Patient-reported care satisfaction and symptom burden in hospitalized patients with cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2013-2013
Author(s):  
Emilia R. Kaslow-Zieve ◽  
Carolyn L. Qian ◽  
Chinenye C. Azoba ◽  
Irene Wang ◽  
Emily E. Van Seventer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Coordination Of Care ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Oncology Service ◽  
Care Satisfaction

2013 Background: Hospitalized patients with cancer often experience high symptom burden, which may impact their care satisfaction and use of health care services. Yet, studies describing these patients’ care satisfaction, symptom burden, and health care utilization are lacking. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with cancer and unplanned hospitalizations from 9/2014-4/2017. Upon admission, patients self-reported their care satisfaction (FAMCARE items asking about satisfaction regarding speed with which symptoms are treated and coordination of care) and physical (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]) and psychological (Patient Health Questionnaire 4 [PHQ4]) symptom burden. We used regression models to identify patient factors associated with care satisfaction. We also explored associations between patients’ care satisfaction, symptom burden, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, comorbidity score, cancer type, cancer documented as curable/incurable, time since cancer diagnosis, and admission to a dedicated oncology service. Results: We enrolled 1,576 of 1,749 (90.1%) consecutive patients (mean age = 63.19±13.39 years, 46.3% female). Most reported being very satisfied/satisfied with the speed with which symptoms are treated (89.0%) and coordination of care (90.1%). Older age (B = 0.01, P < .02 for both) and admission to a dedicated oncology service (B = 0.20, P < .01 for both) were each independently associated with higher satisfaction with the speed with which symptoms are treated and coordination of care. Higher satisfaction with the speed with which symptoms are treated was associated with lower PHQ4 depression (B = -0.14, P = .01), PHQ4 anxiety (B = -0.11, P < .01), ESAS physical (B = -1.30, P < .01), and ESAS total (B = -2.44, P < .01) symptoms. Higher satisfaction with coordination of care was associated with lower PHQ4 depression (B = -0.14, P = .02), PHQ4 anxiety (B = -0.16, P < .01), ESAS physical (B = -1.30, P < .01), and ESAS total (B = -2.75, P < .01) symptoms. Satisfaction with the speed with which symptoms are treated (B = -0.47, P = .03) and coordination of care (B = -0.50, P = .03) were both associated with shorter hospital LOS. Conclusions: Most hospitalized patients with cancer reported high care satisfaction, which was associated with older age and admission to a dedicated oncology service. We found relationships among higher care satisfaction, lower symptom burden, and shorter hospital LOS, underscoring the importance of efforts to enhance symptom management and care coordination in this population.

Patient-reported care satisfaction and symptom burden in hospitalized patients with cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
Carolyn L. Qian ◽  
Charu Vyas ◽  
Eva Gaufberg ◽  
Emilia Kaslow-Zieve ◽  
Chinenye C. Azoba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Satisfaction With Care ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Oncology Service ◽  
Care Satisfaction

