Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: A Single Center Study.

This study aimed to identify predictors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized cancer patients and develop a predictive model using demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. Our analysis showed that patient groups categorized under a very high risk, and high risk, patients with low hemoglobin levels and renal disease were at a significantly increased risk of developing VTE. We developed a VTE risk-assessment model (RAM) with moderate discriminatory performance, high specificity, and negative predictive value, indicating its potential utility in identifying patients without VTE risk. However, the model's positive predictive value and sensitivity were low due to the low prevalence of VTE within the analyzed population. Future studies are needed to analyze additional predictive factors, and to validate the effectiveness of our VTE RAM to safely rule out VTE, compare it with other VTE RAMs in hospitalized cancer patients, and address any limitations of our study.

Complex patients' effect on family physicians: high cognitive load and negative emotional impact.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complex patients present an increasing challenge to the health care system and family physicians play an important role in their care. As part of a larger project exploring family physicians' perceptions of complex patients, we sought to understand how complex patients affect family physicians and if these effects might be related to physician burnout. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study involving interviews with family physicians from various practice settings. We invited the physicians to choose three of their patients between the ages of 18 and 64 whom they considered to have complex medical problems and to have access to their medical records during a telephone interview using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed and coded. Using qualitative analytical software, research team members worked together to analyse the interview data and determine emerging themes. RESULTS: Eleven family physicians participated in the interviews and described 29 unique complex patients, including challenges and effects on them personally. Analysis of the available 10 family physicians' interviews revealed two themes related to complexity's impact on physicians: (i) high cognitive load and (ii) negative emotional impact. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, this study offers a previously unconsidered understanding of drivers of physician burnout, including high cognitive load and negative emotional impact on family physicians created by caring for complex patients. Interventions to improve health care, including addressing physician wellness and burnout, should include the provision of resources to assist them with decreasing cognitive load and negative emotional impact when caring for complex patients.

Complex patients present an increasing challenge to the health care system and family physicians play an important role in their care. We interviewed family physicians from various practice settings, inviting them to choose complex patients between the ages of 18 and 64 from their practices and to have access to their medical records during the interview. We then analysed the interviews for recurring themes regarding the care of their complex patients. Ten family physicians described 26 unique complex patients, including challenges and effects on them personally. Two themes related to the complexity's impact on physicians emerged from our analysis: (i) high cognitive load (the total amount of mental effort required) and (ii) negative emotional impact. It is possible that these two effects of complex patients on family physicians may contribute to physician burnout. Interventions to improve health care, including addressing physician wellness and burnout, should include the provision of resources to assist them with decreasing their cognitive load and negative emotional impact when caring for complex patients.

An Update on the Reversal of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) include thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and coagulation factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban. NOACs have several benefits over warfarin, including faster time to the achieve effect, rapid onset of action, fewer documented food and drug interactions, lack of need for routine INR monitoring, and improved patient satisfaction. Local hemostatic measures, supportive care, and withholding the next NOAC dose are usually sufficient to achieve hemostasis among patients presenting with minor bleeding. The administration of reversal agents should be considered in patients on NOAC's with major bleeding manifestations (life-threatening bleeding, or major uncontrolled bleeding), or those who require rapid anticoagulant reversal for an emergent surgical procedure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two reversal agents for NOACs: idarucizumab for dabigatran and andexanet alfa for apixaban and rivaroxaban. The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) have released an updated guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation that provides indications for the use of these reversal agents. In addition, the final results of the ANNEXA-4 study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of andexanet alfa were recently published. Several agents are in different phases of clinical trials, and among them, ciraparantag has shown promising results. However, their higher cost and limited availability remains a concern. Here, we provide a brief review of the available reversal agents for NOACs (nonspecific and specific), recent updates on reversal strategies, lab parameters (including point-of-care tests), NOAC resumption, and agents in development.

