Set Of Nets Research Articles

Mechanical suppression of invasive Northern Pike in Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington

AbstractObjectiveNorthern Pike Esox lucius recently invaded Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington, expanding to over 10,000 individuals by 2011. To limit further impacts, a significant reduction in population abundance was required. Project objectives were to reduce relative abundance (catch per unit effort [CPUE]) to less than 1.7 Northern Pike/net (87% reduction) in the core area and to less than 0.5 Northern Pike/net in the northern reservoir section within 3 years and then maintain those abundance targets thereafter.MethodsUsing gill nets, we conducted intensive annual (2012–2018) suppression each spring, focusing on spawning aggregations in shallow (<2‐m), flooded habitats. To evaluate CPUE, a standardized spring pike index netting (SPIN) survey was conducted annually in May and compared to suppression netting CPUE.ResultIn total, 17,464 Northern Pike were removed in 4868 net sets, with 92.9% captured in the first 3 years, limiting future recruitment. Mean SPIN CPUE in the core area declined from a presuppression (2011) high of 13.2 Northern Pike/net to less than 1.0 Northern Pike/net by 2014. Effort was reduced by up to 80% as the project transitioned from the initial suppression phase (2012–2014) to a control phase (2015–2018), which explored the minimum effort required to maintain abundance targets. A significant rebound in CPUE occurred from 2017 to 2018, indicating that over 267 net sets annually may be required for long‐term control. Although the mean CPUE (±95% confidence interval) increased slightly in 2018 (0.6 ± 0.5 Northern Pike/net), the target abundance in the core area was achieved annually from 2013 to 2018. Changes in suppression CPUE reflected those observed in SPIN surveys, further validating the survey and corroborating abundance trends.ConclusionResults demonstrate that the suppression of Northern Pike in large, complex waters is feasible but requires a substantial long‐term commitment. We expect the suppression of this invasive species to become standard practice outside of its native range. The methodology and equipment described here could be applied directly or modified by others to suppress Northern Pike.

Assessing the Feasibility of Handheld Cameras to Increase Access to Teleretinal Diabetic Retinopathy Screenings in Safety Net Clinics in Los Angeles

Background: Handheld cameras may increase access to teleretinal diabetic retinopathy screenings (TDRS), as they are more economical and nimbler than traditional desktop cameras. However, their use in safety net clinical settings is less understood. Methods: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) to pilot the use of handheld cameras in DHS’s TDRS program. This study assessed screening metrics and interviewed TDRS coordinators and photographers about their experiences using these cameras. Results: Handheld cameras were harder to operate and performed less optimally on key screening metrics (e.g., image quality) compared to desktop cameras. However, this challenge appeared to be linked to the selected model rather than to all handheld cameras. The adoption of handheld cameras in DHS was aided by their integration into an existing agency infrastructure that already supported the use of desktop cameras; these operational supports included an established workflow, a data platform, and experienced photographers. Conclusions: The use of handheld cameras for TDRS is a promising practice for assuring equitable access to screenings. Handheld cameras are portable, smaller in size, and lower in cost than desktop cameras. Future projects should invest in and assess the performance of higher-quality models of these cameras, especially their use in safety net clinical settings.

12420 Effects Of A Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Optimization Program On Prescribing Behavior And Glycemic Outcomes

