Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis - A Microcosting and Budget Impact Analysis from a Brazilian Perspective

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the costs of preventive and therapeutic protocols of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for oral mucositis (OM) and their budgetary impact on Brazil's Ministry of Health (BMH). Material and Methods: A partial economic analysis was performed to estimate the costs using a bottom-up approach from a social perspective. Monetary values were assigned in Brazilian reais (BRL). The costs of the preventive protocol were calculated for five, 30, and 33 consecutive PBM sessions, depending on the antineoplastic treatment instituted. The costs of the therapeutic protocol were calculated for 5 or 10 sessions. The annual financial and budgetary impact was calculated considering the groups of oncologic patients with a higher risk of development of OM, such as those with head and neck and hematological cancer and pediatric patients. Results: The cost of a PBM session was estimated at BRL 23.75. The financial impact of providing one preventive protocol per year for all oncologic patients would be BRL 14,282,680.00, 0.030% of the estimated budget for hospital and outpatient care of the BMH in 2022. The financial and budgetary impacts of providing one treatment for OM for all patients in one year would be BRL 2,225,630.31 (0.005%, most optimistic scenario) and BRL 4,451,355.63 (0.009%, most pessimistic scenario). Conclusion: The budgetary impact of implementing PBM protocols in the Brazilian Healthcare System is small, even in a pessimistic scenario.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organi‐ zation (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97–265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50–120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p<0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97‐265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50‐120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá‐lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 97‐265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50‐120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Corrigendum to a multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Corrigendum a una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Corrigendum a uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. The Pan American Journal of Public Health draws readers’ attention to an error in the following article, pointed out by the authors: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140 In page 4, figure 1 the word Lorem ipsum should be Vancomycin

[RESUMEN]. La Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública llama la atención a los lectores sobre un error en el siguiente artículo, señalado por los autores: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140

[RESUMO]. A Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública chama a atenção dos leitores para um erro no artigo a seguir, apontado pelos autores: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organi‐ zation (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient out‐ comes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were com‐ pared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97–265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50–120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p<0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients. This article has been corrected https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia mul‐ timodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97‐265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50‐120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes. Este artículo ha sido corregido por https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto‐socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá‐lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (inter‐ valo interquartil: 97‐265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50‐120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes. Este artigo foi corrigido https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

Evaluación de la relación volumen-resultado en la atención especializada del cáncer pediátrico / Evaluating the volume-outcome relationship in specialized care for pediatric cancer

INTRODUCCIÓN El cáncer se define como una patología clínica caracterizada por la generación de un tumor maligno que posee tanto la capacidad de invadir tejidos circundantes, como de diseminarse a distancia en forma de metástasis. A efectos de este informe, se ha definido como cáncer pediátrico cualquier cáncer diagnosticado en un paciente de 0 a 19 años de edad. En España, el año 2021 se diagnosticaron 1.116 tumores pediátricos, siendo las neoplasias de tejido linfoide y hematopoyético las más frecuentes. La supervivencia del cáncer pediátrico en España a tres y cinco años es del 83 % y del 80 %, respectivamente. En el Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) de España, 255 centros tratan casos de oncología pediátrica y siete de ellos tienen acreditación de centro de referencia (CSUR). El tratamiento del cáncer pediátrico suele desarrollarse en el contexto de protocolos terapéuticos internacionales y en forma de ensayos clínicos en fase III o IV, y engloba la cirugía oncológica, la radioterapia y la quimioterapia pediátricas. La revisión panorámica de la literatura científica ha identificado 15 factores pronósticos asociados a los resultados en salud en cáncer pediátrico. Se han determinado cuatro factores pronósticos clínicos (edad, sexo, di

