ABSTRACT
Introduction: Social risk factors such as food insecurity and lack of transportation can negatively affect health outcomes, yet implementation of screening and referral for social risk factors is limited in medical settings, particularly in cancer survivorship. Methods: We conducted 18 qualitative, semistructured interviews among oncology teams in 3 health systems in Washington, DC, during February and March 2022. We applied the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework to develop a deductive codebook, performed thematic analysis on the interview transcripts, and summarized our results descriptively. Results: Health systems varied in clinical and support staff roles and capacity. None of the participating clinics had an electronic health record (EHR)-based process for identifying patients who completed their cancer treatment ("survivors") or a standardized cancer survivorship program. Their capacities also differed for documenting social risk factors and referrals in the EHR. Interviewees expressed awareness of the prevalence and effect of social risk factors on cancer survivors, but none employed a systematic process for identifying and addressing social risk factors. Recommendations for increasing screening for social risk factors included designating a person to fulfill this role, improving data tracking tools in the EHR, and creating systems to maintain up-to-date information and contacts for community-based organizations. Conclusion: The complexity of cancer care workflows and lack of reimbursement results in a limited ability for clinic staff members to screen and make referrals for social risk factors. Creating clinical workflows that are flexible and tailored to staffing realities may contribute to successful implementation of a screening and referral program. Improving ongoing communication with community-based organizations to address needs was deemed important by interviewees.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , Early Detection of Cancer , Qualitative Research , Risk Factors , Referral and Consultation , Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline was developed to assist primary care clinicians and other health practitioners with the care of head and neck cancer survivors, including monitoring for recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, assessment and management of long-term and late effects, health promotion, and care coordination. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed through April 2015, and a multidisciplinary expert workgroup with expertise in primary care, dentistry, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, the patient perspective, and nursing was assembled. While the guideline is based on a systematic review of the current literature, most evidence is not sufficient to warrant a strong recommendation. Therefore, recommendations should be viewed as consensus-based management strategies for assisting patients with physical and psychosocial effects of head and neck cancer and its treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:203-239. Ā© 2016 American Cancer Society.
Subject(s)
Aftercare , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Survivors , Accessory Nerve Diseases/diagnosis , Accessory Nerve Diseases/therapy , American Cancer Society , Anxiety/diagnosis , Anxiety/psychology , Anxiety/therapy , Bursitis/diagnosis , Bursitis/therapy , Deglutition Disorders/diagnosis , Deglutition Disorders/therapy , Dental Care , Dental Caries/diagnosis , Dental Caries/therapy , Depression/diagnosis , Depression/psychology , Depression/therapy , Disease Management , Dystonia/diagnosis , Dystonia/therapy , Fatigue/diagnosis , Fatigue/therapy , Gastroesophageal Reflux/diagnosis , Gastroesophageal Reflux/therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/psychology , Health Promotion , Humans , Hypothyroidism/diagnosis , Hypothyroidism/therapy , Lymphedema/diagnosis , Lymphedema/therapy , Neck Muscles , Osteonecrosis/diagnosis , Osteonecrosis/therapy , Periodontitis/diagnosis , Periodontitis/therapy , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/therapy , Respiratory Aspiration/diagnosis , Respiratory Aspiration/therapy , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/diagnosis , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/therapy , Sleep Wake Disorders/diagnosis , Sleep Wake Disorders/therapy , Stress, Psychological/diagnosis , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Stress, Psychological/therapy , Taste Disorders/diagnosis , Taste Disorders/therapy , Trismus/diagnosis , Trismus/therapyABSTRACT
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The purpose of the American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline is to provide recommendations to assist primary care and other clinicians in the care of female adult survivors of breast cancer. