Actual Practice Patterns Research Articles

Self-stated and actual practice patterns of general medical oncologists (MO) regarding the use of predictive biomarkers to guide treatment for patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

e19510Background: Available research and guidelines support the use of a number of genomic biomarkers to determine prognosis in pts with CLL. However, previous surveys of clinical investigators (CI...

Current Trends in Anticoagulation Bridging for Patients With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation on Warfarin Undergoing Endoscopy

For warfarin-treated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at low thromboembolic risk, recent studies have shown harm associated with periprocedural bridging using low-molecular-weight heparin. Clinician surveys have indicated a preference toward excessive bridging, especially among noncardiologists; however, little is known about actual practice patterns in these patients. We performed a retrospective evaluation of bridging in the setting of gastrointestinal endoscopy. We identified 938 patients with AF on warfarin who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy between 2012 and 2016 at a tertiary health center. Urgent, inpatient, or advanced endoscopic procedures were excluded. Clinical variables were abstracted using a predefined data dictionary. Values were expressed as means and compared using a t test or a chi-squared test as appropriate. Three hundred seventy-four patients met criteria for analysis. Twenty-five percent of these patients received bridging therapy, including 11% of patients with CHADS2 scores of 0 to 2 without valvular AF or previous venous thromboembolism. Of the clinical variables assessed, CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and a history of stroke were the strongest predictors of bridging. Cardiologists were also significantly less likely to prescribe bridging than noncardiology providers (18% vs 30%, p = 0.011); this effect was significant when controlling for CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, or stroke history. In conclusion, patients with AF on warfarin receive excessive low-molecular-weight heparin bridging in the setting of endoscopy; the lower rates of bridging observed among cardiologists suggests a need for their increased involvement in this decision making.

A survey of Korean medicine doctors\u2019 clinical practice patterns for autism spectrum disorder: preliminary research for clinical practice guidelines

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) through questionnaire survey.MethodsQuestionnaires on Korean medicine (KM) treatment for ASD were distributed to 255 KMDs on December 5, 2016. The KMDs were psychiatrists, pediatricians, or general practitioners, who treated patients with ASD. The questionnaire covered items on treatment methods, aims of treatment, KM syndrome differentiation, diagnostic tools, and sociodemographic characteristics. Frequency analysis was conducted to describe the participants and their practices.ResultsA total 22.4% KMDs (n = 57/255) completed the questionnaires and 54 KMDs (21.2%) matched the inclusion criteria. The KMDs utilized herbal medicine (27.3%), body acupuncture (17.6%), scalp acupuncture (10.7%), moxibustion (6.4%), and Korean medical psychotherapy (5.9%) to treat ASD. The most commonly prescribed herbal medicine was Yukmijihwang-tang. Forty-eight (88.9%) KMDs responded that they used KM syndrome differentiation. ‘Organ system, Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Fluid and Humor diagnosis’ was most frequently used for syndrome differentiation. ASD was mainly diagnosed based on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and DSM-5.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the current status of KMDs’ diagnosis and treatment of ASD. In future clinical trials and clinical practice guidelines, these findings will provide meaningful information on the actual practice patterns of KMDs.

Abstract P6-08-18: Prognostic multigene testing in breast cancer: Patterns, disparities, and opportunities for advancing standardized patient care