Abstract Disclosure: A. Sterbenz: None. J. Fuentes Rosales: None. S. Abraham: None. P. Siroya: None. R. Middelbeek: None. J. Mitri: None. F. Rossitto: None. E. Cabana: None. A. Gharse: None. L. Collins: None. L. Aliaga: None. A. Millan Ferro: None. J. Cifuni: None. A. Schwartz: None. E. Kelley: None. C. Gomez: None. M. Aballay: None. Introduction: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glucose control in patients with diabetes, as demonstrated in clinical trials. There is limited information available on the real-world application of CGM adoption in a resource-limited setting or safety net outpatient hospital setting. This intervention's aim was to assess the impact of a multifaceted approach on improving CGM utilization and on glycemic control among patients with diabetes. Methods: Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, located in Brooklyn, NY is a resource-limited setting that in partnership with the Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA launched a CGM Clinical Care Optimization Program. This quality improvement (QI) initiative included establishing a diabetes technology team (DTT) which met weekly (n=24 sessions) to establish a highly specialized interprofessional group. The DTT activities included: 1) Establishing a CGM workflow; 2) Expanding Medical Assistant responsibilities related to diabetes technology and training; 3) Creating five bilingual (English-Spanish) patient handouts; 4) Building CGM vendor relationships; 5) Developing a CGM manual for data download, billing and coding, and education to increase CGM knowledge across the system. Data were collected prior to CGM initiation and at most recent visit. Results: The intervention occurred between February and November 2023. Prior to this intervention, 49 patients had a CGM prescription. After 9 months, CGM prescriptions were written for 333 patients (680% increase) with the following baseline characteristics (mean ± SD): age (61.2 ± 14.7 yrs.); 56% female; 44% male; 71% Latino; Race: 67% Other (63% Hispanic or Latino), 25% Black or African American, 4% White, Asian 2%, American Indian or Alaska Native 2%; 38% Spanish-speaking, 59% English-Speaking, 3% Other; 81% government insurance (63% Medicaid, 18% Medicare), 19% commercial insurance. The majority of patients had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (91%) and 9% had type 1 diabetes. Baseline HbA1C was 9.7 ± 1.5%. Of note, prior to CGM, 34% of patients had A1C>9%. The impact of CGM use was evaluated on 116 patients that met the following criteria: baseline A1C value within 60 days before or up-to 30 days after prescription, and a A1C >90 days after. After an average duration of 154 days of CGM use, HbA1c decreased significantly by -0.51% (p=0.001), demonstrating improved glycemic control post-CGM use. In those with A1c >9%, HbA1c decreased from 10.5% to 8.8% (p<0.01). Conclusion: Creating a CGM optimization program in a resource-limited setting is critical in improving patient self-awareness and provider insight in glycemic control in patients diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These data demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a CGM optimization program in a resource-limited setting, which is critically important in improving clinical care for people with diabetes. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Proteome-wide association study using cis and trans variants and applied to blood cell and lipid-related traits in the Women's Health Initiative study.

In most Proteome-Wide Association Studies (PWAS), variants near the protein-coding gene (±1 Mb), also known as cis single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs), are used to predict protein levels, which are then tested for association with phenotypes. However, proteins can be regulated through variants outside of the cis region. An intermediate GWAS step to identify protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) allows for the inclusion of trans SNPs outside the cis region in protein-level prediction models. Here, we assess the prediction of 540 proteins in 1002 individuals from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), split equally into a GWAS set, an elastic net training set, and a testing set. We compared the testing r2 between measured and predicted protein levels using this proposed approach, to the testing r2 using only cis SNPs. The two methods usually resulted in similar testing r2, but some proteins showed a significant increase in testing r2 with our method. For example, for cartilage acidic protein 1, the testing r2 increased from 0.101 to 0.351. We also demonstrate reproducible findings for predicted protein association with lipid and blood cell traits in WHI participants without proteomics data and in UK Biobank utilizing our PWAS weights.

Implementing a genetic testing station in a safety net setting for equitable genetic testing and counseling.

167 Background: Genetic testing (GT) in patients with hereditary cancers has significant implications for treatment options and risk reduction among family members. Recent GT guidelines have expanded the eligibility criteria with limited genetic counseling staff. Patients who are from marginalized groups, are under or uninsured, or have limited English proficiency continue to experience disparities in GT, underscoring the need for innovations in care delivery. Methods: From March 2021 to June 2023, we conducted a single-arm intervention study of a point-of-care genetic testing station (GTS) in a safety net hospital. Patients who met NCCN criteria for GT were eligible. We compared this group to a historical cohort who received GT either in person or via telehealth in the preceding two years and non- GTS cohort. The GTS intervention consisted of (1) screening of clinic schedules for eligible patients, (2) GT video-based education in English, Spanish, and Cantonese, (3) consent and collection of blood or saliva samples by a genetic counseling assistant, and (4) telehealth-based post-test counseling with a genetic counselor (GC). The historical cohort underwent GT in a traditional model: (1) oncologist-initiated electronic referral, (2) pretest counseling with a GC, (3) GT if appropriate, and (4) post-test counseling to review and discuss results. Our primary outcomes were completion of GT and time to result delivery. We evaluated all associations with the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: We enrolled a total of 256 participants, 26% were Asian, 18% were Black, 30% were Hispanic/Latinx, 13% were Non-Hispanic White, and 2% were Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. The most common languages were English 48%, Spanish 28%, Cantonese 20%, and Other 4%. 251 (98%) of GTS participants completed GT, and 241 (95%) completed the post-test GC visit, compared to the Non-GTS cohort (79%, p<0.001), pre-GTS cohort (85%, p<0.001) with traditional GT model with in-person at 122 (95%) and telehealth (72%). The median time to result delivery was 35 days (IQR 27 - 52) for the GTS cohort, 56 days for non-GTS cohort, 97 days for pre-GTS telehealth (IQR 24.7 - 111), and 21 days ( IQR 14-31) days for in-person. Conclusions: GTS resulted in more patients completing GT and promptly receiving their results with telehealth genetic counseling. As GT eligibility criteria broaden, innovative interventions, workflows, and tailored educational resources for diverse populations are needed to ensure equitable access to GT.

