Prioritization Of Patients Research Articles

Abstract 12022: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Wait-Time Management: Derivation and Validation of the Canadian TAVI Triage Tool (CAN3T)

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for patients with aortic stenosis has seen indication expansion and exponential growth in demand over the last decade. In many jurisdictions the growing demand outpaced capacity, increasing wait-times and pre-procedural adverse events. Objective: To derive prediction models that estimate the risk of adverse events on the waitlist that would inform the development of a triage tool for use by clinicians to identify patients who should be prioritized for TAVI. Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study using population-based administrative data from Ontario, Canada. Adult patients referred for TAVI from April 1 st , 2012 to March 31 st , 2020 were included and followed-up to the first of: death, TAVI procedure, removal from waitlist, or end of the observation period. We used competing risk subdistributions hazards models to find significant predictors for each of the following outcomes: (1) all-cause death while on the waitlist, (2) all-cause hospitalization while on the waitlist, (3) receipt of urgent TAVI, and (4) a composite of outcomes 1-3. The median predicted risk in our population at 12 weeks was chosen as a threshold for a maximum acceptable risk while on the waitlist, and was incorporated in the triage tool to recommend individualized wait-times. Results: We included 13,128 patients in the analyses. 586 (4.46%) patients died on the waitlist, and 4,343 (33.08%) had at least one all-cause hospitalization. 6,854 TAVIs were completed, of which 1,135 (16.56%) were urgent procedures. We were able to create parsimonious models for each outcome that included clinically relevant predictors. Optimism-corrected C-statistics varied from 0.63 to 0.75, optimism-corrected Brier scores from 0.03 to 0.19, and the calibration slopes from 0.79 to 0.99. Conclusions: We developed the Canadian TAVI Triage Tool (CAN3T), a triage tool to assist clinicians in the prioritization of patients who should have timely access to TAVI. We anticipate that the CAN3T will be a valuable support tool for patients and clinicians, with the potential of bringing meaningful changes to the health system as it may improve equity in access to care, reduce preventable adverse events and improve system efficiency.

Chronic kidney disease and value-based care: Lessons from innovation, iteration, and ideation in primary care.

Value-based primary care has reduced health care costs, improved the quality of rendered care, and enhanced the patient experience. Value-based care emphasizes prevention, outreach, follow-up, patient engagement, and comprehensive, whole-person health. Primary care Accountable Care Organizations have leveraged technology-enabled workflows, practice transformation, and cutting-edge data and analytics to achieve success. These efforts are increasingly aided by predictive modeling used in the context of patient identification and prioritization algorithms. Value-based kidney care programs can glean salient takeaways from successful value-based primary care methods and models. The kidney care community is experiencing unprecedented transformation as novel payer programs and financial models burgeon. The authors contend these efforts can be accelerated by the adoption of techniques honed in value-based primary care. To optimize value-based kidney care, though, nephrology thought leaders must transcend the archetype of value-based primary care. To do so, the nephrology community must: (1) impel behavioral change among fee-for-service adherents; (2) harness emerging policy, guidelines, and quality measures; (3) adopt innovative tools, technologies, and therapies. In aggregating lessons from value-based primary care-and leveraging novel methodologies and approaches-the kidney care community will be better equipped to achieve the quadruple aim for kidney care.