Abstract Background: The decision to give adjuvant chemotherapy to patients with hormone receptor positive early stage breast cancer is controversial given the overall good prognosis with local therapy (surgery and radiation) plus hormonal therapy alone. In 2004, the 21-gene RT-PCR assay recurrence score (Oncotype) was developed to stratify early stage patients into categories of high, low, and intermediate recurrence rates considering treatment with local and hormonal therapy alone. This was incorporated into the NCCN guidelines in 2008. We sought to compare NCCN guidelines to actual practice patterns. Methods: By retrospective review, data were examined from eight state registries participating in the National Program of Cancer Registries' Comparative Effectiveness Research program: Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. These were then compared to NCCN guidelines for prognostic multigene testing. Results: Of the 28,372 cases examined, 18.6% were classified as carcinoma in situ, 39.6% were stage I, 24.3% were stage II, 9.1% were stage III, 4.9% were stage IV, and 3.6% were unknown stage. The overwhelming majority of cases, 75.5%, were estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) positive, while 15.7% were ER and PR negative, and 8.8% were hormone receptor unknown. Approximately 40% of cases were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive, and the remaining 60% were HER2 negative or unknown. Approximately 72% of patients were node negative or had unknown nodal involvement, while the remaining 28% had at least micro-metastatic nodal disease. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histology accounting for 71.4% of cases examined. Median age was 62. Data analysis for the use of prognostic multigene testing in relation to NCCN guidelines, race, age, and the above clinical factors is on-going and will be presented at SABCS 2017. Conclusion: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with the use of prognostic multigene testing according to the NCCN guidelines, including personal and clinical factors. By identifying practice patterns we can then address disparities and opportunities for advancing standardized quality patient care. Citation Format: Bernhardt EB, Caffrey AG, Celaya MO, Celaya V, Chamberlin MD, Rees JR. Prognostic multigene testing in breast cancer: Patterns, disparities, and opportunities for advancing standardized patient care [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-18.

Relationship Between Claims Data and the Preferences and Trends Survey: An Analysis of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Medication Choice for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: To compare published self-reported practice patterns among retina specialists with published claims data representing actual practice patterns for the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States. Methods: We compared physician self-reported preference for anti-VEGF medications to treat AMD in the American Society of Retina Specialists’ Preferences and Trends (PAT) survey with a previously published study using claims data from 2006 to 2015 from OptumLabs Data Warehouse as a data source. A Pearson χ2 test compared the relative proportions of drug use between the 2 groups, with <.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: From 2006 to 2015, the PAT surveys had approximately 3548 respondents to questions on which anti-VEGF medication was used for the treatment of AMD. Over the study period, 62.3% (2211/3548) of respondents preferred bevacizumab, 30.4% (1078/3548) ranibizumab, and 7.3% (259/3548) aflibercept in the treatment of AMD. Claims data on anti-VEGF use for AMD noted 59.7% (359 267/601 917) of injections were for bevacizumab, 23.8% (143 200/601 917) were for ranibizumab, and 16.5% (99 450/601 917) were for aflibercept. The difference in the relative use of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept use was not significant between the data sets ( P = .1991). Conclusions: The PAT survey responses appear to reflect actual physician practices based upon claims data and demonstrate the prevalence of bevacizumab as the prevailing treatment for AMD.

A Survey of Temperature Management Practices Among Burn Centers in North America.

Maintaining body temperature is a unique challenge with burn care. We sought to describe core temperature goals in the operating room (OR) and the methods used to achieve and maintain these goals, along with current methods of warming in the intensive care unit (ICU), the perception of effect of increased ambient temperature on work performance, and concerns with contamination of sterile fields due to increased ambient temperature. A 24 question survey was disseminated to burn centers in the United States and Canada. The questions included demographics, target core and ambient temperatures, warming methods, and beliefs on ambient temperature's effects. Of 121 burn centers, 52 questionnaires were completed (43% response rate). The majority of centers targeted a core temperature between 36 and 38°C in the OR and an ambient temperature between 75 and 95°F in the ICU. The most common methods for maintaining core temperature included warmed ambient temperature, forced air devices, and intravenous fluids. Although the majority of centers reported the belief that increased ambient temperature benefits patients, many also reported that there is a negative impact on staff performance and risk of staff perspiration contaminating sterile fields. Burn centers reported a range of target core temperatures and methods to reach target temperatures. More than a third of respondents perceived a negative impact work performance while more than half acknowledged the potential for contamination of sterile fields. A prospective observational study is needed to determine actual temperature regulation practice patterns and its impact on outcomes.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Positive Surgical Margins Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A National Patterns of Care Assessment