180 Background: Hospitalized patients with cancer often experience a high symptom burden, which may impact care satisfaction and healthcare utilization. However, research describing these patients’ care satisfaction, symptom burden, and health care use is lacking. We sought to investigate relationships among care satisfaction, physical and psychological symptom burden, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in hospitalized patients with cancer. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with cancer and unplanned hospitalizations from 9/2014 to 4/2017. Upon admission, we assessed patients’ care satisfaction (FAMCARE items: satisfaction with care coordination and the speed with which symptoms are treated) as well as their physical (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]) and psychological (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]) symptoms. We used regression models to identify factors associated with care satisfaction, and we also examined associations of care satisfaction with patients’ symptom burden and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results: Among 1,576 participants (median age = 65.0 years [range:19-96], 46.3% female, 70.9% with incurable cancer, 58.4% admitted to a dedicated oncology service), most reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with care coordination (90.1%) and the speed with which symptoms are treated (89.0%). Older age (care coordination: B < 0.01, P = 0.022, speed with which symptoms are treated: B = 0.01, P = 0.001) and admission to a dedicated oncology service (B = 0.20, P < 0.001 for each) were associated with higher care satisfaction. Higher satisfaction with care coordination was associated with lower ESAS-physical (B = -1.28, P = 0.007), ESAS-total (B = -2.73, P < 0.001), PHQ4-depression (B = -0.14, P = 0.022), and PHQ4-anxiety (B = -0.16, P = 0.008) symptoms. Higher satisfaction with the speed with which symptoms are treated was associated with lower ESAS-physical (B = -1.32, P = 0.003), ESAS-total (B = -2.46, P < 0.001), PHQ4-depression (B = -0.14, P = 0.014), and PHQ4-anxiety (B = -0.17, P = 0.004) symptoms. Greater satisfaction with care coordination (B = -0.48, P = 0.040) and the speed with which symptoms are treated (B = -0.44, P = 0.041) were both associated with shorter LOS. Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with cancer report high care satisfaction, which correlates with older age and admission to a dedicated oncology service. Significant associations among higher care satisfaction, lower symptom burden, and shorter hospital LOS highlight the importance of improving symptom management and care coordination in this population.

Randomized trial of a symptom monitoring intervention for hospitalized patients with advanced cancer (NCT03396510).

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12014-12014
Author(s):  
Ryan David Nipp ◽  
Nora K. Horick ◽  
Carolyn L. Qian ◽  
Emilia R. Kaslow-Zieve ◽  
Chinenye C. Azoba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Symptom Monitoring ◽  
Secondary Endpoints

12014 Background: Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer experience a high symptom burden, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased health care use. Symptom monitoring interventions are increasingly becoming standard of care in oncology, but studies of these interventions in the hospital setting are lacking. We evaluated the impact of a symptom monitoring intervention in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We randomly assigned hospitalized patients with advanced cancer who were admitted to the oncology service to a symptom monitoring intervention or usual care. Patients in both arms reported their symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS] and Patient Health Questionnaire 4 [PHQ4], higher scores on both indicate greater symptom severity) daily via tablet computers. Patients assigned to the intervention had their symptom reports presented graphically with alerts for moderate/severe symptoms during daily oncology rounds. The primary endpoint was the proportion of days with improved symptoms for those who completed two or more days of symptoms. Secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates. Results: From 2/2018-10/2019, we randomized 390 patients (76.2% enrollment rate); 320 completed two or more days of symptoms (median age=65.6 [range 18.8-93.2]; 43.8% female). The most common cancers were gastrointestinal (36.9%), lung (18.8%), and genitourinary (12.2%). Nearly half of patients (48.5%) had one or more comorbid conditions in addition to cancer. We found no significant differences between intervention and usual care regarding the proportion of days with improved ESAS total (B=-0.05, P=.17), ESAS physical (B=-0.02, P=.52), PHQ4 anxiety (B=-0.03, P=.33), and PHQ4 depression (B=-0.02, P=.44) symptoms. Intervention patients also did not differ from usual care with respect to secondary endpoints of hospital LOS (7.50 v 7.59 days, P=.88) and readmission rates within 30 days of discharge (32.5% v 25.6%, P=.18). Conclusions: For hospitalized patients with advanced cancer, this symptom monitoring intervention did not have a significant impact on their symptom burden and health care use. These findings do not support the routine integration of this type of symptom monitoring intervention for hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. The positive outcomes seen in previous studies of symptom monitoring interventions may not be reproduced in other patient populations and care settings. Support: UG1CA189823; Clinical trial information: NCT03396510 .

