significant number of patients admitted for Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) have multivessel complex coronary artery disease (CAD) and benefit from Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). These patients frequently present high-risk surgical profiles, constituting a challenging group when it comes to balancing ischemic and haemorrhagic risk. Objective To develop a simple predictive risk model of referral to CABG in patients admitted for NSTEMI. Methods The authors present a retrospective, descriptive and correlational study including all patients admitted for NSTEMI in a Cardiology department between the 1st of October 2010 and the 1st of October 2018. Demographic profile, clinical characteristics, risk factors and hospitalization data of NSTEMI patients referred to CABG were studied, and a correlational analysis was performed with Chi-square test for categorical variables and t-Student test for continuous variables (confidence level of 95%). Independent predictors of CABG in patients with NSTEMI were identified through Binary logistic regression analysis, using a significance level of 0,05. A discriminatory function was subsequently applied, and the Wilks lambda test was used to determine the discriminant score for the studied groups. The authors used SPSS 24,0 for statistical analysis. Results A total of 2476 patients were included, 668 (27%) of which were female, with a mean age of 68,5±13,4 years. In the studied sample, 273 patients (11%) were proposed to CABG. The authors found a significant association between CABG and multiple clinical, laboratorial and therapeutical variables, but after multivariate analysis only male sex, previous Diabetes Mellitus, previous angina, previous Percutaneous coronary intervention, absence of a normal EKG, ST segment depression at admission, sinus rythm and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) >100pg/mL proved to be independent predictors of referral. Using these variables, the authors developed a risk model to predict CABG referral in NSTEMI patients: −0,614 − (0,756 x female sex) + (0,305 x diabetes) + (0,631 x angina) − (1,513 x previous PCI) + (1,216 x sinus rythm) + (0,672 x ST depression) − (0,806 x normal EKG) + (0,562 x BNP>100). In this function, variables should be substituted by 1 or 0, depending on wheter the condition they specify is present or absent. The optimal discrimination cutoff was 0,23, with a 64% sensibility and 59% specificity, and a discriminant power of 60%. Conclusion Being able to predict referral to surgical revascularization in NSTEMI may help physicians to optimize a specific approach in each patient, in particular with regard to anti-thrombotic strategies. The authors developed a risk predicting model for CABG in NSTEMI patients based on simple clinical and laboratory variables, which will require validation in a larger cohort, before it can be applied in a clinical context.

scholarly journals Mobile Audio Recording Technology to Promote Informed Decision Making in Advanced Prostate Cancer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. Kwon ◽  
Sneha Karthikeyan ◽  
Alison Chang ◽  
Hala T. Borno ◽  
Vadim S. Koshkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Decisional Conflict ◽  
Informed Decision ◽  
Informed Decision Making ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Castration Resistant ◽  
Patient Reported

PURPOSE Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer increasingly encounter complex treatment decisions. Consultation audio recordings and summaries promote patient informed decision making but are underutilized. Mobile recording software applications may increase access. Little is known regarding the feasibility of implementation in clinical encounters. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study in men with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We instructed patients to use a mobile software application to record an oncology visit. Patients could share the recording with our patient scribing program to receive a written summary. We assessed feasibility and acceptability with postvisit surveys. We measured patient-reported helpfulness of the intervention in decision making and change in Decisional Conflict Scale–informed subscale. We conducted semistructured interviews to explore implementation and analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis. RESULTS Across 20 patients, 18 (90%) recorded their visits. Thirteen of 18 (72%) listened to the recording, and 14 of 18 (78%) received a summary. Eighteen of 20 (90%) visits were telehealth. Fourteen patients (70% of all 20; 78% of 18 question respondents) found the application easy to use. Nine patients (50% of 18 recording patients; 90% of 10 question respondents) reported that the recording helped treatment decision making. Decisional conflict decreased from baseline to 1-week postvisit (47.4-28.5, P < .001). Interviews revealed benefits, facilitators, contextual factors, and technology and patient-related barriers to recordings and summaries. CONCLUSION In this single-institution academic setting, a mobile application for patients to record consultations was a feasible, acceptable, and potentially valued intervention that improved decision making in the telehealth setting. Studies in larger, diverse populations are needed.

