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D'souza B, Glover A, Bavor C, Brown B, Dodd RH, Lee JC, Millar J, Miller JA, Zalcberg JR, Serpell J, Ioannou LJ, Nickel B. The impact of delayed diagnosis and treatment due to COVID-19 on Australian thyroid cancer patients: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e069236. [PMID: 38626980 PMCID: PMC11029499 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aims to investigate the perceptions of patients with thyroid cancer on the potential impact of diagnosis and treatment delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN This study involved qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, analysed using the thematic framework analysis method and reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. SETTING Participants in the study were treated and/or managed at hospital sites across New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 17 patients with thyroid cancer were interviewed and included in the analysis (14 females and 3 males). RESULTS The delays experienced by patients ranged from <3 months to >12 months. The patients reported about delays to diagnostic tests, delays to surgery and radioactive iodine treatment, perceived disease progression and, for some, the financial burden of choosing to go through private treatment to minimise the delay. Most patients also reported not wanting to experience delays any longer than they did, due to unease and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights an increased psychological burden in patients with thyroid cancer who experienced delayed diagnosis and/or treatment during COVID-19. The impacts experienced by patients during this time may be similar in the case of other unexpected delays and highlight the need for regular clinical review during delays to diagnosis or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka D'souza
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Glover
- The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Bavor
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachael H Dodd
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, Kings Cross, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James C Lee
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University Endocrine Unit, The Alfred Hospital & Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy Millar
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Radiation Oncology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie A Miller
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Epworth Hospital Network, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John R Zalcberg
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Serpell
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Surgery, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liane J Ioannou
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Khan NN, Evans SM, Ioannou LJ, Pilgrim CHC, Blanchard M, Daveson B, Philip J, Zalcberg JR, Te Marvelde L. Characteristics of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who access palliative care: An observational study. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03425-x. [PMID: 37133625 PMCID: PMC10393853 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the benefits of palliative care (PC) in pancreatic cancer, little is known about patients who access PC. This observational study examines the characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer at their first episode of PC. METHODS First-time, specialist PC episodes captured through the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC), in Victoria, Australia between 2014 and 2020, for pancreatic cancer, were identified. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the impact of patient- and service-level characteristics on symptom burden (measured through patient-reported outcome measures and clinician-rated scores) at first PC episode. RESULTS Of 2890 eligible episodes, 45% began when the patient was deteriorating and 32% ended in death. High fatigue and appetite-related distress were most common. Generally, increasing age, higher performance status and more recent year of diagnosis predicted lower symptom burden. No significant differences were noted between symptom burden of regional/remote versus major city dwellers; however, only 11% of episodes recorded the patient as a regional/remote resident. A greater proportion of first episodes for non-English-speaking patients began when the patient was unstable, deteriorating or terminal, ended in death and were more likely to be associated with high family/carer problems. Community PC setting predicted high symptom burden, with the exception of pain. CONCLUSION A large proportion of first-time specialist PC episodes in pancreatic cancer begin at a deteriorating phase and end in death, suggesting late access to PC. Timely referrals to community-based specialist PC, access in regional/remote areas, as well as development of culturally diverse support systems require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Khan
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sue M Evans
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Liane J Ioannou
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Charles H C Pilgrim
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Megan Blanchard
- Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Barbara Daveson
- Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - John R Zalcberg
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Luc Te Marvelde
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