INTRODUCTION Cancer is defined as a clinical pathology characterized by the generation of a malignant tumour that possesses both the ability to invade surrounding tissues and to spread to distant sites in the form of metastasis. For the purposes of this report, paediatric cancer has been defined as any cancer diagnosed in a patient aged 0-19 years. In Spain, 1,116 paediatric tumours were diagnosed in 2021, with lymphoid and haematopoietic tissue neoplasms being the most frequent. The three- and five-year survival rates for paediatric cancer in Spain are 83% and 80%, respectively. In the Spanish National Health System (SNS), 255 centres treat paediatric oncology cases and seven of them are accredited as reference centres (CSUR). Paediatric cancer treatment is usually developed in the context of international therapeutic protocols and in the form of phase III or IV clinical trials, and encompasses paediatric cancer surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The overview review of the scientific literature has identified 15 prognostic factors associated with health outcomes in paediatric cancer. Four clinical prognostic factors (age, sex, Down syndrome diagno

Respuesta en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Colombia: gestión en clínicas y hospitales / Cancer Care Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Colombia: Management in Clinics and Hospitals / Resposta no atendimento ao câncer durante a pandemia de COVID-19 na Colômbia: gestão em clínicas e hospitais

Introducción. El principal reto en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia causada por la COVID-19 fue asegurar la oportunidad en el diagnóstico y tratamiento a cerca de 100,000 casos nuevos de cáncer al año en Colombia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la respuesta de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud sobre su gestión en los servicios para la atención de la patología oncológica en el primer semestre del año 2020. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo y transversal tipo encuesta sobre la caracterización de los pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19, la capacidad instalada, la atención integral del cáncer, la implementación de telesalud/telemedicina y el apoyo institucional durante la pandemia. Participaron veinticinco prestadores con servicio de cirugía oncológica y quimioterapia o radioterapia. Resultados. El 56% de prestadores reportó pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19. Todos reportaron cambios de gestión en la capacidad resolutiva ante la pandemia: el 76% acondicionó infraestructura y dispositivos, el 84% adoptó la telesalud/telemedicina y el 92% recibió asistencia en planes de acción. El 48% de las instituciones prestadoras evidenciaron una disminución en el tamizaje de cáncer. Discusión. Este estudio evidencia que la emergencia de la pandemia obligó a apresurar los esfuerzos de infraestructura y recursos en las entidades oncológicas de Colombia. Los resultados obtenidos en la disminución de tamización de cáncer a nivel nacional se equiparán con los datos reportados por distintos países, incluyendo la región de las Américas. Conclusión. Los hallazgos evidencian la necesidad de mejorar la capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud en escenarios de emergencia sanitaria que eviten el retraso en la atención y las acciones en salud pública del cáncer.

Introduction. The main challenge in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic was to ensure the timelines of diagnosis and treatment of nearly 100,000 new cancer cases per year in Colombia. The objective of this research was to know the response of the Health Service Provider Institutions on their management of services for cancer care in the first semester of the year 2020. Methodology. Descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-type study on the characterization of cancer patients with COVID-19, installed capacity, comprehensive cancer care, telehealth/telemedicine implementation, and institutional support during the pandemic. Twenty-five providers with oncological surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy services participated. Results. Fifty-six percent of providers reported cancer patients with COVID-19. Everyone reported management changes in pandemic response capacity: 76% upgraded infrastructure and devices, 84% adopted telehealth/telemedicine and 92% received assistance in action plans. Forty-eight percent of the provider institutions showed a decrease in cancer screening. Discussion. This study shows that the emergency of the pandemic forced to rush the efforts of infrastructure and resources in the oncological entities of Colombia. The results obtained in the decrease of cancer screening nationally will be equated with the data reported by different countries, including the Americas region. Conclusion. The findings show the need to improve the response capacity of the health care system in health emergency scenarios to avoid delays in cancer care and public health actions.

