scholarly journals Use of an Abbreviated Geriatric Screening Tool in the Assessment of Older Cancer Patients’ Functional Status, Dependency, and Comorbidities: Cross-Sectional Audit and Observations From a Regional Cancer Center in Australia

JMIR Cancer ◽  
10.2196/16408 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e16408
Author(s):  
Mathew George ◽  
Alexandra Smith
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Geriatric Oncology ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Older Cancer Patients

Background Malignancies are the leading cause of disease burden in Australia, comprising 19% of total diseases. Approximately 1 in 4 men and 1 in 6 women die from malignancies by 85 years of age, with patients aged 65 years and older contributing to 58% of diagnoses and 76% of cancer mortality. In the context of malignancy-related disease and age-related degeneration, there is a need for comprehensive assessment of older patients to plan for appropriate management and predict prognosis. The utility of available comprehensive geriatric assessment tools has been limited in routine practice because of their time-consuming nature, despite their informing clearer understanding of patients’ functional status, better clinical decision making, prevention of unpredictable admissions and emergency department overload, and support services planning. Though there are several promising tools available, there is a lack of literature on tools that can comprehensively assess functional status in an expedited fashion. Objective This study aimed to document functional status and comorbidities among a geriatric oncology patient cohort attending a regionally located, dedicated cancer care facility, using the completed Adelaide tool assessments. This study documents cohort characteristics, including sociodemographics, malignancy type, and comorbidities. Secondarily, we observed the utility of an abridged functional assessment in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of older cancer patients. Methods The study comprised a facility-based cross-sectional audit of results obtained from a screening tool administered to patients aged 65 years and older and attending an outpatient medical oncology clinic for management of cancer from late 2015 to 2017. Data relating to five domains were collected, including instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, performance status, unintended weight loss, and exhaustion. Sociodemographic and disease-related factors were summarized as frequencies with percentages or mean with SD. Distribution of functional status based on sociodemographic characteristics, living status, disease-related factors, and comorbidities was analyzed using a chi-square test. Cumulative dependencies in the five domains were identified, and patients were classified as fit, vulnerable, or frail. Supplementary review of presentation notes for cases discussed at MDT meetings was undertaken to identify discrepancies. Results A majority of the study population showed poor functional status, with 88.7% (243/274) categorized as vulnerable and 8.4% (23/274) as frail. Exhaustion and unintended weight loss were identified as the most common contributors to dependency. Polypharmacy was strongly associated with decreased functional status. Conclusions The outcomes of this study are congruent with the existence of dependency in various domains, and with similar research in geriatric oncology. The Adelaide tool provided a useful basis for MDT discussion and management, where cases were referred to the MDT. We recommend further examination of the tool’s utility and impact in clinical decision making, and the distribution of dependencies in a rural cohort compared with metropolitan patients.

