Physical activity interventions for cancer-related fatigue: A scoping review of randomized controlled trials from a Nursing Science Precision Health Model perspective.

BACKGROUND: The Nursing Science Precision Health (NSPH) Model has the potential to guide research on the development, testing, and targeting of interventions. PURPOSE: This scoping review examines the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) within the context of the NSPH Model. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guided this review. We included randomized controlled trials in people with cancer that investigated PA interventions and measured change in CRF as an outcome. DISCUSSION: A total of 181 studies met the eligibility criteria. Over 20 different instruments were used to measure CRF. The most common PA interventions were strength training (48%), walking (36%), cycling (26%), and yoga (15%). A limited number of studies reported phenotypic characteristics (32/181, 17%) or biomarkers (31/181, 17%) associated with CRF. CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified the body of existing research exploring CRF and PA from a precision health perspective.

Climate disasters and oncology care: a systematic review of effects on patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems.

PURPOSE: Climate disasters have devastating effects on communities and society that encompass all aspects of daily life, including healthcare. Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable when disaster strikes. As the number and intensity of disasters increases, it is important to understand the effects across the cancer care continuum. This systematic review investigates the effect of climate disasters on patients, the oncology healthcare workforce, and healthcare systems. METHODS: A medical librarian conducted a literature search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from January 1, 2016, through May 11, 2022. Eligible studies included any published report on a climate disaster globally reporting on patient-, oncology healthcare workforce-, or healthcare systems-level outcomes. Study quality was assessed, and findings were narratively synthesized, given the diversity of reported evidence. RESULTS: The literature search identified 3618 records, of which 46 publications were eligible for inclusion. The most frequent climate disaster was hurricanes (N = 27) followed by tsunami (N = 10). Eighteen publications were from disasters that occurred in the mainland USA with 13 from Japan and 12 from Puerto Rico. Patient-level outcomes included treatment interruptions and inability to communicate with the healthcare team. At the workforce level, findings included distressed clinicians caring for others when their own lives have been affected by a disaster along with lack of disaster preparedness training. Health systems reported closures or shifting services post-disaster and a need to have improved emergency response plans. CONCLUSION: Response to climate disasters necessitates a holistic approach at the patient, workforce, and health systems levels. Specifically, interventions should focus on mitigating interruptions in care for patients, advanced coordination and planning for workforce and health systems, and contingency planning for allocation of resources by health systems.

Gross Hematuria and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Military Burn Pits Exposures in US Veterans Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to describe rates of hematuria and other lower urinary tract symptoms, including self-reported cancer rates, among veterans postburn pits emissions exposure during deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS: US post-9/11 veterans with burn pits emissions exposure confirmed via DD214 forms in the Burn Pits360.org Registry were sent a modified survey. Data were deidentified and anonymously coded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of the 155 respondents exposed to burn pits self-reported seeing blood in their urine. The average index score of our modified American Urological Association Symptom Index Survey was 12.25 (SD, 7.48). High rates of urinary frequency (84%) and urgency (76%) were self-reported. Bladder, kidney, or lung cancers were self-reported in 3.87%. CONCLUSIONS: US veterans exposed to burn pits are self-reporting hematuria and other lower urinary tract symptoms.

Development of an international glossary for clinical guidelines collaboration.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are often created through collaboration among organizations. The use of inconsistent terminology may cause poor communication and delays. This study aimed to develop a glossary of terms related to collaboration in guideline development. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A literature review of collaborative guidelines was performed to develop an initial list of terms related to guideline collaboration. The list of terms was presented to the members of the Guideline International Network Guidelines Collaboration Working Group, who provided presumptive definitions for each term and proposed additional terms to be included. The revised list was subsequently reviewed by an international, multidisciplinary panel of expert stakeholders. Recommendations received during this pre-Delphi review were implemented to augment an initial draft glossary. The glossary was then critically evaluated and refined through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a virtual consensus meeting with all panel members as Delphi participants. RESULTS: Forty-nine experts participated in the pre-Delphi survey, and 44 participated in the two-round Delphi process. Consensus was reached for 37 terms and definitions. CONCLUSION: Uptake and utilization of this guideline collaboration glossary by key organizations and stakeholder groups may facilitate collaboration among guideline-producing organizations by improving communication, minimizing conflicts, and increasing guideline development efficiency.

