US Practice Research Articles

Performance of Thrombectomy-Capable, Comprehensive, and Primary Stroke Centers in Reperfusion Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Report From the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry.

The thrombectomy-capable stroke center (TSC) is a recently introduced intermediate tier of accreditation for hospitals at which patients with acute ischemic stroke receive care. The comparative quality and clinical outcomes of reperfusion therapies at TSCs, primary stroke centers (PSCs), and comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) have not been well delineated. We conducted a retrospective, observational, cohort study from 2018 to 2020 that included patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and intravenous thrombolysis reperfusion therapies at CSCs, TSCs, or PSCs. Participants were recruited from Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry. Study end points included timeliness of intravenous thrombolysis and EVT, successful reperfusion, discharge destination, discharge mortality, and functional independence at discharge. Among 84 903 patients, 48 682 received EVT, of whom 73% were treated at CSCs, 22% at PSCs, and 4% at TSCs. The median annual EVT volume was 76 for CSCs, 55 for TSCs, and 32 for PSCs. Patient differences by center status included higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, longer onset-to-arrival time, and higher transfer-in rates for CSCs, TSCs, and PSCs, respectively. In adjusted analyses, the likelihood of achieving the goal door-to-needle time was higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (odds ratio [OR], 1.39 [95% CI, 1.17-1.66]) and in TSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.08-1.96]). Likewise, the odds of achieving the goal door-to-puncture time were higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.13-2.21]). CSCs and TSCs also demonstrated better clinical efficacy outcomes compared with PSCs. The odds of discharge to home or rehabilitation were higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06-1.31]), whereas the odds of in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice were lower in both CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.81-0.94]) and TSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-0.98]). There were no significant differences in any of the quality-of-care metrics and clinical outcomes between TSCs and CSCs. In this study representing national US practice, CSCs and TSCs exceeded PSCs in key quality-of-care reperfusion metrics and outcomes, whereas TSCs and CSCs demonstrated a similar performance. With more than one-fifth of all EVT procedures during the study period conducted at PSCs, it may be desirable to explore national initiatives aimed at facilitating the elevation of eligible PSCs to a higher certification status.

FRI122 Determinants Of Primary Aldosteronism Screening In The US: A Nationwide Physician Survey Study

Abstract Disclosure: A.F. Turcu: None. Z. Salman: None. S.M. Konzen: None. L. Zhang: None. H. Liu: None. L. Zhao: None. T. Suzer Gurtekin: None. M. Papaleontiou: None. Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension, affecting up to 25% of patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. PA contributes to cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality, via mechanisms additive to hypertension. Early detection and targeted therapy of PA mitigate the risk of such complications. Despite this, only a minute fraction of patients at risk are ever screened for PA. Objective: To ascertain triggers and barriers for PA screening across US practices. Methods: Physicians treating hypertension, including internists, family practitioners, cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, were randomly selected from active members of the American Medical Association. Physicians were surveyed on their practice of PA screening. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with PA screening. Results: Of 633 response-eligible physicians, 425 (67%) completed the survey, including 32.4% family practitioners, 26.9% internists, 13.2% cardiologists, 12.2% endocrinologists, and 11.8% Nephrologists. Of the respondents, 230 (55.2%) were men; 63% identified as White, 24% Asian, and 6% Black. Most participants reported that resistant hypertension (84.5%), and hypertension and spontaneous hypokalemia (81.4%) prompt them to screen for PA. Conversely, a minority reported diuretic-induced hypokalemia (26%), obstructive sleep apnea (10%), or atrial fibrillation (6.2%) as triggers for PA screening. Compared with internists, endocrinologists and nephrologists were more likely, and family practitioners were less likely to screen for PA in patients with hypertension and hypokalemia, early-onset hypertension, or adrenal nodules. Barriers to PA screening included clinic visit time constraints (37.4%), poor ancillary support (28.1%), testing logistic concerns (26.2%), ability to control hypertension with medications (20.5%), and belief that PA is rare (20.2%). Female physicians and family practitioners were more likely to report not being familiar with results’ interpretation and next steps, and not having time to keep abreast with expert guidelines; private practitioners were most likely to report reimbursement concerns. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in screening for PA exists among physicians at the frontline of hypertension care. Increasing awareness and developing tools to facilitate PA screening are crucial for the recognition and adequate care of millions of patients with hypertension. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Volatile profiling distinguishes Streptococcus pyogenes from other respiratory streptococcal species.

