Since the publication of Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 1.0) guidelines in 2008, the science of the field has advanced considerably. In this manuscript, we describe ...the development of SQUIRE 2.0 and its key components. We undertook the revision between 2012 and 2015 using (1) semistructured interviews and focus groups to evaluate SQUIRE 1.0 plus feedback from an international steering group, (2) two face-to-face consensus meetings to develop interim drafts and (3) pilot testing with authors and a public comment period. SQUIRE 2.0 emphasises the reporting of three key components of systematic efforts to improve the quality, value and safety of healthcare: the use of formal and informal theory in planning, implementing and evaluating improvement work; the context in which the work is done and the study of the intervention(s). SQUIRE 2.0 is intended for reporting the range of methods used to improve healthcare, recognising that they can be complex and multidimensional. It provides common ground to share these discoveries in the scholarly literature (http://www.squire-statement.org).
We conducted a quality improvement project from 2019 to 2021 at a single home health agency to reduce rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection in our ambulatory pediatric population. ...Annualized central line-associated bloodstream infection rates per 1,000 catheter line days decreased by 20 % during the study period, from a rate of 1.023 to 0.810. This decrease was sustained in the 10-month post-study period with a center line shift of 1.090 to 0.658.
•Assessment of caregivers’ perceptions and practices is key to CLABSI prevention.•Visual checklists and standardized instructions can improve adherence to CL care.•Collaboration between home health agencies and hospital stakeholders is achievable.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Participation in mentorship programs for early career physicians is crucial to developing key skills and professional networks, but availability and opportunities for mentorship ...may be hampered by racial, ethnic and gender leadership disparities in medicine. A 6-month virtually facilitated peer mentorship program for women and diverse early career faculty was developed and piloted through the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Women & Diversity Committee.
METHODS
We designed and conducted a 6-month pilot open to SNO’s multidisciplinary early career members, leveraging peer-mentoring sessions with mid-to late-career physician mentors. A curriculum with online resources was provided and group assignments were based on time-zones and interests. Pre- and post-participation surveys assessed mentee experience and descriptive statistics assessed participant demographics and survey results. Results/
CONCLUSION
Twenty mentee applicants participated in 5 groups. Mentees were 90% women, 60% from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Most were aged 31-40 (75%) and junior faculty (50%) in neuro-oncology (65%). Five mentors (2 female) practiced either neuro-oncology (3), neurosurgery (1) or radiation oncology (1). The proportion of mentees with a signature talk increased from 15% to 71% during the pilot. A large majority (64%) reported a positive impact of the program on their profile, career and networking, and reported participation was worthwhile (86%), and worth recommending to others (93%). Feedback themes included personal growth, peer support, networking, job opportunities, desire for late career female mentors, and scheduling constraints. The virtual environment during a global pandemic allowed participants to connect, creating a venue to discuss topics such as work-life balance, burnout, and self-advocacy. We did not have 100% post pilot follow up despite multiple attempts, limiting complete understanding of the pilot. This virtual mentorship pilot program proved feasible and of value in development of early career women and diverse individuals. A resource toolkit has been designed to scale and diffuse.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the various innovative approaches to diagnosing and treating patients presenting with brain tumor-related ...pain.
BACKGROUND
Brain tumors make up for lower than 2% of all cancers, which is heavily linked to high morbidity, deteriorated quality of life, and the death of the affected patients. Glioblastoma (GBM) makes up 38% of the malignant brain glioma.The main treatment approaches for gliomas are widely dependent on chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, these methods have been associated with vast side effects which constitute the quality of life of the patient.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis conformed to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 3025 studies were assessed through the eligibility criteria to remain with twenty eligible studies. The included studies were then grouped into two categories; group one comprised 14 studies that focused on an innovative approach to diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, and six studies comprised of studies that focused on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with brain tumors.
RESULTS
Twenty studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed independently and in two groups: diagnosis and treatment and quality of life issues of brain tumor patients. In one group, one study revealed a relatively progression-free survival (PFS) going up to 57 weeks and overall survival (OS) time of more than 20 weeks after the initial surgery. Group two indicated HRQoL issues associated with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, trauma, cognitive and personality dysfunction, leg weakness, and neurological deficits.