scholarly journals Use of an Abbreviated Geriatric Screening Tool in the Assessment of Older Cancer Patients’ Functional Status, Dependency, and Comorbidities: Cross-Sectional Audit and Observations From a Regional Cancer Center in Australia (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew George ◽  
Alexandra Smith
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Geriatric Oncology ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Older Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND Malignancies are the leading cause of disease burden in Australia, comprising 19% of total diseases. Approximately 1 in 4 men and 1 in 6 women die from malignancies by 85 years of age, with patients aged 65 years and older contributing to 58% of diagnoses and 76% of cancer mortality. In the context of malignancy-related disease and age-related degeneration, there is a need for comprehensive assessment of older patients to plan for appropriate management and predict prognosis. The utility of available comprehensive geriatric assessment tools has been limited in routine practice because of their time-consuming nature, despite their informing clearer understanding of patients’ functional status, better clinical decision making, prevention of unpredictable admissions and emergency department overload, and support services planning. Though there are several promising tools available, there is a lack of literature on tools that can comprehensively assess functional status in an expedited fashion. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to document functional status and comorbidities among a geriatric oncology patient cohort attending a regionally located, dedicated cancer care facility, using the completed Adelaide tool assessments. This study documents cohort characteristics, including sociodemographics, malignancy type, and comorbidities. Secondarily, we observed the utility of an abridged functional assessment in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of older cancer patients. METHODS The study comprised a facility-based cross-sectional audit of results obtained from a screening tool administered to patients aged 65 years and older and attending an outpatient medical oncology clinic for management of cancer from late 2015 to 2017. Data relating to five domains were collected, including instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, performance status, unintended weight loss, and exhaustion. Sociodemographic and disease-related factors were summarized as frequencies with percentages or mean with SD. Distribution of functional status based on sociodemographic characteristics, living status, disease-related factors, and comorbidities was analyzed using a chi-square test. Cumulative dependencies in the five domains were identified, and patients were classified as fit, vulnerable, or frail. Supplementary review of presentation notes for cases discussed at MDT meetings was undertaken to identify discrepancies. RESULTS A majority of the study population showed poor functional status, with 88.7% (243/274) categorized as vulnerable and 8.4% (23/274) as frail. Exhaustion and unintended weight loss were identified as the most common contributors to dependency. Polypharmacy was strongly associated with decreased functional status. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of this study are congruent with the existence of dependency in various domains, and with similar research in geriatric oncology. The Adelaide tool provided a useful basis for MDT discussion and management, where cases were referred to the MDT. We recommend further examination of the tool’s utility and impact in clinical decision making, and the distribution of dependencies in a rural cohort compared with metropolitan patients.

Standardized Synoptic Cancer Pathology Reports — So What and Who Cares?: A Population-Based Satisfaction Survey of 970 Pathologists, Surgeons, and Oncologists

2013 ◽  
Vol 137 (11) ◽  
pp. 1599-1602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lankshear ◽  
John Srigley ◽  
Thomas McGowan ◽  
Marta Yurcan ◽  
Carol Sawka
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Physician Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Pathology ◽  
Report Turnaround Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pathology Reporting ◽  
The Impact

Context.—Cancer Care Ontario implemented synoptic pathology reporting across Ontario, impacting the practice of pathologists, surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists. The benefits of standardized synoptic pathology reporting include enhanced completeness and improved consistency in comparison with narrative reports, with reported challenges including increased workload and report turnaround time. Objective.—To determine the impact of synoptic pathology reporting on physician satisfaction specific to practice and process. Design.—A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized involving 970 clinicians across 27 hospitals. An 11-item survey was developed to obtain information regarding timeliness, completeness, clarity, and usability. Open-ended questions were also employed to obtain qualitative comments. Results.—A 51% response rate was obtained, with descriptive statistics reporting that physicians perceive synoptic reports as significantly better than narrative reports. Correlation analysis revealed a moderately strong, positive relationship between respondents' perceptions of overall satisfaction with the level of information provided and perceptions of completeness for clinical decision making (r = 0.750, P < .001) and ease of finding information for clinical decision making (r = 0.663, P < .001). Dependent t tests showed a statistically significant difference in the satisfaction scores of pathologists and oncologists (t169 = 3.044, P = .003). Qualitative comments revealed technology-related issues as the most frequently cited factor impacting timeliness of report completion. Conclusion.—This study provides evidence of strong physician satisfaction with synoptic cancer pathology reporting as a clinical decision support tool in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer patients.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Physicians' Clinical Decision-making at Upazila Health Complexes in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
M. Aminul Islam ◽  
M. Abdul Awal
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Right ◽  
Consultation Session

