ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as anticancer therapy across a variety of malignancies has led to durable efficacy in a subset of patients. However, associated side effects denoted immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Particularly early in the experience of using these agents, a lack of standardized education regarding irAEs among patients and clinical providers may have contributed to poor outcomes. Optimal management of these emerging toxicities depends on a coordinated institutional approach. We hypothesized that centralized educational programs and electronic health record (EHR)-based interventions, targeted both toward ICI-treated patients as well as patient-interfacing providers, would improve patient outcomes. METHODS: We created a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and associated staff to direct a coordinated approach to the education and management of patients receiving ICIs across our institution. A 3-tiered approach was designed: patient-centered, internally centered, and externally centered. Multimedia educational products were produced for patients to improve knowledge and awareness of ICIs and associated irAEs. An EHR-based banner was deployed to improve identification of patients receiving ICIs across disciplines. Tailored educational seminars were provided to clinicians who interact with ICI-treated patients at all levels. Educational seminars were also offered to local physicians and institutions. We assessed patient uptake of educational products and surrogate patient outcomes to measure the potential impact of our interventions. RESULTS: Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC)-specific ICI identification cards were created and distributed to patients. By the end of the investigational period, 98.6% of ICI-treated patients reported receiving a card. An ICI-focused on-line portal was created accessible only to ICI-treated patients, with 9.4% of these patients accessing the portal in the first 6 months without marketing promotion. Deidentified surrogate clinical endpoints of corticosteroid use, direct referral unit (DRU) visits, and hospital admissions all improved during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Institutionally directed educational initiatives are feasible at a free-standing academic cancer center and may lead to improved outcomes in patients developing irAEs from ICIs. More granular patient-specific data and studies at other types of institutions are necessary to determine the applicability of similar approaches on a broader scale.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Opioids are prescribed excessively following surgery. As many urologic oncology procedures are performed minimally invasively, an opportunity exists to push forward initiatives to minimize postoperative opioid use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quality improvement initiative to reduce inpatient opioid prescribing was launched at a tertiary cancer center. In Phase I (December 2019-July 2020), providers were instructed to start standing acetaminophen. In Phase II (beginning August 2020), education was provided to the entire care team and ordersets were modified to an opioid sparing protocol (OSP). We analyzed the proportion of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) prostatectomy and nephrectomy patients that adhered to an OSP during each phase and compared them to controls from the preceding 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 303, 153, and 839 patients underwent MIS during the Phase I, Phase II, and control periods respectively. The proportion of patients adhering to an OSP increased from 16% at the beginning of Phase I to 76% at the end of Phase II (p-trend < 0.001). The median total oral morphine equivalents for oral opioids declined from 20 mg and 40 mg at baseline for prostatectomy and nephrectomy patients respectively to 0 mg for both groups (p-trends < 0.001). Multivariable analysis found that patients received 22% and 81% less oral morphine equivalents during Phase I and II respectively compared to the control period (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to an OSP is most effective when initiatives incorporate the entire team and are supported by nudge theory-based structural changes. Using these strategies, most patients following urologic MIS can dramatically reduce opioid use postoperatively.
