Integrative Oncology Physician Consultations at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Analysis of Demographic, Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes

173 Background: Electronic health record (EHR) integrated symptom monitoring using patient reported outcomes (PRO) has been associated with improved outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), in cancer survivors. However, these improvements have been documented through reasonably high completion rates of PRO measures in predominantly non-Hispanic White patient populations using only English language assessments. This study aimed to 1) examine factors associated with the completion of PRO assessments and 2) test differences in referrals to cancer support services between PRO responders and non-responders in a cohort of cancer survivors with significant racial, ethnic, and primary language diversity. Methods: A retrospective analysis (October 2019-February 2021) was performed for patients who were assigned the My Wellness Check (MWC) program at a tertiary, comprehensive cancer center. MWC is an EHR-based PRO assessment and referral program that uses PROMIS computer adaptive tests for depression, anxiety, pain, fatigue, and physical function as well as a psychosocial needs assessment. MWC PRO questionnaire is available in English or Spanish based on patient preference. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected and incorporated in multivariable binary logistic regression model to examine factors associated with completion of the MWC PRO questionnaires. The frequency of referrals to cancer support services was compared by Chi-square test between MWC PRO responders and non-responders. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. Results: Of the 5306 patients eligible to complete MWC PRO questionnaire, the majority were female (64.1%), White (86.9%), Hispanic (65.8%), English speaker (55.4%), and 46.0% were responders. Patients who were younger than 65 (aOR 1.39; 95%CI 1.22-1.59; p < 0.0001), female (1.23; 1.09-1.41; p = 0.0019), non-Hispanic/Latino (1.43; 1.25-1.64; p < 0.0001), living with partners ( = 1.28; 1.13-1.46; p = 0.0001), and receipt of active treatment (1.37; 1.18-1.58; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with MWC PRO completion. Responders were referred to cancer support services more often than non-responders (16.6% vs 5.4%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Patient-level and clinical factors predict completion of PRO measures, and responders were more likely to have a referral to cancer support services. To optimize supportive care for ambulatory cancer patients, further research is needed to identify factors that can promote patient engagement, particularly in patients who are under-utilizers of such services.

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PATIENT VOICES, a project for the integration of the systematic assessment of patient reported outcomes and experiences within a comprehensive cancer center: a protocol for a mixed method feasibility study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-020-01501-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Cinzia Brunelli ◽

◽

Claudia Borreani ◽

Augusto Caraceni ◽

Anna Roli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feasibility Study ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Systematic Assessment ◽

Patient Reported

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Integrative oncology consultation and symptom palliation: Analysis of patient-reported outcomes at a comprehensive cancer center.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2016.34.26_suppl.84 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽

pp. 84-84

Author(s):

Gabriel Lopez ◽

Jennifer Leigh McQuade ◽

Richard T. Lee ◽

Jane Williams ◽

Amy Spelman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Advanced Disease ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Integrative Oncology ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale ◽

