Breast Density Knowledge and Awareness Among Latinas in a Low-Resource Setting

PURPOSE

Latinas in low-resource settings face additional barriers to understanding mammographic breast density (MBD) implications. The authors compared MBD awareness and knowledge in Latinas from a safety-net clinic in Arizona with a national sample.

METHODS

Latinas 40 to 74 years of age were recruited within a safety-net clinic during screening mammography appointments from 2016 to 2019 (AZ cohort) and from a nationally representative online panel in 2017 (NS cohort). Surveys completed in either English or Spanish assessed awareness and knowledge of MBD. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

The NS cohort (n = 152) was older, more educated, more likely to have undergone prior mammography, and more likely to prefer English compared with the AZ cohort (n = 1,327) (P ≤ .03 for all) The NS cohort was more likely to be aware of MBD (32.6% versus 20.7%). Of those aware, the NS cohort was more likely to understand MBD's effect on masking (67.8% versus 37.0%) and breast cancer risk (72.2% versus 32.6%) compared with the AZ cohort (P ≤ .001 for all). Adjusting for age, education, screening history, and language, MBD awareness was similar between the two cohorts (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 0.95; P = .83), but knowledge of MBD as a masking factor (ORadj, 2.8; P = .03) and risk factor (ORadj, 7.2; P < .001) remained higher in the NS cohort compared with the AZ cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in MBD awareness, but not knowledge, between Latinas in a low-resource setting compared with a national sample could be explained by age, education, screening history, and language preference, underscoring the need for tailored approaches to MBD education among Latinas.

Iterative development and pilot testing of an intervention fidelity monitoring plan for the enhanced, electronic health record-facilitated pragmatic clinical trial: Implications for training and protocol integrity

Fidelity monitoring is the degree to which a clinical trial intervention is implemented as intended by a research protocol. Consistent implementation of research protocols supported with extant fidelity monitoring plans contribute rigor and validity of study results. Fidelity monitoring plans should be comprehensive yet practical to accommodate the realities of conducting research, particularly a pragmatic clinical trial, in dynamic settings with heterogeneous patient populations. The purposes of this paper are to describe the (1) iterative development and implementation of protocols for intervention fidelity monitoring, (2) pilot testing of the fidelity monitoring plan, (3) the identification of interventionist training deficiencies, and (4) opportunities to enhance protocol rigor for a cancer symptom management intervention delivered through the electronic health record patient portal and telephone as part of a complex, multi-component pragmatic clinical trial to uncover training deficits and bolster protocol integrity. The intervention focuses on prominent symptoms reported among medical oncology patients including sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, depression, low energy (fatigue) and physical function. In this pragmatic trial, the role of interventionist is a registered nurse symptom care manager (RN SCM). A three-part fidelity monitoring plan with checklists audit: Part-1 RN SCM role training activities in research components, clinical training components, and protocol simulation training; Part-2 RN SCM adherence to the intervention core components delivered over the telephone; and Part-3 maintenance of adherence to core intervention components. The goal is ≥ 80% adherence to components of each of the three checklists. An initial pilot test of the fidelity monitoring plan was conducted to evaluate the checklists and the RN SCM adherence to core protocol components. RN SCM skills and training deficits were identified during the pilot phase, as were opportunities to improve protocol integrity. Overall, approximately 50% of the audited RN SCM telephone calls had ≥80% fidelity to the core components. There remains on-going need for RN SCM training and skill building in action planning. The content presented in this paper is intended to begin to fill the gap of fidelity monitoring plans for complex interventions tested in pragmatic clinical trials and delivered remotely in an effort to strengthen protocol integrity.

Receptivity to a Nurse-Led Symptom Management Intervention Amongst Highly Symptomatic Patients with Cancer

BACKGROUND

The symptom burden associated with cancer and its treatment can negatively impact patients' quality of life and survival. Symptom-focused collaborative care model (CCM) interventions can improve outcomes, but only if patients engage with them. We assessed the receptivity of severely symptomatic oncology patients to a remote nurse-led CCM intervention.

METHODS

In a pragmatic, cluster-randomized, stepped wedge trial conducted as part of the NCI IMPACT Consortium (E2C2, NCT03892967), patients receiving cancer care were asked to rate their sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, emotional distress, fatigue, and limitations in physical function. Patients reporting at least one severe symptom (≥7/10) were offered phone consultation with a nurse symptom care manager (RN SCM). Initially, patients had to "opt-in" to receive a call, but the protocol was later modified so they had to "opt-out" if they did not want a call. We assessed the impact of opt-in vs. opt-out framing and patient characteristics on receptiveness to RN SCM calls. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

Of the 1204 symptom assessments (from 864 patients) on which at least one severe symptom was documented, 469 (39.0%) indicated receptivity to an RN SCM phone call. The opt-out period (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12 to 2.32, p=.01), receiving care at a tertiary care center (OR = 3.59, 95% CI = 2.18 to 5.91, p<.001), and having severe pain (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.24 to 2.62, p=.002), were associated with statistically significantly greater willingness to receive a call.