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Khan NN, Basrai H, Evans SM, Ioannou LJ, Pilgrim CHC, Zalcberg JR, Jones GM, Hanson S. Landscape of clinical trials across the pancreatic cancer care continuum: an Australian perspective. Med J Aust 2022; 217:505-509. [PMID: 36309955 PMCID: PMC9828406 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Khan
- Cancer Research ProgramMonash UniversityMelbourneVIC
| | | | - Sue M Evans
- Cancer Research ProgramMonash UniversityMelbourneVIC
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Maharaj AD, Lubel J, Lam E, Clark PJ, Duncan O, George J, Jeffrey GP, Lipton L, Liu H, McCaughan G, Neo E, Philip J, Strasser SI, Stuart K, Thompson A, Tibballs J, Tu T, Wallace MC, Wigg A, Wood M, Zekry A, Greenhill E, Ioannou LJ, Ahlenstiel G, Bowers K, Clarke SJ, Dev A, Fink M, Goodwin M, Karapetis CS, Levy MT, Muller K, O'Beirne J, Pryor D, Seow J, Shackel N, Tallis C, Butler N, Olynyk JK, Reed‐Cox K, Zalcberg JR, Roberts SK. Monitoring quality of care in hepatocellular carcinoma: A modified Delphi consensus. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3260-3271. [PMID: 36153817 PMCID: PMC9592757 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are several established international guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is limited information detailing specific indicators of good quality care. The aim of this study was to develop a core set of quality indicators (QIs) to underpin the management of HCC. We undertook a modified, two-round, Delphi consensus study comprising a working group and experts involved in the management of HCC as well as consumer representatives. QIs were derived from an extensive review of the literature. The role of the participants was to identify the most important and measurable QIs for inclusion in an HCC clinical quality registry. From an initial 94 QIs, 40 were proposed to the participants. Of these, 23 QIs ultimately met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final set. This included (a) nine related to the initial diagnosis and staging, including timing to diagnosis, required baseline clinical and laboratory assessments, prior surveillance for HCC, diagnostic imaging and pathology, tumor staging, and multidisciplinary care; (b) thirteen related to treatment and management, including role of antiviral therapy, timing to treatment, localized ablation and locoregional therapy, surgery, transplantation, systemic therapy, method of response assessment, and supportive care; and (c) one outcome assessment related to surgical mortality. Conclusion: We identified a core set of nationally agreed measurable QIs for the diagnosis, staging, and management of HCC. The adherence to these best practice QIs may lead to system-level improvement in quality of care and, ultimately, improvement in patient outcomes, including survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashika D. Maharaj
- Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - John Lubel
- Alfred Health and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Eileen Lam
- Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | | | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | | | - Lara Lipton
- Royal Melbourne HospitalWestern HealthParkvilleAustralia
| | - Howard Liu
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaAustralia
| | - Geoffrey McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Centenary Institute for Medical ResearchNewtownAustralia
| | | | - Jennifer Philip
- St. Vincent's Hospital and University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Simone I. Strasser
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of SydneyCamperdownAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Tu
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases and Storr Liver CentreWestmead Hospital, and University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Michael C. Wallace
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Medical SchoolUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders UniversityAdelaideAustralia
| | - Marnie Wood
- Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalHerstonAustralia
| | - Amany Zekry
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical CampusSt. George HospitalSydneyAustralia
| | - Elysia Greenhill
- Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Liane J. Ioannou
- Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Golo Ahlenstiel
- Blacktown Clinical School and HospitalWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithAustralia
| | - Kaye Bowers
- Alfred Health and Department of SurgeryMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stephen J. Clarke
- Royal North Shore Hospital and University of SydneySt LeonardsAustralia
| | | | - Michael Fink
- Austin Hospital and University of MelbourneHeidelbergAustralia
| | | | | | - Miriam T. Levy
- Department of GastroenterologyLiverpool Hospital, University of New South WalesLiverpoolAustralia
| | - Kate Muller
- Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders UniversityAdelaideAustralia
| | | | - David Pryor
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Nick Butler
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and University of QueenslandWoolloongabbaAustralia
| | - John K. Olynyk
- Fiona Stanley Hospital and Edith Cowan UniversityMurdochAustralia
| | | | - John R. Zalcberg
- Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stuart K. Roberts