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed through April 2015. A multidisciplinary expert workgroup with expertise in primary care, gynecology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and nursing was formed and tasked with drafting the Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline. A total of 1073 articles met inclusion criteria; and, after full text review, 237 were included as the evidence base. Patients should undergo regular surveillance for breast cancer recurrence, including evaluation with a cancer-related history and physical examination, and should be screened for new primary breast cancer. Data do not support performing routine laboratory tests or imaging tests in asymptomatic patients to evaluate for breast cancer recurrence. Primary care clinicians should counsel patients about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, monitor for post-treatment symptoms that can adversely affect quality of life, and monitor for adherence to endocrine therapy. Recommendations provided in this guideline are based on current evidence in the literature and expert consensus opinion. Most of the evidence is not sufficient to warrant a strong evidence-based recommendation. Recommendations on surveillance for breast cancer recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, assessment and management of physical and psychosocial long-term and late effects of breast cancer and its treatment, health promotion, and care coordination/practice implications are made.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Survivors , Adult , Aged , American Cancer Society , Body Image , Breast Neoplasms/complications , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Early Detection of Cancer , Female , Genetic Counseling , Humans , Medical History Taking , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Neoplasms, Second Primary/diagnosis , Physical Examination , Quality of Life , Risk Assessment , Survivors/psychology , United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) was established in 1998 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advance national cancer control implementation across US states and affiliated tribes and territories. To build capacity of NCCCP recipients, technical assistance and training (TAT) is offered in the form of online trainings, webinars, toolkits, workshops, tip sheets, and other products. To determine TAT needs of NCCCP recipients, the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center conducted a qualitative evaluation to inform TAT planning and implementation. Data on the utilization, applicability, impact, and dissemination of TAT received were collected from comprehensive cancer control practitioners through semi-structured interviews. Detailed memos of interviewee responses were documented and deductively coded based on three themes: promotion of TAT, use of existing TAT, and recommendations for future TAT. Interviewees reported a need for diverse topics, modalities, and TAT reminders. The most widely used TAT resources were social media toolkits, webinars, newsletters, patient navigation resources, and online trainings. Recommendations for future TAT included a focus on coalition support, adaptation and evaluation of evidence-based cancer control strategies, and health equity. Offering a blend of TAT, including educational webinars and trainings, was preferred by CCC professionals and could increase use. Future TAT will provide new opportunities for coalition capacity building, adaptation of evidence-based strategies for cancer control, and center health equity.
Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , United States , Humans , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , WashingtonABSTRACT
Care coordination among primary care providers and oncologists continues to be a challenge in cancer survivorship care. The Advancing Patient-Centered Cancer Survivorship Care Toolkit ("Toolkit") was developed to provide a "workshop in a box" for comprehensive cancer control (CCC) stakeholders to advance patient-centered cancer survivorship care in their region. The Toolkit was disseminated through an e-learning module, established webpages, an online forum, and social media. Toolkit dissemination was evaluated using the RE-AIM framework. For effectiveness, e-learning module and workshop participants were surveyed to assess changes in confidence in learning objectives. The Toolkit Web page received over 10,000 impressions. E-learning module participants (n = 212) reported statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) between the pre- (M = 3.42, SD = 0.85) and post-test (M = 4.18, SD = 0.60) mean scores on self-confidence to describe patient-reported priorities for cancer survivorship care. Among virtual workshop trainees (n = 121), 28 participants completed paired pre- and post-workshop surveys. Among those with matched responses, there were statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-workshop self-reported knowledge on what patients want in cancer survivorship care (M = 2.5, SD = 1.0, vs. M = 3.3, SD = 1.0; p = 0.001); confidence in describing critical components of patient-centered cancer survivorship care (M = 3.1, SD = 1.2, vs. M = 4.2, SD = 0.5; p < 0.001); and confidence in describing patient priorities for cancer survivorship care (M = 3.0, SD = 1.1, vs. M = 4.1, SD = 0.6; p < 0.001). Provision of technical assistance resources in a variety of formats can successfully build capacity of healthcare providers and comprehensive cancer coalition stakeholders to feel more prepared to deliver patient-centered, coordinated cancer survivorship care.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , Survivorship , Delivery of Health Care , Neoplasms/therapy , Patient-Centered CareABSTRACT
