Clinician feedback using a shared decision-making tool for the evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules-an observational study

BACKGROUND

We pilot-tested an encounter conversation aid to support shared decision making (SDM) between patients with thyroid nodules and their clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

Characterize the clinician feedback after providing care to patients with thyroid nodules using a tool to promote SDM conversations during the clinical encounter, and evaluate how clinicians used the tool during the visit.

METHODS

Mixed method study in two academic centers in the U.S., including adult patients presenting for evaluation of thyroid nodules and their clinicians. We thematically analyzed interviews with clinicians after they used the SDM tool in at least three visits to characterize their feedback. Additionally, investigators evaluated visits recordings to determine the extent to which clinicians engaged patients in the decision-making process (OPTION score, scale 0 to 100, higher levels indicating higher involvement), the tool's components used (fidelity), and encounter duration. Using a post-visit survey, we evaluated the extent to which clinicians felt the tool was easy to use, helpful, and supportive of the patient-clinician collaboration.

RESULTS

Thirteen clinicians participated in the study and used the SDM tool in the care of 53 patients. Clinicians thought the tool was well-organized and beneficial to patients and clinicians. Clinicians noticed a change in their routine with the use of the conversation aid and suggested it needed to be more flexible to better support varying conversations. The median OPTION score was 34, the fidelity of use 75%, and the median visit duration 17 min. In most encounters, clinicians agreed or strongly agreed the tool was easy to use (86%), helpful (65%), and supported collaboration (62%).

CONCLUSION

Clinicians were able to use a SDM tool in the care of patients with thyroid nodules. Although they wished it were more flexible, they found on the whole that its use in the clinical encounter was beneficial to patients and clinicians.

Patient feedback receiving care using a shared decision making tool for thyroid nodule evaluation-an observational study

PURPOSE

To characterize the feedback of patients with thyroid nodules receiving care using a shared decision making (SDM) tool designed to improve conversations with their clinicians related to diagnostic options (e.g. thyroid biopsy, ultrasound surveillance).

METHODS

Investigators qualitatively analyzed post-encounter interviews with patients to characterize their feedback of a SDM tool used during their clinical visits. Additionally, investigators counted instances of diagnostic choice awareness and of patients' expression of a diagnostic management preference in recordings of clinical encounters of adult patients presenting for evaluation of thyroid nodules in which the SDM tool was used.

RESULTS

In total, 53 patients (42 (79%) women); median age 62 years were enrolled and had consultations supported by the SDM tool. Patients were favorable about the design of the SDM tool and its ability to convey information about options and support patient-clinician interactions. Patients identified opportunities to improve the tool through adding more content and improve its use in practice through training of clinicians in its use. There was evidence of diagnostic choice awareness in 52 (98%) of these visits and patients expressed a diagnostic management preference in 40 (76%).

CONCLUSION

User centered design including feedback from patients and real life observation supports the use of the SDM tool to facilitate collaboration between patients and clinicians.

PSAT245 Feasibility of introducing a conversation aid for patients with thyroid nodules in clinical practice: Understanding the clinician experience

Background

To support the collaboration between patients with thyroid nodules and their clinician, we developed a Thyroid NOdule conversation aid (TNOC). TNOC includes a representation of thyroid cancer risk, alternative management options, and a print-out summary for patients. In a pilot study, the use of TNOC was associated with improvement in the quality of diagnostic conversations.

Research question: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of introducing TNOC into clinical encounters and understand clinicians’ experience with its use.

Methods

Prospective study conducted in two academic centers in the U.S. We included adult patients with thyroid nodules and their clinicians (endocrinologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENT)). The feasibility of introducing TNOC was evaluated by the fidelity to which TNOC was used (12 item checklist of included components, such as: thyroid cancer risk presentation, management options) and the duration of clinical visits, evaluated through video recordings. Clinicians completed a post-visit survey to evaluate how helpful and easy to use TNOC was and the degree to which it supported collaboration with their patients. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews was conducted after clinicians used TNOC in at least three visits. The interview guide was developed following constructs included in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method.

Results

Twelve clinicians (9 endocrinologists and 3 ENT) were included and used TNOC with 53 patients. Most patients were women (N -42, 79%) with a median age of 62 years (Interquartile range, 53-70). The median size of the thyroid nodules was 2.3 cm (Interquartile range, 1.3, 3.0). The median clinical visit duration was 17 minutes (Interquartile range 10,28). The median fidelity score was 75% (interquartile range 58, 75), with thyroid cancer risk presentation being the most commonly used item (98%) and the printable summary the least used (15%). Clinicians agreed or strongly agreed that TNOC was helpful (N=34, 65%), easy to use (N=44, 85%), and supported collaboration with patients (N= 32, 62%).