CONCLUSION
Timely diagnosis of the gliomas has significant improvements to the overall survival. Treatment approaches explored in the studies include Temozolomide (TZ), Gliadel Wafer, immunogeno-type, peptide vaccination, Bevacizumab, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and Temsirolimus. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been linked to a deteriorated quality of life of the patients
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a redesign of clinical research to adapt to an ever-changing situation while minimizing patient and provider risks and preserving scientific discovery. During ...the initial surge of COVID-19, elective healthcare services and non-critical research operations were halted. These changes inspired dispersed health care operations and streamlined clinical research. The first wave of COVID-19 hit Detroit, Michigan, in March 2020, consuming Henry Ford Health (HFH), in COVID-19 emergency care. HFH has a clinically integrated liquid biopsy (LB) program where enrolled patients provide an LB sample via venipuncture within 7 days of each MRI, typically in the clinic at the point-of-care. Prior to COVID-19, 183 neuro-oncology patients were actively providing LB samples in clinic with a mean of 29.9 specimens monthly. Institutional COVID-19 restrictions on non-critical interactions resulted in months were nearly all outpatient encounters utilized telemedicine and decentralized testing off-site from research operations. This halted LB procurement to 4.55 specimens monthly during early pandemic months. To reduce patient-provider exposure, LB specimens were then procured with the venipuncture for MRI which streamlined LB operations and improved the patient experience. After this change, LB specimen procurement returned to near pre-pandemic levels with a mean of 28.1 monthly specimens, despite a significant population utilizing video visits and imaging at satellite or non-HFH centers. The pandemic forced adaptations to patient encounters that have changed how healthcare is delivered, resulting in parallel changes in research that must be considered in the design of future studies.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Stroke is common in patients with malignancy, but cancer patients in treatment have contraindications to intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Advancements in ...endovascular therapy (EVT) has expanded options for acute stroke management . Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is a cancer center without a public emergency room. Acute stroke management occurs inpatient or in urgent care center (UCC). We determined a need for rapid identification and management for acute strokes in our patient population.
METHODS
We developed a multidisciplinary Acute Stroke Pathway relying on activation of our hospital’s rapid response team (RRT), neurology, radiology, nursing support, patient escort services, and pharmacy. We initiated hospital-wide education around stroke symptoms and the pathway. All stroke activations are reviewed by Neurology bi-weekly for real-time feedback. Metrics include the times of symptom identification (“door time” = UCC check in or symptom discovery for inpatients), evaluation, head computed tomography (CT), labs, and administration of IV tPA. Times are compared to our 2016 institutional baseline data and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) benchmarks.
RESULTS
Since implementation of the pathway (6/11/2018) through Q1 2022 (3/31/2022), there were 551 acute stroke activations, 13 IV tPA administrations, and 48 patients transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for consideration for EVT. Average 2021 door-to-evaluation time: 8 mins (baseline: 18 mins, NINDS: 10 mins), door-to-stroke team: 11 mins (baseline: unknown, NINDS: 15 mins), door-to-CT: 33 mins (Baseline: 95 mins, NINDS: 25min), door-to-CT interpretation: 34 mins (baseline: 251 mins, NINDS: 45 mins), door-to-labs: 50 mins (baseline: unknown, NINDS: 45 min), door-to-IV tPA: 62 mins (baseline: unknown, NINDS: 60min).
DISCUSSION
The patient population at MSK is distinct from most hospitals. Patients with cancer have a higher incidence of stroke but are unlikely candidates for intervention. Inter-professional collaboration resulted in early stroke care in oncology patients consistent with NINDS benchmarks.
Abstract
Post-operative venous sinus thrombosis (POVST) is an uncommon complication from a craniotomy for brain tumor resection. There are few data in how to treat POVST, including the use of ...anticoagulation and follow-up. It has been found that POVST is more common in dural-based lesions especially located on or near a sinus, however treatment has not been standardized. We retrospectively reviewed our POVST cases between January 2018 to December 2020 for brain tumor resection, whether we chose to start anticoagulation or not, and the eventual outcome. We also performed a literature review on the topic to compare findings and management. We identified 14 cases of POVST; 8 of the cases were for extra-axial masses. Of the 14, 6 POVST had clot involving the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), with 3 being discharged with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and one being discharged on warfarin. With transverse sinus involvement, 6 cases were noted (with no SSS clot), with 2 started on a DOAC and 2 being started on ASA 81mg. In the sigmoid sinus there were 2 cases and did not receive anticoagulation. Of the 14 total cases, 1 was symptomatic (new-onset seizures) necessitating surgical recanalization and no other cases had symptoms attributed to the POVST. Two patients died from unrelated reasons prior to receiving any outpatient imaging, and all other patients had recanalization of their involved sinuses within 2-5 months. There were no complications in patients receiving anticoagulation. Our literature review didn't show a standardized method in POVST treatment. There is also disagreement in what anticoagulation should be used, and if it is necessary. Based on our retrospective analysis and literature review, if the clot is symptomatic, involves the SSS, or propagates, we recommend anticoagulation. Outside the SSS, it should be determined on a case-by-case basis, but anticoagulation may not be necessary.