Introdução. O principal desafio no tratamento do câncer durante a pandemia causada pelo COVID-19 foi garantir oportunidade no diagnóstico e tratamento de quase 100,000 novos casos de câncer por ano na Colômbia. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer a resposta das Instituições Prestadoras de Serviços de Saúde sobre sua gestão nos serviços para atendimento de patologia oncológica no primeiro semestre do ano de 2020. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo e transversal do tipo enquete sobre caracterização de pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19, capacidade instalada, atenção integral ao câncer, implantação de telessaúde/telemedicina e apoio institucional durante a pandemia. Participaram vinte e cinco prestadores de serviços de cirurgia oncológica e quimioterapia ou radioterapia. Resultados. 56% dos provedores relataram pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19. Todos relataram mudanças de gestão na capacidade de resposta diante da pandemia: 76% adaptaram infraestrutura e dispositivos, 84% adotaram telessaúde/telemedicina e 92% receberam assistência em planos de ação. 48% das instituições prestadoras apresentaram uma diminuição no rastreamento do câncer. Discussão. Este estudo mostra que a emergência da pandemia obrigou a acelerar os esforços de infraestrutura e recursos nas entidades oncológicas da Colômbia. Os resultados obtidos na redução do rastreamento do câncer em nível nacional são equivalentes com os dados relatados por diferentes países, incluindo a região das Américas. Conclusão. Os achados mostram a necessidade de melhorar a capacidade de resposta do sistema de saúde em cenários de emergência sanitária que evitem atrasos no atendimento e nas ações de saúde pública para o câncer.

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumours with high prevalence of somatic malignancy: An experience from a single tertiary care oncology centre.

BACKGROUND: Primary mediastinal germ tumours (PMGCT) constitute, a mere 3-4% of all germ cell tumours (GCT). Although they account for approximately 16% of mediastinal tumours in adults and 19-25% in children as per western literature, there is hardly any large series on PMGCT reported from the Indian subcontinent. DESIGN: We have retrospectively analysed clinicopathological features of 98 cases of PMGCT diagnosed over 10 years (2010-2019) from a tertiary-care oncology centre. RESULTS: The study group (n = 98) comprised predominantly of males (n = 92) (M:F ratio-15:1), with an age range between 3 months to 57 years (median: 25 years). The tumours were predominantly located in the anterior mediastinum (n = 96). Broadly, Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) were more common (n = 73, 74%) compared to pure seminoma (n = 25, 26%). Mixed NSGCT was the most common histological subtype (n = 30) followed by pure mature teratoma (n = 18), pure Yolk sac tumour (n = 13), mixed seminoma and NSGCT (n = 5), pure immature teratoma (n = 3) and GCT; NOS (n = 4). Interestingly, all female patients had exclusive teratomas. Nine cases revealed secondary somatic malignancy (5 carcinomas and 4 sarcomas). The majority of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 71). Surgical excision was performed in 60 patients. Follow up was available in 68 patients. NSGCT showed a poor prognosis as compared to seminoma (p value = 0.03) and tumours with somatic malignancies had a more aggressive clinical course. CONCLUSION: PMGCT was seen predominantly in young adult males and somatic malignancies were noted in as high as 9% of cases. Patient with somatic malignancy have aggressive clinical course, hence, extensive sampling and careful histopathological evaluation are recommended for the identification and definitive characterization.

A virtual multi-disciplinary meeting is a cost-effective method of triaging referrals to a regional musculoskeletal oncology service.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In 2010, a virtual sarcoma referral model was implemented, which aims to provide a centralised multidisciplinary team (MDT) to provide rapid advice, avoiding unnecessary appointments and providing a streamlined service. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of this screening tool in reducing the service burden and expediting patient journey. METHODS AND RESULTS: All referrals made to a single tertiary referral sarcoma unit from January 2010 to December 2018 were extracted from a prospective database. Only 26.0% events discussed required review directly. 30.3% were discharged back to referrer. 16.5% required further investigations. 22.5% required a biopsy prior to review. There was a reduction in the rate of patients reviewed at the sarcoma clinic, and a higher discharge rate from the MDT in 2018 versus 2010 (p < 0.001). This gives a potential cost saving of 670,700 GBP over the 9 year period. CONCLUSION: An MDT meeting which triages referrals is cost-effective at reducing unnecessary referrals. This can limit unnecessary exposure of patients who may have an underlying diagnosis of cancer to a high-risk environment, and reduces burden on services as it copes with increasing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HCAM la historia de un grande / HCAM the story of a great

