Abstract P5-11-04: Technology as a change agent for improving breast cancer quality care

Background: With rapid advances in research, clinicians often struggle to remain current with evolving care guidelines and to implement current national quality standards (NQS) relevant to breast cancer management. Adherence to NQS is driving reimbursement for cancer services, but clinical workflow processes and IT solutions are lacking to effectively document adherence. The Carevive Care Planning SystemTM (CPS), an evidence-based, patient assessment and care planning software, is designed to close gaps in quality cancer care by marrying clinical and patient-reported data with evidence-based algorithms to help centers improve and document their adherence rates to quality care standards.

Methods: This study enrolled 30 non-metastatic breast cancer patients presenting to an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center for no greater than their second medical oncology visit, and compared provider adherence to quality metrics for these patients with 30 matched historical controls who were seen prior to the study intervention. All were planned for chemotherapy treatment. The two part study intervention included 1) Provider participation in certified continuing medical education (CME) on evidence-based assessment, decision-making, and management strategies for breast cancer and 2) Use of the Carevive CPS with intervention subjects, each of whom who completed a electronic survey assessing current symptoms and concerns prior to their visit, and then received a provider-approved care plan including tailored recommendations for symptom management and referrals. The primary aim was to compare provider adherence to select quality metrics between historical controls (pre-test) and post-intervention subjects.

Analysis/Results:

Patient enrollment began in July 2015 and an earlier report of control data showed improved provider knowledge post-CME and opportunities to improve adherence. Median age and distribution of race, ethnicity, breast cancer stage, and HER2/ER status was not statistically different between the groups. Provider adherence to quality standards from pre to post-test is shown below:

Quality Standard MetricsQuality StandardNPrePostChi-squarepAssessed emotional well being6020%50%6.190.045Addressed emotional well being2133.3%93.3%8.510.004Pain quantified by second visit60100%100%N/AN/APain plan documented1137.533.3%<10.90Opioid assesssed post treatment2791.0%100%1.510.22Opioid induced constipation assessed2718.2%9.3%<10.33      

Conclusions:Provider adherence to quality metrics for emotional wellbeing increased from pre- to post- intervention, but did not for pain assessment and management. This was largely due to ceiling effect, but opportunities exist for continued improvement in pain management, at least in documentation. The Carevive CPS plus CME has the potential to allow institutions an patient-centered and user-friendly approach to both improve and document adherence to quality metrics.

Citation Format: Hathaway A, Stricker C, Halilova KI, Hammelef KJ, Wujcik D, Dudley WN, Rocque G. Technology as a change agent for improving breast cancer quality care [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-04.

Automated home monitoring and management of patient-reported symptoms during chemotherapy: results of the symptom care at home RCT

Technology‐aided remote interventions for poorly controlled symptoms may improve cancer symptom outcomes. In a randomized controlled trial, the efficacy of an automated symptom management system was tested to determine if it reduced chemotherapy‐related symptoms. Prospectively, 358 patients beginning chemotherapy were randomized to the Symptom Care at Home (SCH) intervention (n = 180) or enhanced usual care (UC) (n = 178). Participants called the automated monitoring system daily reporting severity of 11 symptoms. SCH participants received automated self‐management coaching and nurse practitioner (NP) telephone follow‐up for poorly controlled symptoms. NPs used a guideline‐based decision support system. Primary endpoints were symptom severity across all symptoms, and the number of severe, moderate, mild, and no symptom days. A secondary endpoint was individual symptom severity. Mixed effects linear modeling and negative binominal regressions were used to compare SCH with UC. SCH participants had significantly less symptom severity across all symptoms (P < 0.001). On average, the relative symptom burden reduction for SCH participants was 3.59 severity points (P < 0.001), roughly 43% of UC. With a very rapid treatment benefit, SCH participants had significant reductions in severe (67% less) and moderate (39% less) symptom days compared with UC (both P < 0.001). All individual symptoms, except diarrhea, were significantly lower for SCH participants (P < 0.05). Symptom Care at Home dramatically improved symptom outcomes. These results demonstrate that symptoms can be improved through automated home monitoring and follow‐up to intensify care for poorly controlled symptoms.

Scientific Advances Shaping the Future Roles of Oncology Nurses

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the recent scientific advances that influence current oncology care and explore the implications of these advances for the future of oncology nursing.

DATA SOURCES

Current nursing, medical and basic science literature; Clinicaltrials.gov.