Translation of Evidence-Based Interventions Into Oncology Care Settings: An Integrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Adoption of evidence remains slow, leading to variations in practices and quality of care. Examining evidence-based interventions implemented within oncology settings can guide knowledge translation efforts. OBJECTIVE: This integrative review aimed to (1) identify topics implemented for oncology-related evidence-based practice (EBP) change; (2) describe frameworks, guidelines, and implementation strategies used to guide change; and (3) evaluate project quality. METHODS: PubMed and CINAHL were searched to identify published practice change projects. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed. Fifty articles met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted; content analysis was conducted. The Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set guided quality assessment. RESULTS: Topics included infection control/prevention (n = 18), pain/palliative care (n = 13), psychosocial assessment (n = 11), and medication adherence (n = 8). Among the projects, Plan, Do, Study, Act (n = 8) and Lean Six Sigma (n = 6) frameworks were used most. Thirty-six projects identified guidelines that directed interventions. Multiple implementation strategies were reported in all articles with planning, education, and restructuring the most common. Reach, sustainability, and ability to be replicated were identified as quality gaps across projects. CONCLUSION: The EBP topics that emerged are consistent with the oncology nursing priorities, including facilitating integration of EBP into practice. The studies identified used national guidelines and implementation strategies to move evidence into practice. Heterogeneity in measurement made synthesis of findings difficult across studies, although individual studies showed improvement in patient outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Development of an interprofessional oncology consortium could facilitate a standardized approach to implementation of high-priority topics that target improved patient outcomes, harmonize measures, and accelerate translation of evidence into practice.

ONS Guidelines™ to Support Patient Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications.

PURPOSE: This evidence-based guideline intends to support patients, clinicians, and others regarding interventions and processes to support patient adherence to oral anticancer medications (OAMs). METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A panel of healthcare professionals and patient representatives developed a clinical practice guideline to support patients taking OAMs. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology and criteria for trustworthy guidelines were followed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A quantitative or narrative synthesis of the evidence was completed. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. FINDINGS: The panel agreed on recommendations and suggested an adherence risk assessment, education addressing adherence, ongoing assessment, proactive follow-up, coaching, and motivational interviewing in addition to usual care. The panel suggested the implementation of a structured OAM program. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: As cancer treatment shifts from clinic to home settings, interventions and programs to support patients on OAMs are needed.

Interventions to Support Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: This systematic review compared the efficacy of interventions to usual care on adherence to oral anticancer regimens. LITERATURE SEARCH: Embase®, PubMed®, and CINAHL® were searched for eligible comparative studies published between January 2000 and May 2021. Outcomes of interest included adherence, cancer-related morbidity, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and other patient-specific outcomes. DATA EVALUATION: Reviewers assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. SYNTHESIS: Risk assessment, ongoing or periodic assessment, proactive follow-up, motivational interviewing, or structured programs may improve adherence. Education or coaching interventions may improve or have little to no effect on adherence. Technological interventions may improve adherence, but interactive compared to noninteractive technology may have little to no effect. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: As more cancer treatments move to oral formulations, work remains to identify the most effective interventions to support people receiving oral anticancer regimens.

