Hematology and oncology clinical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

New York City has been at the epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has already infected over a million people and resulted in more than 70,000 deaths as of early May 2020 in the United States alone. This rapid and enormous influx of patients into the health care system has had profound effects on all aspects of health care, including the care of patients with cancer. In this report, the authors highlight the transformation they underwent within the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology as they prepared for the COVID-19 crisis in New York City. Under stressful and uncertain conditions, some of the many changes they enacted within their division included developing a regular line of communication among division leaders to ensure the development and implementation of a restructuring strategy, completely reconfiguring the inpatient and outpatient units, rapidly developing the ability to perform telemedicine video visits, and creating new COVID-rule-out and COVID-positive clinics for their patients. These changes allowed them to manage the storm while minimizing the disruption of important continuity of care to their patients with cancer. The authors hope that their experiences will be helpful to other oncology practices about to experience their own individual COVID-19 crises.

Incidence, diagnosis, and outcome of immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A nationwide survey by the Spanish registry of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. Achieving accurate information on incidence and customary disease management is important to provide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and outcomes of iTTP in Spain. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among Spanish hospitals, focused on iTTP patients ≥16 years old attended between 2015 and 2017, and those at follow-up before that interval. Incidence, prevalence, mortality, refractoriness, exacerbations, treatment complications, relapses, and sequelae were estimated. RESULTS: Forty-two hospitals covering roughly 20 million inhabitants answered the survey and reported 203 episodes (138 newly-diagnosed and 65 relapses), of which 193 (95.1%) were treated. Incidence was 2.67 (95% CI 1.90-3.45) patients per million inhabitants per year and prevalence 21.44 (95% CI% 19.10-23.73) patients per million inhabitants. At diagnosis, ADAMTS13 activity and anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibody were measured in 97% and 84.3% of reported episodes, respectively. Fifteen patients (7.4%) died as a direct consequence of iTTP, 6 of them before receiving any iTTP-specific treatment. Thirty-one (16.1%) of the 193 treated episodes were refractory to plasma exchange and corticosteroids, and 51 (26.4%) suffered at least one exacerbation. CONCLUSION: iTTP incidence and prevalence were somewhat higher than those documented in neighboring countries. Together with data on treatments and outcomes, this information will allow us to better estimate what is needed to improve diagnosis and prognosis of iTTP patients in Spain.

A pilot study exploring interventions for physician distress in pediatric subspecialists.

BACKGROUND: While institution-sponsored wellness programs may be effective, little is known about their availability and utilization in pediatric subspecialists, and about programs physicians wish were available. METHODS: A survey of perceptions about, and availability and utilization of institutional wellness activities, was distributed electronically to pediatric subspecialists nationally. Bivariate analyses were performed using χ2 tests or independent t tests. Multivariable logistic regression models for categories of institution-sponsored programming as a function of potential predictors of program utilization were performed. Qualitative content analysis was performed for free-text survey answers. RESULTS: Approximately 60% of respondents participated in institution-sponsored wellness opportunities. Debriefs, Schwartz Center Rounds, mental health services, and team building events were the most available institution-sponsored wellness activities, whereas debriefs, team building, Schwartz Center Rounds, and pet therapy were most frequently utilized. Respondents desired greater social/emotional support, improved leadership, enhanced organizational support, and modifications to the physical work environment, with no significant differences across subspecialties for "wish list" items. CONCLUSIONS: Physician wellness requires more than a "one-size-fits-all" initiative. Our data highlight the importance of encouraging and normalizing self-care practices, and of listening to what physicians articulate about their needs. Pre-implementation needs assessment allows a "bottom-up" approach where physician voices can be heard.

Treatment of invasive fungal diseases in cancer patients-Revised 2019 Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO).