ABSTRACT Introduction Selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient is the key activity in patient-physician encounters and providing healthcare services. Achieving desirable clinical goals mostly depends on making the right decision at the right time in any healthcare setting. But little is known about physicians' clinical decision-making in the primary care setting in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study explored the factors that influence decisions about prescribing medications, ordering pathologic tests, counseling patients, average length of patient visits in a consultation session, and referral of patients to other physicians or hospitals by physicians at Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) in the country. It also explored the structure of physicians' social networks and their association with the decision-making process. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that used primary data collected from 85 physicians. The respondents, who work at UHCs in the Rajshahi Division, were selected purposively. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression to understand relationships among the variables. Results The results of the study reveal that multiple factors influence physicians' decisions about prescribing medications, ordering pathologic tests, length of visits, counseling patients, and referring patients to other physicians or hospitals at the UHCs. Most physicians prescribe drugs to their patients, keeping in mind their purchasing capacity. Risk of violence by patients' relatives and better management are the two key factors that influence physicians' referral decisions. The physicians' professional and personal social networks also play an influential role in the decision-making process. It was found that physicians dedicate on average 16.17 minutes to a patient in a consultation session. The length of visits is influenced by various factors including the distance between the physicians' residence and their workplace, their level of education, and the number of colleagues with whom they have regular contact and from whom they can seek help. Conclusion The results of the study have yielded some novel insights about the complexity of physicians' everyday tasks at the UHCs in Bangladesh. The results would be of interest to public health researchers and policy makers.

scholarly journals Impact of 123I-MIBG Scintigraphy on Clinical Decision-Making in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (9) ◽  
pp. 3812-3820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipti Rao ◽  
Anouk van Berkel ◽  
Ianthe Piscaer ◽  
William F Young ◽  
Lucinda Gruber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Mibg Scintigraphy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Cross Sectional Imaging ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Context Cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is regarded as a first-choice modality for tumor localization in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). 123I-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) is widely used for functional imaging but the added diagnostic value is controversial. Objective To establish the virtual impact of adding 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT or MRI on diagnosis and treatment of PPGL. Design International multicenter retrospective study. Intervention None. Patients Two hundred thirty-six unilateral adrenal, 18 bilateral adrenal, 48 unifocal extra-adrenal, 12 multifocal, and 26 metastatic PPGL. Main Outcome Measures Patients underwent both anatomical imaging (CT and/or MRI) and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy. Local imaging reports were analyzed centrally by two independent observers who were blinded to the diagnosis. Imaging-based diagnoses determined by CT/MRI only, 123I-MIBG only, and CT/MRI combined with 123I-MIBG scintigraphy were compared with the correct diagnoses. Results The rates of correct imaging-based diagnoses determined by CT/MRI only versus CT/MRI plus 123I-MIBG scintigraphy were similar: 89.4 versus 88.8%, respectively (P = 0.50). Adding 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT/MRI resulted in a correct change in the imaging-based diagnosis and ensuing virtual treatment in four cases (1.2%: two metastatic instead of nonmetastatic, one multifocal instead of single, one unilateral instead of bilateral adrenal) at the cost of an incorrect change in seven cases (2.1%: four metastatic instead of nonmetastatic, two multifocal instead of unifocal and one bilateral instead of unilateral adrenal). Conclusions For the initial localization of PPGL, the addition of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT/MRI rarely improves the diagnostic accuracy at the cost of incorrect interpretation in others, even when 123I-MIBG scintigraphy is restricted to patients who are at risk for metastatic disease. In this setting, the impact of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy on clinical decision-making appears very limited.

Understanding critical care nurses’ autonomy in Jordan

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Maharmeh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe Jordanian critical care nurses’ experiences of autonomy in their clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive correlational design was applied using a self-reported cross-sectional survey. A total of 110 registered nurses who met the eligibility criteria participated in this study. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Findings A majority of critical care nurses were autonomous in their decision-making and participation in decisions to take action in their clinical settings. Also, they were independent to develop their own knowledge. The study identified that their autonomy in action and acquired knowledge were influenced by a number of factors such as gender and area of practice. Practical implications Nurse’s autonomy could be increased if nurses are made aware of the current level of autonomy and explore new ways to increase empowerment. This could be offered through classroom lectures that concentrate on the concept of autonomy and its implication in practice. Nurses should demonstrate autonomous nursing care at the same time in the clinical practice. This could be done through collaboration between educators and clinical practice to help merge theory to practice. Originality/value Critical care nurses were more autonomous in action and knowledge base. This may negatively affect the quality of patient care and nurses’ job satisfaction. Therefore, improving nurses’ clinical decision-making autonomy could be done by the support of both hospital administrators and nurses themselves.