scholarly journals Transurethral endoscopic approach for large bladder diverticula: Evaluation of a large series

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Pacella ◽  
Nicolo' Testino ◽  
Guglielmo Mantica ◽  
Matteo Valcalda ◽  
Rafaela Malinaric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Approach ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Nonparametric Distribution ◽  
Bipolar Energy ◽  
Bladder Diverticula ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
The Mean

Objective: To present the results of the largest series of patients with bladder diverticula > 4 cm managed with an endoscopic approach and give tips about the execution of the procedure. Materials and methods: Data of male patients undergone the endoscopic approach for an acquired bladder diverticula > 4 cm from December 2004 to August 2018 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The description of the monopolar and bipolar techniques are provided. The success of the procedure was defined as the reduction of the diverticula for more of the 80% of its initial diameter documented at the 3- months follow-up imaging. Continuous variables with nonparametric distribution were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, while frequencies of categorical variables were compared between groups by Fisher’s exact test with significance level set at 0.05. Results: Thirty-nine patients with a mean (+/- SD) age at surgery of 69.4 ± 8.8 years were enrolled, for an equal number of diverticula managed. The mean diverticular size was 75.1 ± 24.5 millimeters. The mean operative time was 65 ± 21.9 minutes including the prostate surgery. Twelve patients (30.8%) were managed with bipolar energy, the others with monopolar. The success of the procedure was achieved in 30 patients (76.9% - 7 bipolar and 23 monopolar - p = 0.66). Conclusions: The endoscopic approach might be considered as a useful option for patients with a large bladder diverticulum who are at risk for major or laparoscopic procedure.

Psoriasis: Lokalisation beeinflusst die Krankheitslast

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-64
Author(s):  
Wiebke Sondermann
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Biologic Therapy ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Activity Impairment ◽  
Scalp Psoriasis ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Eq Vas

Background: Real-world studies evaluating patients with challenging-to-treat localizations of psoriasis (scalp, nail, and palmoplantar) are limited. Objective: To characterize patients with versus without psoriasis in challenging-to-treat areas seen in routine US clinical practice. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all adult patients with psoriasis enrolled in the Corrona Psoriasis Registry between April 2015 and May 2018 who initiated a biologic therapy at registry enrollment. Patients were stratified by the presence of scalp, nail, or palmoplantar psoriasis (nonmutually exclusive groups). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity, and patient-reported outcome measures (pain, fatigue, itch, EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ VAS], Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire [WPAI]) were assessed at registry enrollment and compared between patients with versus without each challenging-to-treat area using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables and χ2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Generalized linear regression models were used to estimate differences in disease activity and patient-reported outcomes between patients with versus without each challenging-to-treat area. Results: Among 2,042 patients with psoriasis (mean age [±SD], 49.6 ± 14.7 years; 51.5% male), 38.4% had psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 38.1% had scalp psoriasis, 16.0% had nail psoriasis, 10.9% had palmoplantar psoriasis, and 26.2% had a combination of ≥2 challenging-to-treat areas and PsA; only 34.2% had body plaque psoriasis without PsA or challenging-to-treat areas. Patients in all challenging-to-treat groups reported higher (mean [95% CI]) itch (scalp, 58.01 [57.62-58.40] vs. 54.35 [53.99-54.72]; nail, 56.42 [56.02-56.81] vs. 55.59 [55.20-55.97]; palmoplantar, 60.22 [59.86-60.59] vs. 55.15 [54.79-55.54]) and lower EQ VAS (scalp, 68.12 [67.78-68.48] vs. 69.46 [69.12-69.81]; nail, 66.21 [65.89-66.55] vs. 69.48 [69.14-69.83]; palmoplantar, 66.21 [66.07-66.75] vs. 69.29 [68.94-69.94]) scores than those without the respective challenging-to-treat localization. Patients with nail or palmoplantar psoriasis reported higher pain, fatigue, and DLQI scores than those without. Higher proportions of patients with scalp or palmoplantar psoriasis reported work impairment compared with those without. Conclusion: Two-thirds of patients with psoriasis who initiated biologic therapy had PsA and/or ≥1 challenging-totreat area. Patients with challenging-to-treat areas had worse patient-reported outcome scores than those without, indicating a significant burden of challenging-to-treat areas on patients' quality of life.