Abstract B129: The LBJ Hospital Food Farmacy: A mixed methods evaluation of a food prescription program for food insecure cancer patients being treated in a safety net setting

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation and perceived impact of a food prescription program (Food Farmacy) targeting food insecure oncology patients at the Harris Health LBJ Hospital, a safety net hospital in Houston, Texas. The Food Farmacy program offers food insecure cancer patients fresh produce, lean meats, and healthy grains and staples through automated referral to an on-site food pantry. Qualitative interviews with cancer patients (n=20) and oncology clinic providers (n=7) as well as a focus group with Food Farmacy staff (n=4) were conducted. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed to assess patient food insecurity screening rates, food insecurity rates, Food Farmacy referral rates, and Food Farmacy redemption rates. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive coding process. EMR data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. During the first year of program implementation, 9,809 patients (72.2%) were screened for food insecurity in the oncology clinic. Of those, 3,254 (33.2%) were positive for food insecurity. Most (88.9%) of food insecure cancer patients were referred to the Food Farmacy using automated referral in the EMR, and 1,468 patients (50.7% of those referred) redeemed prescriptions at the Food Farmacy. Patients that utilized the Food Farmacy gave feedback on the referral and redemption process, described how Food Farmacy redemptions were integrated into the home food environment, and indicated overall positive impact of the Food Farmacy on financial, nutritional, and emotional health. Barriers to using the Food Farmacy included transportation and physical impairment. Facilitators to using the Food Farmacy included the ability to set up redemption appointments that co-occurred with scheduled medical care. Healthcare providers perceived that the Food Farmacy supported nutrition counseling during patient visits by reducing food access barriers and described positive impacts to patient diet and quality of life. Providers expressed high satisfaction with the referral process for linking patients to the Food Farmacy program, and described it as equiptable and well integrated into clinical practice. Food Farmacy staff emphasized the impact of the Food Farmacy on patient socioemotional wellbeing, including reduced stress, improved quality of life, and increased financial wellness. Together, these findings demonstrate the success of the Food Farmacy program in identifying and referring food insecure patients to a hospital-based resource. Patients, providers, and staff recognized the success of the integrated referral process and opportunity for food redemption co-occurring with medical visits. Other centers aiming to launch food prescription programs may consider integration of referral into the EMR system and co-medical appointments for clients in safety net settings. Future research is needed to better understand the clinical outcomes of Food Farmacy utilization among cancer patients being treated in safety net settings. Citation Format: Margaret Raber, Maria Vazquez, Kylee Laffoon, Thy Ho-Pham, Hilary Ma, Miranda Baum, Darya Kizub, Denise La Rue, Maria De La Cruz, Melissa Prideaux, Ruth Rechis, Karen Basen-Engquist. The LBJ Hospital Food Farmacy: A mixed methods evaluation of a food prescription program for food insecure cancer patients being treated in a safety net setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B129.

Abstract P318: English and Spanish-Speaking Patient Preferences on Home Blood Pressure Monitors: A Qualitative Study in an Urban Safety Net Setting