Do USMLE steps, and ITE score predict the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Exam results?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate if United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, USMLE Step 3, and residency third-year in-service training exam (ITE) scores predict the results of American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Exam (ABIM-CE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, USMLE Step 3, third-year residency ITE scores and ABIM-CE results of IM residents at our residency program from 2004 through 2017. Statistical analysis was perfrormed using Pearson correlation coefficient, and logistic regression to assess the relationship between USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2CK, USMLE Step 3, 3rd year ITE scores and ABIM-CE results. We used Multivariate logistic regression to predict pass or fail results in ABIM-CE based on USMLE and third-year ITE test scores controlling for other covariates. RESULTS: Among 114 Internal Medicine MD residents included in the study, 92% (n = 105) passed the ABIM-CE. The OR of passing ABIM-CE was 2.70 (95% CI = 1.38-5.29), 2.31 (95% CI = 1.33-4.01), and 1.63 (95% CI = 0.81-3.29) with a ten-point increase in USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK and USMLE Step 3 scores respectively. The OR of ABIM-CE passing chance was 2.96 (95% CI = 0.95-9.20), with a ten-point increase in the average score of the above three exams. A 5 % increase in ITE percentage raised the likelihood of passing ABIM-CE (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.15-7.38). All residents who failed ABIM-CE had Step 1 scores < 220. Among 31 residents with Step 2 CK score < 220, 20% (n = 6) failed ABIM. Similarly, 9% of residents with USMLE Step 3 score < 220 failed ABIM-CE; all residents who failed had scored < 220. The probability curve predicted that the chance of passing ABIM- CE was around 80% with USMLE scores greater than 200 and increased to almost 100% with USMLE scores of 250 or more. CONCLUSION: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, and third-year ITE scores can predict the chances of passing ABIM-CE. The third-year ITE score has a higher preditive value compared to USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 scores. USMLE Step 1 scores more predictive of ABIM-CE results compared to USMLE Step 2CK scores. Thus, residency programs can identify internal medicine residents at risk of failing ABIM-CE and formulate interventions at an early stage during residency training. Measures such as enrolling them in question banks or board review courses can be helpful in improving their chances of passing ABIM-CE.

Extraintestinal Clostridium difficile infection: Scrotal abscess.

Clostridium difficile infection is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated morbidity and mortality. ExtraintestinalC. difficile infection is extremely rare; though a variety of infections involving different organs have been reported. We report the first case of scrotal abscess due toC. difficile in an 84 year old male following left inguinal herniorrhaphy. Patient underwent surgical drainage of scrotal abscess and was successfully treated with culture directed antibiotic therapy.

Effectiveness of Sequential Compression Devices in Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Medically Ill Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of sequential compression devices (SCDs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in medically ill hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: Adult patients admitted to a teaching hospital from April 2015 to March 2016 were included. Patients on anticoagulants with or without SCDs were excluded. We analyzed VTE risk, length of hospital stay, and other comorbidities among propensity score-matched patients on SCDs and those without thromboprophylaxis (NONE). Results: Among 30,824 patients, 67 patients (0.22%) developed VTE during their hospital stays, with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 55 cases and pulmonary embolism (PE) in 12. VTE was seen in 47 out of 20,018 patients on SCDs (41 DVT, 6 PE) and 20 out of 10,819 patients without SCDs (14 DVT, 6 PE). Risk-adjusted analysis showed no significant difference in VTE incidence in the SCD group compared to NONE (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.57-1.73, p=0.74). Conclusion: Compared to the NONE group, SCDs are not associated with decreased VTE incidence during hospital stay.

Overutilisation of imaging studies for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: are we following the guidelines?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if imaging studies such as CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan are ordered according to the current guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in all adult patients who presented to the Sparrow Hospital Emergency Department from January 2014 to December 2016 and underwent CTPA or V/Q scan. We calculated the Wells' score retrospectively, and d-dimer values were used to determine if the imaging study was justified. RESULTS: A total of 8449 patients underwent CTPA (93%) or V/Q scan (7%), among which 142 (1.7%) patients were diagnosed with PE. The Wells' criteria showed low probabilities for PE in 96 % and intermediate or high probabilities in 4 % of total patients. Modified Wells' criteria demonstrated PE unlikely in 99.6 % and PE likely in 0.4 % of total patients. D-dimer was obtained in only 37 % of patients who were unlikely to have a PE or had a low score on Wells' criteria. Despite a low or unlikely Wells' criteria score and normal d-dimer levels, 260 patients underwent imaging studies, and none were diagnosed with PE. CONCLUSION: More than 99 % of CTPA or V/Q scans were negative in our study. This suggests extraordinary overutilisation of the imaging methods. D-dimer, recommended in patients with low to moderate risk, was ordered in only one-third of patients. Much greater emphasis of current guidelines is needed to avoid inappropriate utilisation of resources without missing diagnosis of PE.