Regional Disease

84 Background: Patients (pts) receiving cancer care are increasingly interested in complementary health approaches to improve symptoms and quality of life. We report on demographics and patient reported outcomes in an integrative oncology (IO) clinic. Methods: Pts presenting for IO consultation or follow-up completed: Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Short Form 12 (SF-12) quality of life (QOL) scale, and an overall satisfaction questionnaire. Consultations were provided by medical oncologists. Results: 2,474 consultations were conducted from 9/2009 to 12/2013; 26.0% (n = 643) had ≥ 1 follow-up visit (mean 3.2; SD1.8). Most were female (69%) and white (75%); most frequent cancer types was breast (29%); 29% of pts had advanced disease. At baseline, ESAS scores were highest for Sleep (4.2; SD 2.8), Fatigue (4.0; SD 2.8), Well-Being (3.8 SD 2.6) and Anxiety (3.1; SD 2.9). Those with advanced disease had significantly higher baseline ESAS scores for pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and appetite; higher ESAS subscale scores for physical and global distress; lower SF-12 physical health scores; and were more interested in developing an integrative/holistic approach and appetite. Those with loco-regional disease were more interested in overall health, hot flashes, and dry mouth. For ESAS baseline scores ≥ 4 and follow up within 30 days of the initial consult, we observed overall improvement in ESAS symptoms (38-60% of pts with ESAS decrease ≥ 1). Overall satisfaction was high at both initial encounter (9.4; SD 1.3) and first follow up (9.5; SD 1.2). Patients were satisfied to very satisfied with how well MYCaW concern 1 and 2 were addressed: 8.0 (SD 2.2) and 9.1 (SD 1.8). No difference in overall satisfaction was observed comparing those with advanced vs loco-regional disease. Conclusions: Most pts presenting for integrative oncology consultation have early stage disease, relatively low symptom burden, and are most interested in support for overall health. Patients were overall very satisfied with how well their top concerns were addressed, with significant improvements in symptom distress.

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Distribution and frequency of patient-reported symptomatic adverse events at a comprehensive cancer center.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e19117 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e19117-e19117

Author(s):

Jessica Cleveland ◽

Michael J. Hassett ◽

Sherry Lee ◽

Isaac S. Chua ◽

Laura Stewart Dominici ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Surgical Oncology ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Ambulatory Oncology ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Oncology Practice ◽

Practice Methods

e19117 Background: Systematic review of electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) has been shown to improve quality of life and overall survival in clinical trial. We previously demonstrated feasibility of ePRO across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). We sought to examine the distribution and frequency of first symptomatic adverse events (SAEs) among ePRO responders in ambulatory oncology practice. Methods: The ePRO tool uses the validated NCI developed Patient Reported Outcomes – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) instrument to assess attributes of 15 core SAEs (fatigue, insomnia, general pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling, rash, concentration, fever, anxiety, sadness) selected by clinician stakeholders and deployed via any internet-enabled device once every 7 days. Responses are viewable in the EHR, scored 0 to 3 using an algorithm, with scores of 3 highlighted to indicate severe grade SAEs. Results: We examined the distribution and frequency of the first 5183 unique ePRO reports for unselected patients seen in the medical, radiation and surgical oncology outpatient clinics of four pilot multidisciplinary clinics (Breast, Genitourinary, Gastrointestinal and Head and Neck) between September 2018-December 2019. Twenty one percent of eligible patients responded to ePRO (5183 of 26,084). Most respondents were female (59%), Caucasian (89%), and age 50-69 years (56% compared to 16% age <50 years, 28% age ≥70; range 19-98 years). The frequency of grade 3 SAEs was pain (10%), fatigue (6%), insomnia (4%), constipation (3%), numbness and tingling/concentration/anxiety/decreased appetite (2%), diarrhea/shortness of breath/sadness (1%), and rash/fever/nausea/vomiting (none) (Table). Conclusions: We observed a consistent distribution of SAEs across cancer types, age and sex. The most frequently reported SAEs are those clinicians struggle to treat with medications - pain, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety. Research to develop effective strategies to address this constellation of SAEs should be prioritized. [Table: see text]

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Frequency and distribution of gastrointestinal oncology patient-reported symptomatic adverse events (SAEs) at a comprehensive cancer center.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.3_suppl.463 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 463-463

Author(s):

Nadine Jackson McCleary ◽

Ellana Haakenstad ◽

Jessica Cleveland ◽

Sunyi Zhang ◽

Michael J. Hassett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Gastrointestinal Cancer ◽

Symptom Management ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Race Ethnicity