CONCLUSION

The future of oncology care will be influenced by an aging population and increasing number of patients diagnosed with cancer. The advancements in molecular sequencing will lead to more clinical trials, targeted therapies, and treatment decisions based on the genetic makeup of both the patient and the tumor. Nurses must stay current with an ever changing array of targeted therapies and developing science. Nurses will influence cancer care quality, value, cost, and patient satisfaction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

It is critical for oncology nurses and nursing organizations to engage with all oncology care stakeholders in identifying the future needs of oncology patients and the environment in which care will be delivered. Nurses themselves must identify the roles that will be needed to ensure a workforce that is adequate in number and well trained to meet the future challenges of care delivery.

Abstract C37: “Oh happy day”: A pilot study of a culturally tailored depression intervention for African American female cancer survivors

Almost 1 million African Americans are now identified as cancer survivors. Despite this growth, African Americans' long-term survivorship lags behind national survival rates. Given that cancer survivorship starts with diagnosis and continues throughout life, improving cancer survival outcomes for African Americans is important. Cancer survivors are at increased risk of experiencing psychosocial distress and depression as a result of cancer. Because of discrimination and multiple systemic barriers, African American cancer survivors may not have access to high quality healthcare treatment and services nor seek services in mainstream facilities. Thus their survivorship, including access to high quality, culturally competent behavioral health supports, may be compromised.

While current research suggests racial and cultural differences in cancer experiences, coping strategies and survivorship among different racial/ethnic groups, little is known about effective behavioral health resources African American female cancer survivors use to cope with depression. Even less is known about culturally tailored interventions that could potentially aid African American female cancer survivors by reducing depressive symptoms and supporting improved mental health.

A Culturally Tailored Depression Intervention for African American Female Cancer Survivors Study, a community-engaged research project attempts to determine the feasibility of a culturally tailored depression intervention called “Oh Happy Day Class.” Using group therapy and psycho-educational supports, including yoga, this study determines whether a 4-week modified version of this class, offered in a community setting, is acceptable to African American female cancer survivors. The class, coupled with other mixed methods (surveys, key informant interviews) provides important information about the benefits of offering culturally tailored depression interventions for African American female cancer survivors. As a community-engaged research project including African American female cancer survivors, Public Health researchers, & health professionals, this study further underscores why engaging community in the work of supporting cancer survivorship for African Americans is needed.

Citation Format: Elizabeth A. Williams, Earlise Ward, Debra Wujcik, Robin Oatis-Ballew, Cheryl Green, Navita Gunter, Brea Bond. “Oh happy day”: A pilot study of a culturally tailored depression intervention for African American female cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C37. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C37

Abstract C36: Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution

Background: Cancer health disparities are well described for incidence, diagnosis and treatment. Little is known about disparities among long-term survivors.

Methods: At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and Meharry Medical College (MMC), minority serving institutional partner, we evaluated quality of life (QOL) using the FACT-G, FACT-B, FACT-L, and FACT-P; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist (PCL); and posttraumatic growth (PTG) using the PTG Inventory (PTGI) among breast, lung or prostate cancer survivors. We used linear regression to compare the scale mean values by institution while adjusting for confounding variables.

Results: Among 111 breast, 53 lung and 68 prostate cancer survivors, mean age was 62 years, 61% were female, 33% were black, 65% were married, 22% and 67% respectively had a high school degree or some college/higher education, 36% were employed and 94% were insured. MMC survivors were younger (p = 0.0005), more likely to be black (p &lt;0.0001), less likely to be married (p &lt; 0.0001), less educated (p&lt;0.0001) and more likely to be uninsured (p &lt; 0.0001). After adjusting for race, insurance status and educational level, there were no significant differences in cancer-related QOL between VICC and MMC survivors. MMC survivors did score significantly higher than VICC survivors on the PCL (33.9 vs. 28.3; p = 0.01) and the PTGI (75.9 vs. 62.5; p = 0.002). A total of 19 (8.3%) survivors met criteria for PTSD with a score of 50 or more (18.1% MMC, 3.8% VICC, p =0.003). Scores were significantly increased for MMC survivors relative to VICC survivors on all PTG subscales, especially the appreciation for life subscale (p = 0.0005).