Domains of Structured Oral Anticancer Medication Programs: A Scoping Review.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: An interprofessional approach is necessary to support the multifactorial process of patient adherence to oral anticancer medications (OAMs). This scoping review aims to identify structured OAM programs in published literature, identify components within studies, and propose a framework for institutions developing or maintaining OAM programs. LITERATURE SEARCH: Embase®, PubMed®, and CINAHL® databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and April 2021. DATA EVALUATION: Two reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Characteristics and specific domains of the OAM programs were captured. Key components of the programs were identified, and a framework was created to guide program development. SYNTHESIS: Components identified among the 21 studies were education; counseling; follow-up; dedicated clinician contact; adverse event and toxicity monitoring; adherence monitoring; drug procurement, delivery, and supply; patient- and system-level cost reduction; information technology; and risk assessment. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Based on the findings, a framework for building and evaluating OAM adherence programs is proposed. Future studies should evaluate the reliability and validity of this framework because further testing may lead to the development of additional components.

Trends in guideline implementation: an updated scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines aim to support evidence-informed practice but are inconsistently used without implementation strategies. Our prior scoping review revealed that guideline implementation interventions were not selected and tailored based on processes known to enhance guideline uptake and impact. The purpose of this study was to update the prior scoping review. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for studies published from 2014 to January 2021 that evaluated guideline implementation interventions. We screened studies in triplicate and extracted data in duplicate. We reported study and intervention characteristics and studies that achieved impact with summary statistics. RESULTS: We included 118 studies that implemented guidelines on 16 clinical topics. With regard to implementation planning, 21% of studies referred to theories or frameworks, 50% pre-identified implementation barriers, and 36% engaged stakeholders in selecting or tailoring interventions. Studies that employed frameworks (n=25) most often used the theoretical domains framework (28%) or social cognitive theory (28%). Those that pre-identified barriers (n=59) most often consulted literature (60%). Those that engaged stakeholders (n=42) most often consulted healthcare professionals (79%). Common interventions included educating professionals about guidelines (44%) and information systems/technology (41%). Most studies employed multi-faceted interventions (75%). A total of 97 (82%) studies achieved impact (improvements in one or more reported outcomes) including 10 (40% of 25) studies that employed frameworks, 28 (47.45% of 59) studies that pre-identified barriers, 22 (52.38% of 42) studies that engaged stakeholders, and 21 (70% of 30) studies that employed single interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to our prior review, this review found that more studies used processes to select and tailor interventions, and a wider array of types of interventions across the Mazza taxonomy. Given that most studies achieved impact, this might reinforce the need for implementation planning. However, even studies that did not plan implementation achieved impact. Similarly, even single interventions achieved impact. Thus, a future systematic review based on this data is warranted to establish if the use of frameworks, barrier identification, stakeholder engagement, and multi-faceted interventions are associated with impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered with Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/4nxpr ) and published in JBI Evidence Synthesis.

Disparities in telehealth use: How should the supportive care community respond?

Telehealth use has increased in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are disparities in telehealth use based on age, income, race/ethnicity, low health, digital literacy, and limited English proficiency. There are multilevel barriers to telehealth use at the patient, health systems, telehealth portal, and policy levels. To ensure equity in telehealth services and to leverage these services to maximize the reach of health care services, concerted efforts are needed to design telehealth tools and workflows. It should include reimbursement for staff training, patient education, and technical support needed for telehealth use. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and responsive modifications in the use of telehealth services are needed to promote telehealth equity.

An International Needs Assessment Survey of Guideline Developers Demonstrates Variability in Resources and Challenges to Collaboration between Organizations.