463 Background: In clinical trials, the systematic collection of patient (pt) reported outcomes has been shown to improve quality of life & overall survival. To develop predictive care models for symptom management, we explored the frequency & distribution of SAEs reported by pts who reported electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) prior to outpatient visits to the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center (GCC) at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Methods: ePRO is a modified NCI Patient Reported Outcomes – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events instrument distributed weekly to GCC pts with a medical/surgical/radiation oncology encounter. Responses are available to the care team in the electronic health record. ePRO consists of presence/frequency/severity/interference of 15 core SAEs (fatigue, insomnia, general pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling, rash, concentration, fever, anxiety, sadness). Responses are scored 0 to 3 (with 2 and 3 indicating moderate and severe SAEs, respectively). We examined the frequency & distribution of grade 2 and 3 SAEs in ePRO responders by age, gender, race/ethnicity. All pts had gastrointestinal cancer and an outpatient visit for treatment, symptom management, follow-up care. Results: From 9/1/2018 to 8/31/2020, 1912 unique pts responded (response rate 23%). Most respondents were age 50-69 years (58% compared to 15% age <50, 27% age ≥70; range 18-95), male (53%), white (75%). Grade 3 SAE frequencies were pain (12%), fatigue (11%), anxiety/constipation/insomnia/decreased appetite (5%), sadness/numbness and tingling/diarrhea (3%), concentration/shortness of breath (2%), nausea/rash (1%), fever/vomiting (0%). Across pts, fatigue, general pain, insomnia, anxiety were the most common grade 2 and 3 SAEs. Shortness of breath, vomiting, rash, fever were least common (Table). Conclusions: In GCC pts responding to ePRO, the most frequent SAEs were pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety. Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea were less often severe. Pts <50 were more likely to report severe anxiety but there were no other major differences based on age, sex, race/ethnicity. Ongoing efforts will increase pt/provider engagement and develop predictive models & symptom management interventions from ePRO responses. [Table: see text]

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Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication With the Electronic Self-Report Assessment for Cancer: A Randomized Trial

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2010.30.3909 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (8) ◽

pp. 1029-1035 ◽

Cited By ~ 204

Author(s):

Donna L. Berry ◽

Brent A. Blumenstein ◽

Barbara Halpenny ◽

Seth Wolpin ◽

Jesse R. Fann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinic Visit ◽

Self Report ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Control Group ◽

Cancer Symptoms ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Life Issues ◽

Clinic Visits

Purpose Although patient-reported cancer symptoms and quality-of-life issues (SQLIs) have been promoted as essential to a comprehensive assessment, efficient and efficacious methods have not been widely tested in clinical settings. The purpose of this trial was to determine the effect of the Electronic Self-Report Assessment–Cancer (ESRA-C) on the likelihood of SQLIs discussed between clinicians and patients with cancer in ambulatory clinic visits. Secondary objectives included comparison of visit duration between groups and usefulness of the ESRA-C as reported by clinicians. Patients and Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 660 patients with various cancer diagnoses and stages at two institutions of a comprehensive cancer center. Patient-reported SQLIs were automatically displayed on a graphical summary and provided to the clinical team before an on-treatment visit (n = 327); in the control group, no summary was provided (n = 333). SQLIs were scored for level of severity or distress. One on-treatment clinic visit was audio recorded for each participant and then scored for discussion of each SQLI. We hypothesized that problematic SQLIs would be discussed more often when the intervention was delivered to the clinicians. Results The likelihood of SQLIs being discussed differed by randomized group and depended on whether an SQLI was first reported as problematic (P = .032). Clinic visits were similar with regard to duration between groups, and clinicians reported the summary as useful. Conclusion The ESRA-C is the first electronic self-report application to increase discussion of SQLIs in a US randomized clinical trial.

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Changes in fatigue, barriers, and predictors towards physical activity in advanced cancer patients over a period of 12 months—a comparative study

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-021-06020-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J. Frikkel ◽

M. Beckmann ◽

N. De Lazzari ◽

M. Götte ◽

S. Kasper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Advanced Cancer ◽

Physical Functioning ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Advanced Cancer Patients ◽

Psychological Conditions ◽

Patient Reported

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

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