Symptom burden to predict health care utilization in hospitalized patients with incurable cancer.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 98-98
Author(s):  
Ryan David Nipp ◽  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
Samantha M.C. Moran ◽  
Sara D'Arpino ◽  
Connor Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Incurable Cancer ◽  
Mood Symptoms

98 Background: Patients with incurable cancer are often hospitalized and have frequent readmissions after discharge. Considering the high physical and psychological symptom burden in this population, we sought to investigate symptoms as predictors of hospital length of stay (LOS) and time to first unplanned readmission. Methods: We consecutively enrolled incurable cancer patients with unplanned hospital admissions from 9/2014-4/2016. Within the first 5 days of admission, we assessed physical (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]; scored 0-10) and mood symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire 4 [PHQ-4]; scored categorically). We created summated ESAS total and physical symptom variables. To identify predictors of LOS we used linear regression and for time to readmission we used Cox regression, with all models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, comorbidity, education, cancer type and time since incurable diagnosis. Results: We enrolled 1,000 of 1,227 (81%) eligible patients (mean age = 63.4; 50% female; 66% married). Gastrointestinal (33%) and lung (18%) cancers were the most common. Mean hospital LOS was 6.2 days and 30-day readmission rate was 25%. Over half of patients reported moderate/severe fatigue, drowsiness, lack of appetite, pain and poor well-being. Over one-fourth screened positive for PHQ depression and anxiety. All physical and mood symptoms individually predicted for longer LOS. Pain, nausea, poor well-being, ESAS total, ESAS physical and PHQ anxiety predicted for shorter time to readmission. Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with incurable cancer experience a high symptom burden, which correlates with their health care utilization. Both physical and psychological symptoms predict for longer hospital LOS and shorter time to readmission. These findings can inform interventions targeting patients’ symptoms during hospital admissions in an effort to improve health care delivery and utilization. [Table: see text]

Symptom burden in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 100-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha M.C. Moran ◽  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
William F. Pirl ◽  
Lara Traeger ◽  
Pallavi Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Assessment System

100 Background: Patients with advanced cancer experience high rates of both physical and psychological morbidity, but data describing patients’ symptoms during hospital admissions are lacking. We sought to describe symptom burden in hospitalized patients with incurable solid and hematologic malignancies. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with incurable cancers admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital from 9/1/2014 through 5/1/2015. Within the first week of their admission, we assessed physical and psychological symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised (ESAS-r). Beginning 11/15/2015, we also administered the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4), scored categorically. Results: We enrolled 457 of 547 (84%) eligible patients. Participants (mean age=63.8 years; n=231, 51% female) had the following malignancies: gastrointestinal (n=149, 33%), lung (n=77, 17%), genitourinary (n=52, 11%), breast (n=33, 7%), hematologic (n=24, 5%), and other solid tumors (n=122, 27%). Using the ESAS-r, tiredness, drowsiness, anorexia, and pain were the most common severe symptoms. Using the PHQ-4, approximately one-third of participants screened positive for depression (91/271, 34%) and anxiety (86/273, 32%). Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with incurable solid and hematologic malignancies experience substantial physical and psychological symptoms. Most patients reported at least moderate tiredness, drowsiness, anorexia and pain. Additionally, a concerning proportion reported depression and anxiety. Our data demonstrate the need for efforts to alleviate the physical symptoms experienced by this population, while also seeking to understand and address their psychological needs. [Table: see text]

Trajectories of Psychological Distress in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (17) ◽  
pp. 2160-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minyoung Kwak ◽  
Brad J. Zebrack ◽  
Kathleen A. Meeske ◽  
Leanne Embry ◽  
Christine Aguilar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Brief Symptom Inventory ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Clinical Predictors ◽  
Population Norms ◽  
Patients With Cancer