To alleviate health disparities experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients, cancer care professionals need further education on the needs of SGM cancer patients and their loved ones and caregivers. The Together-Equitable-Accessible-Meaningful (TEAM) Training to Improve Cancer Care for SGM Patients (TEAM SGM) was developed and piloted to address this need. This study reports healthcare professional learner outcomes from the TEAM SGM pilot intervention. The TEAM SGM Training pilot consisted of 2.5Ā h of content from the original online self-paced TEAM Training plus 12 1-h Zoom sessions on specialized topics in addition to readings and activities. Participants (n = 28), representing seven cancer service organizations from six states in the USA, were recruited through newsletter listservs and social media. All participants (n = 28) completed the pre-test and twenty-two participants completed the post-test. Using five factors confirmed in a separate Confirmatory Factor Analysis, paired t-tests of TEAM SGM participant pre- and post-test data were conducted. Statistically significant improvements were found in four of five factors: Environmental Cues (t(21) = 2.56, p = .018), Knowledge (t(21) = 2.15, p = .043), Clinical Preparedness (t(7) = 3.89, p = .006), Clinical Behaviors (t(21) = 2.48, p = .022). The Attitudes factor was not significantly improved from pre-intervention to post-intervention likely due to strong affirming attitudes toward SGM patients at baseline. TEAM SGM is a feasible, effective training to build capacity in SGM-affirming care for cancer care providers.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Humans , Pilot Projects , Health Personnel/education , Sexual Behavior , Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to describe the context, curriculum design, and pilot evaluation of the educational program "Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Curricular Advances for Research and Education" (SGM Cancer CARE), a workshop for early-career researchers and healthcare providers interested in gaining knowledge and skills in sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer research and healthcare advocacy. A needs assessment of a sample of clinicians and researchers (n = 104) and feedback from an Advisory Board informed the curriculum design of the SGM Cancer CARE workshop. Four SGM-tailored modules, focusing on epidemiology, clinical research, behavioral science and interventions, and community-based participatory approaches, were developed and tested in a 2.5-day virtual format among 19 clinicians and researchers. A fifth module to provide feedback to participants on brief presentations about their SGM cancer research ideas or related efforts was added later. A mixed-methods evaluation comprised of pre- and post-modular online evaluation surveys and virtual focus groups was used to determine the degree to which the workshop curriculum met participant needs. Compared to pre-module evaluations, participants reported a marked increase in SGM cancer research knowledge in post-module scores. Quantitative results were supported by our qualitative findings. In open field response survey questions and post-workshop focus groups, participants reported being extremely pleased with the content and delivery format of the SGM Cancer CARE workshop. Participants did regret not having the opportunity to connect with instructors, mentors, and colleagues in person. The SGM Cancer CARE curriculum was shown to increase the knowledge, skills, and level of preparedness of early-career clinicians and scientists to conduct culturally relevant and appropriate research needed to improve care for SGM persons across the cancer care continuum from prevention to survivorship.
Subject(s)
Health Equity , Neoplasms , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Humans , Curriculum , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Educational StatusABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cancer control interventions are difficult to implement with fidelity, while tailoring to fit contexts. Engaged approaches are suggested to advance equity. On-the-ground practitioners are needed to serve as collaborators in the implementation process with research teams, but few trainings are designed with them in mind. METHODS: The Cancer Control Implementation Science Base Camp (CCISBC) was created to improve capacity among cancer control practitioners when implementing evidence-based cancer screening programs in specific contexts. Development of the curriculum included the following: (1) performing a literature review assessing extant curricula, (2) comparing competencies of these curricula, (3) user-centered design, (4) producing learning materials, (5) recruiting two teams to test a pilot, (6) running the pilot, and (7) evaluating results. RESULTS: Nine competencies overlapped between four of the curricula scanned in this study, all of which served as the basis for learning objectives. Principles that emerged from design sessions included staying clear about terminology, supporting the brokerage of knowledge, reframing theories, models, and frameworks as tools, and including equity in everything. Pilot testing showed that the average learner increased 74.5% in knowledge and 75% in confidence regarding implementing evidence-based cancer screening. Evidence suggests that the training increased the skill of implementing evidence-based interventions (EBIs) with a health equity lens. CONCLUSION: In order to scale practice-based evidence, practitioners will need to be engaged. This engagement is optimized when practitioners are trained to collaborate on implementation research. The CCISBC is a feasible program to develop capacity among practitioners in comprehensive cancer control in order to optimize EBIs tailored to context.
