Zika Virus: Patient Education Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: A growing threat to maternal-fetal health, the most recent and largest outbreak of the Zika virus disease has introduced the devastating fetal effects of microcephaly and other central nervous system deficits. PURPOSE: This brief outlines a history of Zika virus disease, its known effects, best practice recommendations for providers to educate patients, and information for individuals on how to protect themselves. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY: A search of the literature using the databases PubMed, UptoDate, and CINAHL was conducted for articles published between 2009 and 2016. Key informant interviews with clinical genetics and public health professionals were conducted. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The proposed best practice recommendations for education regarding the Zika virus disease and appropriate prevention and treatment methods are outlined. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As the Zika virus continues to spread and further research is conducted regarding its teratogenic effects, the need for concise and effective education is critical to raise awareness, decrease the potential for maternal exposure, and reduce fetal risks. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Therefore, the need for appropriate recognition, treatment, management, and prevention of the Zika virus disease prompts the necessity for further education and high-quality level research to be conducted and utilized.

Clinical Pathways: Recommendations for Putting Patients at the Center of Value-Based Care.

Two major trends that have been affecting the provision of oncology care in the United States are a shift from volume-based to value-based care and a push toward patient-centered healthcare. However, these two trends are not always completely aligned with each other. Value-based payment models, including clinical pathways, are one strategy being implemented by oncology stakeholders to help encourage the uptake of value-based oncology care. If structured with the patient in mind, they can improve quality of care for patients with cancer, decrease inappropriate care while enabling appropriate personalization of care, and constrain rising prices by demanding a stronger link between cost and value. If not structured appropriately, they can limit patient choice, impede access to innovative treatments, and encourage one-size-fits-all oncology care. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4545-9. ©2017 AACR.