A Preliminary Validation of an Optimal Cutpoint in Total Number of Patient-Reported Symptoms in Head and Neck Cancer for Effective Alignment of Clinical Resources with Patients' Symptom Burden.

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often experience high symptom burden leading to lower quality of life (QoL). Objective: This study aims to conceptually model optimal cutpoint by examining where total number of patient-reported symptoms exceeds patients' coping capacity, leading to a decline in QoL in patients with HNC. Methods: Secondary data analysis of 105 individuals with HNC enrolled in a clinical usefulness study of the NYU Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA)©, a digital patient-reported symptom measure. Patients completed ePVA and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC©) QLQ-C30 v3.0. The total number of patient-reported symptoms was the sum of symptoms as identified by the ePVA questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to define optimal cutpoint. Results: Study participants had a mean age of 61.5, were primarily male (67.6%), and had Stage IV HNC (53.3%). The cutpoint of 10 symptoms was associated with significant decline of QoL (F= 44.8, P<.0001), dividing the population into categories of low symptom burden (< 10 symptoms) and high symptom burden (≥ 10 symptoms). Analyses of EORTC© function subscales supported the validity of 10 symptoms as the optimal cutpoint (Physical: F=28.3, P<.0001; Role: F=21.6, P<.0001; Emotional: F=9.5, P=.003; Social: F=33.1, P<.0001). Conclusions: In HNC, defining optimal cutpoints in the total number of patient-reported symptoms is feasible. Implications for Practice: Cutpoints in the total number of patient-reported symptoms may identify patients experiencing a high symptom burden from HNC. Foundational: Using optimal cutpoints of the total number of patient-reported symptoms may help effectively align clinical resources with patients' symptom burden.

Repeat re-irradiation with interstitial HDR-brachytherapy for an in-field isolated nodal recurrence in a patient with HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

PURPOSE: Locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer is a complex clinical scenario that often requires multimodality treatment. These patients have often previously received definitive treatment with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy, which can make further management difficult. A second isolated locoregional failure is rare and clinicians are faced with a challenge to optimize disease control while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this report, we present the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of a patient with an isolated locoregional recurrence who was previously treated with two courses of radiation. The patient was treated with a second course of reirradiation using interstitial brachytherapy as well as a discussion regarding patient selection and optimal management for recurrent head and neck cancer. RESULTS: Repeat reirradiation using interstitial HDR-brachytherapy with the use of an alloderm spacer was successfully delivered to the patient for an in-field right neck nodal recurrence. He received a total EQD2/BED dose of 127.70/153.24 Gy. At 1-year followup, the patient was without evidence of recurrent disease or new significant side effects. CONCLUSION: Recurrent head and neck cancer should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach given the complex clinical scenario. Reirradiation is a commonly used salvage measure for recurrent head and neck cancer that requires careful planning and patient selection due to prior treatment-related effects and dose constraints. We reported a case of a second course of reirradiation using interstitial HDR-brachytherapy for locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer and showed no recurrence of disease or worsening long term side effects at 1 year.

The usefulness of the Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA)© as a clinical support tool for real-time interventions in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience painful, debilitating symptoms and functional limitations that can interrupt cancer treatment, and decrease their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA) for head and neck is a web-based mHealth patient-reported measure that asks questions about 21 categories of symptoms and functional limitations common to HNC. This article presents the development and usefulness of the ePVA as a clinical support tool for real-time interventions for patient-reported symptoms and functional limitations in HNC. METHODS: Between January 2018 and August 2019, 75 participants were enrolled in a clinical usefulness study of the ePVA. Upon signing informed consent, participants completed the ePVA and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) general (C30) questionnaire v3.0 (scores range from 0 to 100 with 100 representing best HRQoL). Clinical usefulness of the ePVA was defined as demonstration of reliability, convergent validity with HRQoL, and acceptability of the ePVA (i.e., >70% of eligible participants complete the ePVA at two or more visits and >70% of ePVA reports are read by providers). Formal focus group discussions with the interdisciplinary team that cared for patients with HNC guided the development of the ePVA as a clinical support tool. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used throughout the study. Descriptive statistics consisting of means and frequencies, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Student's t-tests were calculated using SAS 9.4 and STATA. RESULTS: The participants were primarily male (71%), White (76%), diagnosed with oropharyngeal or oral cavity cancers (53%), and undergoing treatment for HNC (69%). Data analyses supported the reliability (alpha =0.85), convergent validity with HRQoL scores, and acceptability of the ePVA. Participants with the highest number of symptoms and functional limitations reported significantly worse HRQoL (sum of symptoms: r=-0.50, P<0.0001; sum of function limitations: r=-0.56, P<0.0001). Ninety-two percent of participants (59 of 64) who had follow-up visits within the 6-month study period completed the ePVA at two or more visits and providers read 89% (169 of 189) of automated ePVA reports. The use of the ePVA as a clinical support tool for real-time interventions for symptoms and functional limitations reported by patients is described in a clinical exemplar. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicates that the ePVA may be a useful mHealth tool as a clinical support tool for real-time interventions for patient-reported symptoms and functional limitations in HNC. The study findings support future translational research to enhance the usefulness of the ePVA in real world settings for early interventions that decrease symptom burden and improve the QoL of patients with HNC.