CONCLUSION

Many severely symptomatic patients were not receptive to an RN SCM phone call. Better understanding of reasons for refusal and strategies for improving patient receptivity are needed.

Examining Burnout in Interprofessional Intensive Care Unit Clinicians Using Qualitative Analysis

BACKGROUND

Health care professionals working in intensive care units report a high degree of burnout, but this topic has not been extensively studied from an interdisciplinary perspective.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize experiences of burnout among members of interprofessional intensive care unit teams and identify possible contributing factors.

METHODS

This qualitative study involved interviews of registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, pharmacists, and a personal care assistant working in multiple intensive care units of a single academic medical center to assess work stressors.

RESULTS

Team composition was a factor in burnout, particularly when nonphysician team members felt that their opinions were not valued despite the institution's emphasis on a multidisciplinary team-based model of care. This was especially true when roles were not well defined at the outset of a code situation. Members of nearly all disciplines stated that there was not enough time in a day to complete all the required tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors contribute to work-related stress and burnout across different professions in the intensive care unit. Improved communication and increased receptivity to diverse opinions among members of the multidisciplinary team may help reduce stress.

Tracing the potential of networks to improve community cancer care: an in-depth single case study

Background

Despite overall declines in cancer mortality in the USA over the past three decades, many patients in community settings fail to receive evidence-based cancer care. Networks that link academic medical centers (AMCs) and community providers may reduce disparities by creating access to specialized expertise and care, but research on network effectiveness is mixed. The objective of this study was to identify factors related to whether and how an exemplar AMC network served to provide advice and referral access in community settings.

Methods

An embedded in–depth single case study design was employed to study a network in the Midwest USA that connects a leading cancer specialty AMC with community practices. The embedded case units were a subset of 20 patients with young-onset colorectal cancer or risk-related conditions and the providers involved in their care. The electronic health record (EHR) was reviewed from January 1, 1990, to February 28, 2018. Social network analysis identified care, advice, and referral relationships. Within-case process tracing provided detailed accounts of whether and how the network provided access to expert, evidence-based care or advice in order to identify factors related to network effectiveness.

Results

The network created access to evidence-based advice or care in some but not all case units, and there was variability in whether and how community providers engaged the network, including the path for referrals to the AMC and the way in which advice about an evidence-based approach to care was communicated from AMC specialists to community providers. Factors related to instances when the network functioned as intended included opportunities for both rich and lean communication between community providers and specialists, coordinated referrals, and efficient and adequately utilized documentation systems.

Conclusions

Network existence alone is insufficient to open up access to evidence-based expertise or care for patients in community settings. In-depth understanding of how this network operated provides insight into factors that support or inhibit the potential of networks to minimize disparities in access to evidence-based community cancer care, including both personal and organizational factors.

Closing the Gap: Participatory Formative Evaluation to Reduce Cancer Screening Disparities among Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have disproportionately lower rates of cancer screening than English-proficient patients. Given the multifactorial nature of screening disparities, strategies to improve screening rates must address barriers within and outside of the clinic setting. The objectives of this study were to understand local barriers from multiple stakeholder perspectives, to identify potential multilevel intervention approaches, and to mobilize community-engaged intervention decision making and planning. This participatory formative evaluation approach employed needs assessment and user engagement in order to enhance intervention usefulness and relevance. The study took place in several stages and involved clinic and community partners in a small metropolitan area of the Midwest USA. Interviews were conducted with LEP patients (n = 9) who had not completed three recommended screenings (breast, cervical, and colorectal), primary care providers (n = 5), medical interpreter (n = 5), and community members (n = 3). These highlighted multilevel barriers including limited patient understanding of preventive health, time and cost constraints, and variable roles of language interpreters. The literature was also reviewed to identify interventions used with similar populations. Findings from this review suggest that interventions are largely focused on single population groups or address single screening barriers. Finally, a community-academic summit (n = 48 participants) was held to review results and develop recommendations for community and clinic interventions. Findings from this study indicate that it is possible to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in strategies that are responsive to health care providers and patients, including LEP patients from heterogeneous backgrounds.

Increasing risk-concordant cardiovascular care in diverse health systems: a mixed methods pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized implementation trial of shared decision making (SDM4IP)

BACKGROUND

The primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events is often less intense in persons at higher CV risk and vice versa. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that clinicians and patients use shared decision making (SDM) to arrive at an effective and feasible prevention plan that is congruent with each person's CV risk and informed preferences. However, SDM does not routinely happen in practice. This study aims to integrate into routine care an SDM decision tool (CV PREVENTION CHOICE) at three diverse healthcare systems in the USA and study strategies that foster its adoption and routine use.