Sore throat is one of the most common complaints encountered in the ambulatory clinical setting. Rapid, culture-independent diagnostic techniques that do not rely on pharyngeal swabs would be highly valuable as a point-of-care strategy to guide outpatient antibiotic treatment. Despite the promise of this approach, efforts to detect volatiles during oropharyngeal infection have yet been limited. In our research study, we sought to evaluate for specific bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOC) biomarkers in isolated cultures in vitro, in order to establish proof-of-concept prior to initial clinical studies of breath biomarkers. A particular challenge for the diagnosis of pharyngitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes is the likelihood that many metabolites may be shared by S. pyogenes and other related oropharyngeal colonizing bacterial species. Therefore, we evaluated whether sufficient metabolic differences are present, which distinguish the volatile metabolome of Group A streptococci from other streptococcal species that also colonize the respiratory mucosa, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus intermedius. In this work, we identified 27 discriminatory VOCs (q-values < 0.05), composed of aldehydes, alcohols, nitrogen-containing compounds, hydrocarbons, ketones, aromatic compounds, esters, ethers, and carboxylic acid. From this group of volatiles, we identify candidate biomarkers that distinguish S. pyogenes from other species and establish highly produced VOCs that indicate the presence of S. pyogenes in vitro, supporting future breath-based diagnostic testing for streptococcal pharyngitis. IMPORTANCE Acute pharyngitis accounts for approximately 15 million ambulatory care visits in the United States. The most common and important bacterial cause of pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenesis, accounting for 15%-30% of pediatric pharyngitis. Distinguishing between bacterial and viral pharyngitis is key to management in US practice. The culture of a specimen obtained by a throat swab is the standard laboratory procedure for the microbiologic confirmation of pharyngitis; however, this method is time-consuming, which delays appropriate treatment. If left untreated, S. pyogenes pharyngitis may lead to local and distant complications. In this study, we characterized the volatile metabolomes of S. pyogenes and other related oropharyngeal colonizing bacterial species. We identify candidate biomarkers that distinguish S. pyogenes from other species and provide evidence to support future breath-based diagnostic testing for streptococcal pharyngitis.

Abstract P435: Barriers For Secondary Hypertension Screening In The Us: A National Physician Survey

Background: Although US and international expert guidelines recommend screening for secondary hypertension in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (RHTN) and other high-risk groups, screening is conducted in &lt;3% of candidates. Objective: To determine barriers for secondary hypertension screening across US practices. Participants and Measurements: Internists, family practitioners, cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, randomly selected from active members of the American Medical Association were surveyed on barriers for secondary hypertension screening. Results: Response rate was 67% (425 of 633 response-eligible physicians). The leading reported barriers preventing secondary hypertension screening included visit time constraints (43.5%), poor ancillary support (29.4%), and testing-related logistics (27.5%). Physicians practicing in large medical groups or staff-model HMO were more likely than physicians in private practice to not have access to specialists (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 4.01 [1.19-13.47]), and to be unfamiliar with screening results interpretation and next steps (2.11 [1.03-4.32]), but less likely to report poor ancillary support (0.47 [0.28-0.79]) or reimbursement concerns (0.29 [0.13-0.63]). Primary care physicians were more likely than endocrinologists (16.67 [2.04-100.00]) and nephrologists (10.00 [1.32-100.00] to lack familiarity with testing interpretation and subsequent steps. Physicians in practices covered primarily by Medicare were more likely to report poor ancillary support (2.02 [1.16-3.53]), and lack of access to specialists (4.96 [1.04-23.52]) as compared to physicians in practices covered primarily by private health insurance. Conclusions: Our findings suggest an urgent need to address major barriers to secondary hypertension screening, including ensuring adequate clinic visit time, ancillary support, and timely access to specialists.

Socio-Culturally Different Motor Skills of Czech Children with ASD Aged 7-10 Years Assessed by the Test TGMD–3