Frequency of Hereditary and GBA1-Related Parkinsonism in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Identifying hereditary parkinsonism is valuable for diagnosis, genetic counseling, patient prioritization in trials, and studying the disease for personalized therapies. However, most studies were conducted in Europeans, and limited data exist on admixed populations like those from Latin America. This study aims to assess the frequency and distribution of genetic parkinsonism in Latin America. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the frequency of parkinsonian syndromes associated with genetic pathogenic variants in Latin America. We defined hereditary parkinsonism as those caused by the genes outlined by the MDS Nomenclature of Genetic Movement Disorders and heterozygous carriers of GBA1 pathogenic variants. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS in August 2022. Researchers reviewed titles and abstracts, and disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. After this screening, five researchers reanalyzed the selection criteria and extracted information based on the full paper. The frequency for each parkinsonism-related gene was determined by the presence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants among screened patients. Cochran's Q and I2 tests were used to quantify heterogeneity. Meta-regression, publication bias tests, and sensitivity analysis regarding study quality were also used for LRRK2-, PRKN-, and GBA1-related papers. We included 73 studies involving 3014 screened studies from 16 countries. Among 7668 Latin American patients, pathogenic variants were found in 19 different genes. The frequency of the pathogenic variants in LRRK2 was 1.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-2.57), PRKN was 1.16% (95% CI: 0.08-3.05), and GBA1 was 4.17% (95% CI: 2.57-6.08). For all meta-analysis, heterogeneity was high and publication bias tests were negative, except for PRKN, which was contradictory. Information on the number of pathogenic variants in the other genes is further presented in the text. This study provides insights into hereditary and GBA1-related parkinsonism in Latin America. Lower GBA1 frequencies compared to European/North American cohorts may result from limited access to gene sequencing. Further research is vital for regional prevalence understanding, enabling personalized care and therapies. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Bariatric surgery provision in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective cohort study of a national registry.

When surgery resumed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines recommended the prioritization of patients with greater obesity-related co-morbidities and/or higher body mass index. The aim of this study was to record the effect of the pandemic on total number, patient demographics, and perioperative outcomes of elective bariatric surgery patients in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom National Bariatric Surgical Registry was used to identify patients who underwent elective bariatric surgery during the pandemic (1 yr from April 1, 2020). Characteristics of this group were compared with those of a pre-pandemic cohort. Primary outcomes were case volume, case mix, and providers. National Health Service cases were analyzed for baseline health status and perioperative outcomes. Fisher exact, χ2, and Student t tests were used as appropriate. The total number of cases decreased to one third of pre-pandemic volume (8615 to 2930). The decrease in operating volume varied, with 36 hospitals (45%) experiencing a 75%-100% reduction. Cases performed in the National Health Service fell from 74% to 53% (P < .0001). There was no change in baseline body mass index (45.2 ± 8.3 kg/m2 from 45.5 ± 8.3 kg/m2; P = .23) or prevalence of type 2 diabetes (26% from 26%; P = .99). Length of stay (median 2 d) and surgical complication rate (1.4% from 2.0%; relative risk = .71; 95% CI .45-1.12; P = .13) were unchanged. In the context of a dramatic reduction in elective bariatric surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with more severe co-morbidities were not prioritized for surgery. These findings should inform preparation for future crises.

Acute on chronic liver failure: A South Australian experience.

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome described in patients with acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis, characterized by organ failures and high mortality. Intensive management, including liver transplantation (LT), has been shown to improve survival. To address the limited Australian data on ACLF, we describe the prevalence, clinical profile, and outcome of ACLF in an Australian cohort of hospitalized patients. A retrospective review of hepatology admissions in a tertiary hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 identified AD and ACLF cohorts, as defined by the European Association for Study of the Liver definition. Patient characteristics, clinical course, survival at 28- and 90-day survival, and feasibility of LT were analyzed. Among the 192 admissions with AD, 74 admissions (39%) met ACLF criteria. A prior diagnosis of alcohol-related cirrhosis was highly prevalent in both cohorts. Grade-1 ACLF was the most frequent (60%), with renal failure being the commonest organ failure; 28-day (23% vs 2%, P = <0.001) and 90-day mortality (36% vs 16%, P = 0.002) were higher in ACLF than AD. Due to ongoing alcohol use disorder (AUD), only six patients underwent LT assessment during ACLF admission. ACLF was common in our cohort of cirrhosis with AD and was associated with high mortality. AUD despite prior cirrhosis diagnosis was a barrier to LT. Prioritization of ACLF patients for LT after addressing AUD and relaxation of the 6-month abstinence rule may improve ACLF survival and should be addressed in prospective studies.

Patient prioritisation of impact items to develop the patient-reported impact of dermatological diseases (PRIDD) measure: European Delphi data.

The Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases (GRIDD) project is developing a patient-reported measure of the impact of dermatological disease on the patient's life called Patient Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD). We developed a list of 263 potential impact items through a global qualitative interview study with 68 patients. We next conducted a Delphi study to seek consensus on which of these items to prioritize for inclusion in PRIDD. This study aims to explore patterns in demographic (e.g. country) and clinical variables (e.g. disease group) across the impacts ranked as most important to European dermatology patients. We conducted a modified, two rounds Delphi study, testing the outcomes from the previous qualitative interview study. Adults (≥18 years) living with a dermatological disease were recruited through the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations' (GlobalSkin) membership network. The survey consisted of a demographic questionnaire and 263 impact items and was available in six languages. Quantitative data were collected using ranking scales and analysed against a priori consensus criteria. Qualitative data were collected using free-text responses and a Framework Analysis was conducted. European data were obtained, and descriptive statistics, including multiple subgroup analyses, were performed. Out of 1154 participants, 441 Europeans representing 46 dermatological disease from 25 countries participated. The results produced a list of the top 20 impacts reported by European patients, with psychological impacts accounting for the greatest proportion. This study identified what patients consider to be the most important issues impacting their lives as a result of their dermatological disease. The data support previous evidence that patients experience profound psychological impacts and require psychological support. The findings can inform research, clinical practice and policy by indicating research questions and initiatives that are of most benefit to patients.

AI-Driven Patient Triage Using Salesforce Service Cloud

AI-driven patient triage systems are significantly important to enhance the accuracy of patient prioritization in departments where the patient volume is significantly high in a healthcare setting. This system analyses patient history symptoms and vitals which further helps in understanding the urgency of each patient and depending on that the patient schedule is designed. The study has found that approaches such as symptom-based triage, automation and predictive analysis could help to enhance the efficacy of the patient care. It can also help to reduce the risk of life threats to patients and enhances patient satisfaction through a reduction of waiting time.

COVID-19 Patients' Medication Management during Transition of Care from Hospital to Virtual Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey and Audit.

Virtual models of care were implemented to ease hospital bed pressure during COVID-19. We evaluated the medication management of COVID-19 patients transferred to virtual models of care. A retrospective audit of COVID-19 patients transferred from inpatient units to virtual care during January 2022 and surveys from patients transferred during December 2021-February 2022 was carried out. One hundred patients were randomly selected: mean age 59 years (SD: 19.8), mean number of medicines at admission 4.3 (SD: 4.03), mean length of virtual ward stay 4.4 days (SD: 2.1). Pharmacists reviewed 43% (43/100) of patients' medications during their hospital stay and provided 29% (29/100) with discharge medicine lists at transfer. Ninety-two (92%) patients were prescribed at least one new high-risk medicine whilst in hospital, but this was not a factor considered to receive a pharmacist medication review. Forty patients (40%) were discharged on newly commenced high-risk medicines, and this was also not a factor in receiving a pharmacist discharge medication list. In total, 25% of patient surveys (96/378) were returned: 70% (66/96) reported adequate medicine information at transfer and 55% (52/96) during the virtual model period. Patient survey data show overall positive experiences of medication management and support. Audit data highlight gaps in medication management during the transfer to a virtual model, highlighting the need for patient prioritisation.

Fostering Clinical Decision-Making Using Screen-Based Simulations Aligned with the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model

BackgroundNew graduate nurses are expected to have the clinical decision making (CDM) skills necessary to safely care for multiple patients with complex, competing needs. Limited opportunities to care for multiple patients in the clinical setting hinders the development of students’ CDM and clinical judgment abilities. This study aimed to ascertain the impact of commercially designed screen-based simulations (SBS) on students’ performance across CDM elements of the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM). SampleThe purposive sample included 68 students enrolled in an adult medical-surgical course. MethodsA quasi-experimental posttest design was implemented by integrating two prioritization of care SBS across a semester (weeks four and nine) as part of required clinical hours. ResultsIncreases in intervention selection (p = .001, d = 0.404) and intervention prioritization (p = .012, d = 0.313), in less time (p = < .001, d = −0.763), were noted with a small to medium effect size. Decreases in level of care selection (p = .063, d = −0.229) and patient prioritization (p = .001, d = −0.440) were noted with a small to medium effect size. Trends were noted in overall score increases with a small effect size (p = .096, d = 0.204). ConclusionsStudy outcomes suggest that prelicensure nursing students need repetitive practice in multiple-patient triage and prioritization of care opportunities. Prelicensure coursework and direct care clinical experiences can be supplemented with targeted SBS to facilitate the development of all foundational components of CDM to help bridge the knowledge-to-practice gap.

