A pilot study to determine the incidence, type, and severity of non-routine events in neonates undergoing gastrostomy tube placement

BACKGROUND

Non-routine events (NRE) are defined as any suboptimal occurrences in a process being measured in the opinion of the reporter and comes from the field of human factors engineering. These typically occur well up-stream of an adverse event and NRE measurement has not been applied to the complex context of neonatal surgery. We sought to apply this novel safety event measurement methodology to neonates in the NICU undergoing gastrostomy tube placement.

METHODS

A prospective pilot study was conducted between November 2016 and August 2020 in the Level IV NICU and the pediatric operating rooms of an urban academic children's hospital to determine the incidence, severity, impact, and contributory factors of clinician-reported non-routine events (NREs, i.e., deviations from optimal care) and 30-day NSQIP occurrences in neonates receiving a G-tube.

RESULTS

Clinicians reported at least one NRE in 32 of 36 (89%) G-tube cases, averaging 3.0 (Standard deviation: 2.5) NRE reports per case. NSQIP-P review identified 7 cases (19%) with NSQIP-P occurrences and each of these cases had multiple reported NREs. One case in which NREs were not reported was without NSQIP-P occurrences. The odds ratio of having a NSQIP-P occurrence with the presence of an NRE was 0.695 (95% CI 0.06-17.04).

CONCLUSION

Despite being considered a "simple" operation, >80% of neonatal G-tube placement operations had at least one reported NRE by an operative team member. In this pilot study, NRE occurrence was not significantly associated with the subsequent reporting of an NSQIP-P occurrence. Understanding contributory factors of NREs that occur in neonatal surgery may promote surgical safety efforts and should be evaluated in larger and more diverse populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Outcomes of patients with bilateral retinoblastoma: A report from the RIVERBOAT Consortium

10045

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common tumor of the eye in childhood. Intraocular RB cure rates approach 100%. Therefore, treatment advances have focused on globe salvage preserving functional vision. The Research Into Visual Endpoints and RB Health Outcomes After Treatment (RIVERBOAT) consortium was established to examine patient health outcomes, including vision, in the contemporary therapy era. Methods: Patients with RB treated at consortium centers from 2007 to the present were identified. Medical record abstraction was performed for disease presentation, treatment, and outcomes. A subset of the patients returned to centers and completed functional vision questionnaires (Child Vision Function Questionnaire for ages 0 – 7 and Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children for ages >8) and had visual acuity assessed. For participants who could not yet return for a study evaluation, medical record abstraction alone was performed. Results: Among 463 participants enrolled to date, 193 (42%) had bilateral disease. Two each had metastatic RB, trilateral RB, and secondary osteosarcoma. One patient each with metastatic RB and trilateral RB is deceased, with overall survival for the cohort of 99%. The eye group distribution (International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification) was 14% A, 22% B, 14% C, 28% D, 19% E and 3% not classified. Primary enucleation was performed in 43 (22%), secondary enucleation in 48 (25%) and bilateral enucleation in 1(0.5%). Intravenous chemotherapy (IV) alone was administered in 58%, intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) alone in 4%, with 31% receiving both. Among 145 patients who did not require secondary or bilateral enucleation, the distribution was 16% A, 21% B, 16% C, 28% D, 15% E, and 4% non-classified eyes. This salvage was achieved with IV alone, IAC alone, or both in 55%, 5% and 30% respectively and with ophthalmic therapy only in 10%. The mean percentage of patients receiving IAC per year increased from 6% in 2008 – 2013 to 11% in 2014 – 2022 and was stable at 11% in 2018 – 2022. Among 53 patients who have reported functional vision to date, the mean scores were 0.81 for < 3 years 0.80 for 3-7 years and -1.31 for those >8 years, all considered to be good functional vision. Among 50 eyes in 37 of these 53 patients, 33 had normal vision (20/20-20/40) across A to E groups. Moderate vision loss (> 20/40 – 20/70) was noted in 1 C and 1 B eye and low vision (> 20/70 - < 20/200) in 6 group B, C or D eyes. Nine B or D eyes were legally blind (>20/200). No patients had two legally blind eyes. Conclusions: In this cohort of RB patients with bilateral disease treated between 2007 and 2022, 52% have been successfully treated without enucleation. Self-reported functional vision in 53 of these patients with all group eyes was good. Only 6 of 50 eyes in 37 patients met criteria for legal blindness and 66% of eyes had normal vision. With cohort accrual ongoing, we will determine if these promising outcomes continue.