Prólogo. La obra recopiló los hitos históricos, las acciones en gestión y la visión futura de las Unidades Médicas, Administrativas y de Enfermería, en homenaje a los 50 años de función del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín como ícono de la Seguridad Social del Ecuador, entre el periodo 1970 a diciembre 2020. Cada autor registró el título entrelazado un pensamiento, previo a la cronología de los hechos suscitados en los servicios brindados en beneficio de los pacientes que se atendieron en esta casa de salud. La obra se clasificó en capítulos por Unidades Médicas: Críticas, Clínicas, Quirúrgicas, Administrativas y de Enfermería, se incluyeron tablas, figuras, producción médica, patologías, cambios de técnicas o procedimientos y sustentó su accionar con citas textuales y referen-cias bibliográficas. Además, se narraron mejoras continuas transmitidas de los ilustres y legados maestros, especialistas médicos por varias generaciones, en conjunto con el personal de salud con vocación de servicio, en una reflexión profunda con mensajes vivos de su accionar. En las modalidades de publicación se realizaron aportes de visión nacional e internacional en los ámbitos asistenciales, administrativos, docente, de investigación y producción científica de alto nivel del contexto y naturaleza del emblemático hospital. Finalmente, se agradece a los funcionarios y ex trabajadores que colaboraron durante el proceso de construcción de la obra, así como a ex colaboradores que motivaron aportes de experiencias y la apreciación personal.

Prologue. The work compiled the historical milestones, management actions and future vision of the Medical, Administrative and Nursing Units, in tribute to the 50 years of function of the Carlos Andrade Marin Specialty Hospital as an icon of the Social Security of Ecuador, between 1970 and December 2020. Each author recorded the title intertwined with a thought, prior to the chronology of the events that took place in the services provided for the benefit of patients who were treated in this health center. The work was classified in chapters by Medical Units: Critical, Clinical, Surgical, Administrative and Nursing, and included tables, figures, medical production, pathologies, changes in techniques or procedures, and supported his actions with textual quotations and bibliographical references. In addition, continuous improvements were narrated and transmitted from the illustrious and legacy masters, medical specialists for several generations, together with the health personnel with vocation of service, in a deep reflection with living messages of their actions. In the publication modalities, contributions of national and international vision were made in the care, administrative, teaching, research and scientific production of high level of the context and nature of the emblematic hospital. Finally, we would like to thank the employees and former workers who collaborated during the construction process, as well as former collaborators who contributed with their experiences and personal appreciation.

Impact of clinical pharmacists in an inpatient medical oncology service: A prospective study at a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical pharmacy is considered an integral discipline in the health care system for optimizing therapy and reducing drug-related problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists in optimizing management in a medical oncology service. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at King Hussein Cancer Center between July 2019 and September 2019 of patients admitted to the medical oncology service. The impact of clinical pharmacists was measured by evaluating their interventions, defined as actions that were expected to result in a change in patient management. Data were collected daily by routine review of patients' profiles and by recording clinical pharmacists' interventions. The data collected were baseline characteristics of patients, numbers and types of clinical pharmacists' interventions, their significance, medications involved, and rate of acceptance of clinical pharmacists' interventions by physicians. The significance of each intervention was assessed by two clinical pharmacists on a Hatoum scale. Physicians' acceptance was assessed by whether the recommendations were implemented. RESULTS: During the study period, 748 patients were included, of whom 605 required a total of 1683 clinical interventions. The mean age was 56.3 years (±15.5 SD). Of the interventions, 39% resulted in initiation of a drug and 25% in drug discontinuations. The drug group most commonly associated with clinical pharmacists' interventions was antibiotics (26.5%). Physicians accepted 98% of the clinical pharmacists' interventions, and 92.4% of the interventions brought care to a more appropriate level and were considered significant. CONCLUSION: Most patients in the medical oncology service required clinical pharmacists' interventions, as demonstrated by the high number of significant clinical pharmacists' interventions. Studies should be conducted to follow up these findings with respect to patient outcomes and cost savings.

