Access to Results of Patient Reported Outcome Surveys Does Not Improve Survey Response Rates.

INTRODUCTION: In this embedded substudy of a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial, we sought to evaluate the effects of patient engagement and results feedback on longitudinal patient-reported outcome (PRO) survey completion rates. METHODS: Newly diagnosed stage 0-III breast cancer patients seen at an academic breast center between June 2019 and December 2021 were invited to participate in a longitudinal PRO study. Participants were emailed the BREAST-Q survey, a validated PRO scale, preoperatively and at regular intervals during their postoperative course. Patients were randomized into the intervention group, who received survey results upon completion, or the control group, who received no feedback. The primary endpoint was postoperative survey completion rate. An intention to treat analysis was performed and a quasi-Poisson regression was used to compare rates of longitudinal survey completion between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 253 patients offered the preoperative survey, 115 were in the intervention group and 138 were in the control group. Postoperative survey completion rate was 54% for the intervention group and 47% for the control group. There was no significant difference in longitudinal postoperative survey completion rate between the two groups (rate ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective randomized controlled study, patients did not complete surveys at a higher rate when their survey results were shared with them, suggesting that viewing these results without appropriate clinical context does not generate significant enhancement in patient engagement. Effective interventions to improve survey response rate must be identified to better evaluate PROs.

A Cluster Randomized Trial of Primary Care Practice Redesign to Integrate Behavioral Health for Those Who Need It Most: Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions.

PURPOSE: Patient outcomes can improve when primary care and behavioral health providers use a collaborative system of care, but integrating these services is difficult. We tested the effectiveness of a practice intervention for improving patient outcomes by enhancing integrated behavioral health (IBH) activities. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial. The intervention combined practice redesign, quality improvement coaching, provider and staff education, and collaborative learning. At baseline and 2 years, staff at 42 primary care practices completed the Practice Integration Profile (PIP) as a measure of IBH. Adult patients with multiple chronic medical and behavioral conditions completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) survey. Primary outcomes were the change in 8 PROMIS-29 domain scores. Secondary outcomes included change in level of integration. RESULTS: Intervention assignment had no effect on change in outcomes reported by 2,426 patients who completed both baseline and 2-year surveys. Practices assigned to the intervention improved PIP workflow scores but not PIP total scores. Baseline PIP total score was significantly associated with patient-reported function, independent of intervention. Active practices that completed intervention workbooks (n = 13) improved patient-reported outcomes and practice integration (P ≤ .05) compared with other active practices (n = 7). CONCLUSION: Intervention assignment had no effect on change in patient outcomes; however, we did observe improved patient outcomes among practices that entered the study with greater IBH. We also observed more improvement of integration and patient outcomes among active practices that completed the intervention compared to active practices that did not. Additional research is needed to understand how implementation efforts to enhance IBH can best reach patients.

Effectiveness of Monovalent mRNA Vaccines Against COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Among Immunocompetent Adults During BA.1/BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 Predominant Periods of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in the United States - IVY Network, 18 States, December 26, 2021-August 31, 2022.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529 or BA.1) became predominant in the United States by late December 2021 (1). BA.1 has since been replaced by emerging lineages BA.2 (including BA.2.12.1) in March 2022, followed by BA.4 and BA.5, which have accounted for a majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections since late June 2022 (1). Data on the effectiveness of monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against BA.4/BA.5-associated hospitalizations are limited, and their interpretation is complicated by waning of vaccine-induced immunity (2-5). Further, infections with earlier Omicron lineages, including BA.1 and BA.2, reduce vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates because certain persons in the referent unvaccinated group have protection from infection-induced immunity. The IVY Network† assessed effectiveness of 2, 3, and 4 doses of monovalent mRNA vaccines compared with no vaccination against COVID-19-associated hospitalization among immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years during December 26, 2021-August 31, 2022. During the BA.1/BA.2 period, VE 14-150 days after a second dose was 63% and decreased to 34% after 150 days. Similarly, VE 7-120 days after a third dose was 79% and decreased to 41% after 120 days. VE 7-120 days after a fourth dose was 61%. During the BA.4/BA.5 period, similar trends were observed, although CIs for VE estimates between categories of time since the last dose overlapped. VE 14-150 days and >150 days after a second dose was 83% and 37%, respectively. VE 7-120 days and >120 days after a third dose was 60%and 29%, respectively. VE 7-120 days after the fourth dose was 61%. Protection against COVID-19-associated hospitalization waned even after a third dose. The newly authorized bivalent COVID-19 vaccines include mRNA from the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and from shared mRNA components between BA.4 and BA.5 lineages and are expected to be more immunogenic against BA.4/BA.5 than monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (6-8). All eligible adults aged ≥18 years§ should receive a booster dose, which currently consists of a bivalent mRNA vaccine, to maximize protection against BA.4/BA.5 and prevent COVID-19-associated hospitalization.