Conclusion: Cancer health disparities extend into the survivorship period. Although overall QOL did not differ, survivors treated at an underserved institution had significantly higher PTSD than those treated at a comprehensive cancer center. Underserved survivors also exhibited higher degrees of PTG. Further evaluation will identify the most significant sources of stress and resilience in order to design interventions to improve psychosocial wellbeing and decrease disparities.

Citation Format: Debra L. Friedman, Maureen Sanderson, Pamela Hull, Debra Wujcik, Dira R. Ashworth, Amaka Okafor, Jane Kennedy, Paula Hill, David Shen-Miller. Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C36. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C36

Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution

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Background: Cancer health disparities are well described for incidence, diagnosis and treatment. Little is known about disparities among long-term survivors. Methods: At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and Meharry Medical College (MMC), minority serving institutional partner, we evaluated quality of life (QOL) using the FACT-G, FACT-B, FACT-L, and FACT-P; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist (PCL); and posttraumatic growth (PTG) using the PTG Inventory (PTGI) among breast, lung or prostate cancer survivors. We used linear regression to compare the scale mean values by institution while adjusting for confounding variables. Results: Among 111 breast, 53 lung and 68 prostate cancer survivors, mean age was 62 years, 61% were female, 33% were black, 65% were married, 22% and 67% respectively had a high school degree or some college/higher education, 36% were employed and 94% were insured. MMC survivors were younger (p = 0.0005), more likely to be black (p <0.0001), less likely to be married (p < 0.0001), less educated (p<0.0001) and more likely to be uninsured (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for race, insurance status and educational level, there were no significant differences in cancer-related QOL between VICC and MMC survivors. MMC survivors did score significantly higher than VICC survivors on the PCL (33.9 vs. 28.3; p = 0.01) and the PTGI (75.9 vs. 62.5; p = 0.002). A total of 19 (8.3%) survivors met criteria for PTSD with a score of 50 or more (18.1% MMC, 3.8% VICC, p =0.003). Scores were significantly increased for MMC survivors relative to VICC survivors on all PTG subscales, especially the appreciation for life subscale (p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Cancer health disparities extend into the survivorship period. Although overall QOL did not differ, survivors treated at an underserved institution had significantly higher PTSD than those treated at a comprehensive cancer center. Underserved survivors also exhibited higher degrees of PTG. Further evaluation will identify the most significant sources of stress and resilience in order to design interventions to improve psychosocial wellbeing and decrease disparities.

An IT-integrated, computer-based telephone system for monitoring patient-reported symptoms: Result of two trials

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Background: An automated remote monitoring system of patient reported symptoms was tested in two separate trials to determine if it improved unrelieved symptoms after outpatient chemotherapy. Methods: In Study 1,250 patients and Study 2,335 patients beginning a chemotherapy course were randomized to Telephone Care (TC) (n 129/174) or usual care (UC) (n 121/162). All called daily reporting presence, severity, and distress (0-10 scale) for 11 common symptoms. Those in the Study 1 TC group had reports of moderate to severe symptoms emailed to their oncologist and oncology nurse. Those in Study 2 TC group had similar moderate to severe symptom reports sent to a study Nurse Practitioner (NP) who responded by telephone utilizing evidence based guidelines to intensify symptom care. These patients also received automated tailored self-care messages based on their specific symptoms. Results: The majority of participants in both studies were white (91%; 84%) and female (76%; 77%). The mean age was 56 years, with breast cancer most common (40%; 45%). Mean study days were 45 (Study 1) and 73 (Study 2) with 66% and 87% call completion days respectively. Fatigue, pain, poor sleep, nausea and depressed mood were reported as moderate to severe by over 50% of patients in both studies. In Study 1 no difference was found in symptom severity between TC and UC. Oncology providers found the TC symptom alerts useful but rarely initiated symptom care intensification. In Study 2 the TC group mean symptom score was significantly lower than UC, p < .001. Poisson regression showed TC had fewer Severe symptom days than UC (est. means and SE) 3.16 (0.44) vs. 10.24 (1.84), p < .001; and fewer Moderate days 8.91 (1.04) vs. 19.06 (2.22), p < .001. TC had somewhat higher Mild days 19.85 (2.81) vs. 13.75 (1.85), p = .06; and more no symptom days 66.06 (3.82) vs 52.02 (4.15), p = .01. Conclusions: Remote monitoring of patient reported symptoms after chemotherapy is effective in identifying unrelieved symptoms. It can be used to track quality improvement as well as augment symptom care. Follow up to intensify symptom treatment utilizing guidelines is necessary to achieve significant reductions in symptom severity, distress and days of moderate or severe symptoms.