Abstract
Neuro-oncology fellowship trainees have varied academic backgrounds before subspecialty certification with most completing neurology residency ( > 90%) and a minority coming from medical ...oncology and neurosurgery programs. Given the variability in background and training of fellows, concerns about competency, particularly in prescribing chemotherapy and understanding associated toxicities, need to be addressed. Providing a metric to track and assess competency can enhance trainees’ skills and bolster confidence during a neuro-oncology fellowship. In an IRB-exempt quality improvement project, we developed a competency test that was primarily case-based and guided knowledge of treatment indications, dosing, and management of associated toxicities. All questions were created based on NCCN guidelines and linked to a quality metric from ASCO-QOPI. Question content included 1. Prescribing, 2. Prescription review 3. Planning management, 4. Communicating information, 5. Drug dose calculation skills, 6. Adverse drug reactions, 7. Drug monitoring, and 8. Data interpretation. At the start of the fellowship, trainees took a pre-assessment test with a validated Likert scale for self-efficacy/confidence. These tests were scored, and directed elements were delivered via didactics to fellows by practicing neuro-oncologist and clinical pharmacist. The same assessments were performed at 6 and 12 months. All tests were scored and compared to the level of self-efficacy/confidence. Four fellows were included in this project across two institutions. Higher level of proficiency correlated with a higher level of self-reported confidence at the pre-assessment time point. Assessment at six months revealed an improvement in test scores and associated confidence and this trend continued at fellowship completion. This metric is the first known tool to evaluate chemotherapy competency and confidence in neuro-oncology fellows. Performance and self-efficacy/confidence are positively linked. This chemotherapy competency metric can be introduced to all neuro-oncology fellowship programs and used for national certification.
Abstract
PROBLEM
Data quality impacts the validity of results obtained through clinical research due to several reasons. These include degradation of tumor tissue and other biological samples while ...being transported across large distances. Other concerns related to data collection include breach in patient privacy and loss and corruption of data. Such issues lead to generation of results that are either unreliable or unsuitable for analysis. Blockchain based digital solutions for clinical trials may be an answer to the problem.
SOLUTION
In this abstract we review one such software ‘Elsy’ that we have used to collect around 1000 samples from more than 70 centres nationwide. Elsy had been deployed on the smartphone and desktop and used by clinical trial teams to plan, execute and monitor the trial across multiple geographical locations. Collection of tumor specimens was monitored from the time the specimens left the operating room by leveraging blockchain technologies. Patient data was imported into the system seamlessly by integration with hospital electronic medical records systems. Customised data forms were mapped to automatically import data fields that were relevant. Once recruited, all patient sensitive data was immediately obfuscated, and a bar code was assigned to the patient, which served as the unique patient identifier. Data was encrypted in transit and at rest on a cloud server, with access requiring 2-factor authentication. Data viewing and editing permissions were tailored to meet patient privacy and security requirements. Changes in data were logged and monitored, eliminating wilful or accidental manipulation of data. AI and ML tools were integrated with the system to perform advanced analysis.
CONCLUSION
Digital platforms may have the potential to revolutionise the clinical trials systems by enabling the collection of clean and secure data.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Given the rarity of medulloblastoma in adults (fewer than 50 incident cases annually across Canada), the optimal chemotherapy strategy in this population is unknown. The ...management of adult medulloblastomas is thought to vary from institution to institution. Guidelines often omit suggestions for specific chemotherapy regimens, reflecting the lack of high quality evidence in this population. We sought to understand Canadian adult medulloblastoma practice patterns, hoping to inform future quality metrics and guidelines.
METHODS
In March 2022 a 30-question survey was sent out to 71 adult neuro-oncology clinicians on the Canadian Adolescent and Young Adult national rounds mailing list. Snowball sampling was permitted.
RESULTS
There were 25 responses (up to 35% response rate). Radiation oncologists (11), neuro-oncologists (8), medical oncologists (4), and neurosurgeons (2) responded from 6/10 Canadian provinces. They each treated on average 1.6 medulloblastoma patients per year. Most (61% of respondents) said that medulloblastoma molecular subgrouping was always done at their centre. Half (50%) indicated that cerebrospinal fluid testing was always done at diagnosis. The most common (64%) radiation regimen was 36 Gy (in 20 fractions) craniospinal irradiation + 18 Gy (in 10 fractions) boost. Concomitant chemotherapy was rarely given (75% of respondents included chemotherapy less than half of the time). Adjuvant chemotherapy was frequently administered (79% of respondents give it more than half of the time). The most common adjuvant chemotherapy was Cisplatin/Lomustine/Vincristine (57%), but other regimens included Cisplatin/Lomustine/Vincristine alternating with Cyclophosphamide/Vincristine (21%), Cisplatin/Cyclophosphamide/Vincristine (14%), and carboplatin-based regimens (14%). Respondents noted challenges prescribing chemotherapy in this population: drug toxicities, limited resources, and clinical uncertainty. There was support for standard of care adult medulloblastoma guidelines in 92% of respondents.
CONCLUSIONS
There is significant practice variation among Canadian neuro-oncology centres treating adult medulloblastoma. This variation can serve as an opportunity for quality improvement and clinical research.
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