Bladder cancer patients with a positive surgical margin after radical cystectomy have a median recurrence free survival of less than one year. A recent survey of practicing radiation oncologists in the United States reports that almost half recommend adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for locally advanced bladder cancer with over 90% of this group supporting the use of adjuvant RT for positive surgical margins. We sought to determine whether these physician treatment recommendations are reflected in national practice patterns. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified patients diagnosed with non-metastatic urothelial cell or squamous cell bladder cancer from 2004 to 2014 who were treated with radical cystectomy. We studied patterns of care with regards to receipt of adjuvant RT in the overall cohort and in the positive surgical margin subgroup. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of adjuvant RT. 46,380 patients met inclusion criteria for the overall cohort of which only 488 (1.1%) received adjuvant RT. In the overall cohort, receipt of adjuvant RT was significantly associated with squamous cell carcinoma histology (OR=4.10, 95%CI 3.16-5.32; p<0.001), higher pathologic T stage (OR=13.6, 95%CI 1.89-97.76; p=0.01), and positive surgical margins (OR=3.76, 95%CI 2.95-4.81; p<0.001). Other variables significantly associated with receipt of adjuvant RT included treatment at non-academic facilities, receipt of chemotherapy, and earlier year of diagnosis. Notably, age, race, comorbidity, and pathologic N stage did not impact receipt of adjuvant RT. There were 2,766 patients in the positive surgical margin subgroup of which only 120 (4.3%) patients received adjuvant RT. The utilization of adjuvant radiation in positive margin patients did not vary substantially over the study period. In 2004, 14/160 (8.8%) patients received adjuvant RT while 14/289 (4.8%) patients received adjuvant RT in 2014. On multivariable analysis, receipt of adjuvant RT was significantly associated with treatment at non-academic facilities, squamous cell carcinoma histology, receipt of chemotherapy, and an earlier year of diagnosis. In this patterns of care study, less than 5% of patients with positive surgical margins following radical cystectomy received adjuvant radiation therapy from 2004 to 2014. There appears to be a large discrepancy between the inclinations of practicing radiation oncologists and the actual practice patterns for this patient subgroup despite poor overall outcomes. These findings suggest that further work is needed to understand the risks and benefits of adjuvant RT, and may reflect a lack of multi-disciplinary care in the management of locally advanced bladder cancer.

General medical oncologists assessment and use of targeted treatment for patients (pts) with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsqNSCLC).

e18186 Background: Current guidelines endorse biomarker assessment for all pts with nsqNSCLC. However, variability in actualizing these recommendations may exist. This pilot project evaluated how MO in a large practice group approach mutation analysis and targeted treatment in nsqNSCLC, both hypothetically and in real pts. Methods: In fall 2016, 10 MO from Florida Cancer Specialists each provided information on biomarkers assessed and therapies administered for 10 nsqNSCLC pts(5 without an identified target and 5 with tumor driver mutations). A survey evaluating general practice patterns was also executed. IRB exemption was obtained and a modest honorarium was provided. Results: All MO reported that ideally all nsqNSCLC pts should be tested for EGFR mutations (EGFRm) and ALK rearrangement (ALKr) but only half stated that they would recommend next-generation sequencing (NGS). Of the 54 pts without a mutation, 52 (96%) had EGFRm and ALKr testing but only 12 (22%) had undergone NGS. Among the 45 pts with an actionable target, 41 (91%) had EGFRm and 4 (9%) had ALKr. 37 (80%) of these pts received first-line TKIs, and all MO agreed they would typically recommend this approach. 8 (20%) EGFRm pts initially received chemotherapy, 5 because the MO and/or pt preferred immediate treatment. All MO indicated that EGFRm pts progressing on first-line EGFR TKIs should be evaluated for T790M and indeed 9 pts with disease progression on an EGFR TKI since November 2015 had undergone plasma or tissue testing, and of these 5 are currently receiving osimertinib. Conclusions: The self-stated and actual practice patterns of MO related to nsqNSCLC biomarker assessment largely adhere to current guideline recommendations, but the limited use of NGS suggests that many pts with potentially targetable mutations other than EGFRm and ALKr are not being identified. These findings support growing evidence that interrogation of case-level data can elucidate practice gaps, and an integrated CME platform is being developed to assess whether discussion of documented deficiencies can enhance quality of care.