Background: Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring improves hypertension (HTN) control. Adoption of SMBP monitoring is lower among low-income or minoritized patients, who have higher rates of uncontrolled HTN. Little is known about these patients’ preferences for or challenges with SMBP monitoring. Objective: We explored patient perspectives on SMBP monitoring among patients receiving care at an urban safety-net system. Methods: We interviewed English and Spanish-speaking patients with HTN about preferences for different BP monitoring devices and their accompanying mobile apps, past experiences sharing BP data with their clinical care team, and knowledge about home BP monitoring. Interviews were conducted in the participants’ preferred language. We also asked participants to demonstrate a home BP measurement to evaluate their measurement technique. We presented two BP monitoring devices: a Bluetooth-enabled device and a cellular-enabled device. Rapid qualitative data analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Of the 15 participants (8 English-speaking; 7 Spanish-speaking), eight identified as Latine, four as Black or African American, one as American Indian/Native American, one as Asian/Pacific Islander, and one as multi-ethnic. Highest educational attainment varied: five less than high school, five high school/GED, and five college. Most required assistance with Bluetooth pairing to share data and navigating app features. All participants valued tracking their BP and were motivated to engage in SMBP monitoring but desired more training. Nearly all participants demonstrated inadequate BP knowledge and incorrect BP measurement techniques based on AHA/AMA recommendations. Few reported receiving training on SMBP monitoring techniques. Spanish speakers reported that using apps was challenging due to language discordance and wanted translated apps and resources. Costs related to device features were a key factor in preferences. Conclusions: Patient-reported barriers to SMBP adoption include cost, insufficient training, digital exclusion, and language discordance. Addressing these challenges may increase adoption of SMBP monitoring in safety-net populations. Clinicians should consider patients’ preferences when recommending SMBP monitoring. Cellular SMBP devices that automatically transmit BP readings may mitigate challenges with digital literacy and promote data sharing with clinical care teams, though future studies are needed to evaluate usability.

Identification and Treatment of Lung Cancer Oncogenic Drivers in a Diverse Safety Net Setting

IntroductionAdvances in the testing and treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring oncogenic drivers have improved outcomes. Little is known about testing and treatment patterns in diverse patient populations. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in a diverse cohort of patients treated in the John Peter Smith safety net healthcare system. We determined patterns of blood- and tissue-based testing and treatment of patients with EGFR and ALK alterations. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to assess the impact of EGFR and ALK testing. ResultsA total of 220 patients were included, 97 (44%) were non-Hispanic White, 72 (33%) were Black, 28 (13%) were Hispanic, and 23 (10%) were Asian. EGFR and ALK testing increased over time from 55% and 52%, respectively, in 2017 to 87% and 82%, respectively, in 2021. Frequency of EGFR alterations were highest in Asian patients (45%) and comparable among other groups (6-13%). Frequency of ALK alterations were highest in Hispanic (13%), and Asian (11%) patients, and were 2% for both Black and non-Hispanic White patients. In a multivariate model, lack of testing was associated with worse survival (aHR 1.6; P = .003) and testing positive for EGFR (aHR 0.43; P = .01) or ALK (aHR 0.28; P = .04) was associated with improved survival. Race and ethnicity were not associated with survival differences. ConclusionAs molecular testing for oncogenic mutations in NSCLC increases, druggable alterations such as ALK and EGFR can be identified in all race-ethnicity groups and are associated with improved outcomes.

Using a Built-in Clinical Decision Support to Improve Phosphate Repletion Practice: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundInpatient serum phosphate replacement is common, but there is great variability in replacement practice, which leads to overuse. Electronic medical record (EMR) interventions with clinical decision support (CDS) can be effective tools to guide clinicians towards best clinical practices. Our objective was to utilize CDS tools to reduce overuse of hypophosphatemia corrections at a large safety-net healthcare system. MethodsOur first intervention involved enhancing an existing order set for phosphate repletion by incorporating CDS to guide appropriate repletion orders based on deficit severity and simplifying ordering. The second intervention was a best practice advisory (BPA) that triggered when an intravenous (IV) phosphate repletion was ordered for a patient with mild to moderate phosphate deficiency without an existing nil per os (NPO) order. The primary outcome measure was the number of patients with mild and moderate hypophosphatemia receiving IV replacement without NPO orders per 1000 patient days. ResultsAcross all hospitals, rate of IV replacement in patients with mild to moderate hypophosphatemia (1.0 to 1.9 mg/dL) without NPO orders decreased from 7.22 to 3.40 per 1000 patient days (53.0% reduction, p<0.001), while the oral replacements in this population increased from 6.39 to 8.87 (38.8% increase, p<0.001). For patients with phosphate levels ≥2.0, IV replacements decreased from 10.66 to 5.36 (49.8% reduction, p<0.001) and oral replacements decreased 19.78 to 16.69 (15.6% reduction, p<0.01). ConclusionsOur intervention successfully reduced inpatient IV phosphate replacements by 53% in patients with mild to moderate hypophosphatemia using a two-pronged electronic health record intervention across a large safety net setting.

Family physicians provide maternity care in and around the maternity care shortage areas, particularly rural.