Subject(s)
Implementation Science , Neoplasms , Curriculum , Early Detection of Cancer , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/prevention & controlABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe healthcare utilization and reasons for delaying medical care and to identify factors that influence high healthcare utilization and care delay among cancer survivors. METHODS: Baseline (n = 991) and 6Ā month follow-up data (n = 777) were collected among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors from 32 US cancer centers. Participants completed surveys on healthcare utilization (e.g., number of visits to specific providers) and delay of medical care. We categorized participants as high or low users based on median number of visits. We used logistic regression models to examine factors that predicted high healthcare utilization or delay. RESULTS: Survivors reported a median of 10.5 visits to healthcare providers and 28% reported ever delaying medical care over 6Ā months. Compared to prostate cancer survivors, breast and colorectal survivors were 2.4 times more likely (CI = 1.2-4.8) and 4 times more likely (CI = 2.2-7.3) to be high healthcare users, respectively. A higher quality of life score predicted high healthcare utilization (OR = 2.4, CI = 2.0-2.8) and delay of medical care (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.5-2.2). Black survivors were 1.5 times more likely than White survivors to be high healthcare users (CI = 1.1-2.0) and respondents reporting aĀ race category other than White or Black were 1.8 times more likely to delay care (CI = 1.3-2.5). Lower levels of self-efficacy predicted greater healthcare use (OR = 0.7, CI = 0.6-0.8) and delay (OR = 0.6, CI = 0.5-0.7). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that race, education, marital status, cancer type, time since diagnosis, quality of life, and self-efficacy are associated with both high healthcare utilization and delay among cancer survivors.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/therapy , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Quality of Life , Surveys and Questionnaires , SurvivorsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The Comprehensive Cancer Control Cancer Communication Mentorship Program ("Mentorship Program") was created by the George Washington University Cancer Center (GWCC) to provide technical assistance (TA) in implementing evidence-based cancer screening communication interventions and support networking for comprehensive cancer control (CCC) professionals. The Mentorship Program matched entry-to mid-level CCC professionals with health communication and/or CCC experts and offered monthly web-based discussions with academic researchers and practitioners who shared their knowledge and provided applied learning opportunities throughout mentees' project planning, implementation and evaluation. The program objective was for mentees to improve health communication skills and apply evidence-based knowledge to reduce the burden of cancer. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation was conducted, including a qualitative description of each project and its outcomes as well as quantitative measures of satisfaction with the program and self-rated changes in competence. RESULTS: Mentees represented the following locations: New Jersey, Arkansas, Michigan, West Virginia, and Republic of Palau. Project topics ranged from increasing Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to increasing screening uptake for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Evaluation results from pre- and post-program communication competency self-assessments and mid- and post-program surveys revealed that the Mentorship Program advanced personal and professional goals and improved public health communication skills. CONCLUSION: The Mentorship Program achieved its objectives for peer networking and offering expert TA in cancer prevention and control communication, offering a promising model for others involved in supporting implementation of evidence in practice.