BACKGROUND: The development of rigorous, high-quality clinical guidelines increases the need for resources and skilled personnel within guideline-producing organizations. While collaboration between organizations provides a unique opportunity to pool resources and save time and effort, the collaboration presents its own unique challenges. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceived needs and current challenges of guideline producers worldwide related to guideline development and collaboration efforts. DESIGN: Survey questions were developed by the Guidelines International Network and the US GRADE Network, pilot-tested among attendees of a guideline development workshop, and disseminated electronically using convenience and snowball sampling methods. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 171 respondents representing 30 countries and more than 112 unique organizations were included in this analysis. MAIN MEASURES: The survey included free-response, multiple-choice, and seven-point Likert-scale questions. Questions assessed respondents' perceived value of guidelines, resource availability and needs, guideline development processes, and collaboration efforts of their organization. KEY RESULTS: Time required to develop high-quality systematic reviews and guidelines was the most relevant need (median=7; IQR=5.5-7). In-house resources to conduct literature searches (median=4; IQR=3-6) and the resources to develop rigorous guidelines rapidly (median=4; IQR=2-5) were perceived as the least available resources. Difficulties reconciling differences in guideline methodology (median=6; IQR=4-7) and the time required to establish collaborative agreements (median=6; IQR=5-6) were the most relevant barriers to collaboration between organizations. Results also indicated a general need for improvement in conflict of interest (COI) disclosure policies. CONCLUSION: The survey identified organizational challenges in supporting rigorous guideline development, including the time, resources, and personnel required. Connecting guideline developers to existing databases of high-quality systematic reviews and the use of freely available online platforms may facilitate guideline development. Guideline-producing organizations may also consider allocating resources to hiring or training personnel with expertise in systematic review methodologies or utilizing resources more effectively by establishing collaborations with other organizations.

A memorandum of understanding has facilitated guideline development involving collaborating groups.

OBJECTIVE: Collaboration between groups can facilitate the development of high-quality guidelines. While collaboration is often desirable, misunderstandings can occur. One method to minimize misunderstandings is the pre-specification of terms of engagement in a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This study considered when an MOU may be most helpful, and which key elements should be included. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: An international panel of representatives from guideline groups was convened. A literature review to identify publications and other documents relevant to the establishment of MOUs between two or more guideline groups, supplemented by available source documents, was used to inform development of a draft MOU resource. This was iteratively refined until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: The level of detail in an MOU may vary based on institutional preferences and the particular collaboration. Elements within an MOU include those pertaining to: (1) scope and purpose; (2) leadership and team; (3) methods and commitment; (4) review and endorsement; and (5) publication and dissemination. CONCLUSION: Since groups may have different expectations regarding how a collaboration will unfold, an MOU may mitigate preventable misunderstandings. The result may be a higher likelihood of producing a guideline without disruption and delay.

Translating Evidence to Practice: A Multisite Collaboration to Implement Guidelines and Improve Constipation Management in Patients With Cancer.

Despite the high incidence of constipation in people with cancer, there is little research on management strategies for opioid-induced constipation (OIC). This project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act model to examine implementation of the Oncology Nursing Society GuidelinesTM to improve constipation management in patients with cancer. Nurse champions at four sites identified practice gaps, including providing education on OIC for patients who are new to opioids and increasing follow-up assessment. This project demonstrates that multisite, collaborative projects are feasible and may enhance patient quality of life and decrease anticipated complications.

Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nursing: Oncology Nursing Society Survey Results.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making approach that improves quality and outcomes in health care but is not yet standard in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine EBP beliefs, knowledge, implementation strategy self-efficacy, and competencies among a national sample of oncology nurses. METHODS: Oncology nurses completed an online survey of EBP attributes and open-ended questions. Analyses were conducted on data collected from 893 participants from a range of healthcare organizations across a diverse geographic sample of the United States. FINDINGS: Respondents rated themselves competent to question clinical practice to improve quality care. Oncology nurses reported competency to question clinical practice but deficits in EBP knowledge and skills.

Managing pain in seriously ill patients with substance use disorders.

ABSTRACT: Managing pain can be challenging, especially in patients with serious illnesses and a history of substance use disorders. This article discusses the challenges of addressing pain in these patients and offers perspectives regarding their clinical management.

Radiodermatitis: Clinical Summary of the ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment-Related Radiodermatitis.

Approximately 50%-70% of patients with cancer will receive radiation therapy. Radiodermatitis is one of the most common side effects of radiation therapy, with as many as 95% of patients experiencing some degree of skin change. Radiodermatitis can cause pain, itching, and burning and potentially has a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. If radiodermatitis becomes severe, it can cause treatment interruption. The prevalence of radiodermatitis coupled with the effect this side effect can have on quality of life prompts the need for evidence-based recommendations for management.