This study examined demographic, practice, and area-level characteristics associated with family physicians' (FP) provision of maternity care. Using the American Board of Family Medicine Certification examination application survey data, we investigated the relationship between FPs' maternity care service provision and (1) demographic (gender, years in practice, race/ethnicity), (2) practice characteristics (size, ownership, rurality), and (3) county-level factors (percentage of reproductive-age women, the number of obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) per 100,000 reproductive-age women). We performed summary statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of the 59,903 FPs in the sample, 7.5% provided maternity care. FPs practicing in rural were 2.5 times more likely to provide maternity care than those practicing in urban areas. FPs in academic (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.1-5.1) and safety-net settings (OR 1.9, 1.7-2.1) had greater odds of providing maternity care. FPs in the bottom quintile with no or fewer OBGYNs and CNMs had a higher likelihood of maternity care provision (OR 2.1, 1.8-2.3) than those in the top quintile, with more OBGYNs and CNMs. FPs in high-needs areas, such as rural and safety net settings, and areas with fewer CNMs or OBGYNs are more likely to provide maternity care, demonstrating the importance of FPs in meeting the needs of women with limited maternity care access. Our study findings highlight the importance of considering the contributions of FPs to maternity care as the organizations prioritize resource allocation to areas of highest need.

Formative research to adapt a cardiac rehabilitation program to breast cancer survivors: the heart health after cancer treatment (HEART-ACT) study.

Breast cancer survivors are disproportionately at risk for cardiovascular disease; exercise-based interventions may improve cardiovascular health. The objective of this formative research is to better understand the needs of patients and barriers to participation in an adapted cardiac rehabilitation program for diverse breast cancer survivors in an urban safety net setting. We recruited 30 participants (10 English-speaking, 10 Spanish-speaking, and 10 Cantonese-speaking) who had received treatment with curative intent for breast cancer from an urban safety net hospital between November 9, 2021, to August 30, 2022. Participants completed surveys and interviews about perspectives on health behaviors and participating in an adapted cardiac rehabilitation program. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using rapid template analysis with pre-selected constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, as well as emergent codes. We developed a Participant User Journey for a program based on responses and conducted human-centered design sessions with 8 participants to iteratively revise the Participant User Journey. Among 30 participants, mean age was 56.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 10.2) with 100% female sex assigned at birth; 1 participant withdrew before completing study procedures. Most participants had limited health literacy (18/29, 62%). Mean body mass index was 31.4 (SD 8.3), 21/29 (72%) had blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, and 12/29 (41%) had blood pressure below 130/80. Mean 6-minute walk distance was 384.9 meters (SD 78.3). The desired benefits of a program included healthy living and prevention of cancer recurrence. Barriers to participation included motivation, social support, transportation, and concerns about exercise safety. Participants emphasized the need for practicality, such as fitting physical activity into daily life and nutrition support, including recipes and shopping lists. Trusted experts and cultural and language concordance were viewed as important aspects of the program. Through participant interviews and human-centered design sessions, we developed the HEART-ACT program, a 12-week multi-disciplinary program addressing physical activity, nutrition, emotional well-being, cardiovascular risk, survivorship, and other components if indicated (e.g., tobacco cessation). Future research will test the effects of this program on patient-centered outcomes.

Unraveling the ecological impacts of alewife in a large Midwest reservoir decades after introduction

Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus are native to the Atlantic Coast but have been introduced to inland waters as forage for sportfish populations. Alewife introductions have benefitted sportfish growth and body condition but have also negatively influenced larval fish survival through predation or competition for zooplankton. In 1986, alewives were stocked into Lake McConaughy, Nebraska, and became abundant and self-sustaining shortly thereafter. It has since been hypothesized that the alewife introduction altered zooplankton size and species composition and potentially negatively influenced Walleye recruitment. However, no studies on alewife distribution or food habits have been conducted on Lake McConaughy to date to investigate the potential influences of alewife on the fish and zooplankton communities. We collected alewives in the nearshore areas of Lake McConaughy during May–July 2022 and 2023 using short-term (about 1 h) small mesh horizontal gill net sets. We spatially assessed alewives by sampling the north and side south sides in addition to four classified quadrants of the reservoir. Total lengths (mm) were recorded, and stomachs were collected from up to 20 alewife per net. Prey were identified and food habits were summarized as percent composition by number. Zooplankton consumption was also paired with vertical Wisconsin zooplankton net tows taken at each site to assess prey selectivity. There was no evidence of piscivory suggesting that alewife predation is not influencing fish recruitment in Lake McConaughy. Alewives almost exclusively consumed zooplankton throughout the study period, suggesting the potential for interspecific competition with young-of-year fish. Our research provides a greater understanding of how introducing a non-native prey species to benefit sport fishes may have unintended negative consequences.