Integrating behavioral health & primary care for multiple chronic diseases: Clinical trial of a practice redesign toolkit.

Context: Most patients in need of behavioral health (BH) care are seen in primary care, which often has difficulty responding. Some practices integrate behavioral health care (IBH), with medical and BH providers at the same location, working as a team. However, it is difficult to achieve high levels of integration. Objective: Test the effectiveness of a practice intervention designed to increase BH integration. Study Design: Pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting: 43 primary care practices with on-site BH services in 13 states. Population: 2,460 adults with multiple chronic medical and behavioral conditions. Intervention: 24-month practice change process including an online curriculum, a practice redesign and implementation workbook, remote quality improvement coaching services, and an online learning community. Outcomes: Primary outcomes were changes in the 8 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) domain scores. Secondary outcomes were changes in medication adherence, self-reported healthcare utilization, time lost due to disability, cardiovascular capacity, patient centeredness, provider empathy, and several condition-specific measures. A sample of practice staff completed the Practice Integration Profile at each time point to estimate the degree of BH integration in that site. Practice-level case studies estimated the typical costs of implementing the intervention. Results: The intervention had no significant effect on any of the primary or secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed no convincing patterns of effect in any populations. COVID-19 was apparently not a moderating influence of the effect of the intervention on outcomes. The intervention had a modest effect on the degree of practice integration, reaching statistical significance in the Workflow domain. The median cost of the intervention was $18,204 per practice. In post-hoc analysis, level of BH integration was associated with improved patient outcomes independent of the intervention, both at baseline and longitudinally. Conclusions: The specific intervention tested in this study was inexpensive, but had only a small impact on the degree of BH integration, and none on patient outcomes. However, practices that had more integration at baseline had better patient outcomes, independent of the intervention. Although this particular intervention was ineffective, IBH remains an attractive strategy for improving patient outcomes.

Development and validation of the patient centeredness index for primary care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of the Patient Centeredness Index (PCI), evaluate its psychometric characteristics and evaluate the relationships between scores on the PCI and an established measure of empathy. BACKGROUND: Patient centeredness helps patients manage multiple chronic conditions with their providers, nurses and other team members. However, no instrument exists for evaluating patient centeredness within primary care practices treating this population. DESIGN: Multi-site instrument development and validation. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed. METHODS: To identify themes, we consulted literature on patient centeredness and engaged stakeholders who had or were caring for people with multiple chronic conditions (n = 7). We composed and refined items to represent those themes with input from clinicians and researchers. To evaluate reliability and convergent validity, we administered surveys to participants (n = 3622) with chronic conditions recruited from 44 primary care practices for a large-scale cluster randomised clinical trial of the effects of a practice-level intervention on patient and practice-level outcomes. Participants chose to complete the 16-item survey online, on paper or by phone. Surveys assessed demographics, number of chronic conditions and ratings of provider empathy. We conducted exploratory factor analysis to model the interrelationships among items. RESULTS: A single factor explained 93% of total variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.55-0.85, and item-test correlations were ≥.67. Cronbach's alpha was .93. A moderate, linear correlation with ratings of provider's empathy (r = .65) supports convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The PCI is a new tool for obtaining patient perceptions of the patient centeredness of their primary care practice. The PCI shows acceptable reliability and evidence of convergent validity among patients managing chronic conditions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The PCI rapidly identifies patients' perspectives on patient centeredness of their practice, making it ideal for administration in busy primary care settings that aim to efficiently address patient-identified needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.org Protocol ID: WLPS-1409-24372. TITLE: Integrating Behavioural Health and Primary Care for Comorbid Behavioural and Medical Problems (IBHPC).

Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities.

Though it is known that most older adults do not meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines, little is known regarding their participation in balance activities or the full guidelines. Therefore, we sought to describe PA patterns among 1,352 community-dwelling older adult participants of the Adult Changes in Thought study, a longitudinal cohort study exploring dementia-related risk factors. We used a modified version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire to explore PA performed and classify participants as meeting or not meeting the full guidelines or any component of the guidelines. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Despite performing 10 hr of weekly PA, only 11% of participants met the full guidelines. Older age, greater body mass index, needing assistance with instrumental daily activities, and heart disease were associated with decreased odds of meeting PA guidelines. These results can guide interventions that address PA among older adults.

Existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer patients with cancer-related fertility concerns.

OBJECTIVES: The current study explored the impact of cancer-related fertility concerns on existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer (BC) patients of childbearing age and assessed support needs. METHODS: The current study was embedded within a larger study. A seven-question online survey was administered to female BC participants to explore meaning and identity in their lives. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze participants' written responses. RESULTS: A total of 98 participants completed the survey, the majority of whom identified as white, married or partnered, and employed full time and with stage I or II BC. More than 50% of the participants expressed a need for support from a counselor or support group during their cancer experience. Three subthemes emerged related to existential distress and cancer-related fertility concerns: (1) loss of womanhood: treatment-related physical changes impact on gender identity; (2) existential distress due to treatment decisions impacting fertility; and (3) shattered vision: cancer-related infertility impact on meaning and purpose. Four subthemes emerged related to meaning making with fertility-related existential concerns: (1) coping with loss of meaning, (2) re-evaluating priorities in life; (3) resilience to loss, and (4) persistent loss of meaning. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Study results offer valuable insights into the experiences of female BC survivors' cancer-related fertility on existential distress and meaning making. Development of psychological interventions targeted to support this population to cope with existential distress due to cancer-related fertility concerns and meaning making are needed to improve the quality of life of this population.

Early Trajectories of Patient Reported Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Lumpectomy Versus Mastectomy.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to: (1) characterize longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between breast cancer patients undergoing lumpectomy and mastectomy and (2) compare return to baseline scores at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. METHODS: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients seen at an academic breast center between June 2019 and February 2021 were invited to participate in longitudinal PRO surveys at their initial clinic visit. If willing to participate, patients were emailed the validated BREAST-Q™ questionnaire at the initial clinic visit (baseline), 2 weeks after surgery, and then every 3 months for the first year. We used linear mixed models to estimate the differences in slopes over time between lumpectomy and mastectomy for each PRO measure. Pearson's Chi-square tests with Yates' continuity correction were used to compare proportions of patients who return to baseline PRO scores. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 164 patients invited to participate, 100 (61%) completed a baseline survey and were included in analyses. Mastectomy patients had significantly greater decreases in breast satisfaction (P = 0.002), psychosocial well-being (P < 0.0001), and sexual well-being (P < 0.0001) over time compared with lumpectomy patients. Both surgical groups reported a decrease in physical well-being, although the decline was more significant in lumpectomy patients (P = 0.005). At 3 months and 6 months after surgery, significantly larger proportions of lumpectomy patients returned to their baseline breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and physical well-being compared with mastectomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how outcomes important to patients change over the care continuum can provide opportunities for early intervention and may prevent debilitating long-term morbidities of treatment.

Impact of age mismatch between donor and recipient on heart transplant mortality.

The effect of donor-to-recipient (D-R) age mismatch in adult heart transplant population is not clearly described, and we undertook this study to determine the impact of age mismatch on mortality. Heart transplant recipients from 2000 to 2017 were identified using the United Network of Organ Sharing database. The cohort was divided into three groups: donor age within 5 years of recipient age (Group 1), donors >5 years younger than recipient (group 2), and donors >5 years older than recipients (Group 3). We also evaluated if this finding changed by recipient age. Twenty eight thousand, four hundred and eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to group 1, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for mortality for group 2 was 0.91 (0.83-0.99, p value <.039) and for group 3 was 1.36 (1.21-1.52, p value <.001); however, when looking at recipient age as continuous variable, receiving a younger heart was protective only for recipients younger than 45 years of age, and receiving a heart transplant from an older donor was detrimental only in recipients aged 25-35.

Nonlinear relationship between nonresidential destinations and body mass index across a wide range of development.