Barriers and facilitators of germline genetic evaluation for prostate cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Stacy Loeb ◽  
Randall Li ◽  
Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco ◽  
Nataliya Byrne ◽  
Heather H. Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Counseling ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Cancer Genetics ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Physician Education ◽  
Coordination Of Care

28 Background: Genetic counseling and germline testing have an increasingly important role for patients with prostate cancer, with the recent approval of precision therapeutic options and implications for cancer screening in families. Although current guidelines recommend germline genetic evaluation for all men with metastatic prostate cancer and some with localized disease, recent data suggests it is underutilized. Our objective was to perform a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators of genetic counseling and germline genetic testing among physicians who manage prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and urologists from different U.S. practice settings until thematic saturation was achieved at n = 14. The interview guide was based on the Tailored Implementation in Chronic Diseases Framework to identify key determinants of practice. Interview transcripts were independently coded by ≥2 investigators using a constant comparative method. Disagreements were resolved by team discussion. NVivo12 was used for data organization and analysis. Results: The decision to perform or refer for germline genetic evaluation is affected by factors at multiple levels (Table). Although patient factors play a role in some cases (e.g., refusal of testing for specific reasons), the dominant themes in the decision to conduct germline genetic evaluation were primarily at the physician and organizational level. Physician knowledge of prostate cancer genetics, coordination of care between providers, perceptions of the guidelines for genetic testing, and concerns about cost were most frequently discussed as the main factors affecting utilization of germline genetic evaluation. Conclusions: There are currently numerous barriers to the performance of germline genetic evaluation for prostate cancer. Efforts to expand physician education and to facilitate coordination of care surrounding genetic evaluation are important to promote guideline-concordant care. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Characterization of self-reported communication disorders in elderly women living in Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Geovanna Moraes Crispim ◽  
Aldo Pacheco Ferreira ◽  
Terezinha Lima Silva ◽  
Euler Esteves Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Frequency Distributions

OBJECTIVES: Characterize self-reported communication disorders highlighting the association between variables of health conditions, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, hearing loss and diseases in an elderly group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted from August to December 2012, with 159 women aged 60 or more, recruited at UnATI/UEA (University of the Third Age, University of the State of Amazonas), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. The subjects were interviewed and asked for self-reported communications disorders. Descriptive analysis was performed using central tendency and dispersion measures for continuous variables and frequency distributions for categorical variables and the prevalence of self-reported language disorders was estimated. To verify the presence of statistically significant differences it was used χ2, considering the significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTS: Communication disorders were reported by 8.18% of elderly women. The following deficits were reported: intelligibility (6.92%), oral comprehension (10.69%), lexical access (10.69%), and recent memory (38.36%). Reading and writing difficulties were informed by 5.66% and 6.92%, respectively. Among the illiterate group, 20% declared communication disorders, while the literate group, 8.44%. Statistical association was verified between communication disorders and self-reported hearing loss (p=0.03). Association was not detected between communication disorders and diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the diversity of communication disorders within this population, further studies are needed to assess if changes occur at the aging process and how they work so that possibilities for prevention can be discussed.

Streamlining the genetics pipeline to increase testing for patients at risk for hereditary prostate cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 66-66
Author(s):  
Barry Tong ◽  
Hala Borno ◽  
Fern Alagala ◽  
Kelly Gordon ◽  
Eric Jay Small ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Counseling ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Family History ◽  
Metastatic Prostate Cancer ◽  
Medical Oncology ◽  
Cancer Genetics ◽  
Genetic Counselor ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Gene Panel