Improving thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients: A quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and improve compliance of thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients who received radiotherapy to the cervical region before and after instituting quality improvement interventions. METHODS: Using the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) methodology, patients with head and neck malignancies who received radiotherapy to the cervical region from 2013-2015 were identified at a tertiary medical center. The status of the patients' thyroid monitoring and related characteristics were recorded. A quality improvement project was subsequently implemented by data sharing and providing feedback to practitioners involved in head and neck cancer care and creating a tracking database for all patients who received radiotherapy to the neck. After implementation of these interventions, data was collected on patients meeting the inclusion criteria from 2015-2017. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six patients met criteria pre-intervention and ninety-eight patients met criteria post-intervention. Compliance of thyroid monitoring went up from 34% to 80% after interventions (P < .0001). There was a significant increase in thyroid testing performed by radiation oncologists after interventions from 2% to 21%, while medical oncologists and otolaryngologists remained consistent in their compliance rates. CONCLUSION: It is possible to improve compliance with evidence-based recommendations and improve the quality-of-care for head and neck cancer survivors through simple, cost effective interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 130:E573-E579, 2020.

The development, usability, and reliability of the Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA) for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Annually, over 65,000 persons are diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the United States. During treatment, up to 50% of patients become severely symptomatic with pain, fatigue, mouth sores, and inability to eat. Long term complications are lymphedema, fibrosis, dysphagia, and musculoskeletal impairment. Patients' ability to perform daily activities and to interact socially may be impaired, resulting in poor quality of life. A pragmatic, clinically useful assessment is needed to ensure early detection and intervention for patients to report symptoms and functional limitations over time. We developed the Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA) that enables patients to report 42 symptoms related to head and neck cancer and 17 limitations of functional status. This manuscript reports (I) the development of the ePVA, (II) the content validity of the ePVA, and (III) the usability and reliability of the ePVA. METHODS: Usability was evaluated using the "Think Aloud" technique to guide the iterative process to refine the ePVA based on participants' evaluations. After signing the informed consent, 30 participants with head and neck cancer completed the ePVA using digital tablet devices while thinking aloud about ease of use. All patient conversations were recorded and professionally transcribed. Reliability of the ePVA symptom and functional limitation measures was estimated using the Kuder-Richardson test. Convergent validity of the ePVA was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 global QoL/health scale. Transcribed qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis approach. Quantitative analyses consisted of descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. RESULTS: Among participants, 90% strongly agreed or agreed that the ePVA system was easy to use and 80% were very satisfied. Only minor usability problems were reported due to formatting and software "bugs". Reporting of usability problems decreased in frequency over the study period and no usability problems were reported by the last 3 participants who completed the ePVA. Based on participants' suggestions during the iterative process, refinement of the ePVA included increased touch sensitivity of the touch screen technology and customized error messages to improve ease of use. The ePVA also recorded patient reported symptoms (mouth symptoms: 93%, fibrosis: 60%, fatigue: 60%). The ePVA demonstrated acceptable reliability (alpha =0.82-0.85) and convergent validity (ePVA total number of reported symptoms and function limitations was negatively correlated with EORTC QLQ-C30 global QOL/health scale: r=-0.55038, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ePVA was rigorously developed, accepted by patients with satisfaction, and demonstrated acceptable reliability and convergent validity. Future research will use data generated by the ePVA to determine the impact of symptom trajectories on functional status, treatment interruptions and terminations, and health resource use in head and neck cancer.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for managing delirium in hospitalized postoperative adults: an umbrella review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The question of this review: What is the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for the management of delirium in hospitalized adult postoperative patients?The objective of this umbrella review is to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for the management of delirium in adult postoperative patients, 18 years and over, in an acute care hospitalized setting.More specifically, the review aims to identify which non-pharmacological strategy/strategies, provided as a single strategy or combined as two or more strategies, is the most effective for management of delirium in hospitalized postoperative adult patients?

Effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction in adult patients in an ambulatory care setting: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: One approach to overcoming healthcare system barriers and facilitating timely access to quality care and patient satisfaction is with a patient navigator. A patient navigator is a trained person who individually assists patients, families and caregivers navigate the healthcare system barriers efficiently and effectively at any point along the care continuum, improving patient care at all levels of an organization. OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction in adult patients 18 years and older in ambulatory care settings. INCLUSION CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: This review considered studies that involved adults of any ethnicity, race or gender, aged 18 years or older, regardless of diagnoses, stage of illness, whether the illness is acute or chronic or previous treatment, who had been receiving care in an ambulatory care setting. TYPES OF INTERVENTION(S)/PHENOMENA OF INTEREST: This review considered studies on the use of a patient navigator as an additional intervention to usual care for promoting patient satisfaction for adult patients in an ambulatory care setting. Usual care without a patient navigator was considered as a comparator. TYPES OF STUDIES: This review considered experimental and observational studies. OUTCOMES: The outcome considered was patient satisfaction. SEARCH STRATEGY: The literature search included published and unpublished studies in the English Language from 1990 through July 2015. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Social Work Abstracts and Web of Science was conducted. A search for gray literature and electronic hand searching of relevant journals was also performed. METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY: Two reviewers independently evaluated the included studies for methodological quality utilizing standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. DATA EXTRACTION: Standardized data extraction tools from Joanna Briggs Institute were used by two independent reviewers for data extraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: A statistical meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity between the included studies. Results are presented in a narrative form. RESULTS: Four studies were included in this review, two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one was a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design study and one was a cohort study. The four studies showed that a patient navigator had clinical benefit for patient satisfaction, care coordination and patient access to timely healthcare services. One RCT reported a mean satisfaction score of 4.3 for navigated patients and 2.9 for non-navigated patients; P < 0.001. A second RCT showed an odds ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.82 for navigated versus non-navigated patients. The quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study showed navigated patient satisfaction with a mean = 11.45 (standard deviation [SD], 3.69) in comparison with the non-navigated patient (mean, 14.95; SD, 1.69) (F = 11.85; P = 0.000). The cohort study demonstrated a mean satisfaction score of 90.7 for navigated patients and 85.5 for non-navigated patients; P = 0.03. The four studies showed no clinically significant results; however, the patient navigator role may promote relationships among the healthcare team, reducing barriers for patient-centered care and enhanced patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of a patient navigator on patient satisfaction. In the four studies selected for inclusion, a patient navigator had a positive effect on patient satisfaction, although none of the studies demonstrated statistical significance with a patient navigator on patient satisfaction. The effect of a patient navigator remains questionable with differences in perceptions on the best individual for the role and the expected role perception and performance. A standardized approach to the role of the patient navigator may maximize health outcomes and positively affect the quality of life for all patients.

Management algorithm for HIV-associated parotid lymphoepithelial cysts.

We report an evidence-based management algorithm for benign lymphoepithelial cysts (BLEC) of the parotid glands in HIV patients based on long-term outcomes after radiation therapy. From 1987 to 2013, 72 HIV-positive patients with BLEC of the parotid glands treated at our institutions were identified and their medical records were reviewed and analyzed. The primary endpoint of our study was to determine a dose response in HIV patients with BLEC. In group A (≤18 Gy), which received a median dose of 10 Gy (8-18), overall response (OvR), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and local failure (LF) was experienced by 7, 7, 0, and 93 %, respectively. In group B (≥22.5 Gy), which received a median dose of 24 Gy (22.5-30), OvR, CR, PR, and LF was experienced by 88, 65, 23, and 12 %. Logistic regression revealed that higher dose (≥22.5 Gy) predicted for cosmetic control (p = 0.0003). Multiple regression analysis revealed higher dose predicted for cosmetic control (p = 0.0001) after adjusting for confounding variables (age, gender, race, HAART use, BLEC duration, and fractionation size). No patients in either group experienced RTOG grade ≥3 toxicities. A radiation dose of 24 Gy delivered in 12-16 fractions of 1.5-2 Gy per fraction provides long-term cosmetic control in HIV-positive patients with BLEC of the parotid glands.