In the qualitative analysis, clinicians reported that TNOC was organized and covered commonly discussed topics. Moreover, the use of TNOC could support the clinical interaction and be beneficial for patients by assuring the patient perspective was considered, creating space for questions, and improving how information was presented. Yet, the perceived benefit of using TNOC was expected to be different depending on the expertise of the clinician, as experts might benefit less. Clinicians highlighted the importance of familiarity with TNOC to ease its use and suggested modifications: additional visual content, improved navigation to support dynamic use and providing patient access before/after the visit.

Interpretation: Using TNOC to support thyroid nodule management conversations was feasible, helpful, easy to use, and supportive of patient-clinician collaboration.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

PSAT246 Decision Making for Patients with Thyroid Nodules: Understanding the Patient's Experience

Background

We recently developed a Thyroid NOdule conversation aid (TNOC), a conversation tool that supports communication about management options between patients with thyroid nodules and their clinicians. TNOC uses an interactive electronic interface to support conversations about thyroid cancer risk in patients with thyroid nodules and management options. In a pilot study, the use of TNOC in the clinical encounter was associated with improvement in the quality of diagnostic conversations.

Research question: The aim of the study was to evaluate the patient's experience when receiving care using TNOC.

Methods

Prospective study conducted in two academic centers in the U.S. We included adult patients presenting for the evaluation of thyroid nodules and using TNOC in the encounters with their clinicians. Patients that were hyperthyroid, pregnant or had records of previous biopsy were excluded. Patient demographics and clinical features were obtained through electronic health record review. We conducted post-visit semi-structured interviews to assess patients’ experiences using TNOC. The semi-structured interview was developed following constructs included in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Qualitative analysis was conducted following the constant comparative method to identify emerging themes related to the patient experiences using TNOC. After an initial group of themes were identified, a final set of themes was derived based on prevalence and salience, following an iterative process by two coders.

Results

53 patients were enrolled in the study and 49 completed the post-visit interview. Most patients were women (N -42, 79%) and white (N-47, 89%) with a median age of 62 years (Interquartile range, 53-70). The median size of the thyroid nodules was 2.3 cm (Interquartile range, 1.3, 3.0) and 45% were ACR-TIRADS 4 or 5 (N-24). Most nodules were found incidentally (N-37, 70%).

In the qualitative assessment, the layman terms included in TNOC, the structured, step-wise and visual presentation of information were considered positively by patients. The language, visuals, and structure of TNOC supported knowledge transfer about thyroid nodules and their management options, helping them better understand their situation. Patients felt they worked together with their clinician by going through the conversation aid, making them feel comfortable asking questions. However, patients reported that the clinician's familiarity with TNOC and the learning needs of patients could affect the perceived benefit of the conversation aid. Patients suggested including more information and visuals in TNOC and providing access before/after the visit.

Interpretation: Patients found that the use of TNOC in medical encounters was helpful to understand information, treatment options, and working with their clinicians. This information supports the implementation of TNOC in practice to support decision-making.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Beneficial role of skim milk against drug-resistant Escherichia coli associated with pediatric diarrhoea

Background

Antibiotic-resistance in E. coli is a global issue affecting humans especially the pediatric population. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli is a pathogen frequently pediatric population as well as healthy adults.

Methods

This study aimed to examine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli causing pediatric diarrhea and its drug-resistant rates, its adhering abilities to cell line in vitro, and inhibition efficiency of a few selected chemical compounds. Clinical strains were isolated from both the healthy and infected pediatric population of Mizoram.

Results

Adhesion is a significant pathogenic process during bacterial infections, which has been employed for pathotyping of DEC by comparing adhesion efficiency in both normal (CHO-k1) and cancer (HeLa) cell lines. E. coli adherent pathotypes were identified by both PCR assay and in-vitro cell adhesion assays; the study also evaluated the adhesion inhibition ability of human skimmed milk, gentamicin, and cephalexin in-vitro. Of all isolates, 20.05% of adherent DEC (EPEC, DAEC, and EIEC) and 11.39 % of non-adherent DEC (STEC and ETEC) were found to be associated with pediatric diarrhoea in Mizoram. Human skimmed milk has a high potential adhesion inhibition against EAEC (50.25/90.90 μg/mL), EPEC (53.42/259.70 μg/mL), and EIEC (59.13/30.30 μg/mL) in both cell lines in comparison with gentamicin and cephalexin.