Outpatient chemotherapy supportive care: Trial of an IT-integrated, NP-delivered system for unrelieved symptoms

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Background: We tested an automated computer based remote monitoring system paired with nurse practitioner (NP) follow up using a case management system to address unrelieved symptoms. Methods: Prospectively 336 patients beginning a course of chemotherapy were randomized to the Telephone Care NP (TC) intervention (n 174) or usual care (UC) (n 162). All called daily reporting presence, severity, and distress (0-10 scale) for 11 common symptoms. Those in the TC intervention also received automated tailored symptom self-care messages and, based on automated alerts for unrelieved symptoms at moderate or higher levels, NP calls to further treat symptoms utilizing national guidelines. Results: There were no differences between groups on any demographics: 84% White, 56 years old, female (77%), breast (45%) or lung (17%) cancer. Average study days were 73 with 87% call completion. Prevalence of participants reporting moderate to severe symptoms were fatigue (86%), pain (80%), sleep (78%), nausea (60%), depressed mood (52%), anxious (49%), trouble thinking (48%), numbness (43%), sore mouth (38%), diarrhea (38%), and appearance concerns (35%). Mixed modeling with intention to treat was used to compare overall symptom scores by treatment condition (TC/UC) while accounting for individuals. Results indicate the TC group mean symptom score was significantly lower than UC (mean difference = .30, p < .001). Also, each symptom was significantly lower for the TC group except for diarrhea. Poisson regression showed TC had lower Severe days than UC (est. means and SE) 3.16 (0.44) vs 10.24 (1.84), p < .001; and lower Moderate days 8.91 (1.04) vs 19.06 (2.22), p < .001. TC had somewhat higher Mild days than UC 19.85 (2.81) vs 13.75 (1.85), p = .06; and more No symptom days 66.06 (3.82) vs 52.02 (4.15), p = .01. Mixed modeling was used to explore TC intervention impact following NP calls for alerts. TC reduced symptom scores compared to UC over a 4 day period (mean difference = 1.28, p< .001). Conclusions: Remote telephone monitoring of symptoms after chemotherapy with nurse practitioner follow up on moderate and severe symptoms results in decreased symptom severity, distress, fewer severe and moderate days and more no symptom days.

Obesity, gynecological factors, and abnormal mammography follow-up in minority and medically underserved women

BACKGROUND

The relationship between obesity and screening mammography adherence has been examined previously, yet few studies have investigated obesity as a potential mediator of timely follow-up of abnormal (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BIRADS-0]) mammography results in minority and medically underserved patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 35 women who did not return for follow-up >6 months from index abnormal mammography and 41 who returned for follow-up < or =6 months in Nashville, Tennessee. Patients with a BIRADS-0 mammography event in 2003-2004 were identified by chart review. Breast cancer risk factors were collected by telephone interview. Multivariate logistic regression was performed on selected factors with return for diagnostic follow-up.

RESULTS

Obesity and gynecological history were significant predictors of abnormal mammography resolution. A significantly higher frequency of obese women delayed return for mammography resolution compared with nonobese women (64.7% vs. 35.3%). A greater number of hysterectomized women returned for diagnostic follow-up compared with their counterparts without a hysterectomy (77.8% vs. 22.2%). Obese patients were more likely to delay follow-up >6 months (adjusted OR 4.09, p = 0.02). Conversely, hysterectomized women were significantly more likely to return for timely mammography follow-up < or =6 months (adjusted OR 7.95, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Study results suggest that weight status and gynecological history influence patients' decisions to participate in mammography follow-up studies. Strategies are necessary to reduce weight-related barriers to mammography follow-up in the healthcare system including provider training related to mammography screening of obese women.

A randomized trial comparing the effect of two phone-based interventions on colorectal cancer screening adherence

BACKGROUND

Early-stage diagnosis of colorectal cancer is associated with high survival rates; screening prevalence, however, remains suboptimal.

PURPOSE

This study seeks to test the hypothesis that participants receiving telephone-based tailored education or motivational interviewing had higher colorectal cancer screening completion rates compared to usual care.

METHODS

Primary care patients not adherent with colorectal cancer screening and with no personal or family history of cancer (n = 515) were assigned by block randomization to control (n = 169), tailored education (n = 168), or motivational interview (n = 178). The response rate was 70%; attrition was 24%.