The effectiveness of therapeutic patient education on adherence to oral anti-cancer medicines in adult cancer patients in ambulatory care settings: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to oral cancer medicines is a challenge for adult patients with cancer. Education specifically tailored for an individual patient with cancer may improve adherence. Therapeutic patient education when utilized effectively may maximize health outcomes and positively affect the quality of life of adult patients with cancer. Currently, there are no published systematic reviews specific to the effectiveness of therapeutic patient education on improvement of oral anti-cancer medicines adherence in patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of therapeutic patient education on adherence to oral anti-cancer medicines in adult cancer patients 18 years and older in an ambulatory care setting. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Types of participants: This review considered studies involving adults of any ethnicity, race or gender, aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with any form of cancer, receiving oral anti-cancer medicines in an ambulatory care setting. Types of intervention(s): This review considered studies on the use of therapeutic patient education as the additional intervention to routine patient education for promoting oral anti-cancer medicine adherence in adult patients with cancer in an ambulatory care setting. Routine patient education was considered as a comparator. Types of outcomes: The outcome considered was adherence to prescribed oral anti-cancer medicines. Types of studies: This review considered experimental and observational studies. SEARCH STRATEGY: The literature search included published and unpublished studies in the English Language from 1953 through August 2014. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition was conducted using identified keywords and indexed terms across all included databases. A search for grey literature and electronic hand searching of relevant journals was also performed. METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY: Two reviewers independently evaluated the included studies for methodological quality utilizing standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. DATA COLLECTION: Standardized data extraction tools were used by two reviewers independently as per the Joanna Briggs Institute for data extraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity between the included studies, statistical meta-analysis was not feasible. The results are presented in a narrative form. RESULTS: Two studies were included in this review, one randomized controlled trial and one cohort study. Both studies had small sample sizes and were moderate and low quality. The clinical significance of therapeutic patient education interventions and the relationship between behavior changes and health outcome changes remain unclear. The randomized clinical trial found a benefit in medication adherence rates in the tailored education intervention group compared to the standard education group at two and four months. Adherence rates measured by self-report (91.3% and 95.1%) and pharmacy refill rates (80% and 73.7%) were superior for the intervention group; however pharmacy refill rates were lower than self-reports of adherence. Tailored educational interventions were only beneficial on pharmacy refill rates (p=.0048) for promoting adherence at the two-month time interval. The cohort study found the intensified pharmaceutical educational intervention group demonstrated enhanced overall medication adherence then the standard education group (97.9% vs. 90.5%, p=0.069). The intervention group also showed a higher mean daily adherence to medication (96. 8% vs. 87.2%, p=0.029). The relative risk of the intervention group deviating from the medication intake interval of 12 hours was 0.51(95%CI, 0.46-0.56) compared to the control group (p<0.05, Chi-square test).The two studies showed no statistically significant differences, only modest to low evidence that therapeutic educational interventions support the clinical outcome of oral anti-cancer medicine adherence. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of research evidence on the effectiveness of therapeutic patient educational interventions for improving patient adherence to oral cancer medicines. The effect of therapeutic patient educational interventions on oral anti-cancer medicine adherence has yet to be determined. Therapeutic patient educational interventions remain questionable, differing in format and educational strategies. A specific standardized methodology and evaluation approach to therapeutic patient education may reduce symptomatology, prevent side effects, maximize health outcomes and positively affect the quality of life and survival of adult patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: There is limited evidence that therapeutic patient educational interventions improve oral anti-cancer medicine adherence in adult patients with cancer in ambulatory care settings. A growing number of patients with cancer are being prescribed oral anti-cancer medicines; a better understanding of how therapeutic patient education strategies are effectively implemented may promote patient self-motivation and oral anti-cancer medicine adherence. This review recommends the development of a specific standardized methodology and evaluation approach to therapeutic patient education that may empower patients to increase their adherence to self-managed medication and achieve positive health outcomes IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Clinical trials with larger sample sizes, standardization of content, comparing specific adherence education or tailored education interventions are needed.