Purpose To examine prevalence and changes in symptoms of psychological distress over 1 year after initial cancer diagnosis in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of changes in distress were examined. Patients and Methods In this multisite, longitudinal, prospective study of an ethnically diverse sample, 215 patients age 14 to 39 years were assessed for psychological distress within the first 4 months of diagnosis and again 6 and 12 months later. Linear mixed models with random intercept and slope estimated changes in distress, as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Results Within the first 4 months of diagnosis, 60 respondents (28%) had BSI-18 scores suggesting caseness for distress. On average, distress symptoms exceeded population norms at the time of diagnosis, dipped at the 6-month follow-up, but increased to a level exceeding population norms at the 12-month follow-up. A statistically significant decline in distress over 1 year was observed; however, the gradient of change was not clinically significant. Multivariate analyses revealed that the reduction in distress over time was primarily a function of being off treatment and involved in school or work. Notably, cancer type or severity was not associated with distress. Conclusion Findings emphasize the importance of early psychosocial intervention for distress in AYAs as well as the need to manage treatment-related symptoms and facilitate AYAs' involvement in work or school to the extent possible. Continued research is needed to understand how distress relates to quality of life, functional outcomes, treatment, and symptom burden throughout the continuum of care.

scholarly journals Novel mHealth App to Deliver Geriatric Assessment-Driven Interventions for Older Adults With Cancer: Pilot Feasibility and Usability Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kah Poh Loh ◽  
Erika Ramsdale ◽  
Eva Culakova ◽  
Jason H Mendler ◽  
Jane L Liesveld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
System Usability Scale

BACKGROUND Older patients with cancer are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes. A geriatric assessment (GA) is a compilation of reliable and validated tools to assess domains that are predictors of morbidity and mortality, and it can be used to guide interventions. However, the implementation of GA and GA-driven interventions is low due to resource and time limitations. GA-driven interventions delivered through a mobile app may support the complex needs of older patients with cancer and their caregivers. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and usability of a novel app (TouchStream) and to identify barriers to its use. As an exploratory aim, we gathered preliminary data on symptom burden, health care utilization, and satisfaction. METHODS In a single-site pilot study, we included patients aged ≥65 years undergoing treatment for systemic cancer and their caregivers. TouchStream consists of a mobile app and a Web portal. Patients underwent a GA at baseline with the study team (on paper), and the results were used to guide interventions delivered through the app. A tablet preloaded with the app was provided for use at home for 4 weeks. Feasibility metrics included usability (system usability scale of >68 is considered above average), recruitment, retention (number of subjects consented who completed postintervention assessments), and percentage of days subjects used the app. For the last 8 patients, we assessed their symptom burden (severity and interference with 17-items scored from 0-10 where a higher score indicates worse symptoms) using a clinical symptom inventory, health care utilization from the electronic medical records, and satisfaction (6 items scored on a 5-point Likert Scale for both patients and caregivers where a higher score indicates higher satisfaction) using a modified satisfaction survey. Barriers to use were elicited through interviews. RESULTS A total of 18 patients (mean age 76.8, range 68-87) and 13 caregivers (mean age 69.8, range 38-81) completed the baseline assessment. Recruitment and retention rates were 67% and 80%, respectively. The mean SUS score was 74.0 for patients and 72.2 for caregivers. Mean percentage of days the TouchStream app was used was 78.7%. Mean symptom severity and interference scores were 1.6 and 2.8 at preintervention, and 0.9 and 1.5 at postintervention, respectively. There was a total of 27 clinic calls during the intervention period and 15 during the postintervention period (week 5-8). One patient was hospitalized during the intervention period (week 1-4) and two patients during the postintervention period (week 5-8). Mean satisfaction scores of patients and caregivers with the mobile app were 20.4 and 23.4, respectively. Barriers fell into 3 themes: general experience, design, and functionality. CONCLUSIONS TouchStream is feasible and usable for older patients on cancer treatment and their caregivers. Future studies should evaluate the effects of the TouchStream on symptoms and health care utilization in a randomized fashion.

scholarly journals Impact of Comorbidities on Length of Stay and Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Cancer and Febrile Neutropenia