Using patient comments from a standardised experience survey to investigate their perceptions and prioritise improvement actions: a thematic and syntactic analysis

BackgroundAlthough patient experience surveys flourish in many countries with the aim to improve quality of care, questions remain concerning their ability to become effective drivers of change within institutions. The patient comments from the French national patient experience hospital survey were analysed using an innovative structured approach to characterise patient experience and identify field actions for the institutions.MethodsThe comments were taken from the two open-ended questions comprised in the patient experience survey of the Hospices Civils de Lyon between 2018 and 2019. The comments analysis methodology consisted in three steps: thematic analysis; syntactic analysis; generation of statistics for the creation of a patient journey and prioritisation of sub-themes. The STROBE statement checklist was followed.ResultsOver a year, 79.7% of the 7 362 respondents left at least one comment at the end of the survey and were included in the study, for a total of 5 868 surveys and 10 061 comments. These led to the identification of 28 general themes and 184 specific sub-themes. From the patient journey created, 23 sub-themes were prioritised and gathered into four key categories: relationship between patient and staff; environment; surgery and pain management; information and care coordination. For each of them, the actions and expectations formulated by the respondents were described.ConclusionsThe analysis of patient comments obtained from a standardised survey allowed to characterise the patient journey using data that describes patient experience, enabling a prioritisation of actions aiming to improve practice and quality of care at the institution, department, and staff level.

Principles for Just Prioritization of Expensive Biological Therapies in the Danish Healthcare System

The Danish healthcare system must meet the need for easy and equal access to healthcare for every citizen. However, investigations have shown unfair prioritization of cancer patients and unfair prioritization of resources for expensive medicines over care. What is needed are principles for proper prioritization. This article investigates whether American ethicists Tom Beauchamp and James Childress’s principle of justice may be helpful as a conceptual framework for reflections on prioritization of expensive biological therapies in the Danish healthcare system. We present an empirical study exploring the principles for prioritizing new expensive biological therapies. This study includes qualitative interviews with key Danish stakeholders experienced in antibody therapy and prioritizing resources for expensive medicines. Beauchamp and Childress’s model only covers government-funded primary and acute healthcare. Based on the interviews, this study indicates that to be helpful in a Danish context this model should include equal access for citizens to government-funded primary and acute healthcare, costly medicine, and other scarce treatments. We conclude that slightly modified, Beauchamp and Childress’s principle of justice might be useful as a conceptual framework for reflections on the prioritization of expensive biological therapies in the Danish healthcare system.

Genotype Distribution and Characteristics of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine: The RESPOND-C Study.

Background and objectives: Since 2013, highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has become available, with cure rates exceeding 95%. For the choice of optimal CHC treatment, an assessment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and liver fibrosis stage is necessary. Information about the distribution of these parameters among CHC patients in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the Baltic states) and especially in Ukraine is scarce. This study was performed to obtain epidemiologic data regarding CHC GT and fibrosis stage distribution for better planning of resources and prioritization of patients for DAA drug treatment according to disease severity in high-income (the Baltic states) and lower-middle-income (Ukraine) countries. Materials and methods: The retrospective RESPOND-C study included 1451 CHC patients. Demographic and disease information was collected from medical charts for each patient. Results: The most common suspected mode of viral transmission was blood transfusions (17.8%), followed by intravenous substance use (15.7%); however, in 50.9% of patients, the exact mode of transmission was not clarified. In Ukraine (18.4%) and Estonia (26%), transmission by intravenous substance use was higher than in Lithuania (5%) and Latvia (5.3%). Distribution of HCV GT among patients with CHC was as follows: GT1-66.4%; GT3-28.1; and GT2-4.1%. The prevalence of GT1 was the highest in Latvia (84%) and the lowest in Ukraine (63%, p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis stages were distributed as follows: F0-12.2%, F1-26.3%, F2-23.5%, F3-17.1%, and F4-20.9%. Cirrhosis (F4) was more prevalent in Lithuanian patients (30.1%) than in Estonians (8.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of epidemiologic characteristics of HCV infection in the Baltic states and Ukraine. The data regarding the patterns of HCV GT and fibrosis stage distribution will be helpful for the development of national strategies to control HCV infection in the era of DAA therapy.