scholarly journals Comparison of Multidrug Use in the General Population and among Persons with Diabetes in Denmark for Drugs Having Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Based Dosing Guidelines

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 899
Author(s):  
Niels Westergaard ◽  
Lise Tarnow ◽  
Charlotte Vermehren
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
General Population ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Antithrombotic Agents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
Average Factor

Background: This study measures the use of drugs within the therapeutic areas of antithrombotic agents (B01), the cardiovascular system (C), analgesics (N02), psycholeptics (N05), and psychoanaleptics (N06) among the general population (GP) in comparison to persons with diabetes in Denmark. The study focuses on drugs having pharmacogenomics (PGx) based dosing guidelines for CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and SLCO1B1 to explore the potential of applying PGx-based decision-making into clinical practice taking drug–drug interactions (DDI) and drug–gene interactions (DGI) into account. Methods: This study is cross-sectional, using The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics as the source to retrieve drug consumption data. Results: The prevalence of use in particular for antithrombotic agents (B01) and cardiovascular drugs (C) increases significantly by 4 to 6 times for diabetic users compared to the GP, whereas the increase for analgesics (N02), psycoleptics, and psychoanaleptics (N06) was somewhat less (2–3 times). The five most used PGx drugs, both in the GP and among persons with diabetes, were pantoprazole, simvastatin, atorvastatin, metoprolol, and tramadol. The prevalence of use for persons with diabetes compared to the GP (prevalence ratio) increased by an average factor of 2.9 for all PGx drugs measured. In addition, the prevalence of use of combinations of PGx drugs was 4.6 times higher for persons with diabetes compared to GP. In conclusion, the findings of this study clearly show that a large fraction of persons with diabetes are exposed to drugs or drug combinations for which there exist PGx-based dosing guidelines related to CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and SLCO1B1. This further supports the notion of accessing and accounting for not only DDI but also DGI and phenoconversion in clinical decision-making, with a particular focus on persons with diabetes.

scholarly journals Perception and Usage of Point of Care Devices: A Cross-sectional Study Targeting Residents and Trainers in Oman

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. e213-e213
Author(s):  
Amna Al Harrasi ◽  
Laila Mohammed Al Mbeihsi ◽  
Abdulhakeem Al Rawahi ◽  
Mohammed Al Shafaee
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The use of mobile technologies and handheld computers by physicians has increased worldwide. However, there are limited studies globally regarding training physicians on the use of such devices in clinical practice. In addition, no studies have been conducted previously in Oman addressing this issue among postgraduate medical trainees and trainers. The present study explores the practice and perception of resident doctors and trainers towards the use of mobile technologies and handheld devices in healthcare settings in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire disseminated via email to all residents and trainers in five major training programs of the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB). The questionnaire explored three main areas; perception, usage, and perceived barriers of handheld devices. Results: Overall, 61.4% of the residents and 28.3% of the trainers responded to the questionnaire. Both types of participants agreed that the use of such devices positively affects clinical decision-making. In total, 98.8% of the participating residents and 86.7% of the trainers frequently used handheld devices. Both OMSB residents and trainers agreed that lack of time, training, and applications were the most common factors limiting the use of these devices. Participants emphasized the need for constructive training regarding the use of handheld devices as healthcare resources. Conclusions: Point-of-care devices are positively perceived and frequently used by OMSB trainees and trainers. However, constructive training on the effective usage of these devices in clinical decision-making is needed. Further future studies to evaluate the impact of using such devices in patient care should be conducted.