Conclusion

This study concludes that as a dietary supplement-human skimmed milk has high potential to prevent adhesion of DEC pathotypes in cells in-vitro thus in in-vivo.

Development and pilot testing of a conversation aid to support the evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVE

To support patient-centred care and the collaboration of patients and clinicians, we developed and pilot tested a conversation aid for patients with thyroid nodules.

DESIGN, PATIENT AND MEASUREMENTS

We developed a web-based Thyroid NOdule Conversation aid (TNOC) following a human-centred design. A proof of concept observational pre-post study was conducted (TNOC vs. usual care [UC]) to assess the impact of TNOC on the quality of conversations. Data sources included recordings of clinical visits, post-encounter surveys and review of electronic health records. Summary statistics and group comparisons are reported.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were analysed (32 in the UC and 33 in the TNOC cohort). Most patients were women (89%) with a median age of 57 years and were incidentally found to have a thyroid nodule (62%). Most thyroid nodules were at low risk for thyroid cancer (71%) and the median size was 1.4 cm. At baseline, the groups were similar except for higher numeracy in the TNOC cohort. The use of TNOC was associated with increased involvement of patients in the decision-making process, clinician satisfaction and discussion of relevant topics for decision making. In addition, decreased decisional conflict and fewer thyroid biopsies as the next management step were noted in the TNOC cohort. No differences in terms of knowledge transfer, length of consultation, thyroid cancer risk perception or concern for thyroid cancer diagnosis were found.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot observational study, using TNOC in clinical practice was feasible and seemed to help the collaboration of patients and clinicians.

Unusual Presentation of Cyclic Cushing’s Syndrome

Introduction:

About 20–40% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome present with cyclic Cushing’s Syndrome characterized by episodes of cortisol excess interspersed with periods of normal cortisol secretion. A high degree of suspicion is needed to identify patients with cyclical hypercortisolism. Fluctuations in cortisol levels can make this a diagnostic challenge. Rarely, hypocortisolemia and frank adrenal insufficiency can occur.

Case Report:

A 77-year-old female with history of Cushing’s syndrome and transsphenoidal surgery with no adenoma identified on pathology presented with fatigue and concern for recurrence with ACTH of 358 pg/mL (6–50 pg/mL) and morning serum cortisol of 41.4 mcg/dL. Brain MRI showed a possible 4 mm pituitary adenoma. However, when she was transferred to our hospital, there was no evidence of hypercortisolism with cortisol of 9.5 mcg/dL, ACTH of 33pg/mL, 24 hr urine free cortisol (UFC) of 4.4ug/d (<45ug/d) and she was discharged home after neurosurgery recommended no surgical intervention. A week later, the patient returned to the hospital with nausea and weakness, and found to have cortisol of 4.4mcg/dL, ACTH of 12 pg/mL and UFC of 2.8 ug/d requiring short course of hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency. One year later, she presented with hip fracture, worsening weakness, plethora, and facial swelling. UFC was 1,338.3mcg/24 hr(4.0–50.0 mcg/24 hr), AM serum cortisol 58.8mcg/dL and ACTH 304.7 pg/mL. In addition to severe osteoporosis with hip fracture, she had hypertension and impaired fasting glucose. She was treated with Ketoconazole 200mg daily which was titrated until AM cortisol levels decreased from 58.8 mcg/dL to 20 mcg/dL. Patient was discharged on Ketoconazole with plan to complete a Dotatate scan to evaluate for ectopic ACTH production which resulted negative. Shortly thereafter, she returned with hypotension, nausea, and fatigue. Repeat cortisol level was 2.3 mcg/dL with ACTH of 27.6 pg/ml. Ketoconazole was discontinued and patient was started on hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone was gradually tapered off. Pituitary MRI and IPSS are planned for further evaluation.

Discussion:

Cyclic Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed with three peaks and two troughs of cortisol production. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging since the cycles of hypercortisolism can occur sporadically and rapid fluctuations in cortisol makes it difficult to localize a source. Cortisol fluctuations can affect quality of life and result in complications such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Prompt identification of the source of the Cyclic Cushing’s syndrome is vital to pursue definitive therapy. However, in 9% of cases, there is no identifiable source. In such cases, medical therapy is warranted.

High Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Plasma Aminotransferase Levels

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form with steatohepatitis (NASH) are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, they are usually believed to largely affect those with elevated aminotransferases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD by the gold standard, liver magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) in patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases, and to characterize their metabolic profile.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We recruited 103 patients with T2DM and normal plasma aminotransferases (age, 60 ± 8 y; body mass index [BMI], 33 ± 5 kg/m(2); glycated hemoglobin [A1c], 7.6 ± 1.3%). We measured the following: 1) liver triglyceride content by (1)H-MRS; 2) systemic insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance); and 3) adipose tissue insulin resistance, both fasting (as the adipose tissue insulin resistance index: fasting plasma free fatty acids [FFA] × insulin) and during an oral glucose tolerance test (as the suppression of FFA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH were much higher than expected (50% and 56% of NAFLD patients, respectively). The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in obese compared with nonobese patients as well as with increasing BMI (P = .001 for trend). Higher plasma A1c was associated with a greater prevalence of NAFLD and worse liver triglyceride accumulation (P = .01). Compared with nonobese patients without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD had severe systemic (liver/muscle) and, particularly, adipose tissue (fasting/postprandial) insulin resistance (all P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NAFLD is much higher than previously believed in overweight/obese patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases. Moreover, many are at increased risk of NASH. Physicians should have a lower threshold for screening patients with T2DM for NAFLD/NASH.

Relationship of vitamin D with insulin resistance and disease severity in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The role of plasma vitamin D deficiency in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) remains poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested a role for vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, but they have been rather small, and/or NAFLD was diagnosed using only aminotransferases or liver ultrasound. This study aimed to assess the role of vitamin D deficiency in relationship to liver fat accumulation and severity of NASH.

METHODS

A total of 239 patients were recruited and state-of-the-art techniques were used to measure insulin resistance (euglycemic insulin clamp with 3-(3)H-glucose), liver fat accumulation (magnetic resonance spectroscopy or (1)H-MRS), total body fat (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), and severity of liver disease (liver biopsy).

RESULTS

Patients were divided into 3 groups according to plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (normal: >30 ng/ml; insufficiency: 20-30 ng/ml; deficiency: <20 ng/ml). When well-matched for clinical parameters (BMI, total adiposity, or prevalence of prediabetes/type 2 diabetes), no significant differences were observed among groups in terms of skeletal muscle, hepatic, or adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, the amount of liver fat by (1)H-MRS, or the severity of histological inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis. Patients were then divided according to liver histology into those with definite NASH and those without NASH. Although patients with NASH had higher insulin resistance, plasma vitamin D concentrations were similar between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that plasma vitamin D levels are not associated with insulin resistance, the amount of liver fat accumulation, or the severity of NASH.

High Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Plasma Aminotransferase Levels

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

NAFLD, and its more severe form with steatohepatitis (NASH), are common in patients with T2DM. However, they are usually believed to affect largely those with elevated aminotransferases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD (by the gold-standard liver magnetic resonance and spectroscopy or (1)H-MRS) in patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases, and to characterize their metabolic profile.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We recruited 103 patients with T2DM and normal plasma aminotransferases (age: 60±8 years, BMI: 33±5 kg/m(2), A1c: 7.6±1.3%). We measured: i) liver triglyceride content by (1)H-MRS; ii) systemic insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR), and iii) adipose tissue insulin resistance (IR), both fasting (as the adipose tissue IR index: fasting plasma FFA x insulin) and during an OGTT (as the suppression of FFA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD and NASH were much higher than expected (76% and 56%, respectively). The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in obese compared to non-obese patients, as well as with increasing BMI (p=0.03 for trend). Higher plasma A1c was associated with a greater prevalence of NAFLD and worse liver triglyceride accumulation (p<0.01). Compared to non-obese patients without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD had severe systemic (liver/muscle), and particularly, adipose tissue (fasting/postprandial) insulin resistance (all p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NAFLD is much higher than previously believed in overweight/obese patients with T2DM and normal aminotransferases. Moreover, many are at increased risk of severe liver disease (NASH). Physicians should have a lower threshold for screening patients with T2DM for NAFLD/NASH.

Postpartum Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, also known as postpartum cerebral angiopathy, is clinically characterized by headache and focal neurologic deficits, and angiographically by transient, fully reversible cerebral vasoconstriction. A 26-year-old woman was brought to the emergency room with a 3-day history of confusion, agitation, and headache. She was 2 weeks postpartum. She went on to develop right leg weakness two days after admission. A cerebral angiogram showed diffuse irregularities of all intracerebral vessels, and MRI showed multiple acute infarcts. Her clinical condition improved significantly over the next several days without any intervention, and she was discharged. MRA 3 months after initial presentation was normal. It is important to consider this syndrome in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with headache and focal neurologic deficits in the postpartum period.