METHODS

This is a mixed method, hybrid type III stepped wedge cluster randomized study to estimate (a) the effectiveness of implementation strategies on SDM uptake and utilization and (b) the extent to which SDM results in prevention plans that are risk-congruent. Formative evaluation methods, including clinician and stakeholder interviews and surveys, will identify factors likely to impact feasibility, acceptability, and adoption of CV PREVENTION CHOICE as well as normalization of CV PREVENTION CHOICE in routine care. Implementation facilitation will be used to tailor implementation strategies to local needs, and implementation strategies will be systematically adjusted and tracked for assessment and refinement. Electronic health record data will be used to assess implementation and effectiveness outcomes, including CV PREVENTION CHOICE reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, and effectiveness (measured as risk-concordant care plans). A sample of video-recorded clinical encounters and patient surveys will be used to assess fidelity. The study employs three theoretical approaches: a determinant framework that calls attention to categories of factors that may foster or inhibit implementation outcomes (the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research), an implementation theory that guides explanation or understanding of causal influences on implementation outcomes (Normalization Process Theory), and an evaluation framework (RE-AIM).

DISCUSSION

By the project's end, we expect to have (a) identified the most effective implementation strategies to embed SDM in routine practice and (b) estimated the effectiveness of SDM to achieve feasible and risk-concordant CV prevention in primary care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04450914 . Posted June 30, 2020 TRIAL STATUS: This study received ethics approval on April 17, 2020. The current trial protocol is version 2 (approved February 17, 2021). The first subject had not yet been enrolled at the time of submission.

A mixed methods study to evaluate the impact of a student-run clinic on undergraduate medical education

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which a longitudinal student-run clinic (SRC) is meeting its stated learning objectives, including providing critical community services and developing physicians who more fully appreciate the social factors affecting their patients' health.

METHODS

This was a mixed methods program evaluation of an SRC at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM). A survey was conducted of medical students who had participated in the clinic and seven interviews and three focus groups were conducted with SRC patients, students, faculty, staff, and board members. Transcripts were coded for systematic themes and sub-themes. Major themes were reported. Survey and interview data were integrated by comparing findings and discussing areas of convergence or divergence in order to more fully understand program success and potential areas for improvement.

RESULTS

Greater than 85% of student survey respondents (N = 90) agreed or strongly agreed that the SRC met each of its objectives: to provide a vital community service, to explore social determinants of health (SDH), to understand barriers to healthcare access and to practice patience-centered examination. Qualitative data revealed that the SRC contextualized authentic patient care experiences early in students' medical school careers, but the depth of learning was variable between students. Furthermore, exposure to SDH through the program did not necessarily translate to student understanding of the impact of these social factors on patient's health nor did it clearly influence students' future practice goals.

CONCLUSIONS

The MCASOM SRC experience met core learning objectives, but opportunities to improve long-term impact on students were identified. Participation in the SRC enabled students to engage in patient care early in training that is representative of future practices. SRCs are an avenue by which students can gain exposure to real-world applications of SDH and barriers to healthcare access, but additional focus on faculty development and intentional reflection may be needed to translate this exposure to actionable student understanding of social factors that impact patient care.

Patient-reported quality of life in fibrotic interstitial lung disease: novel assessments of self-management ability and affect

Current medical therapy in the treatment of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (f-ILD) is focused on objective improvement or stabilisation of lung function decline as represented by raw or per cent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC % pred). Patient-reported quality of life (PR-QoL) outcomes, as measured from the viewpoint of how patients assess their own health-related well-being, have not been the primary targets of recent clinical trials. However, it has been reported that lung function (i.e. measured FVC % pred) in f-ILD correlates poorly with patient-reported well-being [1]. This study explored the degree to which two previously unassessed PR-QoL outcomes in f-ILD correlate with clinical and functional parameters, and a respiratory-related QoL instrument applied in a novel manner.

Patient-reported outcomes in fibrotic interstitial lung disease may be additionally predicted by novel assessments of self-management ability and affecthttps://bit.ly/3iwP5M2

Evidence-Based Strategies for Clinical Organizations to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

The success of vaccination programs is contingent upon irrefutable scientific safety data combined with high rates of public acceptance and population coverage. Vaccine hesitancy, characterized by lack of confidence in vaccination and/or complacency about vaccination that may lead to delay or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of services, threatens to undermine the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs. The rapid pace of vaccine development, misinformation in popular and social media, the polarized sociopolitical environment, and the inherent complexities of large-scale vaccination efforts may undermine vaccination confidence and increase complacency about COVID-19 vaccination. Although the experience of recent lethal surges of COVID-19 infections has underscored the value of COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring population uptake of COVID-19 vaccination will require application of multilevel, evidence-based strategies to influence behavior change and address vaccine hesitancy. Recent survey research evaluating public attitudes in the United States toward the COVID-19 vaccine reveals substantial vaccine hesitancy. Building upon efforts at the policy and community level to ensure population access to COVID-19 vaccination, a strong health care system response is critical to address vaccine hesitancy. Drawing on the evidence base in social, behavioral, communication, and implementation science, we review, summarize, and encourage use of interpersonal, individual-level, and organizational interventions within clinical organizations to address this critical gap and improve population adoption of COVID-19 vaccination.

Facilitated Stories for Change: Digital Storytelling as a Tool for Engagement in Facilitated Discussion for Reduction of Diabetes-Related Health Disparities Among Rural Latino Patients With Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Latino populations, particularly those living in rural areas, experience a disproportionately high prevalence and poorer outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study was to test the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of a group-based, facilitated digital storytelling intervention for T2DM self-management among rural Latino patients.