Subject(s)
Mentors , Neoplasms , Communication , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Program Evaluation/methods , Universities , WashingtonABSTRACT
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women and second leading cause of cancer death when men and women are combined in the United States (US). Almost two-thirds of CRC survivors are living 5 years after diagnosis. Considering the recent decline in both incidence and mortality, the prevalence of CRC survivors is likely to increase dramatically over the coming decades with the increase in rates of CRC screening, further advances in early detection and treatment and the aging and growth of the US population. Survivors are at risk for a CRC recurrence, a new primary CRC, other cancers, as well as both short-term and long-term adverse effects of the CRC and the modalities used to treat it. CRC survivors may also have psychological, reproductive, genetic, social, and employment concerns after treatment. Communication and coordination of care between the treating oncologist and the primary care clinician is critical to effectively and efficiently manage the long-term care of CRC survivors. The guidelines in this article are intended to assist primary care clinicians in delivering risk-based health care for CRC survivors who have completed active therapy.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy , Primary Health Care , Survivors , Aftercare , Colorectal Neoplasms/complications , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/psychology , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Female , Health Promotion , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Male , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Neoplasms, Second Primary/diagnosis , Patient Care Team , Quality of Life , Survivors/psychologyABSTRACT
Background: Despite literature documenting disparities in tobacco use among sexual minority young adults, research is just emerging regarding alternative tobacco product (ATP) use among specific sexual minority men versus women. The current study examined associations between sexual orientation and traditional and ATP use among young adult men and women. Methods: We analyzed survey data (September-December 2018) from 2,809 young adults (ages 18-34) recruited via social media. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the binary outcomes of any past 30-day use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah, and any tobacco product (logistic regression), and the continuous outcome of number of categories of tobacco products used (linear regression), in relation to sexual orientation (bisexual, gay/lesbian, heterosexual) among men versus women, controlling for age and race/ethnicity. Results: In this sample (Mage = 24.60, SD = 4.73; 56.0% women, 71.5% White, 5.4% Black, 12.6% Asian, 11.5% Hispanic), 9.3% of participants identified as gay/lesbian (13.1% of men, 6.2% of women) and 17.6% bisexual (8.3% of men, 25.0% of women). Gay men were less likely to use e-cigarettes, cigars, and any tobacco product, and used fewer products relative to heterosexual men. Bisexual women were more likely to use each tobacco product and any tobacco product, and used more categories of products relative to heterosexual women. Conclusions: Specific tobacco use disparities differ with respect to type of product, gender, and sexual orientation, underscoring the need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these differences (e.g., marketing, social influences) and developing interventions to address them.
Subject(s)
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Tobacco Products , Tobacco Use Disorder , Adenosine Triphosphate , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Sexual Behavior , Tobacco Use/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities are more likely to report challenges with oncology provider communication and quality of care. The Together-Equitable-Accessible-Meaningful (TEAM) training was developed to improve health equity across cancer care organizations by guiding teams of interprofessional learners through planning and implementation of quality improvements to advance equitable, accessible, and patient-centered cancer care. This study compared changes to self-reported cultural competence as measured by the Cultural Competency Assessment (CCA); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS); and Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS). The primary aim of the study was to assess changes to self-reported cultural competence; the secondary aim was to examine changes to interprofessional valuation from baseline to post-intervention. Results indicated statistically significant improvements in self-reported Cultural Competency Behaviors (p = .055), a subscale of the CCA, and Attitudinal Awareness toward sexual and gender minorities (p = .046), a subscale of the LGBT-DOCSS, using p < .10 as statistically significant. These subscale results drove statistically significant improvements for their respective composite scales. No other statistically significant results were found. This study suggests that cultural competency training among interprofessional oncology health care professionals can be effective. Given the growing diversity within the USA, additional opportunities for cultural competency training are needed.