scholarly journals Diagnósticos de enfermagem de pacientes em tratamento radioterápico

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3060
Author(s):  
Camila Marcon ◽  
Gabriela Vicari ◽  
Patricia Poltroni ◽  
Aline Maffissoni ◽  
Kauana Dall' Agnese Caregnatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Factores De Riesgo ◽  
Nursing Diagnoses

RESUMOObjetivo: identificar a incidência dos diagnósticos de enfermagem, bem como características definidoras, fatores relacionados e fatores de risco, com base na taxonomia NANDA-I de pacientes em tratamento radioterápico. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, transversal, exploratório-descritivo, realizado com 60 pacientes em um ambulatório. Resultados: identificou-se 23 Diagnósticos de Enfermagem, sendo os mais incidentes: risco de integridade da pele prejudicada (35%), mobilidade física prejudicada (15%) e eliminação urinária prejudicada (7%). As características definidoras evidenciadas foram amplitude limitada de movimentos (15,3%), incontinência e dificuldade para deglutir (7,2%). Dentre os fatores relacionados, estão dor (18,3%), desconforto (10,7%) e radiação (6%) e os fatores de risco radiação (56%), mudanças na pigmentação da pele/mudanças no turgor da pele (26,3%) e estado nutricional desequilibrado (6,3%). Conclusão: os resultados do estudo contribuem para atender às necessidades de saúde dos pacientes em tratamento radioterápico e na tomada de decisão clínica pelo enfermeiro. Descritores: Enfermagem; Oncologia; Radioterapia; Processos de Enfermagem; Diagnóstico de Enfermagem; Pesquisa em Enfermagem.ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the incidence of nursing diagnoses, as well as defining characteristics, related factors and risk factors, based on the NANDA-I taxonomy of patients undergoing radiation therapy. Method: quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study, performed with 60 patients in an outpatient clinic. Results: 23 Nursing Diagnoses were identified, of which the most prevalent were risk for impaired skin integrity (35%), impaired physical mobility (15%) and impaired urinary elimination (7%). The defining characteristics were limited transfer ability (15.3%), incontinence and impaired swallowing (7.2%). The related factors were pain (18.3%), discomfort (10.7%) and radiation (6%), and the risk factors are radiation (56%), skin color changes/alteration in skin turgor (26.3%) and imbalanced nutritional state (6.3%). Conclusion: The results of the present may study contribute to meet the health needs of patients undergoing radiation therapy and clinical decision making by the nurse. Descriptors: Nursing; Oncology; Radiotherapy; Nursing Process; Nursing Diagnosis; Nursing Research.RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar la incidencia de los diagnósticos de enfermería, así como características definidoras, factores relacionados y factores de riesgo, con base en la taxonomía NANDA-I de pacientes en tratamiento radioterápico. Método: estudio cuantitativo, transversal, exploratorio-descriptivo, realizado con 60 pacientes en un ambulatorio. Resultados: se identificaron 23 Diagnósticos de Enfermería, siendo los más incidentes: riesgo de integridad de la piel perjudicada (35%), movilidad física perjudicada (15%) y eliminación urinaria perjudicada (7%). Las características definidoras evidenciadas fueron amplitud limitada de movimientos (15,3%), incontinencia y dificultad para deglutir (7,2%). Dentro de los factores relacionados, están el dolor (18,3%), el malestar (10,7%) y la radiación (6%) y los factores de riesgo radiación (56%), cambios en la pigmentación de la piel/cambios en la turgencia de la piel (26,3%) y estado nutricional desequilibrado (6,3%). Conclusión: los resultados del estudio contribuyen para atender a las necesidades de salud de los pacientes en tratamiento radioterápico y en la tomada de decisión clínica por el enfermero. Descriptores: Enfermería; Oncología Médica; Radioterapia; Proceso de Enfermería; Diagnóstico de Enfermería; Investigación en Enfermería.

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