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2601-2601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Culakova ◽  
Marek S. Poniewierski ◽  
Jeffrey Crawford ◽  
David C. Dale ◽  
Gary H. Lyman
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Hematologic toxicities are common side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Despite advances in supportive care, febrile neutropenia (FN) continues to represent a serious adverse event often requiring hospitalization and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the impact of comorbidities and infectious complications on in-patient length of stay (LOS) and mortality in hospitalized patients with cancer and neutropenia over the past decade. Methods: Hospitalization data from the University Health Consortium database inclusive of the years 2004-2012 from 239 US medical centers were analyzed. Cancer type, presence of neutropenia, comorbidities, and infection type were based on ICD-9-CM codes recorded during hospitalization. This analysis includes adult patients with malignant disease and neutropenia. Patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplantation were excluded. For patients with multiple hospitalizations, the first admission during the time period studied was utilized. Primary study outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS≥10 days) and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to study the impact of major comorbidities on the primary outcomes. Major comorbidities under consideration included heart, liver, lung, renal, cerebrovascular, peripheral-vascular disease, diabetes and venous thromboembolism. Results: Among 135,309 patients with cancer hospitalized with neutropenic events, one-third were age 65 years or older and 51% were male. Approximately one-quarter (24.5%) of patients experienced more than one admission with FN. The mean (median) length of stay increased progressively from 11.1 (6) days in 2004 to 12.8 (7) days in 2012. Patients with leukemia, lymphoma and central nervous system (CNS) malignancies experienced the longest mean LOS (21.4, 10.5, 10.2 days, respectively). Overall, 50,846 (37.6%) had a LOS≥10 days and 10,261 (7.6%) patients died during the hospitalization with no difference seen over the time period of observation. (P=.30). Greater rates of mortality were observed in patients with lung (11.2%) or CNS (9.3%) malignancies, and leukemia (9.3%). Infectious complications were documented in 59.5% of patients and their presence was associated with greater LOS≥10 days (48.2% vs. 22.0%) and higher mortality (11.2% vs. 2.3%). Greater LOS≥10 days (51.6% vs. 37.1%) and increased mortality (9.8% vs. 7.5%) were also observed among obese patients with cancer. Likewise, patients with multiple comorbid conditions had more prolonged hospitalizations and a greater risk of in-hospital mortality. (Table) Abstract 2601. Table Solid tumors Lymphoma LeukemiaNo. of comorbiditiesNo. of patients% died% with LOS≥10 daysNo. of patients% died% with LOS≥10 daysNo. of patients% died% with LOS≥10 days017,8580.911.28,1890.617.010,3950.853.5118,1723.417.97,7512.626.611,3803.463.2214,2508.927.25,3868.141.08,6039.769.937,49918.038.42,86118.455.25,04022.877.742,70525.151.41,06033.670.52,00438.183.1≥ 560235.262.327839.980.657749.087.0All patients*61,0867.022.625,5256.632.237,9999.265.4 LOS – length of stay; * 10,699 patients with other type or multiple tumors not included in the table The trend toward longer LOS and greater mortality with increased number of comorbidities persisted in multivariate analyses after adjusting for cancer type, age, gender, ethnicity and type of infection (odds ratio (OR) per +1 comorbidity increase: [mortality: OR =1.89; 95% CI: 1.85-1.92; P<.0001], [LOS: OR=1.56; 95% CI: 1.54-1.58; P<.0001]). Conclusions: Major medical comorbidities are common among hospitalized patients with cancer and neutropenia. Importantly, such comorbidities are associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of in-hospital mortality with significantly worse outcomes in patients with lymphoma or leukemia. Greater awareness of risk factors associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients hospitalized with neutropenic complications as well as validated risk tools to better identify low risk as well high risk patients may guide more personalized cancer care, potentially improving clinical outcomes and lowering the cost of care. Disclosures Crawford: Amgen: Consultancy. Dale:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Lyman:Amgen: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Functional Impairment, Symptom Burden, and Clinical Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients With Advanced Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 747-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Lage ◽  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
Charn-Xin Fuh ◽  
Richard A. Newcomb ◽  
Vicki A. Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay

Background: National guidelines recommend regular measurement of functional status among patients with cancer, particularly those who are elderly or high-risk, but little is known about how functional status relates to clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. The goal of this study was to investigate how functional impairment is associated with symptom burden and healthcare utilization and clinical outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with advanced cancer with unplanned hospitalizations at Massachusetts General Hospital from September 2014 through March 2016. Upon admission, nurses assessed patients’ activities of daily living (ADLs; mobility, feeding, bathing, dressing, and grooming). Patients with any ADL impairment on admission were classified as having functional impairment. We used the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 to assess physical and psychological symptoms, respectively. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the relationships between functional impairment, hospital length of stay, and survival. Results: Among 971 patients, 390 (40.2%) had functional impairment. Those with functional impairment were older (mean age, 67.18 vs 60.81 years; P<.001) and had a higher physical symptom burden (mean ESAS physical score, 35.29 vs 30.85; P<.001) compared with those with no functional impairment. They were also more likely to report moderate-to-severe pain (74.9% vs 63.1%; P<.001) and symptoms of depression (38.3% vs 23.6%; P<.001) and anxiety (35.9% vs 22.4%; P<.001). Functional impairment was associated with longer hospital length of stay (β = 1.29; P<.001) and worse survival (hazard ratio, 1.73; P<.001). Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer who had functional impairment experienced a significantly higher symptom burden and worse clinical outcomes compared with those without functional impairment. These findings provide evidence supporting the routine assessment of functional status on hospital admission and using this to inform discharge planning, discussions about prognosis, and the development of interventions addressing patients’ symptoms and physical function.

Relationships among skeletal muscle, symptom burden, health care use, and survival in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7006-7006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinenye C. Azoba ◽  
Emily E. Van Seventer ◽  
Jan Peter Marquardt ◽  
Amelie S. Troschel ◽  
Till D. Best ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Muscle Loss ◽  
Muscle Density

7006 Background: Loss of skeletal muscle mass (quantity) is common in patients with advanced cancer, but little is known about muscle density (quality). Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer are a highly symptomatic population at risk for the adverse effects of muscle loss. Thus, we sought to describe associations between muscle mass and density, symptom burden, health care use, and survival in these patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled hospitalized patients with advanced cancer from 9/2014-4/2017. Upon admission, patients reported their physical (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]) and psychological (Patient Health Questionnaire 4 [PHQ4]) symptoms. We used computed tomography (CT) scans performed per routine care ≤45 days prior to enrollment to evaluate muscle mass and density at the level of the third lumbar vertebral body. We categorized patients as sarcopenic using validated sex specific cutoffs. We used regression models to examine associations between muscle mass and density and patients’ symptom burden, health care use, and survival. Results: Of 1,121 patients enrolled, 677 had evaluable CT scan data (mean age = 62.86±12.95 years; 51.1% female). The most common cancer types were gastrointestinal (36.8%) and lung (16.7%) cancer. Most met criteria for sarcopenia (64.0%). Older age and female sex were associated with lower muscle mass (age: B = -0.16, p < .01; female: B = -6.89, p < .01) and density (age: B = -0.33, p < 0.01; female: B = -1.66, p = .01), while higher BMI was associated with higher muscle mass (B = 0.58, p < .01) and lower muscle density (B = -0.61, p < .01). Higher muscle mass was significantly associated with improved survival (HR = 0.97, p < .01), but not with symptom burden or health care use. Higher muscle density was significantly associated with lower ESAS physical (B = -0.17, p = .02), ESAS total (B = -0.29, p < .01), PHQ4 depression (B = -0.03, p < .01) and PHQ4 anxiety (B = -0.03, p < .01) symptoms. Higher muscle density was also associated with decreased hospital length of stay (B = -0.07, p < .01), risk of readmission or death in 90 days (OR = 0.97, p < .01), and improved survival (HR = 0.97, p < .01). Conclusions: Most hospitalized patients with advanced cancer have muscle loss consistent with sarcopenia. We found that muscle mass (quantity) correlated with survival, whereas muscle density (quality) was associated with patients’ symptoms, health care use, and survival. These findings underscore the added importance of assessing muscle quality when seeking to address the adverse effects of muscle loss in oncology.

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