Clinical significance of weight changes at diagnosis in solid tumours.

PURPOSE: Weight changes occur throughout the cancer trajectory. Most research has focused on changes during or after treatment, so clinical significance of change at diagnosis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine prevalence, predictors and prognostic significance of weight changes at diagnosis in outpatients with solid tumours presenting to a tertiary academic medical centre. METHODS: A retrospective study of the electronic medical record was conducted (n = 6477). Those with weight recorded within 6 months of cancer diagnosis (pre-diagnosis, T0) and 2 subsequent weights (diagnosis, T1; final visit, T2) were identified (n = 4258). Percentage weight change was categorised into four bands (0.1-2.4%; 2.5-5%; 5.01-9.9%; ≥ 10%) for gain and loss. A stable category was also included. RESULTS: Mean age is 61 ± 12.5 years. Common tumour sites: breast (17%; n = 725), prostate (16%; n = 664), lung (14%; n = 599). 15% (n = 652) had metastatic disease at T1. 98% (n = 4159) had weight change at T1. Head & neck and upper gastrointestinal cancers were significantly associated with weight loss (p < 0.001). Worst survival occurred with ≥ 10% weight gain or ≥ 10% weight loss. Overweight or obese body mass index with any percentage weight change band was associated with better overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Most had evidence of clinically significant weight changes at diagnosis. Weight loss at diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of further weight loss. A detailed weight history at cancer diagnosis is essential to identify and intervene for those most at risk of weight change-related early mortality.

Delayed Presentation of Isolated Adrenocorticotropin Insufficiency after Nivolumab Therapy for Advanced Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

We describe a 73-year-old man who developed adrenal insufficiency 7 months after completing nivolumab therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. He presented with non-specific symptoms of malaise and fatigue with an insidious 13.6 kilogram weight loss, prompting an evaluation for disease progression, which was negative. Subsequent evaluation revealed isolated adrenocorticotropin insufficiency as the aetiology, attributed to a delayed side effect of nivolumab therapy.

Serum C-reactive protein is an important and powerful prognostic biomarker in most adult solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Prognostication in cancer is challenging and inaccurate. C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a cheap and sensitive marker of inflammation may help. This study investigated the relationship between CRP and prognosis in a large cohort of solid tumors with mixed cancer diagnoses and stages. METHODS: Electronic medical records of 4931 adults with solid tumors who attended the Taussig Cancer Institute from 2006-2012 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Maximum CRP (mCRP) was identified for each individual. CRP was analysed as a time-dependent, continuous and categorical variable for association with survival. RESULTS: Two thirds of patients had a high mCRP. This was consistently associated with shorter survival, even after correction for time from diagnosis, and when analysed as a continuous or a categorical variable. When mCRP values above 10 mg/L were subcategorized, a higher mCRP was always worse. Even among those with normal values, statistically and clinically significant shorter survival was noted at mCRP levels >5 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: In a large representative cohort of consecutive solid tumor patients the risk of death was clinically and statistically significantly greater with a high mCRP. This was independent of other variables and regardless of statistical method from both dates of diagnosis and test. CRP appeared to be underutilized. Our results support the routine use of CRP as a universal cost-effective independent prognostic indicator in most solid tumors.

Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Daily Activities in People With Newly Diagnosed Solid Tumors Presenting to a Medical Oncologist.

