Individualized cancer follow-up supported by electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes: Development and evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sissel Ravn ◽  
Henriette Vind Thaysen ◽  
Lene Seibaek ◽  
Victor Jilbert Verwaal ◽  
Lene Hjerrild Iversen

BACKGROUND Cancer survivors experience unmet needs during follow-up. Besides recurrence, a follow-up includes detection of late side effects, rehabilitation, palliation and individualized care. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the development and evaluate the feasibility of an intervention providing individualized cancer follow-up supported by electronic patient-reported outcomes (e-PRO). METHODS The study was carried out as an interventional study at a Surgical and a Gynecological Department offering complex cancer surgery and follow-up for advanced cancer. The e-PRO screened for a priori defined clinical important symptoms and needs providing individualized follow-up. We included following questionnaires in the e-PRO; the general European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and the EORTC validated for colorectal and ovarian cancer patients. To support individualization, we included three prioritized issues of the patient’s preference in each e-PRO. The response-algorithm was aggregated based on the severity of the patient’s response. To ensure the sensitivity of the e-PRO, we performed semi-structured interviews with five patients. All clinicians (surgeons and gynecologists) performing the consultations reviewed the e-PRO. The evaluation was divided in two, 1)The feasibility was assessed by a)Patients’ response rate of the e-PRO, b)Number of follow-up visits documenting the use of e-PRO and c)Patients’ prioritized issues prior to the consultation(‘yes’ / ‘no’), and after the follow-up 2)Patients assessment of a)The need and purpose of the follow-up visit and b)the support provided during the follow-up visit. RESULTS In total, 187 patients were included in the study, of which 73%(n=136/187) patients responded to the e-PRO and were subjected to an individualized follow-up. The e-PRO was documented as applied in 79% of the follow-up visits. In total, 23% of the prioritized issues did not include a response. Stratified by time since surgery, significantly more patients did not fill out a prioritized issue had a follow-up >6 months since surgery. In total, 72 % follow-up visits were evaluated to be necessary in order to discuss the outcome of the CT scan, symptoms, and/or prioritized issues. Contrary, 19% of the follow-up visits were evaluated to be necessary only to discuss the result of the CT scan. A range from 19.3–56.3% of patients assessed the follow-up visit to provide support with respect to physical (42% of patients), mental (56%), sexual (19%) or dietary (27%) issues. Further, a range from 34–60% of the patients reported that they did not need support regarding physical (43% of patients), mental (34%), sexual (63%) or dietary (57%) issues. CONCLUSIONS An individualized follow-up based on e-PRO is feasible, and support most patients surgically treated for advanced cancer. However, results indicate that follow-up based on e-PRO may not be beneficial for all patients and circumstances. A thorough cost-benefit analysis may be warranted before implementation in routine clinic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sissel Ravn ◽  
Henriette Vind Thaysen ◽  
Victor Jilbert Verwaal ◽  
Mette Møller Soerensen ◽  
Jonas Funder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aim Patient activation (PA) and Patient Involvement (PI) are considered elements in good survivorship. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a follow-up supported by electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) on PA and PI. Method From February 2017 to January 2019, we conducted an explorative interventional study. We included 187 patients followed after intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer at two different Departments at a University Hospital. Prior to each follow-up consultation, patients used the ePRO to screen themselves for clinical important symptoms, function and needs. The ePRO was graphically presented to the clinician during the follow-up, aiming to facilitate patient activation and involvement in each follow-up. PA was measured by the Patient Activation Measurement (PAM), while PI was measured by five indicator questions. PAM and PI data compared between (− ePRO) and interventional (+ ePRO) consultations. PAM data were analysed using a linear mixed effect regression model with intervention (yes/no) and time along with the interaction between them as categorical fixed effects. The analyses were further adjusted for time (days) since surgery. Results According to our data, ePRO supported consultations did not improve PA. The average mean difference in PAM score between + ePRO and − ePRO consultations were − 0.2 (95% confidence interval − 2.6; 2.2, p = 0.9). There was no statistically significant improvement in PAM scores over time in neither + ePRO nor − ePRO group (p = 0.5). Based on the five PI-indicator questions, the majority of all consultations were evaluated as “some, much or very much” involved in consultation; providing a wider scope of dialogue, encouraged patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns. Nevertheless, another few patients reported not to be involved at all in the consultations. Conclusion We did not demonstrate evidence for ePRO supported consultations to improve patient activation, and patient activation did not improve over time. Our results generate the hypotheses that factors related to ePRO supported consultation had the potential to support PI by offering a wider scope of dialogue, and encourage patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns during follow-up.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712110226
Author(s):  
Devon E. Anderson ◽  
Eric A. Bogner ◽  
Scott R. Schiffman ◽  
Scott A. Rodeo ◽  
Jack Wiedrick ◽  
...  