RESULTS

Highest screening occurred in the tailored education group (23.8%, p < .02); participants had 2.2 times the odds of completing a post-intervention colorectal cancer screening than did the control group (AOR = 2.2, CI = 1.2-4.0). Motivational interviewing was not associated with significant increase in post-intervention screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Tailored education showed promise as a feasible strategy to increase colorectal cancer screening.

Abstract 1822: Decision making and cancer clinical trial participation among African Americans

INTRODUCTION: Although the disparity in clinical trial participation is well documented, the main reason why African Americans and the medically underserved do not participate in cancer clinical trials (CCT) has not been agreed upon. It is apparent that new policies and initiatives are required to ensure minority access to CCT and applicability of subsequent results from CCT.

METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted to explore issues of fear and mistrust in CCT participation. Participants were asked questions regarding their perceptions of cancer, research, cancer clinical trials; attitudes toward participation in clinical trials; and the effect of trust in decision-making. Afterward, participants completed a survey, a modification of the Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale to assess trust in medical research study. One field expert and one medical student independently reviewed the tapes, transcripts, and surveys from the interviews for themes, trends, and congruence. Saturation was achieved at eight interviews.

RESULTS: Eight African Americans, 7 female and 1 male, participated. Three themes emerged related to decision making and CCT participation: 1) Motivation to participate comes from believing what they were doing would help those coming after them; 2) Trusted sources for CCT information include the research team, primary care providers, and trusted individuals; 3) Final decision making, based on all of the advice and information given, would be theirs to make.

CONCLUSION: Potential African American participants in CCT have many trusted sources to turn to and receive advice regarding their decision to participate or not. However, they will listen to the CCT research team and their primary care providers, especially if what they perceive is a trusting and open relationship is established. Given that these potential participants are the ones who make the final decisions, just as much of an effort should be placed on making sure that they have all of the information that they want, whether these conversations are with researchers or primary care providers who know about CCT. An emphasis on how potential African American participants can contribute to CCT and positively affect the lives of other African Americans with the same diagnoses should also be made. Results from this study and a previous study will form the basis for an intervention study.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1822. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1822

Psychosocial determinants of mammography follow-up after receipt of abnormal mammography results in medically underserved women

This article targets the relationship between psychosocial determinants and abnormal screening mammography follow-up in a medically underserved population. Health belief scales were modified to refer to diagnostic follow-up versus annual screening. A retrospective cohort study design was used. Statistical analyses were performed examining relationships among sociodemographic factors, psychosocial determinants, and abnormal mammography follow-up. Women with lower mean internal health locus of control scores (3.14) were two times more likely than women with higher mean internal health locus of control scores (3.98) to have inadequate follow-up (OR=2.53, 95% CI=1.12-5.36). Women with less than a high school education had lower cancer fatalism scores than women who had completed high school (47.5 vs. 55.2, p-value=.02) and lower mean external health locus of control scores (3.0 vs. 5.3) (p-value<.01). These constructs have implications for understanding mammography follow-up among minority and medically underserved women. Further comprehensive study of these concepts is warranted.

Recruitment of African Americans to National Oncology Clinical Trials through a clinical trial shared resource

In 2000, using National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI) U54 funds, a clinical trials shared resource was established at Nashville General Hospital at Meharry to attract more African Americans to national cancer clinical trials. This Report from the Field describes the model used to achieve this end.

Delay in diagnostic testing after abnormal mammography in low-income women

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with diagnostic delay after an incomplete or abnormal mammogram among women participating in a state mammography screening program.

RESEARCH APPROACH

Retrospective case-control design using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to explore the associations between age, race, ethnicity, marital status, breast cancer history, and self-reported breast symptoms and delay.

SETTING

A statewide program of free screening mammography for women who are under- or uninsured.

PARTICIPANTS

11,460 women enrolled in a free, statewide screening program from 2002-2006.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH

Using the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program database, further analyses were conducted.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

The outcome measure was delay in completion of all diagnostic tests and was defined as women who did not complete testing within 60 days.

FINDINGS

Thirty-seven percent of women required follow-up, and of a subset used in the analysis, 30% experienced delay of more than 60 days. Controlling for marital status, age, and breast cancer history, women who experienced delay were more likely to be African American versus Caucasian (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.85) or Hispanic (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.93) and to have self-reported breast symptoms (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.27, 1.77).