- Alfred Health, Gastroenterology Department, and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Ioannou LJ, Maharaj AD, Zalcberg JR, Loughnan JT, Croagh DG, Pilgrim CH, Goldstein D, Kench JG, Merrett ND, Earnest A, Burmeister EA, White K, Neale RE, Evans SM. Prognostic models to predict survival in patients with pancreatic cancer: a systematic review. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:1201-1216. [PMID: 35289282 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has poor survival. Current treatments offer little likelihood of cure or long-term survival. This systematic review evaluates prognostic models predicting overall survival in patients diagnosed with PDAC. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of eight electronic databases from their date of inception through to December 2019. Studies that published models predicting survival in patients with PDAC were identified. RESULTS 3297 studies were identified; 187 full-text articles were retrieved and 54 studies of 49 unique prognostic models were included. Of these, 28 (57.1%) were conducted in patients with advanced disease, 17 (34.7%) with resectable disease, and four (8.2%) in all patients. 34 (69.4%) models were validated, and 35 (71.4%) reported model discrimination, with only five models reporting values >0.70 in both derivation and validation cohorts. Many (n = 27) had a moderate to high risk of bias and most (n = 33) were developed using retrospective data. No variables were unanimously found to be predictive of survival when included in more than one study. CONCLUSION Most prognostic models were developed using retrospective data and performed poorly. Future research should validate instruments performing well locally in international cohorts and investigate other potential predictors of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane J Ioannou
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ashika D Maharaj
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - John R Zalcberg
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jesse T Loughnan
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel G Croagh
- Department of Surgery, Monash Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles H Pilgrim
- Department of Surgery, Alfred Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, NSW, Australia
| | - James G Kench
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil D Merrett
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | - Arul Earnest
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kate White
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel E Neale
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sue M Evans
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Ioannou LJ, Zalcberg JR, Croagh D. National clinical quality registry for pancreatic cancer - the time is nigh. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:1963. [PMID: 35950672 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liane J Ioannou
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | - John R Zalcberg
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Croagh
- Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
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7
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Maharaj AD, Evans SM, Ioannou LJ, Croagh D, Earnest A, Holland JF, Pilgrim CHC, Neale RE, Goldstein D, Kench JG, Merrett ND, White K, Burmeister EA, Evans PM, Hayes TM, Houli N, Knowles B, Leong T, Nikfarjam M, Philip J, Quinn M, Shapiro J, Smith MD, Spillane JB, Wong R, Zalcberg JR. The association between quality care and outcomes for a real-world population of Australian patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:950-962. [PMID: 34852933 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study: (i) assessed compliance with a consensus set of quality indicators (QIs) in pancreatic cancer (PC); and (ii) evaluated the association between compliance with these QIs and survival. METHODS Four years of data were collected for patients diagnosed with PC. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A multivariable analysis tested the relationship between significant patient and hospital characteristics, patient cluster effects within hospitals and survival. RESULTS 1061 patients were eligible for this study. Significant association with improved survival were: (i) in the potentially resectable group having adjuvant chemotherapy administered following surgery or a reason documented (HR, 0.29; 95 CI, 0.19-0.46); (ii) in the locally advanced group included having chemotherapy ± chemoradiation, or a reason documented for not undergoing treatment (HR, 0.38; 95 CI, 0.25-0.58); and (iii) in the metastatic disease group included having documented performance status at presentation (HR, 0.65; 95 CI, 0.47-0.89), being seen by an oncologist in the absence of treatment (HR, 0.48; 95 CI, 0.31-0.77), and disease management discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting (HR, 0.79; 95 CI, 0.64-0.96). CONCLUSION Capture of a concise data set has enabled quality of care to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashika D Maharaj
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue M Evans
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liane J Ioannou
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Arul Earnest
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer F Holland
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Rachel E Neale
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James G Kench
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neil D Merrett
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate White
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Trevor Leong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Maddy Quinn
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Rachel Wong
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - John R Zalcberg
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Health, Victoria, Australia.