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. The choice of the most appropriate antifungal treatment (AFT) depends on the fungal species suspected or identified, the patient's risk factors (eg length and depth of granulocytopenia) and the expected side effects. OBJECTIVES: Since the last edition of recommendations for 'Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients' of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in 2013, treatment strategies were gradually moving away from solely empirical therapy of presumed or possible invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) towards pre-emptive therapy of probable IFD. METHODS: The guideline was prepared by German clinical experts for infections in cancer patients in a stepwise consensus process. MEDLINE was systematically searched for English-language publications from January 1975 up to September 2019 using the key terms such as 'invasive fungal infection' and/or 'invasive fungal disease' and at least one of the following: antifungal agents, cancer, haematological malignancy, antifungal therapy, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, mycoses, aspergillosis, candidosis and mucormycosis. RESULTS: AFT of IFDs in cancer patients may include not only antifungal agents but also non-pharmacologic treatment. In addition, the armamentarium of antifungals for treatment of IFDs has been broadened (eg licensing of isavuconazole). Additional antifungals are currently under investigation or in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Here, updated recommendations for the treatment of proven or probable IFDs are given. All recommendations including the levels of evidence are summarised in tables to give the reader rapid access to key information.

Implementing and sustaining an evidence-based nutrition service in a haematology unit for autologous stem cell transplant patients.

PURPOSE: Effective, timely and evidence-based nutritional management is important in patients receiving autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) to prevent the negative consequences of developing malnutrition. This study describes a robust process for development and implementation of an evidence-based nutrition care pathway for HSCT patients in a tertiary cancer centre. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was completed to identify relevant articles and evidence-based guidelines to inform the development of the pathway. Evidence from the literature review was assessed and utilised to underpin the development of pathway. The pathway was implemented in the haematology service in collaboration with the multidisciplinary haematology team. Dietetic resource requirements for implementation of the pathway were determined and clinician compliance with the care pathway was assessed to evaluate the feasibility of the pathway in supporting delivery of evidence-based care. RESULTS: The evidence-based care pathway was implemented in 2011 with the final care pathway based on recommendations from five international evidence-based guidelines. Overall clinician compliance with delivering nutrition management described in the care pathway was high at 84%. The dietetic resource requirement for implementation of the care pathway was 300 to 400 h per 100 patients depending on conditioning chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: A robust process for developing and implementing a nutrition care pathway for HSCT patients was effective in supporting the delivery of evidence-based nutritional management for patients treated with HSCT.

Pain and related complaints in patients with acute leukemia: time for simultaneous care in hemato-oncology.

This commentary deals with the need of an early integration between hematologist and palliative care specialists as well as pain therapists as a routine basis in order to ensure the best management of patients affected by acute leukemia from the onset of the disease and in the stages of causal therapy. This strategy could limit the burden of painful symptoms and, in addition, avoid unnecessary suffering to patients, ensuring the best conditions for optimal outcome of these patients with extremely high clinical complexity and symptomatology who receive intensive treatments or who are managed with novel treatment approaches.

Analyzing the impact of systems-based hematologist in the healthcare system at an academic medical center.

Over the next decade, there is a predicted shortage of nonmalignant hematologist to maintain the workforce in the United States. To address this, the American Society of Hematology described the creation of the healthcare systems-based hematologist (SBH). The role of SBH has the potential to provide high-value, cost-conscious care to the healthcare system. In 2011, an Anticoagulation and Bleeding Management Medical Directorship position for a SBH was created at our healthcare system. We described our 6-year experience as SBH at a 750-bed tertiary academic medical center to improve clinical outcomes while reducing costs. Via four different initiatives, we were able to provide high-value, cost-conscious care as SBH by reducing cost of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia management, optimizing blood product utilization using goal-directed algorithms, reducing inappropriate thrombophilia testing and improving inferior vena cava filter retrieval rates. To ensure continuing success as a SBH, business plans need to include education, enforcement, monitoring, feedback, validation of safety and outcomes and a shared vision among leadership.

Integration of clinical pharmacists into an ambulatory, pediatric hematology/oncology/transplant clinic.