Health care-related time costs in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Burdens related to time spent receiving cancer care may be substantial for patients with incurable, life-limiting cancers such as metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Estimates of time spent on health care are needed to inform treatment-related decision-making. METHODS: Estimates of time spent receiving cancer-related health care in the initial 3 months of treatment for patients with MBC were calculated using the following data sources: (a) direct observations from a time-in-motion quality improvement evaluation (process mapping); (b) cross-sectional patient surveys; and (c) administrative claims. Average ambulatory, inpatient, and total health care time were calculated for specific treatments which differed by antineoplastic type and administration method, including fulvestrant (injection, hormonal), letrozole (oral, hormonal), capecitabine (oral, chemotherapy), and paclitaxel (infusion, chemotherapy). RESULTS: Average total time spent on health care ranged from 7% to 10% of all days included within the initial 3 months of treatment, depending on treatment. The greatest time contributions were time spent traveling for care and on inpatient services. Time with providers contributed modestly to total care time. Patients receiving infusion/injection treatments, compared with those receiving oral therapy, spent more time in ambulatory care. Health care time was higher for patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents compared to those receiving hormonal agents. CONCLUSION: Time spent traveling and receiving inpatient care represented a substantial burden to patients with MBC, with variation in time by treatment type and administration method.

Managing Prostate Cancer Surgical Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Report of the Duke Cancer Institute's Initial Experience.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has rapidly placed tremendous stress on health systems around the world. In response, multiple health systems have postponed elective surgeries in order to conserve hospital beds and personal protective equipment, minimize patient traffic, and prevent unnecessary utilization and exposure of healthcare workers. The American College of Surgeons released the following statement on March 13, 2020: "Each hospital, health system and surgeon should thoughtfully review all scheduled elective procedures with a plan to minimize, postpone, or cancel electively scheduled operations, endoscopes, or other invasive procedures until we have passed the predicted inflection point in the exposure graph and can be confident that our health care infrastructure can support a potentially rapid and overwhelming uptick in critical patient care needs." In our state, North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper requested that all hospitals postpone elective and non-urgent procedures and surgeries effective March 23, 2020.

Scientia Potentia Est: How the Italian World of Oncology Changes in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO, a response from the Italian Health System to react to an unprecedented condition became necessary and sudden. The COVID-19 pandemic has required oncologists to redefine clinical organization and patient management. The purpose of our study was to document the difficulties emerging during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italian oncology. METHODS: We broadcasted an electronic survey to oncologic health care professionals. It consisted of 45 questions ranging from individual perception of pandemic management by hospital centers to physicians' and nurses' psychological distress and patient care. RESULTS: A total of 383 oncology health workers participated in the survey. The majority were female (71.8%) and from central Italy (46.2%). Impressively, a total of 357 (93%) participants declared the oncologic department reorganized routine clinical activity, but only 40.5% were adequately trained about the required procedures; 20% of the survey respondents think they have not received adequate and timely protective devices. CONCLUSION: Our survey demonstrated the flexibility of oncologic teams. However, the emergency response quality has been heterogeneous, and several drawbacks have emerged from the first analyses investigating how the world of oncology changes in the COVID-19 pandemic. Information, protection, testing, and training of health care professionals are key words that should be kept in mind to encourage recovery after this tragedy and to be ready to face a similar emergency in the future.

Limited knowledge and access to palliative care among women with cervical cancer: an opportunity for integrating oncology and palliative care in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages among the majority of women in low-income settings, with palliative care being the only feasible form of care. This study was aimed at investigating palliative care knowledge and access among women with cervical cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: Sequential mixed methods design was used, consisting of two surveys and a qualitative inquiry. A census of 134 women diagnosed with cervical cancer who visited two cancer treating health facilities and one palliative care provider in Harare between January and April, 2018 were enrolled in the study. Seventy-eight health workers were also enrolled in a census in the respective facilities for a survey. Validated structured questionnaires in electronic format were used for both surveys. Descriptive statistics were generated from the surveys after conducting univariate analysis using STATA. Qualitative study used interview/discussion guides for data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. RESULTS: Mean ages of patients and health workers in the surveys were 52 years (SD = 12) and 37 years (SD = 10,respectively. Thirty-two percent of women with cervical cancer reported knowledge of where to seek palliative care. Sixty-eight percent of women with cervical cancer had received treatment, yet only 13% reported receiving palliative care. Few women with cervical cancer associated treatment with pain (13%) and side effects (32%). More women associated cervical cancer with bad smells (81%) and death (84%). Only one of the health workers reported referring patients for palliative care. Seventy-six percent of health workers reported that the majority of patients with cervical cancer sourced their own analgesics from private pharmacies. Qualitative findings revealed a limited or lack of cervical cancer knowledge among nurses especially in primary health care, the existence of stigma among women with cervical cancer and limited implementation of palliative policy. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed limited knowledge and access to palliative care in a low-income setting due to multi-faceted barriers. These challenges are not unique to the developing world and they present an opportunity for low-income countries to start considering and strategizing the integration of oncology and palliative care models in line with international recommendations.