Using Bayesian multispecies models to evaluate fish and invertebrate detection probability and distribution in the hypersaline Bahia Grande tidal basin

AbstractObjectiveIn 2000, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge acquired the Bahia Grande (Texas) management unit, a space that had lain barren and arid for 70 years. A large cooperative partnership launched a restoration project to replenish the basin and recover its original tidal hydrology. In 2005, the construction of a pilot channel successfully restored water throughout the basin, and plans to eventually widen the channel were developed. Our study aims to evaluate an estuarine habitat restoration by assessing ecological drivers and the impacts on species diversity.MethodsWe evaluated species richness, detection/occupancy rates, and species–habitat relationships, and we estimated the sampling effort required to achieve a given level of relative precision if relative abundance was used instead of occupancy to inform future sampling. Sampling gear included bag seines for juvenile life stages and gill nets for capturing subadult and adult life stages. For analysis, we used a Bayesian negative binomial linear mixed‐effects model to evaluate richness–habitat relationships and a hierarchical Bayesian multispecies model to evaluate individual species–habitat relationships, and we calculated the total number of fish captured and relative standard error by gear and sample year to produce a precise estimate of relative abundance.ResultOverall, 29 species were caught between 2018 and 2021. Salinity emerged as a clear driver in the Bahia Grande, as both species richness and individual‐level responses were negatively associated with high salinity values. We found that catch estimated as relative abundance had much variability, as is typical of most survey programs assuming constant detectability, and the number of net sets or seine hauls required to achieve a given level of relative precision varied considerably depending on the species, season, year, and gear type. The most collected species were found in the upper extremes of their salinity tolerances—potentially a unique adaptation to this hypersaline system.ConclusionBaseline data suggest that for the channel widening to be successful, there must be a noticeable increase in suitable habitat characteristics throughout the basin.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Survivorship Group Medical Visits for Breast Cancer Survivors in a Safety Net Hospital.

Providing cost-effective, comprehensive survivorship care remains a significant challenge. Breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have limited income and are from marginalized racial and ethnic groups experience a worse quality of life and report higher distress. Thus, innovative care models are required to address the needs of BCSin low resource settings. Group medical visits (GMV), utilized in chronic disease management, are an excellent model for education and building skills. This single-arm intervention study was conducted at a public hospital in California. GMVs consisted of five 2-h weekly sessions focused on survivorship care planning, side effects of treatment and prevention, emotional health, sexual health, physical activity, and diet. The patient navigators recruited three consecutive GMV groups of six English-speaking BCS (N = 17). A multidisciplinary team delivered GMVs, and a patient navigator facilitated all the sessions. We used attendance rates, pre- and post-surveys, and debriefing interviews to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. We enrolled 18 BCS. One participant dropped out before the intervention started, 17 BCS consistently attended and actively participated in the GMV, and 76% (13) attended all planned sessions. Participants rated GMVs in the post-survey and shared their support for GMVs in debriefing interviews. The BCS who completed the post-survey reported that GMVs increased their awareness, confidence, and knowledge of survivorship care. GMVs were explicitly designed to address unmet needs for services necessary for survivorship care but not readily available in safety net settings. Our pilot data suggest that patient-navigator-facilitated GMVs are a feasible and acceptable model for integrating survivorship care in public hospitals.

Abstract PS18-08: Bridging Disparities in Survivorship Care: Leveraging Telehealth for Diverse Patients in Safety Net Hospital