Management of Opioid-Induced and Non-Opioid-Related Constipation in Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to inform the development of national clinical practice guidelines on the management of cancer constipation. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed®, Wiley Cochrane Library, and CINAHL® were searched for studies published from May 2009 to May 2019. DATA EVALUATION: Two investigators independently reviewed and extracted data from eligible studies. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool was used, and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. SYNTHESIS: For patients with cancer and opioid-induced constipation, moderate benefit was found for osmotic or stimulant laxatives; small benefit was found for methylnaltrexone, naldemedine, and electroacupuncture. For patients with cancer and non-opioid-related constipation, moderate benefit was found for naloxegol, prucalopride, lubiprostone, and linaclotide; trivial benefit was found for acupuncture. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Effective strategies for managing opioid-induced and non-opioid-related constipation in patients with cancer include lifestyle, pharmacologic, and complementary approaches. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS: //bit.ly/3c4yewT.

Radiodermatitis in Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to inform the development of guidelines on the management of radiodermatitis among patients with cancer. LITERATURE SEARCH: The authors updated a systematic review to include available literature published through September 30, 2019. DATA EVALUATION: Two investigators assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool and certainty of the evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. SYNTHESIS: The use of deodorant/antiperspirant had no effect on development of radiodermatitis. Aloe vera and emu oil were equivalent or less effective than standard care. Oral curcumin had a minimal beneficial effect. Nonsteroidal topical interventions had a minimal beneficial effect on the development of moist desquamation and relief of itching while causing a small increase for grade 2 radiodermatitis. Topical calendula increased risk for the development of radiodermatitis. Topical steroids and dressings each showed benefits to minimize the development of radiodermatitis and moist desquamation while lowering rates of patient-reported symptoms, such as pain and pruritus. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Symptom management strategies for radiodermatitis among patients with cancer that are likely to be effective include topical nonsteroidals, topical steroids, and dressings. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS: //bit.ly/2FWj3Kp.

ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment-Related Radiodermatitis.

PURPOSE: Radiodermatitis is a side effect of radiation therapy. Evidence-based interventions to minimize severity or delay progression are important for clinical care. This guideline intends to support individuals with cancer, clinicians, and others in decisions regarding radiodermatitis treatment. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A panel of healthcare professionals with patient representation was convened to develop a national clinical practice guideline for the management of radiodermatitis. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine criteria for trustworthy guidelines were followed. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool was used, and certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. A quantitative and narrative synthesis of the evidence was completed. FINDINGS: The panel agreed on eight recommendations and made a conditional recommendation for deodorant/antiperspirant. Aloe vera and oral curcumin had knowledge gaps and were recommended only in the context of a clinical trial. The panel suggested against emu oil, calendula, and nonsteroidal interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This guideline summarizes evidence-based interventions for the management of radiodermatitis to guide clinical care. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS: //bit.ly/2GEwJtT.

ONS Guidelines™ for Opioid-Induced and Non-Opioid-Related Cancer Constipation.

PURPOSE: This evidence-based guideline intends to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of constipation in patients with cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: An interprofessional panel of healthcare professionals with patient representation prioritized clinical questions and patient outcomes for the management of cancer-related constipation. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the evidence and make recommendations. FINDINGS: The panel agreed on 13 recommendations for the management of opioid-induced and non-opioid-related constipation in patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The panel conditionally recommended a bowel regimen in addition to lifestyle education as first-line treatment for constipation. For patients starting opioids, the panel suggests a bowel regimen as prophylaxis. Pharmaceutical interventions are available and recommended if a bowel regimen has failed. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for non-opioid-related constipation are recommended in the context of a clinical trial. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS: //bit.ly/30y29sI.