Background: Studies have reported favorable clinical outcomes after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation to treat osteochondral defects and have demonstrated that healing of the osseous component may be critical to outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal modality to evaluate osseous healing. Purpose: To define parameters for OCA healing using computed tomography (CT) and to investigate whether osseous healing identified using CT is correlated with improved pain and function on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) collected closest in time to the postoperative CT scan and at final follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Of 118 patients who underwent OCA transplantation for articular cartilage defects of the knee over the 10-year study period, 60 were included in final analysis based on completion of CT scans at 5.8 ± 1.9 months postoperatively and PROs collected preoperatively and postoperatively. CT parameters, including osseous incorporation, bone density, subchondral bone congruency, and cystic changes, were summarized for each patient relative to the cohort. Parameters were assessed for inter- and intrarater reliability as well as for covariation with patient characteristics and surgical variables. Structural equation modeling was used to assess correlation of CT parameters with change in PROs from preoperatively to those collected closest in time to CT acquisition and at the final follow-up. Results: Bone incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. The summarized scores for CT scans were normally distributed across the study population. Variance in CT parameters was independent of age, sex, body mass index, prior surgery, number of grafts, lesion size, and location. No significant correlation ( P > .12 across all comparisons) was identified for any combination of CT parameter and change in PROs from baseline for outcomes collected either closest to CT acquisition or at the final follow-up (mean, 38.2 ± 19.9 months; range, 11.6-84.9 months). There was a uniformly positive association between change in PROs and host bone density but not graft bone density, independent of patient characteristics and surgical factors. Conclusion: CT parameters were independent of clinical or patient variables within the study population, and osseous incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. Metrics collected from a single postoperative CT scan was not correlated with clinical outcomes at ≥6-month longitudinal follow-up.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110154
Author(s):  
Adam M. Johannsen ◽  
Justin W. Arner ◽  
Bryant P. Elrick ◽  
Philip-C. Nolte ◽  
Dylan R. Rakowski ◽  
...  

Background: Modern rotator cuff repair techniques demonstrate favorable early and midterm outcomes, but long-term results have yet to be reported. Purpose: To determine 10-year outcomes and survivorship after arthroscopic double-row transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence 4. Methods: The primary TOE rotator cuff repair procedure was performed using either a knotted suture bridge or knotless tape bridge technique on a series of patients with 1 to 3 tendon full-thickness rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus. Only patients who were 10 years postsurgery were included. Patient-reported outcomes were collected pre- and postoperatively, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and satisfaction. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed. Failure was defined as progression to revision surgery. Results: A total of 91 shoulders (56 men, 31 women) were included between October 2005 and December 2009. Mean follow-up was 11.5 years (range, 10.0-14.1 years). Of 91 shoulders, 5 (5.5%) failed and required revision surgery. Patient-reported outcomes for patients who survived were known for 80% (69/86). Outcomes scores at final follow-up were as follows: ASES, 93.1 ± 10.8; SANE, 87.5 ± 14.2; QuickDASH, 11.1 ± 13.5; and SF-12 physical component summary (PCS), 49.2 ± 10.1. There were statistically significant declines in ASES, SANE, and SF-12 PCS from the 5-year to 10-year follow-up, but none of these changes met the minimally clinically important difference threshold. Median satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 3-10). From this cohort, Kaplan-Meier survivorship demonstrated a 94.4% survival rate at a minimum of 10 years. Conclusion: Arthroscopic TOE rotator cuff repair demonstrates high patient satisfaction and low revision rates at a mean follow-up of 11.5 years. This information may be directly utilized in surgical decision making and preoperative patient counseling regarding the longevity of modern double-row rotator cuff repair.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000965
Author(s):  
Natalie A Lowenstein ◽  
Peter J Ostergaard ◽  
Daniel B Haber ◽  
Kirsten D Garvey ◽  
Elizabeth G Matzkin

