Implementation of a Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator Enhances Patient Care and Delivery of Systemic Therapy at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver [Quality in Action]
Conclusion:
Implementation of an NN was associated with reduced wait times and increased molecular testing, improving appropriate delivery of first-line targeted therapy. NN involvement facilitates correct allocation of physician and clinical resources. (Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Zibrik, K., Laskin, J., Ho, C. Tags: Quality in Action, Quality of Care, Quality of Care Source Type: research
Implementation of a Breast/Reconstruction Surgery Coordinator to Reduce Preoperative Delays for Patients Undergoing Mastectomy With Immediate Reconstruction [Quality in Action]
Conclusion:
A significant reduction in time to MIR was achieved through the implementation of the BRC. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and assess the impact the BRC has on operational efficiency and workflows. (Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Golshan, M., Losk, K., Mallory, M. A., Camuso, K., Cutone, L., Caterson, S., Bunnell, C. A. Tags: Quality of care, Quality in Action, Access to care, Surgery Source Type: research
Implementing and Improving Automated Electronic Tumor Molecular Profiling [Quality in Action]
Oncology practice increasingly requires the use of molecular profiling of tumors to inform the use of targeted therapeutics. However, many oncologists use third-party laboratories to perform tumor genomic testing, and these laboratories may not have electronic interfaces with the provider’s electronic medical record (EMR) system. The resultant reporting mechanisms, such as plain-paper faxing, can reduce report fidelity, slow down reporting procedures for a physician’s practice, and make reports less accessible. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and its genomic laboratory testing partner have collaborated to ...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Rioth, M. J., Staggs, D. B., Hackett, L., Haberman, E., Tod, M., Levy, M., Warner, J. Tags: Management and treatment, Quality, Information systems, Electronic health records, Quality in Action, Information systems, Electronic health records, Bioinformatics, Efficiency of Care, IT/EHR Source Type: research
Using Quality Improvement Methods and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing to Improve Value-Based Cancer Care Delivery at a Cancer Genetics Clinic [Quality in Action]
Conclusion:
This study shows how quality improvement methods can be combined with time-driven activity-based costing to increase value. In this paper, we demonstrate how we improved access while reducing costs of care delivery. (Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tan, R. Y. C., Met-Domestici, M., Zhou, K., Guzman, A. B., Lim, S. T., Soo, K. C., Feeley, T. W., Ngeow, J. Tags: Quality in Action Source Type: research
Reply to F. Dayyani et al [Letters to the Editor]
(Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Accordino, M. K., Hershman, D. L. Tags: Quality, Quality of Care Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
In Response to "Serum Tumor Marker Use in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors" [Letters to the Editor]
(Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Dayyani, F., Morgenstern, D., Holdenrieder, S. Tags: Clinical guidelines, Tumor marker, Clinical guidelines, Diagnosis & Staging, Diagnosis & Staging, Diagnosis & Staging, Diagnosis & Staging, Diagnosis & Staging Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
Complete Durable Response From Carboplatin and Olaparib in a Heavily Pretreated Triple-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer With Germline BRCA2 and "BRCAness" Mutations [Case Report]
(Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Hong, S., Funchain, P., Haddad, A., Crowe, J., Dalpiaz, N., Abraham, J. Tags: Chemotherapy, Gene Expression and Profiling Case Report Source Type: research
Active Surveillance for the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer (Cancer Care Ontario guideline): American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Endorsement Summary [ASCO Special Articles]
(Source: Journal of Oncology Practice)
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Chen, R. C., Rumble, R. B., Jain, S. Tags: Clinical guidelines, Clinical guidelines, Quality of care, Clinical guidelines, ASCO Guidelines, Non-ASCO Guidelines, Epidemiology & Prevention, Diagnosis & Staging ASCO Special Articles Source Type: research
American Society of Clinical Oncology Policy Statement on Clinical Pathways in Oncology [ASCO Special Articles]
The use of clinical pathways in oncology care is increasingly important to patients and oncology providers as a tool for enhancing both quality and value. However, with increasing adoption of pathways into oncology practice, concerns have been raised by ASCO members and other stakeholders. These include the process being used for pathway development, the administrative burdens on oncology practices of reporting on pathway adherence, and understanding the true impact of pathway use on patient health outcomes. To address these concerns, ASCO’s Board of Directors established a Task Force on Clinical Pathways, charged wi...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Zon, R. T., Frame, J. N., Neuss, M. N., Page, R. D., Wollins, D. S., Stranne, S., Bosserman, L. D. Tags: ASCO Special Articles Source Type: research
ReCAP: Oncologists Selection of Genetic and Molecular Testing in the Evolving Landscape of Stage II Colorectal Cancer [FOCUS ON QUALITY]
In this study, we asked: how does the family history of patients with stage II CRC influence medical oncologists’ selection of genetic and molecular testing, both related and unrelated to Lynch syndrome?