Surgical management of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a malignant tumor of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid and comprises only 1-2% of all thyroid cancer cases. Unlike most differentiated thyroid cancer, MTC is associated with a mean survival of 8.6years and accounts for a disproportionate 8.6% of thyroid cancer deaths. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for loco-regional disease and the only current means of cure for MTC. The relatively low incidence of MTC has made the comprehensive study of this disease difficult and most research to date has been based largely on single institution, retrospective, and/or non-randomized studies. Despite various professional organizations such as the American Thyroid Association establishing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with MTC, there is still significant variation in actual practice patterns with regard to the extent of surgery, as well as the management of persistent or recurrent disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest updates in the surgical treatment of MTC, as well as the management of locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease based on the most recent data and expert consensus guidelines.

Current Practices in the Timing of Stage 2 Palliation.

Mortality through single-ventricle palliation remains high and the effect of the timing of stage 2 palliation (S2P) is not well understood. We investigated current practice patterns in the timing of S2P across two professional societies and compared them to actual practice patterns from two databases of patients who underwent S2P. A ten-question survey was distributed to the members of the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (CHSS) and the European Congenital Heart Surgeons' Association (ECHSA). Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Surgeon-reported preferences were compared to clinical data from the CHSS Critical Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction (LVOTO) Registry and the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) database. Overall, 38% (88 of 232) of surgeons from 74 institutions responded, of which 70% (62 of 88) were CHSS members and 30% (26 of 88) were ECHSA members. Surgeons reported performing S2P at a median of five months after stage 1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.5-6), with no difference between CHSS and ECHSA surgeons. Surgeons reported performing nonelective S2P at a median of 4.5 months after stage 1 (IQR: 3.5-5.5), again with no difference by society. No difference existed between the surgeon-reported preferences and patient data in the Critical LVOTO and SVR databases for the timing of elective (5 vs 5.1 vs 5.3 months, P = .19) or nonelective S2P (4.5 vs 4.6 vs 4.2 months, P = .06). There was a remarkable lack of variation in surgeon preferences regarding the timing of S2P. This may represent a natural standardization of practice across congenital heart surgery, which is notable, given the current lack of guidelines regarding the timing of S2P.

Budget impact of treating commercially insured type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients in the United States with insulin degludec compared to insulin glargine

Objective: To quantify the annual budget impact if all US commercially insured type 1 diabetes mellitus patients on basal–bolus therapy (T1DMBBT), type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on basal–oral therapy (T2DMBOT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on basal–bolus therapy (T2DMBBT) switched from insulin glargine (IGlar) to insulin degludec (IDeg).Methods: A short-term (1 year) budget impact model was developed to evaluate the costs of IDeg vs. IGlar in three treatment groups (T1DMBBT, insulin-naïve T2DMBOT, and T2DMBBT) through a simulation for a potential US health plan population of 35 million. The analysis captured direct medical costs associated with insulin treatment (insulin, needles, and self-monitored glucose testing) and costs related to managing hypoglycemic episodes. There were a total of 59,780 T1DMBBT patients, 383,145 T2DMBOT patients, and 171,325 T2DMBBT patients expected to be using long-acting insulin. A sensitivity analysis on the entire US population was also conducted.Results: Among T1DMBBT patients, IDeg was associated with an annual cost savings of −$357.13 per patient per year (PPPY), driven primarily by reduced insulin utilization. IDeg was also found to be cost saving among T2DMBOT patients (−$1206.61 PPPY), driven primarily by reductions in the cost of treating severe hypoglycemic episodes. Among T2DMBBT patients, IDeg was associated with an additional cost to the plan of $1420.04 PPPY; however, this result was driven by a higher insulin dose for IDeg compared to IGlar. Overall, IDeg demonstrated cost savings of $240 million per year, which accounted for total cost savings of 3.5% vs. IGlar.Conclusions: The results of this analysis suggest that the reduced insulin utilization and fewer hypoglycemic episodes associated with IDeg may translate into reduced costs for payers. The model is limited by simplification of a complex disease state and assumptions surrounding disease state, treatment patterns, and costs. Therefore, results may not accurately reflect actual health plans or real-world practice patterns.

Applicability of the modified ACOG/SGO referral criteria for adnexal mass within a limited-resource setting.