OBJECTIVES: To describe key activities performed by a newly deployed clinical pharmacist in an outpatient pediatric hematology, oncology, transplant clinic. To demonstrate how utilization of the pharmacist evolved, as indicated by changes in frequency of key activities, during the first four months of integration. DESIGN: Clinical pharmacists were made consistently available in an outpatient clinic serving hematology, oncology, transplant patients and their families. A list of key activities, based on provincial clinical pharmacist standards, was created to provide a framework for the role. Over a four-month period, the pharmacists recorded the number of times activities were performed. RESULTS: Over the data collection period, obtaining best possible medication histories (203), providing medication counseling (150), and creating adherence aids (144) were the most commonly performed activities. In comparison to the first month, key activities increased by 73% in the fourth month. Notably, providing recommendations for drug therapy (156%), assessments of adherence (122%), and best possible medication history collection (88%) increased considerably. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of a pharmacist into an outpatient pediatric hematology, oncology, transplant clinic resulted in the provision of several key clinical pharmacy services. As the role developed, activities were performed more frequently, demonstrating growth in utilization of the pharmacist.

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients: 2017 updated evidence-based guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Cancer patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal complications. In this manuscript, we update our 2013 guideline on the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). An expert group was put together by the AGIHO to update the existing guideline. For each sub-topic, a literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, and strengths of recommendation and the quality of the published evidence for major therapeutic strategies were categorized using the 2015 European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) criteria. Final recommendations were approved by the AGIHO plenary conference. Recommendations were made with respect to non-infectious and infectious gastrointestinal complications. Strengths of recommendation and levels of evidence are presented. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients is mandatory. Evidence-based recommendations are provided in this updated guideline.

Building a Cardio-Onco-Hematology Program.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to outline the general principles of how to build a cardio-onco-hematology clinic, acknowledging that there are diverse practices ranging from private community settings to academic hospitals and each practice environment has to build its own program. RECENT FINDINGS: The refinement of regimens and introduction of molecularly directed therapies have substantially increased survival rates for patients with cancer. In fact, a number of previous imminently fatal malignant disease processes have been turned into chronic diseases, such that patients now live with certain incurable cancers as they do, for instance, with rheumatoid arthritis. Improved cure rates and longer survivals have raised side effects of cancer treatments to a completely new level of significance. Cardiovascular toxicities are of particular concern given their impact on morbidity and mortality. In most extreme cases, patients might be cured from cancer but remain debilitated or die prematurely because of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, not an insignificant proportion of cancer patients start cancer therapy with cardiovascular risk factors and diseases at baseline. With the aging of the population, this "joint venture" is only expected to increase with important implications for the management of cancer patients. Given the need for familiarity with both, cancer and cardiovascular diseases and their ever-evolving start-of-the-art therapy and interaction potential, specialized efforts have been invoked, which may collectively be termed "onco-cardiology," "cardio-oncology," or "cardio-onco-hematology." Herein, we provide recommendations for the creation and optimization of any such programmatic efforts.

Planning for the future workforce in hematology research.

The medical research and training enterprise in the United States is complex in both its scope and implementation. Accordingly, adaptations to the associated workforce needs present particular challenges. This is particularly true for maintaining or expanding national needs for physician-scientists where training resource requirements and competitive transitional milestones are substantial. For the individual, these phenomena can produce financial burden, prolong the career trajectory, and significantly influence career pathways. Hence, when national data suggest that future medical research needs in a scientific area may be met in a less than optimal manner, strategies to expand research and training capacity must follow. This article defines such an exigency for research and training in nonneoplastic hematology and presents potential strategies for addressing these critical workforce needs. The considerations presented herein reflect a summary of the discussions presented at 2 workshops cosponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Society of Hematology.

Balanced performance measurement in research hospitals: the participative case study of a haematology department.

BACKGROUND: The paper aims to review, design and implement a multidimensional performance measurement system for a public research hospital in order to address the complexity of its multifaceted stakeholder requirements and its double institutional aim of care and research. METHOD: The methodology relies on a participative case study performed by external researchers in close collaboration with the staff of an Italian research hospital. RESULTS: The paper develops and applies a customized version of balanced scorecard based on a new set of performance measures. Our findings suggest that it can be considered an effective framework for measuring the research hospital performance, thanks to a combination of generalizable and context-specific factors. CONCLUSIONS: By showing how the balanced scorecard framework can be customized to research hospitals, the paper is especially of interest for complex healthcare organizations that are implementing management accounting practices. The paper contributes to the body of literature on the application of the balanced scorecard in healthcare through an examination of the challenges in designing and implementing this multidimensional performance tool. This is one of the first papers that show how the balanced scorecard model can be adapted to fit the specific requirements of public research hospitals.