66 Background: At UCSF, ~850 men with metastatic prostate cancer are seen annually, all of whom should receive germline genetic testing. Prior to our study, the GU medical oncology program offered a self-pay, take-home genetic testing kit (30-gene panel) to patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Patients with positive test results were referred for genetic counseling. For this study, the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention program partnered with the GU medical oncology program, adapting a Genetic Testing Station (GTS) to expand access and accommodate testing needs. At Prostate GTS, a genetic counselor assistant (GCA) facilitates cancer genetics education by video, enrolls patient in a research registry, collects a family history and saliva sample sent for an 87-gene panel. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of the GTS by comparing prospective performance metrics and testing outcomes of Prostate GTS with retrospective data obtained from the take-home method (“Before GTS”). Methods: Men were ascertained by their treating oncologist and referred for GTS. Indications for genetic testing include: all metastatic prostate cancer, or under age 50 at diagnosis, or with family history, or at clinician discretion. GTS metrics were prospectively collected by clinical staff. “Before GTS” metrics were retrospectively collected through data reporting from commercial lab analysis (test orders dated 01/2017 to 09/2019) and patient chart review. Results: In the first 6 months of Prostate GTS (10/2019-3/2020), 139 patients received testing at the GTS and 91% (127) had received results at censoring. GTS results were distributed as follows: 10% (13) positives, 33% (42) negative no VUS, and 57% (72) negative w/VUS. In the 33 months, “Before GTS”, 218 genetic testing orders had been placed, with 78% (196) reported at censoring, distributed as 11% (22) positive, 68% (134) negative no VUS, and 20% (40) negative w/VUS. The rate of incomplete tests decreased significantly with the GTS, (22% down to 9%, p = 0.0008). "Before GTS", of patients with a positive result, 15/22 (68%) were referred for genetic counseling, of which 8 completed a visit (36% of all positives). In the GTS model, all patients with positive results were seen by a genetic counselor for results disclosure and counseling. Comparing result rates across similar timeframes, 127 results were reported from GTS compared to 40 results from “Before GTS” in the same calendar months the year prior, representing a 218% increase in returned results. Median turnaround time decreased from 16 days to 9 days with GTS. Conclusions: GTS efficiently increased access to genetic testing and counseling for patients with prostate cancer. By leveraging GCAs and video education, this model involves cancer genetics at each step of the process, decreases turnaround time, and increases rates of returned results that can be used by patients to inform treatment and prevention strategies.

Key drivers of patient satisfaction with spine surgeons in the outpatient setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Rabah ◽  
Hammad A. Khan ◽  
Robert D. Winkelman ◽  
Jay M. Levin ◽  
Thomas E. Mroz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Key Drivers

OBJECTIVE The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician & Group Survey (CG-CAHPS) was developed as a result of the value-based purchasing initiative by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It allows patients to rate their experience with their provider in the outpatient setting. These ratings are then reported in aggregate and made publicly available, allowing patients to make informed choices during physician selection. In this study, the authors sought to elucidate the primary drivers of patient satisfaction in the office-based spine surgery setting as represented by the CG-CAHPS. METHODS All patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery between 2009 and 2017 and completed a patient experience survey were studied. The satisfied group comprised patients who selected a top-box score (9 or 10) for overall provider rating (OPR) on the CG-CAHPS, while the unsatisfied group comprised the remaining patients. Demographic and surgical characteristics were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Student t-test for continuous variables. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to analyze the association of patient and surgeon characteristics with OPR. Survey items were then added to the baseline model individually, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS The study population included 647 patients who had undergone lumbar spine surgery. Of these patients, 564 (87%) selected an OPR of 9 or 10 on the CG-CAHPS and were included in the satisfied group. Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. The two groups did not differ significantly regarding patient-reported health status measures. After adjusting for potential confounders, the following survey items were associated with the greatest odds of selecting a top-box OPR: did this provider show respect for what you had to say? (OR 21.26, 95% CI 9.98–48.10); and did this provider seem to know the important information about your medical history? (OR 20.93, 95% CI 11.96–45.50). CONCLUSIONS The present study sought to identify the key drivers of patient satisfaction in the postoperative office-based spine surgery setting and found several important associations. After adjusting for potential confounders, several items relating to physician communication were found to be the strongest predictors of patient satisfaction. This highlights the importance of effective communication in the patient-provider interaction and elucidates avenues for quality improvement efforts in the spine care setting.

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