To evaluate the performance of the modified American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) referral guidelines in a high-risk limited-resource setting. In a retrospective study, data were assessed for all women who underwent surgery for an adnexal mass at John H. Stroger Jr Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA, between July 2006 and July 2011. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated both for actual practice referral patterns and for the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines. Among 542 study women, 176 (32.5%) were diagnosed with ovarian malignancy. The ACOG/SGO guidelines showed 81.3% sensitivity and 71.9% specificity for the prediction of malignancy at time of surgery, with positive and negative predictive values of 58.1% and 88.9%, respectively. Actual practice patterns demonstrated lower sensitivity (68.2%; P<0.001) but higher specificity (84.2%; P<0.001). As compared with practice patterns, the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines lacked sufficient specificity for referral and might not be applicable in high-risk, low-resource settings. For this population, screening should be based on stratifying patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories to allow limited resources to be focused on women at highest risk.

A clustered randomized trial to IMProve treatment with AntiCoagulanTs in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (IMPACT-AF): design and rationale

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, increasing as the population ages, and a major cause of embolic stroke. While oral anticoagulation (OAC) is highly effective at preventing stroke in patients with AF, it continues to be underused in eligible patients worldwide. The objective of this prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial (IMPACT-AF; ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02082548) is to determine whether a comprehensive customized intervention will increase the rate and persistence of use of OAC in patients with AF. IMPACT-AF will be conducted in approximately 50 centers in 5 low- to middle-income countries. Before randomization, sites within countries will be paired to match in size, practice type and baseline rate of OAC use. Site pairs will be randomized to intervention versus control. In total, 40 to 70 patients with AF and at least 2 CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors will be enrolled at each site using a consecutive enrollment strategy, with the goal of capturing actual practice patterns. We aim for patients with a new diagnosis of AF to comprise at least 30% of the study cohort. Assuming an average baseline OAC use of 60% and a post-intervention use of 70% with a post-control rate of 60%, there will be roughly 94-98% power with 25 clusters per group (intracluster correlation coefficient of 0.02). While this trial focuses on improving treatment use and reducing preventable strokes, we also aim to better understand the reasons for OAC underuse. This will improve the intervention with the goal of creating educational recommendations to improve care for patients with AF.

The reality in the follow-up of breast cancer survivors: survey of Korean Breast Cancer Society.

PurposeFollow-up after primary treatment for breast cancer is an important component of survivor care and various international guidelines exist for the surveillance. However, little is known about current actual practice patterns of physicians whether they adhere to or deviate from recommended guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine how physicians follow-up their patients after primary treatment for breast cancer in Korea.MethodsA questionnaire survey with 34 questions in 4 categories was e-mailed to the members of Korean Breast Cancer Society from November to December 2013. Respondents were asked how they use follow-up modalities after primary treatment of breast cancer and we compared the survey results with present guidelines.ResultsOf the 129 respondents, 123 (95.3%) were breast surgeons. The most important consideration in follow-up was tumor stage. History taking, physical examinations, and mammography were conducted in similar frequency recommended by other guidelines while breast ultrasonography was performed more often. The advanced imaging studies such as CT, MRI, and bone scan, which had been recommended to be conducted only if necessary, were also examined more frequently. Regular screenings for secondary malignancy were performed in 38 respondents (29.5%). Five years later after primary treatment, almost the whole respondents (94.6%) themselves monitored their patients.ConclusionA majority of respondents have been performed more intensive follow-up modalities in comparison with present guidelines and less frequently screenings for secondary malignancy. For optimal follow-up of breast cancer survivors, tailored delivery system should be considered.

Potential pitfalls of binary reporting metrics using a QOPI end-of-life (EOL) sample.