CONCLUSIONS

In a sample of women with low income needing mammography follow-up, delay was associated with three intrapersonal variables, potentially reducing the effectiveness of mammography screening for women who were African American, or Hispanic, or had self-reported breast symptoms.

INTERPRETATION

Nurses providing cancer screening examinations are uniquely positioned to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and resources of women using the program and to navigate women through barriers to completion. Knowledge of factors associated with delay is valuable for planning interventions and allocating program resources.

Timing is everything: methodologic issues locating and recruiting medically underserved women for abnormal mammography follow-up research

OBJECTIVES

Recruiting underserved women in breast cancer research studies remains a significant challenge. We present our experience attempting to locate and recruit minority and medically underserved women identified in a Nashville, Tennessee public hospital for a mammography follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design was a retrospective hospital-based case-control study.

METHODS

We identified 227 women (88 African-American, 65 Caucasian, 36 other minority, 38 race undocumented in the medical record) who had undergone screening mammography and received an abnormal result during 2003-2004. Of the 227 women identified, 159 women were successfully located with implementation of a tracking protocol and more rigorous attempts to locate the women using online directory assistance and public record search engines. Women eligible for the study were invited to participate in a telephone research survey. Study completion was defined as fully finishing the telephone survey.

RESULTS

An average of 4.6 telephone calls (range 1-19) and 2.7 months (range 1-490 days) were required to reach the 159 women contacted. Within three contact attempts, more cases were located than controls (61% cases vs. 49% controls, p=0.03). African-American women cases were four times likely to be recruited than African-American controls, (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.59-10.30) (p=0.003). After 3 months of effort, we located 67% of African-American women, 63% of Caucasian women, and 56% of other minorities. Ultimately, after a maximum of 12 attempts to contact women, 77% of African-American women and 71% of Caucasian women were eventually found. Of these, 59% of African-American women, 69% Caucasian women, and 50% other minorities were located and completed the study survey for an overall response rate of 59%, 71%, and 47% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Data collection and study recruitment efforts were more challenging in racial and ethnic minorities. Continuing attempts to contact women may increase minority group study participation but does not guarantee retention or study completion.

Pain-Related Distress and Interference With Daily Life of Ambulatory Patients With Cancer With Pain

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine the unique and combined effects of pain intensity, pain-related distress, analgesic prescription, and negative mood on interference with daily life because of pain.

DESIGN

Descriptive, cross-sectional.

SETTING

Two cancer clinics in academic medical centers in the southeastern United States.

SAMPLE

64 ambulatory patients with cancer who had pain that required analgesics.

METHOD

Participants completed a number of self-report instruments during a regularly scheduled clinic visit. Standard instruments were selected to measure the main research variables.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Worst pain intensity, pain-related distress, analgesic adequacy, negative mood, and interference with daily life.

FINDINGS

Patients with higher levels of worst pain, pain-related distress, and negative mood and inadequately prescribed analgesics reported greater interference with daily life because of pain. Multiple regression analysis indicated that interference with daily life was explained by the combination of these four predictors. All variables except negative mood were significant predictors of interference. The unique variance explained by pain-related distress exceeded that explained by worst pain intensity or inadequately prescribed analgesics.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest that pain-related distress may be an important factor when investigating interference with daily life caused by pain. In addition, pain-related distress may provide a target for future intervention studies aimed at improving the impact of cancer-related pain on daily life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Assessment of pain-related distress may be important in planning interventions. Common nursing interventions may be employed to reduce pain intensity and pain-related distress, which may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

EGFR as a Target: Rationale for Therapy

OBJECTIVES

To review the biology of the EGFR, its structure, and the associated signal transduction pathways. To provide an overview of the role of EGFR in normal physiology and the pathophysiology of malignancy. Current anti-EGFR treatments are also discussed.

DATA SOURCES

Research articles.

CONCLUSION

EGFR is a valid target in the treatment of solid tumors. EGFR abnormalities and dysfunction are involved in various aspects of carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and EGFR is overexpressed in several tumor types. The development of anti-EGFR therapies represents an important advance in cancer therapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Anti-EGFR therapy is currently available in the clinical setting. Nurses involved in the care of patients with cancer can benefit from an increased understanding of the normal and abnormal function of EGFR in the body and the mechanisms by which anti-EGFR therapies act.