Incorporating mediation-based interventions at an academic cancer center: A six-step process

e18662

Background: A growing body of evidence, including NCCN guidelines for distress management in oncology, supports the use of meditation-based interventions (MBI) in cancer care. However, MBI are generally delivered outside of the cancer treatment setting, with no integration between meditation instructors and the oncology care team. Further, there have been no studies to evaluate implementation of this evidence-based practice into routine cancer care. We report on the implementation process for establishing an integrated MBI program at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Methods: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we developed a discrete MBI program as a strategy to implement MBI in our cancer center. Program components included 1) identifying champions and key stakeholders; 2) engaging with patient navigators and patient advocates; 3) partnering with cancer center leadership to gain infrastructure support; 4) establishing a meditation-focused program to increase acceptability amongst providers and patients; 5) launching an IRB-approved study to measure study outcomes; 6) leveraging social media, patient newsletters, and other institutional communication modes to increase awareness. We used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to define the outcome measures including reach (number of patients who attended an MBI session), adoption (number of providers who referred patients to MBI and number of patients who attended > 1 MBI session), and implementation (feasibility and acceptability). Results: An MBI program has been successfully established within an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer and has received enthusiastic support from oncology providers, research nurses, as well as patient advocate groups. The intervention is delivered three times a week in 30 min sessions via videoconferencing. At the end of each session patients are encouraged to complete a short online survey about their experience. The first class has been established and enrolment is ongoing. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of psychosocial distress in a rapidly expanding global cancer population, implementation of strategies to integrate psychosocial interventions, such as meditation, into routine care is critical. Well-defined MBI programs such as this can overcome the misperception that MBIs are difficult to implement in cancer centers and support the successful implementation of MBIs within cancer programs. Adoption of this evidence-based strategy can positively impact patient psychological resilience.

Outcomes of patients with unilateral retinoblastoma: A report from the RIVERBOAT Consortium

10046

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common tumor of the eye in childhood. Intraocular RB cure rates approach 100%. Therefore, treatment now focuses on globe salvage preserving functional vision. The Research Into Visual Endpoints and RB Health Outcomes After Treatment (RIVERBOAT) consortium was established to examine patient health outcomes, including vision, in the contemporary therapy era. Methods: Patients with RB treated at consortium centers from 2007 to present were identified. Medical record abstraction was performed for disease presentation, treatment, and outcomes. A subset of the patients returned to centers and completed functional vision questionnaires (Child Vision Function Questionnaire - ages 0 – 7 and Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children - ages > 8) and had visual acuity assessed. For participants who could not yet return for a study evaluation, medical record abstraction alone was performed. Results: Among 463 participants enrolled to date, 270 (58%) had unilateral disease. One patient with metastatic RB did not survive, resulting in overall survival of 99.6. There was one case of secondary leukemia. The eye group distribution (International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification) was 0.4% A, 5.6% B, 7.0% C, 36.0% D, 49.0% E and 2.0% not classified. 131 (49%) patients underwent primary enucleation and are not included in further analyses. Among the remaining 139 patients, 3% were treated with local ophthalmic therapy only, 22% with intravenous chemotherapy (IV) only, 53% with intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) only, 22% with IV and IAC, and 35% required secondary enucleation. Globe salvage after chemotherapy was successful in 100% A, 93% B, 82% C, 72% D, and 48% E eyes. This salvage was achieved with IV only, IAC only, or both in 22%, 58% and 20% respectively. The mean percentage of patients receiving IAC per year increased from 13% (2008 – 2013) to 21% (2014 – 2017) to 28% (2018 – 2022). In 29 patients without enucleation who reported functional vision to date, the mean scores (survey theoretical ranges) were 0.72 for < 3 years (0.57 to 0.87), 0.82 for 3 -7 years (0.56 to 0.94) and -2.72 for > 8 years (-2.53 to -0.51), all considered good functional vision. In 20 of these 29 patients, 4 eyes had normal vision (20/20-20/40) across A to D groups. Moderate vision loss (> 20/40 – 20/70) was noted in 3 D eyes and low vision (> 20/70 - < 20/200) in 1 D eye. Twelve B through E eyes met criteria for a legally blind eye (>20/200). Conclusions: In this cohort of RB patients with unilateral disease treated from 2007 - 2022, 66% required primary or secondary enucleation. Among 29 patients with globe salvage, self-reported functional vision was good, but 12 eyes in 20 of the patients were legally blind. IAC only or IV plus IAC was most used in those who avoided secondary enucleation. With ongoing cohort accrual and increased IAC use, it will remain to be determined if globe salvage with functional vision will improve.