Abstract Background There are 3.8 million breast cancer survivors (BCS) in the United States and 67-88% of them report unmet needs in survivorship care. With advancements in breast cancer treatment and improved survival rates, there is a growing need to expand survivorship care to address the long-term physical, psychosocial, and medical needs of cancer survivors. There is a significant disparity in access to high-quality survivorship care, particularly for diverse patient populations in safety net hospitals. BCS in marginalized communities experience worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes following cancer treatment in the management of symptoms, complications of treatment, and overall health-related distress. Thus, new models that leverage complex care management principles and novel care delivery systems, such as telehealth, are needed to provide multidisciplinary care and support for self-management. Methods We conducted a single-arm, pilot intervention trial of telehealth group medical visits (tGMV) in a safety net hospital serving low-income and racially and ethnically diverse BCS. The study team included physicians, advanced practitioners, PCPs, clinical psychologists, nurses, dieticians, exercise instructors, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, sexual health counselors, research coordinators, and patient navigators. We enrolled a total of 6 cohorts of 7-10 BCS for the tGMV intervention (2 cohorts each in English, Spanish, and Cantonese). Each cohort had four weekly sessions on the following topics: 1) Reclaiming your health after cancer, 2) Managing emotional health, 3) Sexual health and relationship, and 4) Food is medicine. All participants were trained on the telehealth video conference platform. The curriculum was culturally adapted in the Spanish and Cantonese cohorts. Study staff followed up with participants by phone after each session. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability as primary outcomes with prespecified thresholds for &amp;gt;90 % completion of planned sessions and &amp;gt;70% attendance. Participants’ evaluation of the intervention and self-efficacy were secondary outcomes, which are not reported in this abstract. Results Fifty-three women with stage I-III breast cancer were enrolled in the study. The age was 37 to 75 (median: 58). There were 14 (26%) English-speaking participants, 19 (36%) Spanish-speaking participants, and 20 (38%) Cantonese-speaking participants. Eight (15%) participants identified as White, three (5.7%) Black A/A, 23 (43%) Asians, and 19 (36%) Hispanic; 43 (81%) participants were foreign-born. Twenty-seven (51%) participants reported food insecurity on the screening survey. The overall attendance rate was 98% (English: 97%, Spanish: 97%, and Cantonese: 100%). Of the 53 participants, 41 (77%) found the telehealth format acceptable, 47 (88%) agreed/strongly agreed that it was easy to log in and stay connected, 53 (100%) agreed/strongly agreed that tGMV were a good use of their time, 52 (98%) understood the purpose of the telehealth format, and 50 (94%) felt the information was easy to understand. Conclusions Telehealth-delivered group medical visits are feasible and acceptable in a safety net setting and are a promising intervention that may help in addressing the unmet needs of cancer survivors. We also found that despite the reported low uptake of telehealth in safety net settings, emphasis on training and technical support during sessions can increase the utilization of telehealth. Citation Format: Ivan Leung, Evelin Trejo, Ana Velázquez Mañana, Elizabeth Castillo, Barbara Cicerelli, Robin McBride, Piera Wong, Huiyu Xie, Lily Zhang, Nancy Burke, Niharika Dixit. Bridging Disparities in Survivorship Care: Leveraging Telehealth for Diverse Patients in Safety Net Hospital [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS18-08.

Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Implementation of a Hereditary Cancer Risk Screening Questionnaire in a Safety Net Hospital [ID 2683409

INTRODUCTION: Patients belonging to medically underserved groups who meet testing criteria for hereditary cancer syndromes are less likely to be referred for genetic services and to complete testing. In our safety net hospital women’s health clinics, we introduced a novel National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-based screening questionnaire as part of a community health worker (CHW)-supported hereditary cancer risk assessment and testing program. METHODS: We quantified program effect and conducted semistructured interviews with nurses and providers (n=12). We used rapid qualitative analysis to assess familiarity with screening questionnaire and barriers to its utilization. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: Since January 2020, 2,282 patients were screened: 169 via provider referral and 2,113 via questionnaire. 312 met NCCN criteria for testing, with 30 ultimately testing positive. Nurses were familiar with the screening questionnaire and assumed an active role in facilitating completion. They reported minimal familiarity with the process after questionnaire completion. Providers reported minimal familiarity with the screening questionnaire but did assess family history and refer for genetic services. Barriers to successful utilization of the questionnaire included time constraints, patient literacy, language barriers, and gaps in patients' knowledge of their family history. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a targeted questionnaire may increase access to testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. We identified the following opportunities for implementation improvement: staff education, increased clinic efficiency, and CHW support with collection of accurate histories from patients with limited literacy/knowledge of their family's health history. Replication of a CHW-supported questionnaire-based screening program could reduce disparities in access to genetic services for patients in safety net settings.

Barriers to liver transplant referral in safety net settings: A national provider survey.

