ABSTRACT
Background: Anti-Asian violence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI) represent a diverse population experiencing a long history of stereotyping and exclusionism; however, this group is often left out of diversity/inclusion conversations. In academic medicine, AAPI are under-represented in leadership. We characterized the personal/professional experiences of AAPI gynecologic oncology trainees and assessed the impact of a virtual panel discussion with leaders in the field. Methods: An anonymous survey was disseminated online to trainees in/interested in gynecologic oncology fellowship who identified as AAPI, using modified snowball sampling. A virtual session with AAPI leaders in gynecologic oncology discussed themes emerging from survey responses. Session attendees completed an anonymous follow-up survey. Results were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: 44/59 (75%) respondents participated in the pre-survey; 23 (39%) participated in the virtual session. All session participants (23/23, 100%) completed the post-session survey. Participants reported increased identity-related thoughts with the COVID-19 pandemic (88% during, 61% prior). Sixty-eight percent reported that identity-related thoughts/awareness changed during the pandemic. Presence of AAPI colleagues was associated with higher perceived identity-related support from their department. Of those without AAPI coworkers, none (0%) felt 'moderately' or 'extremely well supported.' Qualitative analysis demonstrated that the panel discussion created a sense of community and encouragement, combating previously reported isolation and self-consciousness. Participants reported more connection with their heritage and identified more personal/professional topics that might be related to their cultural backgrounds. Discussion: This intervention demonstrates the opportunity to provide a supportive network for mentorship and professional development in a culturally inclusive way.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare discharge opioid refills, prescribed morphine equivalent dose and quantity, and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes before and after implementation of a tiered opioid prescribing algorithm among women undergoing open gynecologic surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery program. METHODS: We compared opioid prescriptions, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes among 273 women. Post-discharge symptom burden was collected up to 42 days after discharge using the validated 27-item MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and analyzed using linear mixed effects models and Kaplan-Meier curves for symptom recovery. RESULTS: Among 113 pre-implementation and 160 post-implementation patients there was no difference in opioid refills (9.7% vs 11.3%, p=0.84). The post-implementation cohort had a significant reduction in median morphine equivalent dose (112.5 mg vs 225 mg, p<0.01), with no difference in median hospital length of stay (3 days vs 3 days, p=1.0) or 30-day readmission rate (9.4% vs 7.1%, p=0.66). There was no difference in patient-reported pain between the pre- and post-implementation cohorts on the day of discharge (severity 4.93 vs 5.14, p=0.53) or in any patient-reported symptoms, interference measures, or composite scores by post-discharge day 7. The median recovery time for most symptoms was 7 days, except for pain (14 days), fatigue (18 days), and physical interference (21 days), with no differences between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of a tiered opioid prescribing algorithm, the quantity and dose of discharge opioids prescribed decreased with no change in post-operative refills and without negatively impacting patient-reported symptom burden or interference, which can be used to educate and reassure patients and providers.