BACKGROUND: Destination accessibility is an important measure of the built environment that is associated with active transport and body mass index (BMI). In higher density settings, an inverse association has been consistently found, but in lower density settings, findings are limited. We previously found a positive relationship between the density of nonresidential destinations (NRD) and BMI in a low-density state. We sought to test the generalizability of this unexpected finding using data from six other states that include a broader range of settlement densities. METHODS: We obtained the address, height, and weight of 16.9 million residents with a driver's license or state identification cards, as well as the location of 3.8 million NRDs in Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, and Maine from Dun & Bradstreet. We tested the association between NRDs∙ha-1 within 1 km of the home address, and self-reported BMI (kg∙m-2). Visualization by locally-weighted smoothing curves (LOWESS) revealed an inverted U-shape. A multivariable piecewise regression with a random intercept for state was used to assess the relationship. RESULTS: After accounting for age, sex, year of issue, and census tract social and economic variables, BMI correlated positively with NRDs in the low-to-mid density stratum (ß = +0.005 kg∙m-2/nonresidential building∙ha-1; 95% CI: +0.004,+0.006) and negatively in the mid-to-high density stratum (ß = -0.002; 95% CI: -0.004,-0.0003); a significant difference in slopes (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BMI peaked in the middle density, with lower values in both the low and high-density extremes. These results suggest that the mechanisms by which NRDs are associated with obesity may differ by density level.

Impact of changing renal function, while waiting for a heart transplant, on post-transplant mortality and development of end stage kidney disease.

Heart transplantation is a viable option for end stage heart disease but long-term complications such as chronic kidney disease are being increasingly recognized. We sought to investigate the effect of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the heart transplant waitlist period on post-transplant mortality and end stage kidney disease (ESKD). We analysed the United Network of Organ Sharing heart transplant database from 2000 to 2017. Multivariable Cox regression with restricted cubic splines and cumulative incidence competing risk (CICR) methods were used to compare the effects of change in eGFR on mortality and ESKD, respectively. A total of 19 412 patients met our inclusion criteria. Mortality increased with increasing loss of eGFR (adjusted hazard ratio increased from 1.02 [confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.04, P = 0.008] for 10% loss to 1.15 (CI 1.06-1.26, P = 0.001) for 50% loss of eGFR. Similarly, risk of ESKD also increased monotonically with increasing loss of renal function [subdistribution hazard ratio increased from 1.12 (CI 1.09-1.14, P < 0.001) to 2.0 (CI 1.74-2.3, P < 0.001)] as loss of eGFR increased from 10% to 50%. Overall, we found that loss of >10% of eGFR resulted in higher risk of mortality and higher risk of ESKD.

A cumulative risk index for use in the medical home.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have described the effect of sociodemographic factors on early development. We describe development of a simple cumulative risk index (CRI) based on four sociodemographic factors and explore the concurrent and predictive relationship of this index to a measure of the cognitive home environment in early childhood and to later school functioning. METHODS: This was a secondary data analysis of children from an urban pediatrics clinic. Baseline data were collected at 10-23 months (n = 324) with primary follow-up 6 months later at 18-35 months (n = 179) and secondary follow-up at 8-10 years (n = 68). A CRI score was derived at baseline using maternal education, marital status, race/ethnicity and child insurance. Baseline and primary follow-up included three subscales of the STIMQ, a measure of the cognitive home environment. Effectiveness of CRI was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with linear contrasts. Chi-square examined differences in school function between children from CRI high-risk (CRI 3-4) and low-risk (CRI 0-2) families. RESULTS: CRI had a negative impact in early childhood on STIMQ subscale scores (p < 0.007-0.05) that increased as the number of risk factors increased (p < 0.05). Significantly more children from high-risk families (CRI 3-4) were rated as having poor school performance than children from low-risk families (CRI 0-2) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that a practice-friendly CRI, based on characteristics typically available in the medical record, could help identify families less likely to support development concurrently at 1 year of age and predictively at 2-3 years. School functioning at 8 to 10 years was also significantly better in children with a low CRI at 1 year. The CRI could be a useful tool for both clinicians and researchers needing a simple tool for risk assessment.

Patients' Experience With Opioid Pain Medication After Discharge From Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Decreasing the number of prescription opioids has been a leading strategy in combating the opioid epidemic. In Vermont, statewide and institutional policies have affected prescribing practices, resulting in a 40% decrease in postoperative opioid prescribing. The optimal approach to postoperative opioid prescribing remains unknown. In this study, we describe patients' experience with pain control 1 wk after discharge from surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed patients' experience using a telephone questionnaire, 1-wk after discharge after undergoing common surgical procedures between 2017 and 2019 at an academic medical center (n = 1027). Scaled responses regarding pain control, opioids prescribed, and opioids used (response rate 96%) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach; open-ended patient responses to questions regarding whether the number of opioids prescribed was "correct" were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: One week after discharge, 96% of patients reported that their pain was well controlled. When asked whether they received the correct number of opioid pills postoperatively, qualitative analysis of patient responses yielded the following six themes: (1) I had more than I needed, but not more than I wanted; (2) Rationed medication; (3) Medication was not effective; (4) Caution regarding risks of opioids; (5) Awareness of the public health concerns; and (6) Used opioids from a prior prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported pain control after common surgical procedures was excellent. However, patients are supportive of receiving more pain medications than they actually use, and they fear that further restrictions may prevent them or others from managing pain adequately. Understanding the patients' perspective is important for surgical education and improving discharge protocols.