Use of simulation models when developing and testing hospital evacuation plans: a tool for improving emergency preparedness

BackgroundIn recent decades, analyses of hospitals evacuations have generated valuable knowledge. Unfortunately, these evacuation case studies often lack crucial details and policies that would be helpful in evacuation preparedness. The aim of this study was to use a simulation model to illustrate how it can aid emergency planners in the development, testing, and revising of hospitals evacuation plans. This study includes evacuation exercises at two emergency hospitals in Region Stockholm, Sweden.MethodsA scientifically validated simulation system for “table top” exercises was used for interactive training of hospital medical staff, prehospital staff and collaborating agencies. All participants acted in their usual professionals’ roles. The exercises were run in real-time and mirrored actual hospital resources with the aid of moveable magnetic symbols illustrating patients, staff and transport, presented on whiteboards. During the exercises, observers and independent instructors documented actions taken and post-exercise surveys were conducted to obtain reactions and compare results.ResultsThe simulation system allowed the emergency planner to test the whole evacuation process, making it possible to train and evaluate the important functions of management, coordination, and communication. Post-exercise surveys explored participants perception of the exercises. Analysis of open-ended questions included areas for improvement and resulted in five main categories: (1) management and liaison; (2) communication; (3) logistics; (4) medical care and patient prioritisation; and (5) resource utilisation.ConclusionsThis study has shown that “table top” exercises using a validated simulation system can serve to guide emergency planners when developing evacuation plans, procedures, and protocols as well in training of all medical staff. The system also served to train adaptive thinking, leadership, communication, and clarification of critical functions.

Putting ICU triage guidelines into practice: A simulation study using observations and interviews.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many countries to formulate guidelines on how to deal with a worst-case scenario in which the number of patients needing intensive care unit (ICU) care exceeds the number of available beds. This study aims to explore the experiences of triage teams when triaging fictitious patients with the Dutch triage guidelines. It provides an overview of the factors that influence decision-making when performing ICU triage with triage guidelines. Eight triage teams from four hospitals were given files of fictitious patients needing intensive care and instructed to triage these patients. Sessions were observed and audio-recorded. Four focus group interviews with triage team members were held to reflect on the sessions and the Dutch guidelines. The results were analyzed by inductive content analysis. The Dutch triage guidelines were the main basis for making triage decisions. However, some teams also allowed their own considerations (outside of the guidelines) to play a role when making triage decisions, for example to help avoid using non-medical criteria such as prioritization based on age group. Group processes also played a role in decision-making: triage choices can be influenced by the triagists' opinion on the guidelines and the carefulness with which they are applied. Intensivists, being most experienced in prognostication of critical illness, often had the most decisive role during triage sessions. Using the Dutch triage guidelines is feasible, but there were some inconsistencies in prioritization between teams that may be undesirable. ICU triage guideline writers should consider which aspects of their criteria might, when applied in practice, lead to inconsistencies or ethically questionable prioritization of patients. Practical training of triage team members in applying the guidelines, including explanation of the rationale underlying the triage criteria, might improve the willingness and ability of triage teams to follow the guidelines closely.