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with gross motor development delays and a limited ability to imitate human movements. Early intervention in the field of motor skills is crucial both from the point of view of the need for comprehensive care for these children and to increase their quality of life. Diagnostic evaluation tools for use in practice are a necessary prerequisite for targeted intervention programs. The Test of Gross Motor Development–Third Edition (TGMD-3) is declared for use in children with ASD (Ulrich, 2019). The TGMD-3 was developed in the USA and consists of two subtests – Locomotor and Ball skills. The Ball skills subtest contains culturally different elements such as strike stationary ball and underhand throw, performed according to US practice. For these reasons, modifications have been made in some countries in the European socio-cultural environment (Wagner et al., 2017) that do not include these elements typical of the US environment. The aim of this study was 1) to record and describe the reactions of children with ASD to culturally different elements in the ball skills subtest in the TGMD-3 motor test and 2) to compare their evaluation with other items of this subtest.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This pilot study included 16 children with ASD aged 7-10 years. A total of 1 girl and 15 boys were evaluated by the TGMD-3 motor test using visual support. (Allen et al., 2017) Four independent examiners assessed participants' physical performance by following the instructions of the Examiner's Manual Test TGMD-3 3.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The results of the study are presented in the form of case studies of individual participants, which allow for further research in this heterogeneous population of children with ASD with better descriptive and comparative possibilities than statistical numerical expression. The limited ability to imitate, which is characteristic of children with ASD, is likely to have a significant effect on culturally dissimilar designs, especially the Underhand throw. The two-hand strike of a stationary ball's culturally different skill was very motivating for children with ASD aged 7-10.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The limiting factor for generalization to the entire population of children with ASD aged 7-10 in the Czech socio-cultural environment is their small number and heterogeneity, which were affected by restrictive measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further research using the TGMD-3 instrument in the Czech population has the potential to expand diagnostic methods in the field of motor skills and contribute to the possibilities of early physical intervention in children with ASD.

Effectiveness of Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Clinical Practice.

Background Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has reduced the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic strokes in randomized clinical trials. Whether PFO closure in clinical practice is associated with similar benefit remains unknown. Methods and Results We identified patients with PFO and a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who were treated with PFO closure or medical therapy in the OptumLabs database. The primary end point was recurrent ischemic stroke or systemic embolization. Secondary outcomes included mortality, all stroke, transient ischemic attack, and major bleeding. A total of 6668 propensity-matched patients were included (PFO closure n=4111; medical therapy n=2557). The incidence of stroke or systemic embolization per 100 person-years was 2.38 after PFO cohort and 2.99 with medical therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.68-1.05], P=0.13). Mortality was lower in the PFO closure cohort (1.78 versus 2.59 per 100 person-years: HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.55-0.87], P=0.002). Falsification end points showed that this difference is unlikely to be completely explained by residual confounders. There were no significant differences between the groups in secondary end points including intracranial hemorrhage and major bleeding except for an increase in nonintracranial hemorrhage bleeding among patients treated with oral anticoagulation (1.42 versus 2.16 per 100 person-years: HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48-0.99], P=0.043). The main end point was consistent in subanalyses including patients <60 years of age, patients with prior stroke, and those treated after the publication of the positive PFO trials in 2017. Conclusions In contemporary US practice, PFO closure is not associated with lower rates of recurrent ischemic stroke or systemic embolization compared with medical therapy. Potential reasons for this discrepancy warrant further investigation.

Patterns in the Development of Pediatric Allergy.

Describe clinical and epidemiologic patterns of pediatric allergy using longitudinal electronic health records (EHRs) from a multistate consortium of US practices. Using the multistate Comparative Effectiveness Research through Collaborative Electronic Reporting EHR database, we defined a cohort of 218 485 children (0-18 years) who were observed for ≥5 years between 1999 and 2020. Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy (IgE-FA), asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) were identified using a combination of diagnosis codes and medication prescriptions. We determined age at diagnosis, cumulative incidence, and allergic comorbidity. Allergic disease cumulative (and peak age of) incidence was 10.3% (4 months) for AD, 4.0% (13 months) for IgE-FA, 20.1% (13 months) for asthma, 19.7% (26 months) for AR, and 0.11% (35 months) for EoE. The most diagnosed IgE-FAs were peanut (1.9%), egg (0.8%), and shellfish (0.6%). A total of 13.4% of children had ≥2 allergic conditions, and respiratory allergies (ie, asthma, AR) were commonly comorbid with each other, and with other allergic conditions. We detail pediatric allergy patterns using longitudinal, health care provider-based data from EHR systems across multiple US states and varied pediatric practice types. Our results support the population-level allergic march progression and indicate high rates of comorbidity among children with food and respiratory allergies.

Early Peanut Introduction Awareness, Beliefs, and Practices Among Parents and Caregivers.