METHOD

Twenty Latino adults with T2DM participated in facilitated storytelling discussions at two primary clinics. Participants viewed a 12-minute T2DM self-management digital storytelling intervention, followed by a facilitated group discussion. Surveys, observations, and focus groups were used to assess for acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the intervention through descriptive and qualitative analysis, informed by narrative and social cognitive theory.

RESULTS

All participants found the intervention interesting and useful and reported improvement in confidence, motivation, and behavioral intentions for T2DM self-management. Themes mapped closely with narrative theory models, further suggestive of the behavior change potential.

DISCUSSION

Facilitated discussions may add value to viewing of digital stories and represent a scalable approach to provide culturally congruent health care for Latino patients with diabetes in rural settings. Within the paradigm of group-based diabetes educational programs, this lends itself well to critical transcultural nursing care.

Abstract PO-245: Evaluating educational interventions to increase breast density awareness among Latinas: A randomized clinical trial in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Purpose: Among a Latina population in a low resource healthcare setting, to test the effectiveness of bilingual (Spanish/English) written and interpersonal educational interventions in increasing breast density (BD) awareness, knowledge, and conversations with healthcare providers, which are goals of BD notification mandates. Procedures: This randomized trial was conducted at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in an urban community of the Southwest U.S. Women ages 40- 74 presenting for screening mammography were recruited and randomized 1:1:1 to usual care (mailed letter with mammogram and BD results), enhanced care (letter plus BD educational brochure), or interpersonal care (letter, brochure, and telephonic promotora education). The baseline survey was administered in person at enrollment prior to the mammogram. Follow-up surveys were by phone or mail after the mammography results letter was mailed and promotora delivery was complete (median days from baseline to follow-up survey = 97 days). Differences between groups at baseline or follow-up were assessed with chi-square tests. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated data was used to assess differences by time (baseline to follow-up) within group, including a time-by-group interaction. Results: Between October 2016 and October 2019, 1377 women were enrolled. Of these, 1085 (79%) self-identified Latinas completed baseline and follow-up surveys. Median age was 47 years. Most (91%) reported speaking mostly Spanish, and 69.1% had less than a high school degree. At baseline, only 20.9% reported having heard of BD, and only 30.5% of those knew their personal BD category. At follow-up, women in the interpersonal group were more likely to report seeing their BD results in the notification letter compared to the usual care and enhanced groups (70.4% vs. 52.9% and 54.3%, p &lt; 0.001) and to report having spoken with a provider about their BD (27.3% vs. 14.2% and 15.7%, p &lt; 0.001). They also reported higher mean understanding of BD (7.7 on a 0-10 scale vs. 6.3 and 6.6, p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences on these outcomes between the usual care and enhanced groups. All groups saw significant improvement in correct responses from baseline to follow-up for questions on the ability of BD to mask tumors on a mammogram and BD as a breast cancer risk factor (p &lt; 0.001 all groups), but the degree of improvement in masking knowledge was significantly higher for the interpersonal vs usual care group [OR for a correct response in follow-up vs baseline: 6.4 (interpersonal) vs 3.7 (usual care), p=0.01].

Conclusion: Among a Latina population in a FQHC, telephonic promotora education was more effective than written notification alone or a mailed brochure on key goals of notification mandates. Adding a brochure does not appear to be more effective than sending a letter alone on key outcomes, but the interpersonal nature of promotora education may prompt attention to mailed information and provide an opportunity for questions.

Citation Format: Jennifer L. Ridgeway, Sarah M. Jenkins, Deborah J. Rhodes, Bhavika K. Patel, Edna Ramos, Bijan Borah, Karthik Ghosh, Vera J. Suman, Aaron Norman, Davinder Singh, Celine M. Vachon. Evaluating educational interventions to increase breast density awareness among Latinas: A randomized clinical trial in a Federally Qualified Health Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-245.

Abstract PO-238: Breast density knowledge and awareness among Latinas in a low-resource setting: A comparison nationally-representative sample of Latinas