ObjectivesRisk factors for anterior shoulder dislocation include young age, contact activities and male sex. The influence of sex on patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) is unclear, with few studies reporting potential differences. This study’s purpose was to compare patient-reported outcomes of males and females following ABR.MethodsProspectively collected data was analysed for 281 patients (males: 206, females: 75) after ABR with preoperative, 1-year and 2-year follow-up responses. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and χ2 tests, preoperative, 1 year and 2 year follow-up results were examined to determine differences of scores in males versus females.ResultsNo statistically significant sex differences were observed in Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) Scores at 1-year or 2-year follow-up. Females had lower Veterans RAND 12-item health survey (VR-12) mental health subscores at 2-year follow-up (females: 52.3±9.0, males: 55.8±7.6, p=0.0016). Females were more likely to report that treatment had ‘exceeded expectations’ at 2-year follow-up regarding motion, strength, function and normal sports activities.ConclusionResults of study demonstrate that ABR has similar outcomes for both males and females. There were no statistically significant sex-related differences in SST, ASES, VAS or SANE scores following ABR. VR-12 mental health subscores showed a minimal difference at 2-year follow-up, with lower scores in females.Level of evidenceRetrospective cohort study; level II.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096518
Author(s):  
Karen Brage ◽  
Birgit Juul-Kristensen ◽  
John Hjarbaek ◽  
Eleanor Boyle ◽  
Per Kjaer ◽  
...  

Background: Shoulder pain is common, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 67%. Evidence is conflicting in relation to imaging findings and pain in the shoulder. Sonoelastography can be used to estimate tissue stiffness and may be a clinically relevant technique for diagnosing and monitoring tendon healing. Purpose: To evaluate changes in supraspinatus tendon stiffness using strain elastography (SEL) and associations with changes in patient-reported outcomes, supraspinatus tendon thickness, and grade of tendinopathy after 12 weeks of unilateral shoulder exercises in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 23 patients with unilateral clinical supraspinatus tendinopathy performed 12 weeks of “standard care” exercises. At baseline and follow-up, supraspinatus tendon stiffness was measured bilaterally using SEL and compared with tendinopathy grading on magnetic resonance imaging scans and tendon thickness measured using conventional ultrasound. Patient-reported outcome measures included physical function and symptoms from the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and pain rating (visual analog scale). Results: No significant changes in SEL within or between groups (asymptomatic vs symptomatic tendon) were seen. All patient-reported outcomes showed significant improvement from baseline to follow-up, but with no change in tendinopathy grading and tendon thickness. No significant differences in the proportion of patients changing above the minimal detectable change in SEL and PROM were seen, except for discomfort while sleeping. Conclusion: Despite no significant within-group or between-group changes in SEL, significant improvements were found in patient-reported outcomes. An acceptable agreement between patients changing above the minimal detectable change in SEL and patient-reported outcome measure was seen. Further studies should explore the use of SEL to detect changes after tendon repair and long-term training potentially in subgroups of different tendinopathy phases. Clinical Relevance: In the short term, structural changes in supraspinatus tendons could not be visualized using SEL, indicating that a longer time span should be expected in order to observe structural changes, which should be considered before return to sports. Subgrouping based on stage of tendinopathy may also be important in order to evaluate changes over time with SEL among patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Registration: NCT03425357 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2020-200954
Author(s):  
Chelsey Porter Erlank ◽  
Jonathan Lord ◽  
Kathryn Church

