Quality of telephone-based cancer symptom management by nurses: a quality improvement project.

PURPOSE: To determine the quality of cancer symptom management when evidence from clinical practice guidelines are used in telephone-based oncology nursing services. METHODS: Guided by the Knowledge to Action Framework, we conducted a quality improvement (QI) project focused on "monitoring knowledge use" (e.g., use of practice guides) and "measuring outcomes." In 2016, 15 Pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support (COSTaRS) practice guides that synthesize evidence from guidelines were implemented with training for all oncology nurses at a regional ambulatory oncology program. Eighteen months post-implementation, Symptom Management Analysis Tool (SMAT) was used to analyze audio-recorded calls and related documentation of cancer symptom management. RESULTS: Of 113 audio-recorded calls, 66 were COSTaRS symptoms (58%), 43 other symptoms (38%), and 4 medically complex situations (4%). Of 66 recorded calls, 63 (95%) were documented. Average SMAT quality score was 71% (range 21-100%) for audio-recordings and 63% (range 19-100%) for documentation of calls. COSTaRS practice guide use was documented in 33% calls. For these calls, average SMAT quality scores were 74% with COSTaRS versus 69% without COSTaRS for audio-recording and 73% (range 33-100%) with COSTaRS versus 58% without COSTaRS for documentation. Patient outcomes indicated symptom was resolved (38%), worse (25%), unchanged (3%), or unknown (33%). Eight patients (13%) had an ED visit within 14 days post that was related to the symptom discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Only a third of nurses indicated use of COSTaRS practice guides. There were higher quality symptom management scores when COSTaRS use was reported. Nurses documented less than what they discussed.

User-centered Development of a Decision Aid for Patients Facing Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Replacement: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Because of battery depletion, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) generator requires surgical replacement every 5 to 7 years. Routine replacement is the norm without discussion with patients about whether or not to proceed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a patient decision aid (PDA) for patients facing ICD replacement and plan for its implementation. METHODS: An embedded mixed-methods study was conducted using questionnaires and semistructured interviews focused on current ICD replacement practices; PDA acceptability, usability, and content; and PDA implementation. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen PDA end users in 16 interviews characterized the current ICD replacement approach as automatic without consideration for patient preferences. The PDA was positively received, and the content was iteratively revised 4 times during the interviews. Changes were related to missing and excess information, language, and wording. The PDA was identified as a means to support a shared decision-making (SDM) process, not to be used as a standalone instrument. To shift current practices to an SDM process, participants identified that an invitation to discuss the option of ICD replacement is required-whether initiated by the patient or the clinician. CONCLUSION: Currently, the option of ICD replacement is rarely offered, and patient preferences are seldom elicited. Participants believed the PDA to be a useful intervention that could help facilitate an SDM process for patients facing ICD replacement. Preparing for implementation during the development phase will allow us to strategize effectively to overcome perceived barriers and capitalize on perceived facilitators during actual implementation.