Cumulative risk, the cognitive home environment and vocabulary in early childhood.

INTRODUCTION: Early home support for language development is critical for later developmental progress. Paediatricians have the opportunity to identify families at risk of failing to provide this support in infancy but often lack simple tools to do so. This study explores the potential of a simple count of sociodemographic risk factors, a cumulative risk (CR) index, to identify families likely to need help in providing literacy support from an early age. METHODS: CR scores were calculated for 308 families who completed the STIMQ and MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI) at 11-15 months) and 197 (64%) again at 23-37 months. Analysis of variance with linear contrasts examined the effect of CR on the STIMQ and the MCDI at baseline and follow-up. Correlation analysis explored the relationship between STIMQ and MCDI. RESULTS: At both baseline and follow-up, CR index showed a significant effect (p<0.006) on the STIMQ along with a significant linear trend for STIMQ scores to decrease as CR increased (p<0.05-0.005). No significant effects of CR effects on MCDI were observed at baseline or follow-up, whereas MCDI percentiles correlated significantly (p<0.03-0.001) with STIMQ scores (r=0.18-0.26.) at both times. CONCLUSIONS: The CR index is a simple tool that can help identify families needing support for providing a language stimulating home environment in the first 2 years before long-term ill effects of sociodemographic barriers are established.

The association of self-perceived changes due to COVID-19 with mental and physical health among adult primary care patients with multiple chronic conditions: A US-based longitudinal study.

Introduction: This study explores the association between self-perceived personal and community changes due to COVID-19 and health among vulnerable primary care patients experiencing multiple chronic conditions. Methods: Between September 2017 and February 2021, we obtained data from 2,426 primary care patients managing multiple chronic conditions from across the United States. We assessed the relationship between self-perceived personal and community changes due to COVID-19 and change in health measured by the PROMIS-29 mental and physical health summary scores, GAD-7 (anxiety), andPHQ-9 (depression), and DASI (functional capacity) adjusting for relevant demographic, neighborhood characteristics, and county covariates. Results: After adjustment, self-perceived personal and community changes due to COVID-19 were associated with significantly worse mental health summary scores (ß = -0.55; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = -0.72, -0.37), anxiety (ß = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.16, 0.39), depression (ß = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.47), and physical health summary scores (ß = -0.44; 95% CI = 0.88, 0.00). There was no association with functional capacity (ß = - 0.05; 95% CI = -0.16, 0.05). Discussion: Among adults managing multiple chronic conditions, self-perceived personal and community changes due to COVID-19 were associated with health. This vulnerable population may be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of COVID-19. As we do not know the long-term health effects of COVID, this paper establishes a baseline of epidemiological data on COVID-19 burden and health among primary care patients with multiple chronic conditions.

Minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy: Comparing the combined effects of smoking burden and operative approach on outcomes in esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interaction between smoking status and operative approach following esophagectomy on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2022, were identified from the STS-GTSD database and divided into 6 groups based on smoking status-never (NS), former (FS), or current (CS)-and surgical approach-minimally invasive (MIE) or open (OpenE). Primary outcomes were respiratory complications, operative mortality, major morbidity, and composite major morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The final study population comprised 27,373 patients (28.3% NS, 68.0% FS, and 13.7% CS) from 295 hospitals. Most cases were OpenE (58.1%), but the proportion of MIE increased from 19.2% in 2009 to 56.3% in 2022. Multivariable analysis showed that (1) risk-adjusted operative mortality was decreased only in never-smokers who underwent MIE (MIE-NS: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.82), and; (2) there were no significant differences in mortality among the groups compared to the reference OpenE-NS group. Respiratory complications, major morbidity, and composite mortality and morbidity outcomes showed similar smoking and surgical approach effects. All outcomes were worse in smokers irrespective of approach, and within the same smoking status group, AORs for respiratory complications and morbidity were slightly lower in MIE versus OpenE, but these differences were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory complications and other major morbidity outcomes following esophagectomy are substantially worsened by smoking history, particularly in current smokers. Among NS, MIE is associated with reduced operative mortality.