Risk Factors Associated with Incident Vertebral Fractures in Steroid-treated Males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Prevention of fractures is an unmet need in glucocorticoid (GC)-treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study explored factors associated with incident vertebral fractures (VFs) to inform future fracture prevention efforts. VFs were evaluated prospectively at study baseline and 12 months on lateral spine radiographs in participants aged 4 to 25 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Clinical factors were analyzed for their association with the change in Spinal Deformity Index (sum of the Genant-defined VF grades from T4 to L4) between baseline and 12 months. Thirty-eight males were evaluated (mean ± SD age at baseline 11.0 ± 3.6 years; mean ± SD GC duration at baseline 4.1 ± 3.1 years; 74% ambulatory). Nine of 38 participants (24%) had 17 incident VFs, of which 3/17 VFs (18%) were moderate/severe. Participants with 12-month incident VF had lower mean ± SD baseline lumbar spine areal bone mineral density Z-scores (-2.9 ± 1.0 vs -1.9 ± 1.1; P = .049) and lower total body less head areal bone mineral density Z-scores (-3.1 ± 1.2 vs -1.6 ± 1.7; P = .036). Multivariable linear regression showed that at least 1 VF at baseline (P < .001), a higher number of antecedent non-VF (P < .001), and greater bone age delay at baseline (P = .027) were significant predictors of an increase in the Spinal Deformity Index from baseline to 12 months. The observation that ≥ 1 prevalent VF and/or non-VF were the strongest predictors of incident VFs at 12 months supports the need for prevention of first fractures in this high-risk setting. Bone age delay, a marker of GC exposure, may assist in the prioritization of patients in efforts to prevent first fractures.

FTP5.7 Championing Benign Biliary Patients in a UGI Tertiary Referral Cancer Centre. Results from a 3 year Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Background A biliary quality improvement project (QuIP) was established in 2019 following 3 audit cycles highlighting delays to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. Limited theatre space and prioritisation of high volume cancer work hindered previous efforts to improve the service between 2015 and 2019. The latest phase of the QuIP has introduced a dedicated consultant lead biliary service, a live biliary admission tracking system, increased in-patient Lap-C, implementation of ambulatory pathways and a patient centred integrated care approach. Methods Prospectively collected data from a live biliary tracking system was compared with retrospective audit data from 2015-2019. Key performance indicators were; average time to Lap-C, rate of Lap-C with-in 2 weeks following pancreatitis, inpatient Lap-C rate and out-patient appointments saved. Results 343 patients were managed through inpatient and ambulatory biliary pathways from November 2021-2022. 2 week Lap-C post pancreatitis improved from 27% to 69% (41% as inpatients) with average time to Lap-C improving from 68 days to 13 days. 103 outpatient appointments were save by counselling and pre-assessing patients for Lap-C as inpatients, saving £12360 in outpatient costs. In-patient Lap-C rate improved from 2% to 19% for fit and consenting patients. Conclusion Patients with biliary pathology may be at risk of lower standards of care when treated in centres with a high tertiary UGI cancer burden. A higher quality of care can be achieved for biliary patients through effective patient prioritisation, increasing inpatient Lap-C, the establishment of ambulatory pathways and a robust outpatient tracking system.

Development of the national bariatric prioritization tool in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bariatric surgery is a proven effective method of reducing obesity and reversing or preventing obesity-related comorbidities. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a tool to assist with the prioritization of patients with obesity for bariatric surgery. The tool would meet the criteria for being evidence-based, fair, implementable and transparent. The development of the tool involved a validated step-by-step process based on the consensus of clinical judgement of the New Zealand Ministry of Health working party. The process involved elicitation of criteria, clinical ranking of vignettes and creation of weightings using the 1000Minds® tool. The concurrent validity was tested by comparing tool rankings of vignettes to clinical judgement rankings. Four major criteria (impact on life, likelihood of achieving maximum benefit with respect to control of diabetes, duration of benefit and surgical risk) are used to characterize the need and potential to benefit. The impact on life criterion has the largest weighting (up to 44.3%). There was good concurrent validity with a correlation coefficient r = 0.67. The tool as presented is evidence-based, transparent and internally valid. The next step is to assess the predictive validity of the tool using real patient data to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool and determine what modifications may be required.

Select, route and schedule: optimizing community paramedicine service delivery with mandatory visits and patient prioritization.