Objective: Breast density notification laws aim to increase women’s awareness and knowledge about breast density (BD). This study’s aim was to compare BD knowledge and awareness in two Hispanic populations: a safety-net clinic serving Latina population in Maricopa County, Arizona (AZ) and a national sample of Hispanic women participating in an online research panel. Materials/Methods: Women ages 40-74 were recruited at the AZ clinic from 2016-2019 at a screening mammography appointment as part of a larger clinical trial (AZ cohort). Surveys were completed in person (English or Spanish) at enrollment to assess awareness of BD, understanding of BD risk, and mammography history. The same questions were asked in a nationally representative online panel survey conducted in 2017. All data from the national survey were weighted to adjust for probability of selection into the panel and post-stratified to match known U.S. Hispanic population distributions (NS cohort). Univariate comparisons between the clinic and the national panel were performed using Rao-Scott chi-square tests. Associations with awareness and correct knowledge were examined with multivariable logistic regression. All summaries and analyses are weighted, and were performed with SAS version 9.4 SURVEY procedures (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results: The analysis included 1332 Hispanic women from the AZ clinic and 152 Hispanic women who completed the national survey. The AZ cohort was younger (mean age: 48.5 vs 52.8), had less education (less than high school: 68.7% vs 34.8% less than high school), more likely to prefer Spanish (92.3% vs 53.1%) and less likely to have had a prior mammogram as compared NS cohort (82.8% vs 90.4%) (all p≤ 0.03). NS cohort was more likely to have awareness of BD (32.6% vs 20.7%); correct understanding of the masking effect of BD, (67.8% vs 37.0%,) and breast cancer risk (72.2% vs 32.6%,), compared to the AZ cohort (all p &lt; 0.004). When adjusted for differences in education, age, language, and screening mammography history, BD awareness was similar between the two cohorts (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 0.95, p=0.83). Awareness was positively associated with more education, previous mammogram history, and English language. However, differences in BD knowledge remained (ORadj=2.8 [p=0.03] and 7.2 [P&lt;0.001] for knowledge of masking and risk, respectively). Conclusions: There were significant differences in BD awareness and knowledge between a nationally-representative sample of Latinas and Latinas in a low-resource setting. The differences in BD awareness, but not knowledge, could be explained by education, screening history and preferred language. These findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to raising BD awareness and knowledge will not work. To ensure equitable dissemination of health care to Latina women undergoing screening mammography, future work should be aimed at developing effective tools and resources for educating Spanish-speaking women about BD and risk-based screening.

Citation Format: Jillian Leaver, Bhavika K. Patel, Jennifer L. Ridgeway, Sarah Jenkins, Vera Suman, Deborah J. Rhodes, Aaron Norman, Karthik Ghosh, Bijan Borah, Carrie Hruska, Edna Ramos, Davinder Singh, Matt Jewett, Carmen Radecki-Breitkof, Celine Vachon. Breast density knowledge and awareness among Latinas in a low-resource setting: A comparison nationally-representative sample of Latinas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-238.

Pragmatic cluster randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and implementation of enhanced EHR-facilitated cancer symptom control (E2C2)

Background

The prevalence of inadequate symptom control among cancer patients is quite high despite the availability of definitive care guidelines and accurate and efficient assessment tools.

Methods

We will conduct a hybrid type 2 stepped wedge pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial to evaluate a guideline-informed enhanced, electronic health record (EHR)-facilitated cancer symptom control (E2C2) care model. Teams of clinicians at five hospitals that care for patients with various cancers will be randomly assigned in steps to the E2C2 intervention. The E2C2 intervention will have two levels of care: level 1 will offer low-touch, automated self-management support for patients reporting moderate sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, depression, and energy deficit symptoms or limitations in physical function (or both). Level 2 will offer nurse-managed collaborative care for patients reporting more intense (severe) symptoms or functional limitations (or both). By surveying and interviewing clinical staff, we will also evaluate whether the use of a multifaceted, evidence-based implementation strategy to support adoption and use of the E2C2 technologies improves patient and clinical outcomes. Finally, we will conduct a mixed methods evaluation to identify disparities in the adoption and implementation of the E2C2 intervention among elderly and rural-dwelling patients with cancer.

Discussion

The E2C2 intervention offers a pragmatic, scalable approach to delivering guideline-based symptom and function management for cancer patients. Since discrete EHR-imbedded algorithms drive defining aspects of the intervention, the approach can be efficiently disseminated and updated by specifying and modifying these centralized EHR algorithms.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03892967. Registered on 25 March 2019.

Characteristics of Effective Teachers of Invasive Bedside Procedures: A Multi-institutional Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Faculty supervision of invasive bedside procedures (IBPs) in the ICU may enhance procedural education and ensure patient safety. However, there is limited research on teaching effectiveness in the ICU, and there are no best teaching practices regarding the supervision of IBPs.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We conducted a multi-institutional qualitative study of pulmonary and critical care medicine faculty and fellows to better understand characteristics of effective IBP teachers.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Separate focus groups (FGs) were conducted with fellows and faculty at four large academic institutions that were geographically distributed across the United States. FGs were facilitated by a trained investigator, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Themes were identified inductively and compared with constructs from social and situated learning theories. Data were analyzed between and across professional groups. Qualitative research software (NVivo; QSR International) was used to facilitate data organization and create an audit trail of the analysis. A multidisciplinary research team was engaged to minimize interpretive bias.

RESULTS

Thirty-three faculty and 30 fellows participated. Inductive analysis revealed three categories of themes among successful IBP teachers: traits, behaviors, and context. Traits included calm demeanor, trust, procedural competence, and effective communication. Behaviors included leading preprocedure huddles to assess learners' experiences and define expectations; debriefing to provide feedback; and allowing appropriate autonomy. Context included learning climate, levels of distraction, patient acuity, and institutional culture.

INTERPRETATION

We identified specific traits and behaviors of effective IBP teachers that intersect with the practice environment, which highlights the challenge of teaching IBPs. Notably, FG participants emphasized interpersonal, more than technical, aspects of successful IBP teachers. These findings should inform future curricula on teaching IBPs in the ICU, standardize IBP teaching for pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows, and reduce patient injury from procedural complications.