Impact of a Central-Line Insertion Site Assessment (CLISA) score on localized insertion site infection to prevent central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a newly developed Central-Line Insertion Site Assessment (CLISA) score on the incidence of local inflammation or infection for CLABSI prevention. DESIGN: A pre- and postintervention, quasi-experimental quality improvement study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Adult inpatients with central venous catheters (CVCs) hospitalized in an intensive care unit or oncology ward at a large academic medical center. METHODS: We evaluated CLISA score impact on insertion site inflammation and infection (CLISA score of 2 or 3) incidence in the baseline period (June 2014-January 2015) and the intervention period (April 2015-October 2017) using interrupted times series and generalized linear mixed-effects multivariable analyses. These were run separately for days-to-line removal from identification of a CLISA score of 2 or 3. CLISA score interrater reliability and photo quiz results were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 6,957 CVCs assessed 40,846 times, percentage of lines with CLISA score of 2 or 3 in the baseline and intervention periods decreased by 78.2% (from 22.0% to 4.7%), with a significant immediate decrease in the time-series analysis (P < .001). According to the multivariable regression, the intervention was associated with lower percentage of lines with a CLISA score of 2 or 3, after adjusting for age, gender, CVC body location, and hospital unit (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.34; P < .001). According to the multivariate regression, days to removal of lines with CLISA score of 2 or 3 was 3.19 days faster after the intervention (P < .001). Also, line dwell time decreased 37.1% from a mean of 14 days (standard deviation [SD], 10.6) to 8.8 days (SD, 9.0) (P < .001). Device utilization ratios decreased 9% from 0.64 (SD, 0.08) to 0.58 (SD, 0.06) (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: The CLISA score creates a common language for assessing line infection risk and successfully promotes high compliance with best practices in timely line removal.

Dimensionamento de pessoal para cuidados paliativos em uma instituição complexa de oncologia / Staff design for palliative care in a complex oncology institution

O presente estudo trata do dimensionamento de recursos humanos para cuidados paliativos oncológicos. As justificativas estão assentadas em argumentos como a transição epidemiológica do câncer associada ao envelhecimento da população e as estimativas mundiais de escassez de profissionais para a saúde. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir para o dimensionamento dos recursos humanos de saúde no âmbito dos cuidados paliativos em oncologia. Os objetivos específicos foram revisar metodologias de dimensionamento de recursos humanos utilizadas para cuidados paliativos; analisar a carga de trabalho dos recursos humanos de saúde em uma unidade complexa de cuidados paliativos oncológicos e elaborar recomendações de dimensionamento e padrões de atividades no processo de trabalho de cuidados paliativos em oncologia. Foi realizada uma investigação quanti-qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória ancorada na perspectiva funcionalista, com base na pesquisa bibliográfica com uso de revisão integrativa e estudo documental. Acresceu-se ao processo investigativo estudo de caso com utilização de entrevista semiestruturada se utilizando de análise temática de conteúdo e aplicação da ferramenta WISN com utilização de software. Os resultados evidenciaram que há carência de literatura específica para dimensionamento de pessoal em cuidados paliativos oncológicos; que os papéis e atribuições definidos para profissionais desta área são genéricos e não traduzem a complexidade do cotidiano; que não há um padrão de atividades estipulado por categoria; e que a mensuração da carga de trabalho pode auxiliar o planejamento dos serviços. O produto da pesquisa foi uma definição de atividades-padrão para cada grupo profissional, análise e comparação das atividades por categorias, por setores, por turnos de trabalho e recomendações para incluir os recursos humanos como parte fundamental de uma política nacional de cuidados paliativos. Concluiu-se que a ferramenta WISN é aplicável para o planejamento de recursos humanos em instituições oncológicas de cuidados paliativos e permite vários desdobramentos para análise que podem ser utilizados com outros métodos consagrados na literatura.