INTRODUCTION: Symptom and Quality of Life (QOL) data are important patient reported outcomes. Early identification of these is critical for appropriate interventions. Data collection may be helped by modern information technology. AIM: This study examined symptoms and QOL in people with solid tumors at their first visit to a medical oncologist. We also evaluated the clinical utility of tablet computers (TC) to collect this data. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 105 consecutive patients in the cancer outpatient clinic of a tertiary level academic medical center. Symptom and QOL data was collected by TC with wireless database upload. RESULTS: One-third participants had moderate to severe pain; almost half clinically significant pain that interfered with daily activities. Tiredness, anxiety, and drowsiness were common (prevalence - 79%, 63% and 50% respectively). One-third of those who had items identified from the Edmonton System Assessment System also volunteered other symptoms, mostly gastrointestinal problems. Many of those affected also reported impaired Global Wellbeing and low Overall QOL. There was a 98% completion rate, which took on average ten minutes. Direct observation and informal feedback from patients and physicians regarding the acceptability of TC in this setting was uniformly positive. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst people with newly diagnosed solid tumors clinically important psychological and physical symptoms, QOL problems and difficulties with daily activities were commonly present in the 24-hour period and in the week before a first Medical Oncology visit. Symptom and QOL data collection by TC in busy outpatient clinics showed good clinical utility.

Molecular characteristics of biliary tract cancer.

Biliary tract cancers (intrahepatic, perihilar and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder and cystic duct cancers) are uncommon but highly lethal malignancies. Clinical presentation is often late, precluding curative surgical resection in most cases. For advanced disease, therapeutic options are limited to systemic chemotherapy, with suboptimal outcomes. An understanding of the molecular characteristics of biliary tract cancers may allow the clinical development of therapies targeting actionable alterations with the ultimate goal of improving clinical outcomes. We present a comprehensive review of biliary tract cancer genomics and their clinical implications. Alterations in genes in the EGFR-MAPK-PI3K pathway are seen most often. KRAS alterations are highly prevalent; BRAF alterations are mutually exclusive from RAS alterations and much less frequent. PIK3CA alterations are seen mostly in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancers whereas HER2 amplification is most common in gallbladder cancers. Various tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and p16 are also altered often in biliary tract cancers; however, agents to "activate" silenced genes are currently lacking. FGF and IDH pathway alterations are potential targets for therapeutic agents. FGF alterations are typically fusions with other genes, resulting in altered proteins, and are seen most often in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. IDH pathway alterations affect cellular enzymatic processes and are most common in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Ongoing clinical trials of agents targeting these pathways hold the promise of improving clinical outcomes.

Reducing Unplanned Medical Oncology Readmissions by Improving Outpatient Care Transitions: A Process Improvement Project at the Cleveland Clinic.

PURPOSE: Reducing 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions is a national policy priority. We examined the impact of a quality improvement project focused on reducing oncology readmissions among patients with cancer who were admitted to palliative and general medical oncology services at the Cleveland Clinic. METHODS: Baseline rates of readmissions were gathered during the period from January 2013 to April 2014. A quality improvement project designed to improve outpatient care transitions was initiated during the period leading to April 1, 2014, including: (1) provider education, (2) postdischarge nursing phone calls within 48 hours, and (3) postdischarge provider follow-up appointments within 5 business days. Nursing callback components included symptom management, education, medication review/compliance, and follow-up appointment reminder. RESULTS: During the baseline period, there were 2,638 admissions and 722 unplanned 30-day readmissions for an overall readmission rate of 27.4%. Callbacks and 5-day follow-up appointment monitoring revealed a mean monthly compliance of 72% and 78%, respectively, improving over time during the study period. Readmission rates declined by 4.5% to 22.9% (P < .01; relative risk reduction, 18%) during the study period. The mean direct cost of one readmission was $10,884, suggesting an annualized cost savings of $1.04 million with the observed reduction in unplanned readmissions. CONCLUSION: Modest readmission reductions can be achieved through better systematic transitions to outpatient care (including follow-up calls and early provider visits), thereby leading to a reduction in use of inpatient resources. These data suggest that efforts focused on improving outpatient care transition were effective in reducing unplanned oncology readmissions.