261 Background: Practice accountability through measurement is emergent in the United States. The National Quality Forum has adopted several EOL metrics as national standards. Care at EOL is highly variable due to patient and family preference, symptom management, and psychosocial care. We hypothesize binary measures with fixed cut-points limit the understanding of EOL practice thus reducing opportunities for care improvement. Methods: We previously demonstrated limitations of the QOPI sampling methodology among all patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Satellites following the QOPI sampling strategy between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Using the same population, we examined the distribution of chemotherapy administration in the last two weeks of life. We compared our QOPI EOL data (A) with simulated scenarios modeled via log-normal distributions (B, C, D, E). The binary metric was held constant at the observed proportion to illustrate potential variability in other statistical metrics. Results: A total of 193 patients received chemotherapy before death. Chemotherapy administration in the last two weeks of life was measured at 11%, with a mean of 84 days (inter-quartile range, IQR: 92 days). Different distributions were generated by varying the mean and SD as demonstrated in the table below. Conclusions: As our simulated scenarios show, practices disseminating the same binary metric may stem from very different distributions. We have identified two limitations of binary reporting metrics with fixed cut-points. First, binary metrics risk misrepresenting actual delivered care as substantially different practice patterns can result in the same binary result. Second, binary metrics greatly limit the ability to learn from actual practice patterns. Quality improvement projects may be wrongly prioritized based on the national standards and project focus may be misaligned with practice need. EOL care is multifaceted and nuanced; binary metrics are convenient, but may be misleading to practice accountability and limit opportunities for practice improvement. [Table: see text]

An Epidemiologic Analysis of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Non-Arthroplasty Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

To analyze the current practice patterns of non-arthroplasty treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the impact of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines on the management of OA of the knee, particularly as they relate to the use of arthroscopic treatment. The United Healthcare Database (2004-2009, 11 million patients, 216 million records) was used for the study and was searched using Boolean language for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification and Current Procedural Terminology, fourth revision codes. A reference group was defined as patients treated with knee arthroplasty in 2009 and diagnosed with knee OA in the same record. Clinical practice patterns in the 5 years preceding arthroplasty were analyzed in this group. The reference group consisted of 12,806 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in 2009 with a documented diagnosis of OA at the time of surgery, with prior nonoperative treatment strategies analyzed during the preceding 5 years (2004-2009); 10.0% of patients were prescribed physical therapy specific to OA, 2.6% received an unloader brace, 0.52% underwent acupuncture, 43.5% were administered intra-articular corticosteroids, and 15.4% received viscosupplementation injections. During the 5 years before arthroplasty, 2,505 patients (19.6%) underwent arthroscopy and debridement/lavage, 35% of whom did not have a diagnosis code for mechanical pathology. Within 1 year of knee arthroplasty, 2,028 of the 2,505 knee arthroscopies (80.9%) were performed. The findings show that significant gaps do exist between the evidence-based American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommendations and actual practice patterns in the United States between 2004 and 2009. Level IV, diagnostic study.

Effects on Skills and Practice from a Web-Based Skin Cancer Course for Primary Care Providers

Melanoma incidence and mortality is a growing concern. Better recognition and management of skin cancer by primary care providers (PCPs) could help, but studies suggest they would benefit from additional education. Effective educational programs are needed. We developed and conducted a voluntary before-and-after evaluation of a 1- to 2-hour interactive, web-based course in skin cancer detection for practicing, board-certified PCPs (http://www.skinsight.com/info/for_professionals/dermatology-education-resources). Voluntary participants' ability to diagnose and manage skin cancer was assessed using pretests, immediate tests, and 6-month posttests. The effect on actual practice patterns was assessed using participants' patient panels: referrals or visits to dermatology and skin biopsies during the 6 months after the course were compared with those during the same period before the course. The mean age of the 54 participants was 50.5 years (standard deviation, 11.1); 54% were women and 52% were Asian. The mean score for appropriate diagnosis and management increased from 36.1% to 46.7% (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-1.9), with greatest improvement in benign lesions, from 32.1% to 46.3% (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-2.4). Dermatology referrals for suspicious lesions or new visits by participants' patients decreased at both sites after the course (from 630 to 607 and from 726 to 266, respectively). This course improved skills in practicing PCPs. Improvement was greatest in the diagnosis and appropriate management of benign lesions and dermatology utilization decreased.

Efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin in men with overactive bladder: results of an observational study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin for the treatment of OAB in men. This prospective observational study, reflective of actual practice patterns, was conducted in men older than 18 years who were prescribed solifenacin for the treatment of OAB symptoms. Men with suspected bladder outlet obstruction were excluded. The primary efficacy measure was change in OAB symptoms after 12 weeks of solifenacin. Also assessed were changes in severity of urinary urgency, IPSS, quality of life, cognitive function, and adverse events. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods. A total of 799 men recruited at 251 centers, average age 67 years (range 27-92), received solifenacin 5 mg or 10 mg/day. Mean episodes of urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia decreased by 4.4, 3.6, and 1.4 episodes/24 h, respectively. As per IPSS, severe urinary symptoms were reported by 20.4 % at baseline versus by 2.3 % at week 12. Both voiding and storage symptoms showed improvement. Patient-reported general health condition was excellent/good for 39 % at baseline increasing to 76 % at week 12. Adverse event rate was 5.5 %, and discontinuation of solifenacin due to an event was 1.6 %. No change in post-void residual urine volume was experienced in 80%, while an increase of ≥50 mL was observed in 2.2 %; no cases of acute urinary retention occurred. Baseline mean MMSE was 27.5 points versus 27.9 points at week 12. Solifenacin reduced all OAB symptoms, was well tolerated, and had no apparent effect on post-void residual urine volume. Cognitive function was unaltered in this population of older men with OAB.

Nurses' Perception of Milk Temperature at Delivery Compared to Actual Practice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The purposes of this study were to examine nurses' perception of feeding temperature practices and to compare the nurses' temperature estimation with the measured temperature of milk at the time of delivery to the infant. A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in 3 level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A convenience sample of nurses from 3 level III NICUs in the Midwest. In addition, temperatures from bottle/syringe samples of formula/breast milk were measured and recorded. The Feeding Practices and Temperature Survey, a 10-item survey measuring nurses' perception of the effect of feeding temperature on infant condition, was distributed to subjects. Afterward for select feedings, researchers recorded the type of milk, delivery method, nurses' estimated temperature of the milk, and the measured infrared temperature of milk just before feeding delivery. To compare perception with actual practice patterns, the measured milk temperature was compared with the nurses' estimated temperature, standard room temperature, and body temperature using descriptive statistics of the survey responses and t test comparisons. A total of 141 surveys were analyzed. More than 50% of respondents reported feeding temperature as clinically very significant. A range of 35.5°C to 37.2°C was reported as the ideal temperature of breast milk at delivery. Recordings of 419 temperatures were used for analysis. Measured milk temperature just before feeding ranged from 22°C to 46.4°C. The mean measured temperatures were 31.0°C (SD = 2.8°C) for warmed milk in a bottle and 30.5°C (SD = 2.5°C) for milk warmed in a syringe. The measured milk temperature and the nurse-estimated temperature were significantly lower than body temperature (P = 0.000) and significantly higher than room temperature (P = 0.000). Current warming methods yield wide variation in milk temperature. Nurses' estimation of milk temperature was not consistent with measured temperature at the time of delivery. Future research is needed to establish guidelines for feeding temperature standardization assisting nurses to enhance evidence-based feeding practices.

Are We Following Treatment Guidelines for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma? Cost Implications: A SEER‐Medicare Study

Objectives: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines are evidence-based management algorithms for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We sought to determine whether actual practice patterns coincide with these guidelines and whether management outside NCCN guidelines affected Medicare costs. Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare linked data were examined to determine treatment patterns for 4,582 patients with PTC from 1988-2007 that met our inclusion criteria. Indications for lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, and postoperative radioactive iodine ablation (RAI) were based on NCCN guidelines, including tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, positive lymph nodes, and aggressive histology. The cost related to PTC treatments was Medicare payments linked directly to each treatment’s claim code. Results: Seventy-six percent underwent total thyroidectomy, and 34% underwent thyroid lobectomy. According to NCCN guidelines, 90% received appropriate surgical management. Of patients with aggressive features based on NCCN guidelines, 33.4% should have received RAI. Based on intermediate tumor size, positive lymph nodes, and aggressive histology, 37.7% would have benefited from RAI. Of patients with tumors less than 1 cm and no ETE, 42% should not have received postoperative RAI. Patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy cost Medicare $50,175, while total thyroidectomy cost $54,455 ( P = 0.293). Postoperative RAI cost Medicare approximately $47,652 yearly. Conclusions: Ninety percent of patients received appropriate surgical management. However, 40% of patients did not receive appropriate postoperative RAI management. As the incidence of PTC rises, the use of evidence-based guidelines can reduce cost attributed to Medicare.