Defining the Epidemiology of Safety Risks in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients Requiring Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, type, severity, preventability, and contributing factors of nonroutine events (NREs)-events perceived by care providers or skilled observers as a deviations from optimal care based on the clinical situation-in the perioperative (i.e., preoperative, operative, and postoperative) care of surgical neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit and operating room.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of noncardiac surgical neonates, who received preoperative and postoperative neonatal intensive care unit care, was conducted at an urban academic children's hospital between November 1, 2016, and March 31, 2018. One hundred twenty-nine surgical cases in 109 neonates were observed. The incidence and description of NREs were collected via structured researcher-administered survey tool of involved clinicians. Primary measurements included clinicians' ratings of NRE severity and contributory factors and trained research assistants' ratings of preventability.

RESULTS

One or more NREs were reported in 101 (78%) of 129 observed cases for 247 total NREs. Clinicians reported 2 (2) (median, interquartile range) NREs per NRE case with a maximum severity of 3 (1) (possible range = 1-5). Trained research assistants rated 47% of NREs as preventable and 11% as severe and preventable. The relative risks for National Surgical Quality Improvement Program - pediatric major morbidity and 30-day mortality were 1.17 (95% confidence interval = 0.92-1.48) and 1.04 (95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.08) in NRE cases versus non-NRE cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of NREs in neonatal perioperative care at an academic children's hospital was high and of variable severity with a myriad of contributory factors.

Enhancing Cancer care of rural dwellers through telehealth and engagement (ENCORE): protocol to evaluate effectiveness of a multi-level telehealth-based intervention to improve rural cancer care delivery

BACKGROUND

Despite lower cancer incidence rates, cancer mortality is higher among rural compared to urban dwellers. Patient, provider, and institutional level factors contribute to these disparities. The overarching objective of this study is to leverage the multidisciplinary, multispecialty oncology team from an academic cancer center in order to provide comprehensive cancer care at both the patient and provider levels in rural healthcare centers. Our specific aims are to: 1) evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a multi-level telehealth-based intervention consisting of provider access to molecular tumor board expertise along with patient access to a supportive care intervention to improve cancer care delivery; and 2) identify the facilitators and barriers to future larger scale dissemination and implementation of the multi-level intervention.

METHODS

Coordinated by a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, this study will include providers and patients across several clinics in two large healthcare systems serving rural communities. Using a telehealth-based molecular tumor board, sequencing results are reviewed, predictive and prognostic markers are discussed, and treatment plans are formulated between expert oncologists and rural providers. Simultaneously, the rural patients will be randomized to receive an evidence-based 6-week self-management supportive care program, Cancer Thriving and Surviving, versus an education attention control. Primary outcomes will be provider uptake of the molecular tumor board recommendation and patient treatment adherence. A mixed methods approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research that combines qualitative key informant interviews and quantitative surveys will be collected from both the patient and provider in order to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing the multi-level intervention.

DISCUSSION

The proposed study will leverage information technology-enabled, team-based care delivery models in order to deliver comprehensive, coordinated, and high-quality cancer care to rural and/or underserved populations. Simultaneous attention to institutional, provider, and patient level barriers to quality care will afford the opportunity for us to broadly share oncology expertise and develop dissemination and implementation strategies that will enhance the cancer care delivered to patients residing within underserved rural communities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT04758338 . Registered 17 February 2021 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.

A Time and Motion Analysis of Nursing Workload and Electronic Health Record Use in the Emergency Department

INTRODUCTION

The use of an electronic health record may create unanticipated consequences for emergency care delivery. We sought to describe emergency department nursing task distribution and the use of the electronic health record.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of nurses in the emergency department using a time-and-motion methodology. Three trained research assistants conducted 1:1 observations between March and September 2019. Nurse tasks were classified into 6 established categories: electronic health record, direct/indirect patient care, communication, personal time, and other. Nurses' perceived workload was assessed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index.

RESULTS

Twenty-three observations were conducted over 46 hours. Overall, nurses spent 27% of their time on electronic health record tasks, 25% on direct patient care, 17% on personal time, 15% on indirect patient care, and 6% on communication. During morning (7 am-12 pm) and afternoon shifts (12 pm-3 pm), the use of the health record was the most commonly performed task, whereas indirect patient care was the task most performed during evening shifts (3 pm-12 pm). Using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index, nurses reported an increase in mental demand and effort during afternoon shifts compared with morning shifts.

DISCUSSION

We observed that emergency nurses spent more time using the electronic health record as compared to other tasks. Increased usability of the electronic health record, particularly during high occupancy periods, may be a target for improvement.