C-Reactive Protein Is an Important Biomarker for Prognosis Tumor Recurrence and Treatment Response in Adult Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: A systematic literature review was done to determine the relationship between elevated CRP and prognosis in people with solid tumors. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serum acute phase reactant and a well-established inflammatory marker. We also examined the role of CRP to predict treatment response and tumor recurrence. METHODS: MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms were used to search multiple electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EBM-Cochrane). Two independent reviewers selected research papers. We also included a quality Assessment (QA) score. Reports with QA scores <50% were excluded. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) methodology was utilized for this review (S1 PRISMA Checklist). RESULTS: 271 articles were identified for final review. There were 45% prospective studies and 52% retrospective. 264 had intermediate QA score (≥50% but <80%); Seven were adequate (80% -100%); A high CRP was predictive of prognosis in 90% (245/271) of studies-80% of the 245 studies by multivariate analysis, 20% by univariate analysis. Many (52%) of the articles were about gastrointestinal malignancies (GI) or kidney malignancies. A high CRP was prognostic in 90% (127 of 141) of the reports in those groups of tumors. CRP was also prognostic in most reports in other solid tumors primary sites. CONCLUSIONS: A high CRP was associated with higher mortality in 90% of reports in people with solid tumors primary sites. This was particularly notable in GI malignancies and kidney malignancies. In other solid tumors (lung, pancreas, hepatocellular cancer, and bladder) an elevated CRP also predicted prognosis. In addition there is also evidence to support the use of CRP to help decide treatment response and identify tumor recurrence. Better designed large scale studies should be conducted to examine these issues more comprehensively.

Predicting early mortality in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Survival after surgical resection for pancreatic cancer remains poor. A subgroup of patients die early (<6 months), and understanding factors associated with early mortality may help to identify high-risk patients. The Khorana score has been shown to be associated with early mortality for patients with solid tumors. In the current study, the authors evaluated the role of this score and other prognostic variables in this setting. METHODS: The current study was a cohort study of patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic cancer from January 2006 through June 2013. Baseline (diagnosis ±30 days) parameters were used to define patients as high risk (Khorana score ≥3). Statistically significant univariable associations and a priori prognostic variables were tested in multivariable models; adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated. RESULTS: The study population comprised 334 patients. The median age was 67 years, 50% of the study population was female, and 86% of the patients were white. The pancreatic head was the primary tumor site for 73% of patients; 67% of tumors were T3 and 63% were N1. The median Khorana score was 2; 152 patients (47%) were determined to be high risk. Adjunctive treatment included chemotherapy (70%) and radiotherapy (40%). The postoperative (30-day) mortality rate was 0.9%. The 6-month mortality rate for the entire cohort was 9.4%, with significantly higher rates observed for high-risk patients (13.4% vs 5.6%; P = .02). On multivariable analyses (examining a total of 326 patients), the Khorana score (HR for high risk, 2.31; P = .039) and elevated blood urea nitrogen (HR, 4.34; P<.001) were associated with early mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients at high risk of early mortality after surgical resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be identified using simple baseline clinical and laboratory parameters. Future studies should address preoperative interventions in these patients at high risk of early mortality.

A prospective study of the clinical content of palliative medicine interdisciplinary team meetings.

Structured interprofessional communication should improve the structure and clarity of the plan of care. The interdisciplinary team meeting (IDTM) is an opportunity for shared information on patients' and family care needs. We report a prospective observations study of palliative medicine IDTM, which recorded the clinical issues discussed. One hundred and forty-five disparate clinical items were identified for 59 patients and were discussed by the IDTM in about 240 minutes. By content analysis and research meeting consensus, they were grouped into 9 agreed interdisciplinary themes. The 9 themes were then subjected to biostatistical analysis and 3 communication clusters identified. Themes consisted of 3 major communication clusters: (1) clinical services, (2) psychosocial, and (3) care plan. Two themes (information exchange and clinical transitions) did not cluster. The IDTM identified patient care need, reported concerns, and supported collaboration in proactive patient care plans. Future research projects with more patients and a large number of meetings can confirm our findings. This should also examine specific contributions by professional discipline.