Safety net systems care for patients with a high burden of liver disease yet experience many barriers to liver transplant (LT) referral. This study aimed to assess safety net providers' perspectives on barriers to LT referrals in the United States. We conducted a nationwide anonymous online survey of self-identified safety net gastroenterologists and hepatologists from March through November 2022. This 27-item survey was disseminated via e-mail, society platforms, and social media. Survey sections included practice characteristics, transplant referral practices, perceived multilevel barriers to referral, potential solutions, and respondent characteristics. Fifty complete surveys were included in analysis. A total of 60.0% of respondents self-identified as White and 54.0% male. A total of 90.0% practiced in an urban setting, 82.0% in tertiary medical centers, and 16.0% in community settings, with all 4 US regions represented. Perceived patient-level barriers ranked as most significant, followed by practice-level, then provider-level barriers. Patient-level barriers such as lack of insurance (72.0%), finances (66.0%), social support (66.0%), and stable housing/transportation (64.0%) were ranked as significant barriers to referral, while medical mistrust and lack of interest were not. Limited access to financial services (36.0%) and addiction/mental health resources (34.0%) were considered important practice-level barriers. Few reported existing access to patient navigators (12.0%), and patient navigation was ranked as most likely to improve referral practices, followed by an expedited/expanded pathway for insurance coverage for LT. In this national survey, safety net providers reported the highest barriers to LT referral at the patient level and practice level. These data can inform the development of multilevel interventions in safety net settings to enhance equity in LT access for vulnerable patients.

Racial and ethnic disparities in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: 15-year experience at a safety net hospital system

Despite recent therapeutic advances, ethnic minorities in the U.S. continue to have disproportionately poor outcomes in many hematologic malignancies including AML. We identified 162 adult AML patients treated at a non-transplant safety net hospital from 2007 to 2022 and evaluated differences in disease characteristics, treatment and clinical outcomes based on race and ethnicity. Our cohort consisted of 82 (50.6%) Hispanic, 36 (22.2%) non-Hispanic black and 44 (27.2%) non-Hispanic white and Asian patients. Median age at diagnosis was 42.5, 49.0 and 52.5 years respectively (p=0.025). Hispanics had higher rates of intermediate and high-risk disease (p=0.699) and received high intensity induction and consolidation chemotherapy at lower rates (p=0.962), although differences did not reach statistical significance. Despite this, similar remission rates were achieved. Hispanics with high-risk disease had longer overall survival (OS) than the combined non-Hispanic cohort (mOS 14 m vs 7 m, p=0.030). Multivariate regression analysis showed that OS was negatively associated with age (HR 1.023, p=0.006), intermediate (HR 3.431, p=0.0003) and high-risk disease (HR 4.689, p<0.0001) and positively associated with Hispanic ethnicity (HR 0.614, p=0.026). This report suggests that contrary to other studies, Hispanics, particularly those with high-risk AML, may have improved OS compared to other ethnic groups. These results are unique to our safety net hospital setting where common barriers to medical care and healthcare disparities are largely mitigated.

Determinants of remote measurement-based care uptake in a safety net outpatient psychiatry department as part of learning health system transition.

Behavioral measurement-based care (MBC) can improve patient outcomes and has also been advanced as a critical learning health system (LHS) tool for identifying and mitigating potential disparities in mental health treatment. However, little is known about the uptake of remote behavioral MBC in safety net settings, or possible disparities occurring in remote MBC implementation. This study uses electronic health record data to study variation in completion rates at the clinic and patient level of a remote MBC symptom measure tool during the first 6 months of implementation at three adult outpatient psychiatry clinics in a safety net health system. Provider-reported barriers to MBC adoption were also measured using repeated surveys at one of the three sites. Out of 1219 patients who were sent an MBC measure request, uptake of completing at least one measure varied by clinic: General Adult Clinic, 38% (n = 262 of 696); Substance Use Clinic, 28% (n = 73 of 265); and Transitions Clinic, 17% (n = 44 of 258). Compared with White patients, Black and Portuguese or Brazilian patients had lower uptake. Older patients also had lower uptake. Spanish language of care was associated with much lower uptake at the patient level. Significant patient-level disparities in uptake persisted after adjusting for the clinic, mental health diagnoses, and number of measure requests sent. Providers cited time within visits and bandwidth in their workflow as the greatest consistent barriers to discussing MBC results with patients. There are significant disparities in MBC uptake at the patient and clinic level. From an LHS data infrastructure perspective, safety net health systems may need to address the need for possible ways to adapt MBC to better fit their populations and clinical needs, or identify targeted implementation strategies to close data gaps for the identified disparity populations.

Abstract SY08-01: Does exercise or fitness deter cancer progression after diagnosis

Abstract SY08-01: Does exercise or fitness deter cancer progression after diagnosis