The present study deals with the dimensioning of human resources for palliative oncology care. The justifications are based on arguments such as the epidemiological transition of cancer associated with the aging of the population and worldwide estimates of the shortage of health professionals. The main objective of this work was to contribute to the dimensioning of human health resources within the scope of palliative care in oncology. The specific objectives were to review methodologies for dimensioning human resources used for palliative care; analyze the workload of human health resources in a complex oncology palliative care unit and develop recommendations for sizing and patterns of activities in the palliative care work process in oncology. A quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and exploratory investigation was carried out, anchored in the functionalist perspective, based on bibliographic research using an integrative review and documentary study. A case study was added to the investigative process using semi-structured interviews using thematic content analysis and application of the WISN tool using software. The results showed that there is a lack of specific literature for dimensioning personnel in oncology palliative care; that the roles and duties defined for professionals in this area are generic and do not reflect the complexity of everyday life; that there is no standard of activity stipulated by category; and that measuring workload can assist with service planning. The product of the research was a definition of standard activities for each professional group, analysis and comparison of activities by categories, sectors, work shifts and recommendations to include human resources as a fundamental part of a national palliative care policy. It was concluded that the WISN tool is applicable for the planning of human resources in oncological palliative care institutions and allows several developments for analysis that can be used with other methods established in the literature

Dimensionamento de pessoal para cuidados paliativos em uma instituição complexa de oncologia / [ Staff sizing for palliative care in an institution oncology complex]

O presente estudo trata do dimensionamento de recursos humanos para cuidados paliativos oncológicos. As justificativas estão assentadas em argumentos como a transição epidemiológica do câncer associada ao envelhecimento da população e as estimativas mundiais de escassez de profissionais para a saúde. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir para o dimensionamento dos recursos humanos de saúde no âmbito dos cuidados paliativos em oncologia. Os objetivos específicos foram revisar metodologias de dimensionamento de recursos humanos utilizadas para cuidados paliativos; analisar a carga de trabalho dos recursos humanos de saúde em uma unidade complexa de cuidados paliativos oncológicos e elaborar recomendações de dimensionamento e padrões de atividades no processo de trabalho de cuidados paliativos em oncologia. Foi realizada uma investigação quanti-qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória ancorada na perspectiva funcionalista, com base na pesquisa bibliográfica com uso de revisão integrativa e estudo documental. Acresceu-se ao processo investigativo estudo de caso com utilização de entrevista semiestruturada se utilizando de análise temática de conteúdo e aplicação da ferramenta WISN com utilização de software. Os resultados evidenciaram que há carência de literatura específica para dimensionamento de pessoal em cuidados paliativos oncológicos; que os papéis e atribuições definidos para profissionais desta área são genéricos e não traduzem a complexidade do cotidiano; que não há um padrão de atividades estipulado por categoria; e que a mensuração da carga de trabalho pode auxiliar o planejamento dos serviços. O produto da pesquisa foi uma definição de atividades-padrão para cada grupo profissional, análise e comparação das atividades por categorias, por setores, por turnos de trabalho e recomendações para incluir os recursos humanos como parte fundamental de uma política nacional de cuidados paliativos. Concluiu-se que a ferramenta WISN é aplicável para o planejamento de recursos humanos em instituições oncológicas de cuidados paliativos e permite vários desdobramentos para análise que podem ser utilizados com outros métodos consagrados na literatura.

Application of the MISSCARE scale in an Oncology Service: a contribution to patient safety.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of and reasons for missed nursing care in oncology units. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at inpatient oncology units at a private hospital. Eighty-three professionals from the nursing team took part. The MISSCARE instrument and a sociodemographic questionnaire were administered. Simple descriptive statistics were used for analyses. Pearson's chi-square test was used to detect associations between variables. RESULTS: The care tasks missed most frequently were assisting with toileting needs within 5 minutes of a request (57.8%), ambulation 3 times per day or as ordered (44.6%), and turning patients every 2 hours (36.1%). The main reasons for missed care were related to communication: tension or communication breakdowns within the nursing team, and the caregiver responsible off unit or unavailable (both 66.2%). CONCLUSIONS: there is a need to develop nursing interventions that neutralize and/or reduce the negative results of this missed care in order to improve the quality of care provided to cancer patients.