Identifying Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity in a Diverse Low-Income Population: A Mixed-Method Study at a Boys & Girls Club Site

BACKGROUND

Prevalence and consequences of obesity and sedentary lifestyle are well-documented public health concerns for youth in the United State of America (U.S.A) that disproportionally affect children from low income and minority families.

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-method study focused on estimating levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior and prevalence of overweight and obesity among the child members served in one Boys and Girls Club in the Midwest U.S.A. We aimed to better understand opportunities for improving children's engagement in physical activity through focus groups with members, staff, and parents/caregivers of members.

METHODS

Social cognitive learning theory, the ecological model of health behavior, and community based participatory research principles provided the study framework. Members completed assessments of physical activity, sedentary activity, height, and weight. Focus groups with members, staff, and parents/caregivers identified barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for promoting physical activity. RESULTS: Nearly 50% of members were overweight or obese. Most (87%) participants reported at least 60 minutes physical activity every day across the 3-day recall. Fewer than half (41%) reported 2 hours or less of sedentary screen time every day across the 3 day recall. Focus group themes identified opportunities for addressing needs associated with health disparities in physical activity and pediatric obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest stakeholder interest in physical activity promotion through afterschool programs. We discuss study implications regarding needs specific to individuals from diverse, low-income households that may not be adequately addressed with existing empirically-supported treatments and opportunities to address health disparities in physical activity and pediatric obesity through afterschool programs.

Patients' Perspectives and Advice on How to Discuss Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexual Health in Oncology Clinics

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to understand the patients' perspective of what contributes to an absence of discussions of sexual orientation (SO), gender identity (GI), and sexual health in cancer care.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from oncology, gynecology, and a gender transition clinic to participate in semistructured interviews, which were analyzed with qualitative methods.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were interviewed, shedding light on 2 themes. The first was that these conversations are important but infrequent. One patient explained, "…. we know people who have had sex changes…[they] would have appreciated that question." In response to whether sexual health was ever brought up, one patient responded, "No doctor ever has." Patients described unaddressed issues: "There have been times, you know, we've wondered if it was okay to make love." The second theme consisted of 4 pragmatic, patient-provided points to facilitate discussions: (1) implementation of a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being comfortable) to first gauge patients' comfort in talking about SO, GI, and sexual health; (2) having the health-care provider explore the topic again over-time; (3) making sure the health-care provider is comfortable, as such comfort appears to enhance the patient's comfort ("I have a doctor here, a female doctor, who just matter of fact will ask if I get erections and so on because of the medication she's giving me);" and (4) eliminating euphemisms (one patient stated, "I don't know what you mean by 'sexual health'.").

CONCLUSION

Oncology health-care providers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to address SO, GI, and sexual health.

Intercepting Endometrial Cancer: Opportunities to Expand Access Using New Technology

Although endometrial cancer is often diagnosed at an early curable stage, the incidence and mortality from endometrial cancer is rising and minority women are particularly at risk. We hypothesize that delays in clinical presentation contribute to racial disparities in endometrial cancer mortality and treatment-related morbidity. Improved methods for endometrial cancer risk assessment and distinguishing abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding from physiologic variation are needed. Accordingly, we propose a multipronged strategy that combines innovative patient education with novel early detection strategies to reduce health impacts of endometrial cancer and its precursors, especially among Black women. Futuristic approaches using gamification, smartphone apps, artificial intelligence, and health promotion outside of the physical clinic hold promise in preventing endometrial cancer and reducing morbidity and mortality related to the disease, but they also raise a number of questions that will need to be addressed by future research.

Behavioral and psychological impact of returning breast density results to Latinas: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among Latinas. As more is learned about the association between mammographic breast density (MBD) and breast cancer risk, a number of U.S. states adopted legislation and now a federal law mandates written notification of MBD along with mammogram results. These notifications vary in content and readability, though, which may limit their effectiveness and create confusion or concern, especially among women with low health literacy or barriers to screening. The purpose of this study is to determine whether educational enhancement of MBD notification results in increased knowledge, decreased anxiety, and adherence to continued mammography screening among Latina women in a limited-resources setting.

Methods

Latinas LEarning About Density (LLEAD) is a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing the impact of three notification approaches on behavioral and psychological outcomes in Latina women. Approximately 2000 Latinas undergoing screening mammography in a safety-net community clinic will be randomized 1:1:1 to mailed notification (usual care); mailed notification plus written educational materials (enhanced); or mailed notification, written educational materials, plus verbal explanation by a promotora (interpersonal). The educational materials and verbal explanations are available in Spanish or English. Mechanisms through which written or verbal information influences future screening motivation and behavior will be examined, as well as moderating factors such as depression and worry about breast cancer, which have been linked to diagnostic delays among Latinas. The study includes multiple psychological measures (anxiety, depression, knowledge about MBD, perceived risk of breast cancer, worry, self-efficacy) and behavioral outcomes (continued adherence to mammography). Measurement time points include enrollment, 2–4 weeks post-randomization, and 1 and 2 years post-randomization. Qualitative inquiry related to process and outcomes of the interpersonal arm and cost analysis related to its implementation will be undertaken to understand the intervention’s delivery and transferability.