Infectious diseases in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: prevention and prophylaxis strategy guidelines 2016.

Infectious complications after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remain a clinical challenge. This is a guideline provided by the AGIHO (Infectious Diseases Working Group) of the DGHO (German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology). A core group of experts prepared a preliminary guideline, which was discussed, reviewed, and approved by the entire working group. The guideline provides clinical recommendations for the preventive management including prophylactic treatment of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases. The guideline focuses on antimicrobial agents but includes recommendations on the use of vaccinations. This is the updated version of the AGHIO guideline in the field of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation utilizing methods according to evidence-based medicine criteria.

Macmillan lead acute oncology/haematology nurse.

Michelle Samson discusses her professional background that has led to her current role, and the projects she has developed over the course of her career.

The Canadian Choosing Wisely campaign: the Canadian Hematology Society's top five tests and treatments.

Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC), a medical stewardship campaign, encourages dialogue between physicians and patients to promote high-quality decision-making. Medical societies develop lists of tests, treatments, and procedures that are unnecessary, reduce value, and may cause harm. The Canadian Hematology Society (CHS) elicited suggestions for CWC recommendations from its members and received 35 unique suggestions. A working group rated these based on their potential for harm, benefit, frequency of use and value. Twelve highly ranked items were subjected to systematic evidence review. The final items were included in the list if they were of sufficient evidence base and met pre-defined core principles. The CHS-CWC recommendations are: to avoid IVIG treatment for asymptomatic immune thrombocytopenia, not bridge warfarin in low-risk patients going for procedures, not perform thrombophilia testing in the workup of early pregnancy loss, avoid fine-needle aspiration in lymphoma diagnosis, and not transfuse red blood cells for an arbitrary hemoglobin threshold. Through implementation of these recommendations, physicians will reduce potential harm to patients and increase the value of health care.

Development of a hematology/oncology ICD-10 documentation job aid.

Conversion to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) was mandated for October 1, 2014, but was delayed by one year. ICD-10 accommodates newly developed diagnoses and procedures and is expected to help measure quality of care. When implemented, it will impact oncology practices because of conversion costs, loss of productivity, and billing problems. Clinical documentation must meet the specificity required by ICD-10 codes or risk denial of payments, which are projected to dramatically increase. In preparation for the now delayed conversion, the ICD-10 transition team at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) examined the ICD-10 codes for primary hematology/oncology diagnoses and comorbidities of cancer and therapy seen at our institution to identify the need for and feasibility of developing a printable job aid to guide clinical documentation. We found that the variable complexity of ICD-10 codes in hematology/oncology frequently requires nonintuitive specificity likely to be overlooked without prompting. We were able to develop a succinct and facile documentation aid usable in both electronic and printed forms that includes all hematology/oncology diagnoses and the comorbidities most frequently seen in our multidisciplinary institution. This document is organized in a notebook format for easy review and will be continuously improved with feedback from practitioners. It is available for free download from the SCCA Web site.

The Changing Epidemiology of Pediatric Hemoglobinopathy Patients in Northern Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobinopathies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate epidemiologic data reflecting the number of hemoglobinopathy patients are lacking in Canada. Immigration patterns are shifting such that regions where these diseases were rare are seeing a rapid population expansion, revealing a gap in the health care system and the need for a public health response. METHODS: To understand the epidemiology of pediatric hemoglobinopathy patients given the provincial population growth and immigration patterns, a retrospective chart review was conducted at the Stollery Children's Hospital from January 2004 to July 2014. RESULTS: A total of 88% of patients had sickle cell disease; 55% of patients were Canadian born and 63% of families originated from Africa. There was a 3.5-fold increase in patient numbers with acceleration in patient accrual over the study period and a delay in diagnosis in 70% of patients. There was a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations over the study period. Thirteen percent required at least 1 exchange transfusion, 16% received chronic transfusions, and 30% of patients developed at least 1 severe complication related to their diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to demonstrate the growing hemoglobinopathy population and changing health care requirements to advocate for appropriate resources, educate health care providers, and increase awareness.