Connected health: cancer symptom and quality-of-life assessment using a tablet computer: a pilot study.

Incorporation of tablet computers (TCs) into patient assessment may facilitate safe and secure data collection. We evaluated the usefulness and acceptability of a TC as an electronic self-report symptom assessment instrument. Research Electronic Data Capture Web-based application supported data capture. Information was collected and disseminated in real time and a structured format. Completed questionnaires were printed and given to the physician before the patient visit. Most participants completed the survey without assistance. Completion rate was 100%. The median global quality of life was high for all. More than half reported pain. Based on Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, the top 3 most common symptoms were tiredness, anxiety, and decreased well-being. Patient and physician acceptability for these quick and useful TC-based surveys was excellent.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in people with a solid tumor cancer diagnosis: the tip of the iceberg?

PURPOSE: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been linked to both cancer incidence and poor prognosis. The frequency of 25(OH)D tests and clinical factors associated with low levels in cancer patients are unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records from 2006 to 2007 of 39,252 adult solid tumor patients were reviewed. Data included demographics, cancer sites (primary and metastatic), and first serum 25(OH)D level during the study period. Laboratory data, comorbidities, selected medications, and anticancer treatment within the prior 2 months were recorded. Data were compared between (1) those tested and not tested and (2) 25(OH)D levels≤10 ng/ml (deficient), 11-30 ng/ml (insufficient), and ≥31 ng/ml (sufficient). Stepwise logistic regression identified independent predictors of low serum 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: The cohort was 86% Caucasian and 48% female with a mean age of 63±14 years (mean±SD). The most prevalent cancer was breast (19%). In total, 2,098 (5%) had a 25(OH)D test. Of those tested, 133 (6%) had levels≤10 ng/ml and 1,311 (62%) 11-30 ng/ml. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers (P<0.001). Low 25(OH)D levels were associated (in univariable analyses) with male gender, non-Caucasian race, gastrointestinal tumor primary sites, metastatic disease, benign liver disease, low serum albumin, and elevated liver enzymes. Significant factors in multivariable models for 25(OH)D levels≤10 and ≤30 ng/ml included non-Caucasian race, primary cancer site, and test calendar month. Vitamin D supplements and recent antineoplastic medication were associated with sufficient levels. CONCLUSIONS: Low (deficient or insufficient) 25(OH)D serum levels were highly prevalent in people with solid tumors. Vitamin D tests were infrequent and paradoxically less often done in high-risk groups. Tests were more frequent in females and in those with breast, skin, and thyroid cancers. Further research should examine role of routine 25(OH)D tests, the clinical consequences of low levels, and therapeutic supplementation in people with cancer.

The care of the actively dying in an academic medical center: a survey of registered nurses' professional capability and comfort.

BACKGROUND: Care of the dying is a significant component of nursing practice particularly in hospitals. Nurses who work in certain areas like oncology, intensive care unit (ICU) face the care of the dying, more so than other units. OBJECTIVES: The survey was conducted to assess nurses' self-perception of their professional capability and comfort in the care of the actively dying. Determine if professional capability and comfort was associated with any of the six demographics characteristics (age, gender, clinical experience, education level, nursing unit, continuing education). Identify areas of clinical challenge to promote educational initiatives to stimulate best nursing practice in the actively dying. DESIGN: The survey comprised of two parts: Part I with demographic characteristics and a single open-ended question, Part II with twenty questions on the domains recommended by the NCP. RESULTS: Older age and greater clinical experience were associated with greater levels of capability/comfort. Most nurses felt professionally capable and comfortable in domains such as knowledge, physical and psychosocial care but bioethics, communication, cultural, spiritual and bereavement issues challenged ≥ 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses self-perceived professional capability and comfort levels in caring for the dying were positively influenced by older age, greater clinical experience and extensive continuing education. Bioethics, communication and grief impacted nurses personally and emotionally. Continuing education, organized debriefing, grief-counseling, and preceptors support should be routine for nurses who work in units with predictable high mortality.