Discussion

Legislation mandating written MBD notification may have unintended consequences on behavioral and psychological outcomes, particularly among Latinas with limited health literacy and resources. This study has implications for cancer risk communication and will offer evidence on the potential of generalizable educational strategies for delivering information on breast density to Latinas in limited-resource settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02910986. Registered on 21 September 2016.

Items from the WHO Trial Registration Data Set can be found in this protocol.

Randomized comparison of a reduced-visit prenatal care model enhanced with remote monitoring

BACKGROUND

Standard prenatal care, consisting of 12-14 visits per pregnancy, is expensive and resource intensive, with limited evidence supporting the structure, rhythm, or components of care. Some studies suggest a reduced-frequency prenatal care model is as safe as the standard model of care for low-risk pregnant women, but evidence is limited. We developed and evaluated an innovative, technology-enhanced, reduced prenatal visit model (OB Nest).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of OB Nest, a reduced-frequency prenatal care model enhanced with remote home monitoring devices and nursing support.

STUDY DESIGN

A single-center randomized controlled trial, composed of pregnant women, aged 18-36 years, recruited from an outpatient obstetric tertiary academic center in the Midwest United States. OB Nest care consisted of 8 onsite appointments with an obstetric provider; 6 virtual visits consisting of phone or online communication with an assigned nurse, supplemented with fetal Doppler and sphygmomanometer home monitoring devices; and access to an online community of pregnant women. Usual care consisted of 12 prescheduled prenatal clinic appointments with obstetric providers. Acceptability of OB Nest was measured by validated surveys of patient satisfaction with care at 36 weeks; perception of stress at 14, 24, and 36 weeks; and perceived quality of care at 36 weeks of gestation. Effectiveness was analyzed by comparing adherence to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended routine prenatal and ancillary services, maternal and fetal safety outcomes, and healthcare utilization.

RESULTS

Three hundred pregnant women at <13 weeks of gestation were recruited and randomized to OB Nest or usual care (150 in each arm) using a minimization algorithm. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Compared to usual care, patients in OB Nest had higher satisfaction on a 100-point validated modified Littlefield and Adams Satisfaction scale (OB Nest = 93.9% vs usual care = 78.9%, P < .01). Pregnancy-related stress, measured, on a 0-2 point PreNatal Maternal Stress validated scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of stress, was lower among OB Nest participants at 14 weeks (OB Nest = 0.32 vs usual care = 0.41, P < .01) and at 36 weeks of gestation (OB Nest = 0.34 vs usual care = 0.40, P < .03). There was no statistical difference in perceived quality of care. Adherence to the provision of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists prenatal services was similar in both arms. Maternal and fetal clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Total reported nursing time was higher in OB Nest (OB Nest = 171.2 minutes vs usual care = 108.2 minutes, 95% confidence interval, 48.7-77.4).

CONCLUSION

OB Nest is an innovative, acceptable, and effective reduced-frequency prenatal care model. Compared to routine prenatal care, OB Nest resulted in higher patient satisfaction and lower prenatal stress, while reducing the number of appointments with clinicians and maintaining care standards for pregnant women. This program is a step toward evidence-driven prenatal care that improves patient satisfaction.

Querying Patients With Cancer About Sexual Health and Sexual and Gender Minority Status: A Qualitative Study of Health-Care Providers

BACKGROUND

Although national organizations advocate that health-care providers ask patients about sexual health and sexual and gender minority status-to learn, for example, about side effects of treatment and to understand patients' social support-these conversations often do not occur. This study explored health-care providers' reasons for having/not having these conversations.

METHODS

This single-institution study recruited health-care providers from medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, and gynecology. Face-to-face interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged: (1) patient-centric reasons for discussing/not discussing sexual health and sexual and gender minority status ("So I think just the holistic viewpoint is important"); (2) health-care provider-centric reasons for discussing/not discussing these issues ("That's going to take more time to talk about and to deal with…" or "I was raised orthodox, so this is not something we talk about…"; and (3) reasons that appeared to straddle both of the above themes (eg, acknowledgment of the sometimes taboo nature of these topics).

CONCLUSION

Although many health-care providers favor talking with patients with cancer about sexual health and sexual and gender minority status, limited time, personal reluctance, and the taboo nature of these topics appear at times to hamper the initiation of these conversations.

Teaching Health-Care Providers to Query Patients With Cancer About Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Status and Sexual Health

End of life is difficult for all patients but sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are prone to isolation and loneliness, especially if their SGM status is unknown or unaccepted. In oncology clinics, where goals of care discussions about end of life are integral and frequent, querying patients about their SGM status and sexual health is of particular importance. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recently released a position statement that called for greater focus on SGM populations with the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating disparities in cancer care within this group. An important first step in addressing such disparities is learning how best to train cancer health-care providers to ask patients about their SGM status and about sexual health in general. This article summarizes the mandate for understanding cancer issues in SGM populations and the dearth of cancer-related data within this group. This article also describes an ongoing 3-part study intended to build a mini curriculum with the goal of helping cancer health-care providers to ask patients with cancer about SGM status and to ask all patients with cancer about sexual health issues. The results of this ongoing study could potentially improve end-of-life care for subgroups of patients.