Healthcare delivery in the United States has been characterized as overly reactive and dependent on emergency department care for safety net coverage, with opportunity for improvement around discharge planning and high readmissions and emergency department bounce-back rates. Community paramedicine is a recent healthcare innovation that enables proactive visitation of patients at home, often shortly after emergency department and hospital discharge. We establish the first optimization-based framework to study efficiencies in the management and operation of a community paramedicine program. The collective innovations of our modeling include i) a novel hierarchical objective function with the goals of fairly increasing patient welfare, lowering hospital costs, and reducing readmissions and emergency department visits, ii) a new constraint set that ensures priority same-day visits for emergent patients, and iii) a further extension of our model to determine the minimum supplemental resources necessary to ensure feasibility in a single optimization formulation. Our medical-need based objective function prioritizes patients based on their clinical features and seeks to select and schedule patient visits and route healthcare providers to maximize overall patient welfare while favoring shorter tours. We use our methods to develop managerial insights via computational experiments on a variety of test instances based on real data from a hospital system in Upstate New York. We are able to identify optimal and nearly optimal tours that efficiently select, route, and schedule patients in reasonable timeframes. Our results lead to insights that can support managerial decisions about establishing (and improving existing) community paramedicine programs.

Practical lessons learned from real-world implementation of the molecular classification for endometrial carcinoma

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the practical organisational aspects and difficulties in the implementation of the molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma (EC), and to demonstrate its potential impact in prognostic risk group classification. MethodsWe conducted a multicentre, retrospective cohort study of 230 patients with EC diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Sample processing, clinicopathological, treatment and follow-up data were collected. Molecular classification was obtained by p53 and mismatch repair proteins immunohistochemistry, and POLE next-generation sequencing. ResultsImplementation was achieved through centralization of molecular analysis. In practice, it was possible to optimise turnaround times of complete integrative reports for hysterectomy specimens to a median time of 18 workdays. If genetic study was started in endometrial biopsies before surgery, 82.0% were available at the time of multidisciplinary tumour board, compared to 8.4% if performed in hysterectomy. ECs were classified as follows: 37.8% no specific molecular profile, 31.7% p53 abnormal, 24.3% mismatch repair deficient, and 6.1% POLE mutant. Integration of these results with traditional clinicopathologic factors led to a change in prognostic risk group in 15 (6.5%) patients, most being initially allocated to high-intermediate (n = 8) and low (n = 5) risk groups. Eight patients changed to a higher risk, and 7 to a lower risk group, whereas 2 remained in the same group. ConclusionsCentralization of EC molecular classification is a feasible option for countries with limited resources. Optimization of workflows may be achieved by earlier analysis in biopsies and prioritisation of patients whose results imply changes in risk group classification.

Prioritization of patients for surgery in Canada: The case of hip and knee replacement surgeries in Newfoundland

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐entry models (SEM) improve wait times for hip and knee replacement, but little is known whether prioritization implemented in SEM can help meet the benchmarks for consolation/surgery. This study aimed to determine the impact of prioritization on receiving consultation and surgery within the benchmarks.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study for which two administration databases were linked. Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of prioritization on receiving consultations and surgery within the benchmarks of 90 and 182 days, respectively, adjusting for patients’ characteristics and preference for surgeon.Results1,967 patients were included in this study. The odds ratios of having consultation within 90 days for hip replacement patients in priorities 1 and 2 (high priority) were 57.24 (CI: 23.16–141.47) and 14.63 (CI: 6.44–33.25), respectively, compared with those in priority 3. For knee replacement, patients with higher priority were more likely to have consultation within 90 days. Although priority levels were not related to having surgery within 182 days for knee replacement, hip replacement patients with priority 1 (CI: 0.2–0.75) and 2 (CI: 0.16–0.54) were less likely to have surgery within 182 days, compared with those with priority 3.ConclusionPatients with high priority levels were more likely to have consultation within 90 days for hip and knee replacements. SEM may not help have surgery within 182 days. Prioritization has no impact on receiving surgery within 182 days for knee replacement, but hip replacement patients with high priority were less likely to have surgery within 182 days.