SUMMARY ANSWER:
We found that oncologists’ self-reported ordering of Lynch syndrome–related tests was strongly associated with the strength of CRC family history, but even so, not all oncologists would order germline testing for mismatch repair (MMR) genes, much less screen for Lynch syndrome by ordering microsatellite instability and/or immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins, in a patient scenario with t...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Parikh, A. R., Keating, N. L., Liu, P.-H., Gray, S. W., Klabunde, C. N., Kahn, K. L., Haggstrom, D. A., Syngal, S., Kim, B., Parikh, A. R., Keating, N. L., Liu, P.-H., Gray, S. W., Klabunde, C. N., Kahn, K. L., Haggstrom, D. A., Syngal, S., Kim, B. Tags: Clinical guidelines, Quality, Epidemiology, Diagnosis & Staging, Quality of Care, Adult Medical Oncology FOCUS ON QUALITY Source Type: research
ReCAP: Pattern of Duplicate Presentations at National Hematology-Oncology Meetings: Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry [FOCUS ON QUALITY]
CONTEXT AND QUESTION ASKED:
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meetings are two of the largest conferences in the fields of hematology and oncology. These meetings are attended by physicians, researchers, pharmaceutical industry colleagues, and representatives from the media and business sectors. The intention of both societies, as stated in their submission guidelines, is to accept abstracts that have not previously been presented. These policies are presumably in place to minimize redundancy and, due to time and space constraints, allow the largest number ...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Ramchandren, R., Schiffer, C. A., Ramchandren, R., Schiffer, C. A. Tags: Ethics issues, Ethics issues, Cost Effectiveness, Onco-Politics, Policy Analysis, Ethics, Efficiency of Care FOCUS ON QUALITY Source Type: research
ReCAP: Cost Differential of Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors [BUSINESS OF ONCOLOGY]
The objective of the present study is to determine the cost differentials between chemotherapeutic regimens (of similar or acceptable effectiveness) for common solid tumors in the metastatic and adjuvant settings.
SUMMARY ANSWER:
Of the 62 regimens included, the 6-month mean cost of chemotherapy was $26,989, and the median cost was $9,611. Mean cost of metastatic cancer therapy regimens was $35,315 compared with $18,107 for curative therapy. Regimens using biologics had higher mean costs than regimens not using biologics ($77,278 v $13,646). Cost differential between extremes of costs for regimens with presumed similar ef...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Nadeem, H., Jayakrishnan, T. T., Rajeev, R., Johnston, F. M., Gamblin, T. C., Turaga, K. K., Nadeem, H., Jayakrishnan, T. T., Rajeev, R., Johnston, F. M., Gamblin, T. C., Turaga, K. K. Tags: Clinical guidelines, Pharmacoeconomics, ASCO information, ASCO information, Doctor-patient communication, Quality, Financial resources, Quality of care, Financing, Caregiver, Clinical guidelines, Cost of care, Pharmacoeconomics, Cost of care, Patient, Cli Source Type: research
ReCAP: Association Between the Number of Suppliers for Critical Antineoplastics and Drug Shortages: Implications for Future Drug Shortages and Treatment [HEALTH POLICY]
QUESTION ASKED:
Cancer drug shortages remain common in the United States and may force oncologists to prioritize patients for treatment, improvise standard treatment regimens, and potentially choose unproven treatment options for patients with curable disease. Because increased competition may reduce drug shortages, the objective of our study was to investigate the association between the number of suppliers for first-line breast, colon, and lung antineoplastics and resulting drug shortages.
SUMMARY ANSWER:
Among 35 antineoplastic drugs approved for first-line treatment of breast, colon, and lung cancer, we saw an overall...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Parsons, H. M., Schmidt, S., Karnad, A. B., Liang, Y., Pugh, M. J., Fox, E. R., Parsons, H. M., Schmidt, S., Karnad, A. B., Liang, Y., Pugh, M. J., Fox, E. R. Tags: Access to care, Legislative issues, Regulatory issues, Population and Observational Studies, Onco-Politics, Outcomes Research HEALTH POLICY Source Type: research
ReCAP: Physician Experience and Attitudes Toward Addressing the Cost of Cancer Care [CARE DELIVERY]
QUESTION ASKED:
Because the cost of oncologic care is perpetually rising, we wanted to know how often physicians who treat cancer discuss the cost of care (both out-of-pocket and societal) with their patients, what the nature of those discussions is, and whether such discussions affect treatment decisions.
SUMMARY ANSWER:
Sixty percent of responding physicians reported addressing costs frequently or always in clinic, 40% addressed costs rarely or never, and 36% did not believe it is the doctor’s responsibility to explain costs of care to patients. Additional responses are listed in Table 3. The majority of physician...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Altomare, I., Irwin, B., Zafar, S. Y., Houck, K., Maloney, B., Greenup, R., Peppercorn, J., Altomare, I., Irwin, B., Zafar, S. Y., Houck, K., Maloney, B., Greenup, R., Peppercorn, J. Tags: Communication, Treatment related issues, Doctor-patient communication, Quality, Cost of care, General public CARE DELIVERY Source Type: research
ReCAP: Identifying Severe Adverse Event Clusters Using the National Cancer Institutes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CARE DELIVERY]
In this study, we proposed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) to identify adverse event clusters because the CTCAE are collected as standard practice and can therefore be used when patient-reported outcomes are unavailable. Hence, is it feasible to identify severe adverse events clusters from data captured using the CTCAE in clinical trials?
SUMMARY ANSWER:
Six severe adverse events clusters were identified in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Identifying adverse events clusters using CTCAE data from clinical trials is feasible.
METHODS:
A variable-based hiera...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - March 9, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Zhong, X., Lim, E. A., Hershman, D. L., Moinpour, C. M., Unger, J., Lee, S. M., Zhong, X., Lim, E. A., Hershman, D. L., Moinpour, C. M., Unger, J., Lee, S. M. Tags: Methodology, Quality of life, Outcomes Research, Clinical Trials, Outcomes Research, Quality of Life CARE DELIVERY Source Type: research