Subject(s)
Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Clinical Competence , Cultural Competency/education , Female , Health Personnel/education , HumansABSTRACT
The purpose of this pilot study was to test the efficacy of an online navigation training designed to improve trainee confidence in performing core patient navigation tasks among Nigerian nurses, patient advocates, and cancer survivors. The online training originally designed for US patient navigators was supplemented by a Nigerian health system interactive session. Nurses, advocates, and cancer survivors (n = 36) were recruited to take a patient navigation training from May-June 2020 that consisted of approximately 10Ā h of online content and a 2-h online session. Trainees enrolled in the no-cost training and completed all 20 lessons. Post-intervention interviews (n = 10) were conducted to garner feedback from trainees. Trainees reported statistically significant improvements in confidence in performing core competencies for cancer patient navigation across all lessons. Feedback was generally positive with trainees expressing satisfaction and appreciation for the training. Challenges included lack of free, broadband Internet access leading to data streaming costs on the part of trainees. Trainees who were oncology nurses indicated that funding, time, and staffing constraints could impede implementation of patient navigation in practice; but these trainees also expressed new ideas for patient support and advocacy to alleviate some barriers to care for their patients as a result of the training. This study provided preliminary data that supports the feasibility and utility of using the GW Cancer Center online patient navigation training in non-US settings. Small adaptations to training content and technological delivery could improve access to the training experience. Implementation science approaches are needed to inform sustainable patient navigation in low-resource settings.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Patient Navigation , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , Nigeria , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
Sexual and gender minority people have unique, unaddressed healthcare needs following prostate cancer. The research team along with a group of established subject matter experts developed a training and companion materials for healthcare professionals to address this need. Post-assessment evaluation was reported in frequencies and percentages by combining results from learners who attended an original, live web-based training and learners who completed the same training on-demand via a Learning Management System. Learners from both the live and archived training reported that the training increased their knowledge to effectively work with sexual and gender minority prostate cancer survivors. Learners also reported gaining new resources and strategies they could apply to their work. Results indicate the training fills an educational gap for healthcare professionals and supports the need for additional training of healthcare professionals focused on the healthcare needs of SGM cancer survivors.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Prostatic Neoplasms , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Health Personnel/education , Humans , Male , Prostate , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
Prostate cancer survivors approach 2.8 million in number and represent 1 in 5 of all cancer survivors in the United States. While guidelines exist for timely treatment and surveillance for recurrent disease, there is limited availability of guidelines that facilitate the provision of posttreatment clinical follow-up care to address the myriad of long-term and late effects that survivors may face. Based on recommendations set forth by a National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center expert panel, the American Cancer Society developed clinical follow-up care guidelines to facilitate the provision of posttreatment care by primary care clinicians. These guidelines were developed using a combined approach of evidence synthesis and expert consensus. Existing guidelines for health promotion, surveillance, and screening for second primary cancers were referenced when available. To promote comprehensive follow-up care and optimal health and quality of life for the posttreatment survivor, the guidelines address health promotion, surveillance for prostate cancer recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, long-term and late effects assessment and management, psychosocial issues, and care coordination among the oncology team, primary care clinicians, and nononcology specialists. A key challenge to the development of these guidelines was the limited availability of published evidence for management of prostate cancer survivors after treatment. Much of the evidence relies on studies with small sample sizes and retrospective analyses of facility-specific and population databases.
Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care/standards , Primary Health Care/standards , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Survivors , American Cancer Society , Evidence-Based Medicine , Health Promotion/standards , Humans , Male , Population Surveillance , Quality of Life , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study presents the validation of an index that defines and measures a patient-centered approach to quality survivorship care. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of 1,278 survivors of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers to identify their priorities for cancer survivorship care. We identified 42 items that were "very important or absolutely essential" to study participants. We then conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA) to develop and validate the Patient-Centered Survivorship Care Index (PC-SCI). RESULTS: A seven-factor structure was identified based on EFA on a randomly split half sample and then validated by CFA based on the other half sample. The seven factors include: (1) information and support in survivorship (7 items), (2) having a medical home (10 items) (3) patient engagement in care (3 items), (4) care coordination (5 items), (5) insurance navigation (3 items), (6) care transitions from oncologist to primary care (3 items), and (7) prevention and wellness services (5 items). All factors have excellent composite reliabilities (Cronbach's alpha 0.84-0.94, Coefficient of Omega: 0.81-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Providing quality post-treatment care is critical for the long-term health and well-being of survivors. The PC-SCI defines a patient-centered approach to survivorship care to complement clinical practice guidelines. The PC-SCI has acceptable composite reliability, providing the field with a valid instrument of patient-centered survivorship care. The PC-SCI provides cancer centers with a means to guide, measure and monitor the development of their survivorship care to align with patient priorities of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02362750 , 13 February 2015.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , Patient-Centered Care , Reproducibility of Results , Survival , SurvivorshipABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Oncology social workers rarely receive training on the health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) cancer patients. This study examined the efficacy of an intensive workshop that aimed to increase the knowledge, confidence, and clinical preparedness of social workers supporting LGBTQI cancer patients. METHODS: A workshop consisting of didactic and interactive content was provided to an opt-in sample of social workers (n = 26). Demographic questions, past exposure to LGBTQI patients and training, and self-reported behaviors were measured at baseline. Paired t-tests compared changes in confidence in learning objectives as well as self-reported knowledge, attitudinal awareness, and clinical preparedness based on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender development of clinical skills scale. RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant changes in two of three learning objectives (p = 0.001) and in two subscales of the LGBT-DOCSS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oncology social workers can benefit from opportunities for learning specific to LGBTQI health.
Subject(s)
Cultural Competency/education , Medical Oncology/education , Neoplasms/therapy , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Social Workers/education , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people-inclusively termed "sexual and gender minorities"-have unique health and health care needs that are not being met by most healthcare providers due to lack of training in health care professional schools. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine implementation factors for advancing sexual and gender minority health professional student curricula in academic settings. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted with sixteen curricular champions to identify factors relevant to curricular adoption, integration, and sustainment. Themes were coded using a hybrid of deductive and inductive approaches and reported using major CFIR domains. RESULTS: Facilitators supporting implementation of sexual and gender minority health curricula included collaboration among multiple stakeholders, alignment of formal and hidden curricula, fostering an organizational culture that valued inclusion and diversity, engagement with external subject matter experts or faculty with content expertise, and thoughtful and inclusive planning. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to health care professional education research as well as to implementation science. Facilitators that were identified in this study can be used to increase the adoption, integration, and sustainment of sexual and gender minority health curricula in diverse academic settings.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical/standards , Health Personnel/education , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Curriculum , Delivery of Health Care , Education, Medical/methods , Female , Humans , Implementation Science , Male , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
There is a growing number of post-treatment cancer survivors in the USA. Cancer survivors can have a variety of care needs and health care professionals must be prepared to meet these needs. The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center developed The Cancer Survivorship E-Learning Series for Primary Care Providers (E-Learning Series) to address the need for cancer survivorship training and education among health care professionals with a focus on primary care. The GW Cancer Center analyzed evaluation data from 1341 learners who voluntarily completed a module pre- and post-assessment between April 15, 2013, and December 31, 2017, to assess differences in self-rated confidence, on a five-point Likert scale, to meet learning objectives. Descriptive statistics characterize the sample and paired samples t tests were used to assess any statistically significant differences from pre to post (p < 0.05). Most learners were nurses (75.19%) and a majority of learners worked in oncology (74.68%) followed by primary care (11.60%). At pre-assessment, the module with the lowest mean self-confidence rating was 3.16 (SD = 0.81) and the highest was 3.60 (SD = 0.73). At post-assessment, module means in self-confidence rating ranged from 4.08 (SD = 0.46) to 4.26 (SD = 0.56). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Results highlight gaps in confidence among health care professionals regarding cancer survivorship care and the need for continuing education. There is also a need for additional uptake of the E-Learning Series among primary care providers. Results suggest that the E-Learning Series is an effective educational tool that increases learners' confidence in providing cancer survivorship care.