Postoperative radiation therapy for parotid pleomorphic adenoma with close or positive margins: treatment outcomes and toxicities.

AIM: To evaluate the locoregional control and treatment toxicity of patients with pleomorphic adenoma after resection with close or positive margins followed by postoperative radiation therapy (PORT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2011, twenty-one patients underwent PORT at the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid with close or positive margins. Four out of the 21 patients (19%) had recurrent lesions. The median dose was 57.6 Gy (range 55.8-69.96) delivered at 1.8-2.12 Gy/fraction. Treatment and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed for locoregional control as well as acute- and late-treatment toxicities. Actuarial survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Twelve women and 9 men with a median age of 46 (26-65) at PORT were included in this study. Eighty-one percent of the cohort had positive resection margins while 19% had close margins. At a median follow-up of 92 months, 19/21 patients (90%) had locoregional control. Two patients who failed had primary lesions which recurred locally, and initially had positive margins. The two recurrences occurred at 8 months and 12 months. Acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 1 and 2 toxicities were experienced by 11 (52%) and 4 (19%) patients, respectively, while 2 (10%) experienced late RTOG grade 1 toxicities. No patients experienced any grade 2-4 late toxicities. Actuarial survival was 100%. CONCLUSION: PORT for patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland after resection with close or positive margins results in excellent locoregional control and low treatment-related morbidity.

Initial experience with oropharynx-targeted radiation therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary of the head and neck.

AIM: Metastasis of unknown primary (MUP) is commonly treated with radiation therapy (RT) to the entire mucosal surfaces and bilateral neck nodes (LN). We report outcomes of oropharynx-targeted RT, retropharyngeal nodes (RPN) and bilateral LN in this context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-Institution retrospective study of 68 patients. Forty percent were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Fifty-six percent received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The median age was 58 years, 82% were Caucasian, and 75% males. Stage III disease was present in 9%, stage IVA in 75% and IVB in 16%. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 3.5 years, the actuarial locoregional control was 95.5%. The emergence of primary developed in 1patient (1.5%) and 2patients (3%) failed in the neck. The median time-to-locoregional failure (LRF) was 18 months. Actuarial long-term RT toxicity was grade 1 xerostomia (68%), dysphagia (35%), neck stiffness (15%) and trismus (6%). CONCLUSION: RT to the oropharynx, RPN, and bilateral neck provides excellent oncological and functional outcomes in MUP in non-Asian patients. Sparing the mucosal surfaces of the nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx seems reasonable without impacting on survival and locoregional control.

Long-term outcome of seropositive HIV patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

AIM: To report the outcome of radiation therapy (RT) +/- chemotherapy in HIV-seropositive patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is the largest single-Institution retrospective study to date, consisting of 73 HIV patients with HNSCC treated from January 1997-2010. The median age at RT, HIV diagnosis and the duration of patients being HIV seropositive were 51, 34, and 11 years, respectively. Seventy patients had SCC and one had submandibular salivary duct carcinoma. Stages I-II, III and IVA/B were: 22%, 27% and 51%, respectively. Primary cancer sites comprised the larynx (37%), oropharynx (32%), oral cavity (13%), hypopharynx (7%), nasopharynx (4%), unknown primary (MUP) (4%), nasal cavity (3%), and submandibular salivary duct (1%). All patients had an ECOG performance scale of ≤1 and were treated with RT +/- chemotherapy. Fifty patients (70%) were on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) during treatment, and the median CD4 count was 290 (range: 203-1142). Median dose of 70, 63, and 54 Gy were delivered to the gross disease, high-risk neck, and low-risk neck respectively. Median duration of treatment was 52 (range: 49-64) days. Twelve patients (17%) underwent neck dissection for N3 disease. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 47 months (range: 7-140), the 4-year locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 69% and 55% respectively. Seven patients (10%) developed second primary sites within the first 5 years of completing RT (2 anal SCCs and 5 HNSCCs). The LRC for Stages III/IV larynx and oropharynx SCC (which represent the majority of the cohort) were 76% and 70%, respectively. Chemo/RT-related late toxicities were dysphagia of grade≤2, 3, and 4 found in 74%, 15% and 11% of patients, respectively. Hoarseness (grade 1) was reported in 10% of patients; no patient experienced grade ≥2. Xerostomia grade ≤2, and 3 was found in 77% and 23% of patients, respectively. A Chi-square test and univariate analysis showed statistically significant relationships between LRC and duration of RT (p<0.001), as well as positive trends for weight loss (<10%) and absence of second malignancy. CONCLUSION: Definitive RT +/- chemotherapy for HIV-seropositive patients with HNSCC appears to be less effective compared to the observed rates of LRC and OS of other HNSCC without HIV. Due to advances in the HAART which prolongs HIV patients' survival, it is extremely important to establish better treatment strategies to improve therapeutic ratio in this growing patient population.