IntroductionThe English government approved both stages of early medical abortion (EMA), using mifepristone and misoprostol under 10 weeks’ gestation, for at-home use on 30 March 2020. MSI Reproductive Choices UK (MSUK), one of the largest providers of abortion services in England, launched a no-test telemedicine EMA pathway on 6 April 2020. The objectives of this study were to report key patient-reported outcome measures and to assess whether our sample was representative of the whole population receiving no-test telemedicine EMA.MethodsA sample of all MSUK’s telemedicine EMA patients between April and August 2020 were invited to opt in to a follow-up call to answer clinical and satisfaction questions. A total of 1243 (13.7% of all telemedicine EMAs) were successfully followed-up, on average within 5 days post-procedure.ResultsPatients reported high confidence in telemedicine EMA and high satisfaction with the convenience, privacy and ease of managing their abortion at home. The sample responding were broadly equivalent to the whole population receiving telemedicine. No patient reported that they were unable to consult privately. The majority (1035, 83%) of patients reported preferring the telemedicine pathway, with 824 (66%) indicating that they would choose telemedicine again if COVID-19 were no longer an issue.ConclusionsTelemedicine EMA is a valued, private, convenient and more accessible option that is highly acceptable for patients seeking an abortion, especially those for whom in-clinic visits are logistically or emotionally challenging. Evidence that this pathway would be a first choice again in future for most patients supports the case to make telemedicine EMA permanent.


Author(s):  
J. Frikkel ◽  
M. Beckmann ◽  
N. De Lazzari ◽  
M. Götte ◽  
S. Kasper ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve advanced cancer patients’ (ACP) physical functioning, fatigue, and quality of life. Yet, little is known about ACPs’ attitude towards PA and its influence on fatigue and depressiveness over a longer period. This prospective, non-interventional cohort study examined ACPs’ fatigue, depression, motivation, and barriers towards PA before and after 12 months of treatment among ACP Methods Outpatients with incurable cancer receiving treatment at a German Comprehensive Cancer Center reporting moderate/severe weakness/tiredness during self-assessment via MIDOS II were enrolled. Fatigue (FACT-F), depression (PHQ-8), cancer-related parameters, self-assessed PA behavior, motivation for and barriers against PA were evaluated (T0). Follow-up data was acquired after 12 months (T1) using the same questionnaire. Results At follow-up, fatigue (p=0.017) and depressiveness (p=0.015) had increased in clinical relevant extent. Physically active ACP did not show significant progress of FACT-F (p=0.836) or PHQ-8 (p=0.799). Patient-reported barriers towards PA remained stable. Logistic regression analyses identified motivation as a positive predictor for PA at both time points (T0, β=2.152, p=0.017; T1, β =2.264, p=0.009). Clinically relevant depression was a negative predictor for PA at T0 and T1 (T0, β=−3.187, p=0.044; T1, β=−3.521, p=0.041). Conclusion Our findings emphasize the importance of psychological conditions in physical activity behavior of ACP. Since psychological conditions seem to worsen over time, early integration of treatment is necessary. By combining therapy approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise in interdisciplinary care programs, the two treatment options might reinforce each other and sustainably improve ACPs’ fatigue, physical functioning, and QoL. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Trials, DRKS00012514, registration date: 30.05.2017


Cartilage ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 194760352110219
Author(s):  
Danielle H. Markus ◽  
Anna M. Blaeser ◽  
Eoghan T. Hurley ◽  
Brian J. Mannino ◽  
Kirk A. Campbell ◽  
...  

Objective The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes at early to midterm follow-up between fresh precut cores versus hemi-condylar osteochondral allograft (OCAs) in the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral lesions. Design A retrospective review of patients who underwent an OCA was performed. Patient matching between those with OCA harvested from an allograft condyle/patella or a fresh precut allograft core was performed to generate 2 comparable groups. The cartilage at the graft site was assessed with use of a modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Results Overall, 52 total patients who underwent OCA with either fresh precut OCA cores ( n = 26) and hemi-condylar OCA ( n = 26) were pair matched at a mean follow-up of 34.0 months (range 12 months to 99 months). The mean ages were 31.5 ± 10.7 for fresh precut cores and 30.9 ± 9.8 for hemi-condylar ( P = 0.673). Males accounted for 36.4% of the overall cohort, and the mean lesion size for fresh precut OCA core was 19.6 mm2 compared to 21.2 mm2 for whole condyle ( P = 0.178). There was no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes including Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, and Tegner ( P > 0.5 for each), or in MOCART score (69.2 vs. 68.3, P = 0.93). Conclusions This study found that there was no difference in patient-reported clinical outcomes or MOCART scores following OCA implantation using fresh precut OCA cores or size matched condylar grafts at early to midterm follow-up.


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