Predictors of Discharge with Supplemental Oxygen after Lobectomy for Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Before lung cancer resection, patients inquire about dyspnea and the potential need for supplemental oxygen. Our objective was to identify predictors of discharge with supplemental oxygen for patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer from July 2018 - December 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted association of pulmonary function with discharge on supplemental oxygen and identify independent predictors of discharge with supplemental oxygen. Pulmonary function was modeled as the minimum of either ppoFEV1 or ppoDLCO. RESULTS: Overall, 2,100 (8.4%) patients undergoing lobectomy were discharged with supplemental oxygen. Those with a minimum of either ppoFEV1 or ppoDLCO ≤60% had a progressively increased risk of discharge with supplemental oxygen than those with minimum function >60%. The two strongest predictors of discharge with supplemental oxygen were increasing BMI (25-29 aOR 1.38, 95%CI 1.21-1.57, 30-39 aOR 2.14, 95%CI 1.88-2.45, ≥40 aOR 3.51, 95%CI 2.79-4.39, reference 18.5-24) and former (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.67-2.52) and current (aOR 2.61, 95%CI 2.10-3.26) smoking status (reference never smoker). CONCLUSIONS: Of those undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer, 8.4% were discharged with supplemental oxygen. We identified preoperative independent predictors of discharge with supplemental oxygen that may be useful during shared decision-making discussions of treatment options for lung cancer and setting expectations with patients.

The STS 2024 Risk Models for Lung Cancer Resection: Continued Refinement and Improved Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD) has been used to develop risk models for patients undergoing pulmonary resection for cancer. Leveraging a contemporary and more inclusive cohort, we sought to refine these models. METHODS: The study population consisted of adult patients in the STS GTSD who underwent pulmonary resection for cancer between 2015 and 2022. Unlike previous models, non-elective operations were included. Separate risk models were derived for operative mortality, major morbidity, and composite morbidity or mortality. Logistic regression with backward selection was used with predictors retained in models if p<0.10. All derived models were validated using 9-fold cross validation. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed for the overall cohort and for surgical procedure, demographic, and risk factor subgroups. RESULTS: Data from 140,927 patients at 337 participating centers were included in the study. Overall operative mortality rate was 1.1%, major morbidity 7.3%, and composite morbidity or mortality 7.6%. Novel predictors of short-term outcomes included interstitial lung disease, DLCO, and payor status. Overall discrimination was superior to previous STS pulmonary resection models for operative mortality [C-statistic = 0.80] and for composite morbidity or mortality [C-statistic = 0.70]. Model discrimination was comparable and model calibration was excellent across all procedure- and demographic-specific sub-cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Among STS GTSD participants, major morbidity and operative mortality rates remain low following pulmonary resection. The newly derived pulmonary resection risk models demonstrate superior performance compared to previous models, with broader real-life applicability and clinical face validity.

2024 Update of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Short-term Esophagectomy Risk Model: More Inclusive and Improved Calibration.

BACKGROUND: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS-GTSD) previously reported short-term risk models for esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We sought to update existing models using more inclusive contemporary cohorts, with consideration of additional risk factors based on clinical evidence. METHODS: The study population consisted of adult patients in the STS-GTSD who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 2015 and December 2022. Separate esophagectomy risk models were derived for 3 primary end points: operative mortality, major morbidity, and composite morbidity or mortality. Logistic regression with backward selection was used, with predictors retained in models if P < .10. All derived models were validated using 9-fold cross-validation. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed for the overall cohort and specified subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 18,503 patients from 254 centers underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Operative mortality, morbidity, and composite morbidity or mortality rates were 3.4%, 30.5%, and 30.9%, respectively. Novel predictors of short-term outcomes in the updated models included body surface area and insurance payor type. Overall discrimination was similar or superior to previous STS-GTSD models for operative mortality (C statistic = 0.72) and for composite morbidity or mortality (C statistic = 0.62), Model discrimination was comparable across procedure- and demographic-specific subcohorts. Model calibration was excellent in all patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The newly derived esophagectomy risk models showed similar or superior performance compared with previous models, with broader applicability and clinical face validity. These models provide robust preoperative risk estimation and can be used for shared decision making, assessment of provider performance, and quality improvement.