Análisis de supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama: en el hospital seguro social universitario, gestión 2000 a 2016 / Survival analysis of patients with breast cancer: in the hospital seguro social universitario, term 2000 to 2016

OBJETIVO: determinar la supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama en el Hospital Seguro Social Universitario, de la Gestión 2000 a 2016 MÉTODO: estudio de supervivencia. RESULTADOS: la supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama, tuvieron un promedio global de 8,6 años, (104 meses I.C. 96,728 ­ 111,272) de supervivencia en los casos Hormono positivo (+) que recibieron como tratamiento exemestano. El grupo de mujeres que recibió como tratamiento Adriamicina (Doxorrubicina) y Ciclofosfamida su tiempo de supervivencia en promedio fue de 8,2 años (99,5 meses) con intervalo de confianza de 83,2-115.78. En pacientes con cáncer de mama Herb New (-) tratados con Trastuzumab, después de recibir Adriamicina y Ciclofosfamida fue de 8,6 años (103,28 meses) con un IC 86,54 -120,024. CONCLUSIONES: la supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama, tratados en el Hospital Seguro Social Universitario, de la Gestión 2000 a 2016, fue de 8,6 años, resultado equivalente a los reportados en la literatura.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the survival of patients with breast cancer in the University Social Security Hospital, from term 2000 to 2016 METHOD: mixed cohort study RESULTS: survival of patients with breast cancer, had an average survival time of 104 months (8,6 years), in Hormonal cases (+) who received treatment with Exemestane, after Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide survival time was 99,5 months (IC 83,2 - 115,78). In contrast, in patients with breast cancer Herb New (-) treated with Trastuzumab, after receiving Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide was 103,28 months (IC 86,54 -120,024). The median survival time was 104,13 months. The only factor that predicts the survival of patients with breast cancer, in this study was the histological type (p = 0,026), with a relative risk of 17,6. CONCLUSIONS: the survival of patients with breast cancer, treated at the University Social Security Hospital, from the term 2000 to 2016, was 8.6 years, a result equivalent to those reported in the literature.

Centralization of High-Risk Cancer Surgery Within Existing Hospital Systems.

PURPOSE: Centralization is often proposed as a strategy to improve the quality of certain high-risk health care services. We evaluated the extent to which existing hospital systems centralize high-risk cancer surgery and whether centralization is associated with short-term clinical outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We merged data from the American Hospital Association's annual survey on hospital system affiliation with Medicare claims to identify patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic, esophageal, colon, lung, or rectal cancer between 2005 and 2014. We calculated the degree to which systems centralized each procedure by calculating the annual proportion of surgeries performed at the highest-volume hospital within each system. We then estimated the independent effect of centralization on the incidence of postoperative complications, death, and readmissions after accounting for patient, hospital, and system characteristics. RESULTS: The average degree of centralization varied from 25.2% (range, 6.6% to 100%) for colectomy to 71.2% (range, 8.3% to 100%) for pancreatectomy. Greater centralization was associated with lower rates of postoperative complications and death for lung resection, esophagectomy, and pancreatectomy. For example, there was a 1.1% (95% CI, 0.8% to 1.4%) absolute reduction in 30-day mortality after pancreatectomy for each 20% increase in the degree of centralization within systems. Independent of volume and hospital quality, postoperative mortality for pancreatectomy was two times higher in the least centralized systems than in the most centralized systems (8.9% v 3.7%, P < .01). Centralization was not associated with better outcomes for colectomy or proctectomy. CONCLUSION: Greater centralization of complex cancer surgery within existing hospital systems was associated with better outcomes. As hospitals affiliate in response to broader financial and organization pressures, these systems may also present unique opportunities to improve the quality of high-risk cancer care.