Comprehensive head and neck radiotherapy dose-volume constraints do not apply to smaller volumes.

AIM: To investigate the impact of definitive radiation therapy (RT) in the management of early glottic cancer on clinical RT-induced dysphagia (RID) and carotid vasculopathy (RICV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-institution retrospective study. From January 1997 to 2010, 253 patients, with early glottic cancer, underwent RT with (60)Co or LINAC-6 MV photons. RT fields with wedge pair and daily 5-mm bolus were applied in all patients treated with 6-MV photons to avoid under-dose of the anterior laryngeal structures. The whole larynx (LX), pharyngeal constrictors (PCs), and carotid arteries (CA) were contoured and dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were generated to assess the delivered dose. The median age of patients was 65 years (range; 28-93), Caucasians were 80%, males were 87%, and 23% had T2 lesions. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of seven years (range; 1.5-12), the median dose and fraction size delivered to the LX were 63 and 2.25 Gy, respectively. The mean doses to the LX, PC, and CA were 57 Gy delivered to 34 cm(3), 54 Gy to 15 cm(3), and 60 Gy to 4 cm(3), respectively. The LX, PC and CA V60 and V65 were (77 and 71), (70 and 52) and (84 and 51), respectively. Patients with acute dysphagia grades 1, 2, and 3 or more were 81, 19%, and zero, respectively; none had clinically RID or RICV. CONCLUSION: Small-volume RT up to 67.5 Gy at 2.25 Gy per fraction, is not a predictor of RID or RICV. Separate delineation of the aforementioned critical structures, as well as others, may better identify dose tolerances to maintain function and further prioritize the importance of structures in RID and RICV.

The Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing on Glycemic Control for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2): A Systematic Review.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) interventions (including adaptions of motivational interviewing [AMIs]) on the improvement of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. BACKGROUND: Worldwide, 346 million people have diabetes. With the growing prevalence of diabetes, controlling modifiable risk factors is essential to preventing complications and disease progression. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is estimated to be double the present rate and by the year 2034 nearly 44 million Americans will have this preventable disease. In the United States (US), nearly 13 percent of adults aged 20 years and older have diabetes; this includes 25.8 million people, adults and children . Type 2 diabetes is more common in ethnic groups inclusive of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Diabetes is especially common in the elderly, 10.9 million or 26.9% of those aged 65 years and older have the disease. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 26% of US adults have impaired fasting glucose (IFG) of 100-125mg/dl and that 34% of adults meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome. An additional 35 % of adults have pre-diabetes, a condition marked by elevated blood sugar that is not yet in the diabetic range.Type 2 diabetes occurs when people have insulin resistance and insulin cannot be appropriately utilized for blood sugar regulation. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by impaired glucose tolerance. It can be defined by the criteria derived from the World Health Organization [WHO] that uses a single fasting glucose value of ≥ 126mg/dl or a single two hour glucose value of ≥ 200mg/dl. A laboratory blood test examining levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HgbA1c) provides an estimated average blood glucose level over the past two-three months. An HbA1C level of 6.5% or higher can indicate diabetes.Serious complications and premature death can ensue if type 2 diabetes is not treated. Collaboratively, the health care team and people with type 2 diabetes aim to manage this disease process, and lessen the risk of complications to the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Comprehensive support, knowledge, multidisciplinary therapy and treatment modalities will enhance health outcomes and slow disease progression.The Healthy People 2020 initiative outlines several objectives to achieve these changes and cover a comprehensive assortment of disease specific management accountabilities including regular medical care and self-management education/training. Many behaviour change techniques and strategies are known to be successful, yet are seldom implemented in today's health care arena. Dieticians, diabetes educators, and nurse practitioners are in an excellent position to serve as change agents to assist patients with diabetes in making necessary lifestyle changes.Motivational interviewing (MI) is a well-known, scientifically tested method of counseling clients first described by Miller and further developed by Miller and Rollnick. Motivational interviewing is a useful intervention strategy in the treatment of lifestyle problems and diseases such as diabetes . MI is a client-oriented, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. The four guiding principles of MI are: express empathy, develop discrepancies, roll with resistance, and support self-efficacy. Adaptation of motivational interviewing (AMI) utilises the basic elements of motivational interviewing and also includes a feedback component. In clinical research, most empirical studies have dealt with the efficacy of AMIs and no studies have addressed the efficacy of MI in its relatively pure form.In clinical practice, health care providers utilise AMIs solely or in combination with other approaches such as the transtheoretical model (TTM) to promote behavioural change. These techniques are often used in brief sessions to maximise time, cost and efficiency.Motivational interviewing has been shown to be effective in counseling patients towards behaviour change in smoking cessation , increasing exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption. While combined effect estimates including body mass index (BMI) show a significant effect for MI, combined effect estimates for cigarettes per day and glycosylated haemoglobin (HA1c) were not significant . Isolated effects of MI on BMI and/or HbA1c have not been identified. Strong clinical evidence suggests that patients with diabetes should achieve certain clinical goals such as lowering HbA1c to reduce morbidity and mortality. Motivational interviewing is a technique that is effective in behaviour change and could potentially be effective with achieving these goals. MI may lead to improved quality of life, health status and clinical outcomes for persons with type 2 diabetes through empowerment and supporting informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, and problem-solving, with active participation and collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team.A search of the MEDLINE, DARE, CINHAHL, PROSPERO, Joanna Briggs and Cochrane Libraries of Systematic Reviews failed to locate a review conducted on this topic.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of nurse coordinated transitioning of care on readmission rates for patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Readmission rates for patients with heart failure are a major concern for hospitals worldwide. The importance of patient education and a structured care plan to ease the transition from hospital to home has been the focus of many intervention strategies to reduce readmission rates. The use of transitioning of care plans is believed to improve medication reconciliation, communication, patient education, and follow-up. To date, the evidence has not been systematically evaluated to support the effectiveness of a nurse coordinated transitioning of care for patients with heart failure in reducing readmission rates. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the systematic review was to identify the best available evidence on the effectiveness of nurse coordinated transitioning of care between hospital and home on hospital readmission rates for all causes in adult patients hospitalised with heart failure. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies in the English language from January 1975 through July 2010. A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Healthsource Nursing/academic edition, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Library of Systematic Reviews was conducted followed by a reference search of relevant studies. The initial key words searched were: heart failure, readmission, and transitional care. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effect of nurse coordinated transitioning of care from hospital to home in adult patients with heart failure on readmission rates were selected. The outcome was defined as hospital readmissions for all causes following an initial admission for heart failure. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Studies selected for retrieval were critically evaluated by two independent reviewers for methodological validity using standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Data were extracted and analysed using the JBI-MAStARI program. RESULTS: A total of 16 randomised controlled studies were included. Ten of the 16 studies included in the review show that a nurse led transitioning of care intervention can reduce the rate of readmission for patients with heart failure. Interventions utilising home visits, or home visits coupled with telephone follow-up, show a more favourable reduction in readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced readmissions occur when transitioning of care interventions are carried out by a heart failure trained nurse who conducts at least one home visit and follows the patient at least weekly for a minimum of 30 days post discharge with either additional home visits or telephone contact. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This review supports the development of a nurse coordinated transitioning of care plan which will require improvements in communication, in addition to changes in health policy and payment systems that align incentives and performance measures in caring for patients with heart failure. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research should evaluate the effect of the intensity and duration of the transitioning of care intervention on readmission rates in a large randomised control trial on an adult population with heart failure to determine the ideal frequency and duration of the post discharge interventions.