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8
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Maharaj AD, Evans SM, Zalcberg JR, Ioannou LJ, Graco M, Croagh D, Pilgrim CHC, Dodson T, Goldstein D, Philip J, Kench JG, Merrett ND, Neale RE, White K, Evans P, Leong T, Green SE. Barriers and enablers to the implementation of multidisciplinary team meetings: a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework. BMJ Qual Saf 2020; 30:792-803. [PMID: 33247002 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-011793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundEvidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend discussion by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to review and plan the management of patients for a variety of cancers. However, not all patients diagnosed with cancer are presented at an MDT.Objectives(1) To identify the factors (barriers and enablers) influencing presentation of all patients to, and the perceived value of, MDT meetings in the management of patients with pancreatic cancer and; (2) to identify potential interventions that could overcome modifiable barriers and enhance enablers using the theoretical domains framework (TDF).MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with radiologists, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, palliative care specialists and nurse specialists based in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted either in person or via videoconferencing. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, deidentified and data were thematically coded according to the 12 domains explored within the TDF. Common belief statements were generated to compare the variation between participant responses.ResultsIn total, 29 specialists were interviewed over a 4-month period. Twenty-two themes and 40 belief statements relevant to all the TDF domains were generated. Key enablers influencing MDT practices included a strong organisational focus (social/professional role and identity), beliefs about the benefits of an MDT discussion (beliefs about consequences), the use of technology, for example, videoconferencing (environmental context and resources), the motivation to provide good quality care (motivation and goals) and collegiality (social influences). Barriers included: absence of palliative care representation (skills), the number of MDT meetings (environmental context and resources), the cumulative cost of staff time (beliefs about consequences), the lack of capacity to discuss all patients within the allotted time (beliefs about capabilities) and reduced confidence to participate in discussions (social influences).ConclusionsThe internal and external organisational structures surrounding MDT meetings ideally need to be strengthened with the development of agreed evidence-based protocols and referral pathways, a focus on resource allocation and capabilities, and a culture that fosters widespread collaboration for all stages of pancreatic cancer.
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Valente GM, Amor DJ, Ioannou LJ, Archibald AD. Factors influencing medical practitioner participation in population carrier screening for cystic fibrosis. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 61:232-238. [PMID: 33135161 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening should be offered to people planning a pregnancy or in early pregnancy, according to current recommendations. However, research indicates rates of offering CF carrier screening are low. Health professionals (HPs) play an important role in offering population carrier screening. AIMS To determine the opinions, knowledge and practice patterns of HPs with regard to the routine offering of population carrier screening for CF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five key informant interviews informed the development of an online questionnaire which was distributed to a select group of HPs involved in prenatal care in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS Of the participants who completed the questionnaire (n = 87), 35.6% reported offering CF carrier screening to all patients attending for preconception or early pregnancy consultations. High referrers of CF carrier screening were more likely to be female, work in the private sector, in metropolitan areas and specialise as an obstetrician. High referrers demonstrated a greater level of knowledge of CF and carrier screening than low referrers (t = -3.779, P < 0.001). Low referrers perceived more barriers to offering carrier screening than high referrers (t = 2.125, P = 0.037). Low referrers were more likely to perceive lack of community awareness and HP knowledge as a barrier to offering CF carrier screening, compared to high referrers, who were more likely to perceive time constraints as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS To promote routine offering of population CF carrier screening, resources are needed to improve knowledge and provide clinical support thereby reducing perceived barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M Valente
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Genetics Service, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liane J Ioannou
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison D Archibald
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Maharaj AD, Holland JF, Scarborough RO, Evans SM, Ioannou LJ, Brown W, Croagh DG, Pilgrim CHC, Kench JG, Lipton LR, Leong T, McNeil JJ, Nikfarjam M, Aly A, Burton PR, Cashin PA, Chu J, Duong CP, Evans P, Goldstein D, Haydon A, Hii MW, Knowles BPF, Merrett ND, Michael M, Neale RE, Philip J, Porter IWT, Smith M, Spillane J, Tagkalidis PP, Zalcberg JR. The Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry (UGICR): a clinical quality registry to monitor and improve care in upper gastrointestinal cancers. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031434. [PMID: 31575580 PMCID: PMC6773358 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry (UGICR) was developed to monitor and improve the quality of care provided to patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers in Australia. PARTICIPANTS It supports four cancer modules: pancreatic, oesophagogastric, biliary and primary liver cancer. The pancreatic cancer (PC) module was the first module to be implemented, with others being established in a staged approach. Individuals are recruited to the registry if they are aged 18 years or older, have received care for their cancer at a participating public/private hospital or private clinic in Australia and do not opt out of participation. FINDINGS TO DATE The UGICR is governed by a multidisciplinary steering committee that provides clinical governance and oversees clinical working parties. The role of the working parties is to develop quality indicators based on best practice for each registry module, develop the minimum datasets and provide guidance in analysing and reporting of results. Data are captured from existing data sources (population-based cancer incidence registries, pathology databases and hospital-coded data) and manually from clinical records. Data collectors directly enter information into a secure web-based Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) data collection platform. The PC module began with a pilot phase, and subsequently, we used a formal modified Delphi consensus process to establish a core set of quality indicators for PC. The second module developed was the oesophagogastric cancer (OGC) module. Results of the 1 year pilot phases for PC and OGC modules are included in this cohort profile. FUTURE PLANS The UGICR will provide regular reports of risk-adjusted, benchmarked performance on a range of quality indicators that will highlight variations in care and clinical outcomes at a health service level. The registry has also been developed with the view to collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which will further add to our understanding of the care of patients with these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashika D Maharaj
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer F Holland
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ri O Scarborough
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue M Evans
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liane J Ioannou
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wendy Brown
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - James G Kench
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Trevor Leong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John J McNeil
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ahmad Aly
- Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul R Burton
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julie Chu
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cuong P Duong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Evans
- Peninsula Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Michael W Hii
- St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Neil D Merrett
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Michael
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Marty Smith
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Spillane
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - John R Zalcberg
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ioannou LJ, Serpell J, Dean J, Bendinelli C, Gough J, Lisewski D, Miller JA, Meyer-Rochow W, Sidhu S, Topliss D, Walters D, Zalcberg J, Ahern S. Development of a binational thyroid cancer clinical quality registry: a protocol paper. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023723. [PMID: 30782713 PMCID: PMC6352782 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The occurrence of thyroid cancer is increasing throughout the developed world and since the 1990s has become the fastest increasing malignancy. In 2014, a total of 2693 Australians and 302 New Zealanders were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, with this number projected to rise to 3650 in 2018. The purpose of this protocol is to establish a binational population-based clinical quality registry with the aim of monitoring and improving the quality of care provided to patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Australian and New Zealand Thyroid Cancer Registry (ANZTCR) aims to capture clinical data for all patients over the age of 16 years with thyroid cancer, confirmed by histopathology report, who have been diagnosed, assessed or treated at a contributing hospital. A multidisciplinary steering committee was formed which, with operational support from Monash University, established the ANZTCR in early 2017. The pilot phase of the registry is currently operating in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, with over 20 sites expected to come on board across Australia in 2018. A modified Delphi process was undertaken to determine the clinical quality indicators to be reported by the registry, and a minimum data set was developed comprising information regarding thyroid cancer diagnosis, pathology, surgery and 90-day follow-up. FUTURE PLANS The establishment of the ANZTCR provides the opportunity for Australia and New Zealand to further understand current practice in the treatment of thyroid cancer and identify variation in outcomes. The engagement of endocrine surgeons in supporting this initiative is crucial. While the pilot registry has a focus on early clinical outcomes, it is anticipated that future collection of longer term outcome data particularly for patients with poor prognostic disease will add significant further value to the registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane J Ioannou
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Serpell
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Dean
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cino Bendinelli
- Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenny Gough
- Breast and Endocrine Surgery, The Wesley Hospital, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dean Lisewski
- Department of General Surgery, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julie A Miller
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Stan Sidhu
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Duncan Topliss
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Walters
- Breast and Endocrine Surgical Unit, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Zalcberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susannah Ahern
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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