Caregiver and patient distress in young adults with new cancer diagnoses

e24165

Background: A cancer diagnosis is stressful for both patients and caregivers, and there may be interdependence of mental health. Integration of caregivers into support for AYAO patients may improve outcomes. Methods: We enrolled dyads of AYAO patients (age 15-39) and their caregivers within the first month of treatment. Eligible patients were treated with curative intent or expected remission of at least 5 years. We assessed participants at baseline using validated self-reported survey methods, including the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST), Impacts of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), Adult Self-Report (ASR), NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List, and FACT-G and FACT-GP instruments. Results: We enrolled 13 dyads with patient age range 22 to 39 (median 29) years with 60% male patients and 30% male caregivers. Median scores for the NCCN Distress Thermometer were 5.0 for patients (sd 2.9) and caregivers (sd 2.4), with a score of 3 consistent with significant distress. On the Problem List, greater than half of both patients and caregivers reported “yes” to problems with “insurance/financial,” “work/school,” “treatment decisions,” “fears,” “sadness,” “worry,” and “fatigue,” and independently with “family health issues” and “work/school,” respectively. Median patient FACT-G summary score was 78, with median sub-scale scores (27.5 social, 19.5 functional, 17.5 emotional, 15.5 physical). Likewise, median caregiver FACT-GP score was 58 with sub-scale scores (20 physical, 20 functional, 15 social, 10 emotional), with higher scores indicating better quality of life. COST median scores were 12 for patients (sd 9) and caregivers (sd 7), where max score 44 indicates least financial toxicity. IES-R median patient and caregiver scores were 16 (sd 16) and 46 (sd 26), respectively, with scores >24 concerning for PTSS. In contrast, median patient and caregiver ASR depression and anxiety sub-scales were not in the range for concern. Conclusions: Diagnosis is a critical moment of distress for caregivers and patients alike. Effective interventions are needed to alleviate acute suffering and to improve short-term psychological and financial wellbeing for both caregivers and patients. Such outcomes may translate to longer-term benefit. As we continue to accrue dyads, we will follow them over 6 months to assess changes in distress pattern over time and identify the critical time periods for intervention.

Modeling Care Team Structures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through Network Analysis of EHR Audit Logs

BACKGROUND

 In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), predefined acuity-based team care models are restricted to core roles and neglect interactions with providers outside of the team, such as interactions that transpire via electronic health record (EHR) systems. These unaccounted interactions may be related to the efficiency of resource allocation, information flow, communication, and thus impact patient outcomes. This study applied network analysis methods to EHR audit logs to model the interactions of providers beyond their core roles to better understand the interaction network patterns of acuity-based teams and relationships of the network structures with postsurgical length of stay (PSLOS).

METHODS

 The study used the EHR log data of surgical neonates from a large academic medical center. The study included 104 surgical neonates, for whom 9,206 unique actions were performed by 457 providers in their EHRs. We applied network analysis methods to model EHR provider interaction networks of acuity-based teams in NICU postoperative care. We partitioned each EHR network into three subnetworks based on interaction types: (1) interactions between known core providers who were documented in scheduling records (core subnetwork); (2) interactions between core and noncore providers (extended subnetwork); and (3) interactions between noncore providers (extended subnetwork). For each core subnetwork, we assessed its capability to replicate predefined core-provider relations as documented in scheduling records. We further compared each EHR network, as well as its subnetworks, using standard network measures to determine its differences in network topologies. We conducted a case study to learn provider interaction networks taking care of 15 neonates who underwent gastrostomy tube placement surgery from EHR log data and measure the effectiveness of the interaction networks on PSLOS by the proportional-odds model.

RESULTS

 The provider networks of four acuity-based teams (two high and two low acuity), along with their subnetworks, were discovered. We found that beyond capturing the predefined core-provider relations, EHR audit logs can also learn a large number of relations between core and noncore providers or among noncore providers. Providers in the core subnetwork exhibited a greater number of connections with each other than with providers in the extended subnetworks. Many more providers in the core subnetwork serve as a hub than those in the other types of subnetworks. We also found that high-acuity teams exhibited more complex network structures than low-acuity teams, with high-acuity team generating 6,416 interactions between 407 providers compared with 931 interactions between 124 providers, respectively. In addition, we discovered that high-acuity and low-acuity teams shared more than 33 and 25% of providers with each other, respectively, but exhibited different collaborative structures demonstrating that NICU providers shift across different acuity teams and exhibit different network characteristics. Results of case study show that providers, whose patients had lower PSLOS, tended to disperse patient-related information to more colleagues within their network than those who treated higher PSLOS patients (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

 Network analysis can be applied to EHR log data to model acuity-based NICU teams capturing interactions between providers within the predesigned core team as well as those outside of the core team. In the NICU, dissemination of information may be linked to reduced PSLOS. EHR log data provide an efficient, accessible, and research-friendly way to study provider interaction networks. Findings should guide improvements in the EHR system design to facilitate effective interactions between providers.