"Ultimately, mom has the call": Viewing clinical trial decision making among patients with ovarian cancer through the lens of relational autonomy

OBJECTIVE

This study employs the concept of relational autonomy to understand how relational encounters with family members (FMs) and care providers may shape decisions around ovarian cancer patients' clinical trial (CT) participation. The study also offers unique insights into how FMs view patients' decision making.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 patients with ovarian cancer who had been offered a CT and 39 FMs. Data were inductively analysed using a thematic approach and deductively informed by constructs derived from the theory of relational autonomy (RA).

RESULTS

Patients' relationships, experiences and social status were significant resources that shaped their decisions. Patients did not give equal weight to all relationships and created boundaries around whom to include in decision making. Doctors' recommendations and perceived enthusiasm were described as influential in CT decisions. Both patients with ovarian cancer and their FMs maintained that patients have the "final say," indicating an individualistic autonomy. However, maintaining the "final say" in the decision-making process is constitutive of patients' relationships, emphasizing a relational approach to autonomy. FMs support patients' autonomy and they do so particularly when they believe the patient is capable of making the right choices.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ethical principles underlying informed consent for CT participation emphasize individual autonomy, greater attention to relational autonomy is warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of CT decision making.

"Like No One Is Listening to Me": A Qualitative Study of Patient-Provider Discordance Between Global Assessments of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perspectives and experiences of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose assessments of their disease differ from those of their rheumatology care provider.

METHODS

A total of 20 adult RA patients with patient-provider discordance at their most recent rheumatology appointment (within 4 weeks) were recruited. Discordance was defined by an absolute difference of 25 or more between patient and provider global assessments on a visual analog scale (VAS) of disease activity. For descriptive purposes, participants completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire II, pain VAS, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 depression scale. Interviews were conducted in person and individually with each patient with a semistructured interview guide. Topics ranged widely, including participants' perspectives and experiences with living with RA, clinical disease assessments, patient-provider communication, and psychosocial or other needs. Data from the interviews were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

Six major themes emerged from the patient interviews describing patient-provider discordance and disease assessment: being misunderstood by others, limitations of provider assessments, discrepancy with provider findings, inadequate active listening on the part of health care providers, unmet psychosocial needs, and lack of patient empowerment.

CONCLUSION

Patients described discordance in terms of symptom assessment and understanding how RA affects everyday life. Typical clinical assessments did not capture their experience. The resulting conceptual framework should inform future interventional studies seeking to enhance concordance of patient-physician communication and to optimize satisfaction with care and health-related quality-of-life outcomes for patients with RA.

Mindfulness Meditation and Interprofessional Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

PROBLEM

Mindfulness training includes mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to improve both attention and self-awareness. Medical providers in the intensive care unit often deal with difficult situations with strong emotions, life-and-death decisions, and both interpersonal and interprofessional conflicts. The effect of mindfulness meditation training on healthcare providers during acute care tasks such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation remains unknown. Mindfulness meditation has the potential to improve provider well-being and reduce stress in individuals involved in resuscitation teams, which could then translate into better team communication and delivery of care under stress. A better understanding of this process could lead to more effective training approaches, improved team performance, and better patient outcomes.

INTERVENTION

All participants were instructed to use a mindfulness meditation device (Muse™ headband) at home for 7 min twice a day or 14 min daily over the 4-week training period. This device uses brainwave sensors to monitor active versus relaxing brain activity and provides real-time feedback.

CONTEXT

We conducted a single-group pretest-posttest convergent mixed-methods study. We enrolled 24 healthcare providers, comprising 4 interprofessional code teams, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists. Each team participated in a simulation session immediately before and after the mindfulness training period. Each session consisted of two simulated cardiopulmonary arrest scenarios. Both quantitative and qualitative outcomes were assessed.

OUTCOME

The median proportion of participants who used the device as prescribed was 85%. Emotional balance, as measured by the critical positivity ratio, improved significantly from pretraining to posttraining (p = .02). Qualitative findings showed that mindfulness meditation changed how participants responded to work-related stress, including stress in real-code situations. Participants described the value of time for self-guided practice with feedback from the device, which then helped them develop individual approaches to meditation not reliant on the technology. Time measures during the simulated scenarios improved, specifically, time to epinephrine in Scenario 1 (p = .03) and time to defibrillation in Scenario 2 (p = .02), improved. In addition, team performance, such as teamwork (p = .04), task management (p = .01), and overall performance (p = .04), improved significantly after mindfulness meditation training. Physiologic stress (skin conductance) improved but did not reach statistical significance (p = .11).

LESSONS LEARNED

Mindfulness meditation practice may improve individual well-being and team function in high-stress clinical environments. Our results may represent a foundation to design larger confirmatory studies.