FDG-PET/CT for investigation of pyrexia of unknown origin: a cost of illness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to explore the current utilisation of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in the diagnostic pathway of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) and associated cost of illness in a large tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. METHOD: 1257 febrile patients between June 2016 and September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 57 patients who met the inclusion criteria of "classical PUO", of which FDG-PET/CT was performed in 31 inpatients, 15 outpatients and 11 inpatients did not have an FDG-PET/CT scan. The patient demographics, clinical characteristics and inpatient cost were analysed, together with the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/CT and impact on clinical management. RESULT: The mean age, length of stay and total cost of admission were higher for inpatients who received FDG-PET/CT versus those who did not. The median cost per patient-bed-day did not differ between the two groups. Inpatients who received earlier FDG-PET/CTs (≤ 7 days from admission) had shorter length of stays and lower total cost compared to those who received a later scan. A negative FDG-PET/CT scan, demonstrating no serious or life-threatening abnormalities resulted in subsequent discharge from hospital or outpatient clinic in 7/10 (70%) patients. There were 11/40 (28%) scans where ancillary abnormalities were identified, requiring further evaluation. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/CT showed high diagnostic accuracy and significant impact on patient management in patients with PUO. FDG-PET/CT performed earlier in admission for PUO was associated with shorter length of stay and lower total cost.

Early outcomes following the implementation of a specialised pleural disease service.

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is a common cause of hospitalisation and a poor prognostic marker that is associated with morbidity and mortality. The evaluation and management of pleural effusion may be performed more effectively by a specialised pleural disease service (SPDS). AIMS: To evaluate the impact of a SPDS established in 2017 at a 400-bed metropolitan hospital in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was undertaken comparing outcomes of individuals with pleural effusions. People with pleural effusion were identified using administrative data. Two 12-month time periods were compared, 2016 (Period 1, before SPDS) and 2018 (Period 2, after SPDS). RESULTS: Period 1 had n = 76 and Period 2 had n = 96 individuals with pleural effusion receiving intervention. Age (69.8 ± 17.6 vs 71.8 ± 15.8), gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (4.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.4 ± 3.0) were similar across both periods. Utilisation of point-of-care ultrasound for pleural procedures increased from Period 1 to 2, 57.3-85.7% (P < 0.001). There was a reduction in median days from admission to intervention (3.8-2.1 days, P = 0.048) and pleural-related re-intervention rate (32% vs 19%, P = 0.032). Pleural fluid testing was more consistent with recommendations (16.8% vs 43.2%, P < 0.001). Overall, there was no difference in the median length of stay (7.9 vs 6.4 days, P = 0.23), pleural-related readmissions (11% vs 16%, P = 0.69) or mortality (17.1% vs 15.6%, P = 0.79). Procedural complications were similar between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a SPDS was associated with increased point-of-care ultrasound utilisation for pleural procedures, shorter delays to intervention and improved standardisation of tests on pleural fluid.

Anticancer therapy within the last 30 days of life: results of an audit and re-audit cycle from an Australian regional cancer centre.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic landscape in medical oncology continues to expand significantly. Newer therapies, especially immunotherapy, offer the hope of profound and durable responses with more tolerable side effect profiles. Integrating this information into the decision making process is challenging for patients and oncologists. Systemic anticancer treatment within the last thirty days of life is a key quality of care indicator and is one parameter used in the assessment of aggressiveness of care. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients previously treated at Goulburn Valley Health oncology department who died between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2018 was conducted. Information collected related to patient demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and hospital care within the last 30 days of life. These results were presented to the cancer services meeting and a quality improvement intervention program was instituted. A second retrospective review of medical records of all patients who died between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2018 was conducted in order to measure the effect of this intervention. RESULTS: The initial audit period comprised 440 patients. 120 patients (27%) received treatment within the last 30 days of life. The re-audit period comprised 75 patients. 19 patients (25%) received treatment within the last 30 days of life. Treatment rates of chemotherapy reduced after the intervention in contrast to treatment rates of immunotherapy which increased. A separate analysis calculated the rate of mortality within 30 days of chemotherapy from the total number of patients who received chemotherapy was initially 8% and 2% in the re-audit period. Treatment within the last 30 days of life was associated with higher use of aggressive care such as emergency department presentation, hospitalisation, ICU admission and late hospice referral. Palliative care referral rates improved after the intervention. CONCLUSION: This audit demonstrated that a quality improvement intervention can impact quality of care indicators with reductions in the use of chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life. However, immunotherapy use increased which may be explained by increased access and a better risk benefit balance.