John French

Impact of Using Audit Data to Improve the Evidence-Based Use of Single-Fraction Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastases in British Columbia

PURPOSEnTo assess the impact of a population-based intervention to increase the consistency and use of single-fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) for bone metastases.nnnMETHODS AND MATERIALSnIn 2012, an audit of radiation therapy prescriptions for bone metastases in British Columbia identified significant interphysician and -center (26%-73%) variation in the use of SFRT. Anonymous physician-level and identifiable regional cancer center SFRT use data were presented to all radiation oncologists, together with published guidelines, meta-analyses, and recommendations from practice leaders. The use of SFRT for bone metastases from 2007 through 2011 was compared with use of SFRT in 2013, to assess the impact of the audit and educational intervention. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the usage of SFRT and the timing of the radiation while controlling for potentially confounding variables. Physician and center were included as group effects to account for the clustered structure of the data.nnnRESULTSnA total of 16,898 courses of RT were delivered from 2007 through 2011, and 3200 courses were delivered in 2013. The rates of SFRT use in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 were 50.5%, 50.9%, 48.3%, 48.5%, 48.0%, and 59.7%, respectively (P<.001). Use of SFRT increased in each of 5 regional centers: A: 26% to 32%; B: 36% to 56%; C: 39% to 57%; D: 49% to 56%; and E: 73% to 85.0%. Use of SFRT was more consistent; 3 of 5 centers used SFRT for 56% to 57% of bone metastases RT courses. The regression analysis showed strong evidence that the usage of SFRT increased after the 2012 intervention (odds ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval 2.06-2.50, P<.0001).nnnCONCLUSIONnAssessed on a population basis, an audit-based intervention increased utilization of SFRT for bone metastases. The intervention reversed a trend to decreasing SFRT use, reduced costs, and improved patient convenience. This suggests that dissemination of programmatic quality indicators in oncology can lead to increased utilization of evidence-based practice.

Relationships between family physicians’ referral for palliative radiotherapy, knowledge of indications for radiotherapy, and prior training: a survey of rural and urban family physicians

BackgroundThe primary objective of this research was to assess the relationship between FPs’ knowledge of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and referral for palliative RT.Methods1001 surveys were sent to FPs who work in urban, suburban, and rural practices. Respondents were tested on their knowledge of palliative radiotherapy effectiveness and asked to report their self-assessed knowledge.ResultsThe response rate was 33%. FPs mean score testing their knowledge of palliative radiotherapy effectiveness was 68% (SDu2009=u200926%). The majority of FPs correctly identified that painful bone metastases (91%), airway obstruction (77%), painful local disease (85%), brain metastases (76%) and spinal cord compression (79%) can be effectively treated with RT, though few were aware that hemoptysis (42%) and hematuria (31%) can be effectively treated. There was a linear relationship between increasing involvement in palliative care and both self-assessed (pu2009<u20090.001) and tested (pu2009=u20090.02) knowledge. FPs had higher mean knowledge scores if they received post-MD training in palliative care (12% higher; pu2009<u20090.001) or radiotherapy (15% higher; pu2009=u20090.002). There was a strong relationship between FPs referral for palliative radiotherapy and both self-assessed knowledge (pu2009<u20090.001) and tested knowledge (pu2009=u20090.01).ConclusionsSelf-assessed and tested knowledge of palliative RT is positively associated with referral for palliative RT. Since palliative RT is underutilized, further research is needed to assess whether family physician educational interventions improve palliative RT referrals. The current study suggests that studies could target family physicians already in practice, with educational interventions focusing on hemostatic and other less commonly known indications for palliative RT.

Provincial development of a patient-reported outcome initiative to guide patient care, quality improvement, and research:

The BC Cancer Agency Radiotherapy (RT) program started the Prospective Outcomes and Support Initiative (POSI) at all six centres to utilize patient-reported outcomes for immediate clinical care, quality improvement, and research. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at time of computed tomography simulation via tablet and 2 to 4 weeks post-RT via either tablet or over the phone by a registered nurse. From 2013 to 2016, patients were approached on 20,150 attempts by POSI for patients treated with RT for bone metastases (52%), brain metastases (11%), lung cancer (17%), gynecological cancer (16%), head and neck cancer (2%), and other pilots (2%). The accrual rate for all encounters was 85% (n = 17,101), with the accrual rate varying between the lowest and the highest accruing centre from 78% to 89% (P < .001) and varying by tumour site (P < .001). Using the POSI database, we have performed research and quality improvement initiatives that have changed practice.

Inequities in access to cancer care in Canada: An ethical perspective

The ability to provide quality cancer care largely depends on how accessible the services are to those in need. In the current state, disparities exist in access to Canadian cancer services, and this poses an ethical challenge. This article highlights ethical and strategic considerations related to equity in access to Canadian cancer care. Based on the principles of bioethics—beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—various action strategies have been recommended in order to improve access to cancer care nationally.

Patient preferences for timing and access to radiation therapy

PURPOSEnPatient preferences for radiation therapy (rt) access were investigated.nnnMETHODSnPatients completing a course of rt at 6 centres received a 17-item survey that rated preferences for time of day; day of week; actual, ideal, and reasonable travel times for rt; and actual, ideal, and reasonable times between referral and first oncologic consultation. Patients receiving single-fraction rt or brachytherapy alone were excluded.nnnRESULTSnOf the respondents who returned surveys (n = 1053), 54% were women, and 74% had received more than 15 rt fractions. With respect to appointment times, 88% agreed or strongly agreed that rt between 08h00 and 16h30 was preferred; 14%-15% preferred 07h30-08h00 or 16h30-17h00; 10% preferred 17h00-18h00; and 6% or fewer preferred times before 07h30 or after 18h00. A preference not to receive rt before 07h30 or after 18h00 was expressed by 30% or more of the respondents. When days of the week were considered, 18% and 11% would have preferred to receive rt on a Saturday or Sunday respectively; 52% and 55% would have preferred not to receive rt on those days. A travel time of 1 hour or less for rt was reported by 82%, but 61% felt that a travel time of 1 hour or more was reasonable. A first consultation within 2 weeks of referral was felt to be ideal or reasonable by 88% and 73% of patients respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAn rt service designed to meet patient preferences would make most capacity available between 08h00 and 16h30 on weekdays and provide 10%-20% of rt capacity on weekends and during 07h30-08h00 and 16h30-18h00 on weekdays. Approximately 80%, but not all, of the responding patients preferred a 2-week or shorter interval between referral and first oncologic consultation.

[Les inegalites dans l'acces aux soins du cancer au Canada: un point de vue ethique].

La capacité d’offrir des soins du cancer de qualité dépend en grande partie de l’accessibilité des services à ceux qui en ont besoin. Dans l’état actuel des choses, on constate des disparités en matière d’accès aux services de cancérologie au Canada, ce qui constitue un problème sur le plan de l’éthique. Le présent article fait ressortir les points de vue éthiques et stratégiques liés à l’équité dans l’accès aux soins du cancer au Canada. S’inspirant des principes de la bioéthique, soit la bénéficience, la non-maléficience et la justice, plusieurs stratégies sont recommandées pour améliorer l’accès aux soins du cancer au pays.