The 2017 Prevention of Peanut Allergy Guidelines recommend incorporating peanut protein into infants' diets to prevent peanut allergy. The goal of this study was to explore US caregivers' awareness, beliefs, practices, and outcomes around peanut introduction. A parent-report survey was administered between January and February 2021 to a population-based sample of 3062 US parents/caregivers of a child between age 7 months and 3.5 years. The survey evaluated awareness, beliefs, feeding practices, primary care provider (PCP) interactions, and food reactions. Overall, 13.3% of parents/caregivers reported Prevention of Peanut Allergy Guidelines awareness. Caregivers who reported being white, 30 to 44 years of age, educated, high income, or cared for a child with food allergy or eczema were more likely to be guideline-aware (P < .001). Among US parents/caregivers, 47.7% believed that feeding peanuts early prevented peanut allergy; 17.2% first offered peanut-containing foods before age 7 months and 41.8% did so between ages 7 and 12 months. Peanut introduction occurred earlier among guideline-aware parents/caregivers: 31% offered it before 7 months (P < .001). Overall, 57.8% of parents/caregivers reported discussing peanut introduction with their PCP. PCP counseling was the most common facilitator for peanut introduction before 7 months (odds ratio 16.26 [9.49-27.85]), whereas fear of reactions was the most common reason for delaying peanut introduction beyond 7 months (32.5%). Actual reactions during peanut introduction were reported by 1.4%. Early peanut feeding practices are gaining traction among US parents/caregivers; however, disparities exist. Future efforts to increase guideline adherence need to address disparities, provide support for medical providers, and educate about the true incidence of reactions.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy among patients hospitalized for heart failure and performance of an adapted wild-type ATTR-CM machine learning model: Findings from GWTG-HF

An 11-factor random forest model has been previously developed among ambulatory heart failure (HF) patients for identifying potential wild-type amyloidogenic TTR cardiomyopathy (wtATTR-CM), but model performance in a large sample of patients hospitalized for HF has not been evaluated. This study included Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years hospitalized for HF in the Get With The Guidelines-HF® Registry from 2008-2019. Patients with and without a diagnosis of ATTR-CM were compared, as defined by inpatient and outpatient claims data within 6 months pre- or post- index hospitalization. Within a cohort matched 1:1 by age and sex, univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships between ATTR-CM and each of the 11 factors of the established ATTR-CM model. Discrimination and calibration of the 11-factor model were assessed. Among 205,545 patients (median age 81 years) hospitalized for HF across 608 US hospitals, 627 patients (0.31%) had a diagnosis code for ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM patients were more likely to be male (69% vs 47%), Black race (23% vs 9%), and had lower systolic blood pressure (median 124 vs 139 mmHg). Univariable analysis within the 1:1 matched cohort of each of the 11-factors in the ATTR-CM model found pericardial effusion, carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spinal stenosis, and elevated serum enzymes (e.g., troponin elevation) to be strongly associated with ATTR-CM. The 11-factor model showed modest discrimination with c-statistic of 0.65 and good calibration within the matched cohort. Among patients hospitalized for HF in US practice, the number of patients with ATTR-CM as defined by diagnosis codes on an inpatient/outpatient claim within +/- 6 months of admission was low. Patients with a diagnosis of ATTR-CM have a distinct clinical profile, and most factors within the prior 11-factor model were associated with greater odds of ATTR-CM diagnosis. In this population, the ATTR-CM model demonstrated modest discrimination.

US South Asian Youths' Perspectives on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes varied medical and healthcare systems, healing practices, and products that are outside of allopathy/biomedicine. The aim of this study was to examine US South Asian youths' beliefs, practices, decision-making, and experiences of using CAM. Ten focus group discussions with 36 participants were conducted. Data were coded deductively and inductively by four coders, working in pairs. Thematic analysis was performed. Disagreements were resolved through consensus. The results showed that CAM was appealing because of its often low cost, ease of access, family traditions to use CAM, and the perception that it was safe to use. Participants exercised pluralistic health choices. Some responses suggested a hierarchy wherein allopathy was used for serious, acute issues, and CAM for much of the remaining issues. The high use of and trust in CAM among young US South Asians raises important issues (e.g., provider support and integration to prevent potential interactions and avoid delaying allopathic treatment). More exploration is needed about the decision-making processes of US South Asian youth, including the perceived benefits/limitations of allopathy and CAM. US healthcare practitioners should familiarize themselves with South Asian social and cultural beliefs about healing to provide culturally-appropriate services and enhance patient care.

Characterization of Individuals With Apparent Resistant Hypertension Using Contemporary Guidelines: Insights From CV-QUIC.

Apparent resistant hypertension (aRH) carries excess cardiovascular risk beyond nonresistant forms of hypertension; however, our understanding of this at-risk population, as defined by current US practice guidelines, is limited. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and pharmacotherapeutic patterns of patients with aRH using contemporary blood pressure guidance. We classified patients at 3 large healthcare systems by hypertensive status using contemporary hypertension guidelines. We subsequently described the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with aRH and compared these factors among hypertensive patients without aRH and between those with controlled and uncontrolled aRH. A total of 2 420 468 patients were analyzed, of whom 1 343 489 (55.6%) were hypertensive according to contemporary guidelines. Among hypertensive patients, 11 992 (8.5%) met criteria for aRH, with nearly all assessed comorbid conditions, particularly diabetes and heart failure, being more common in those with aRH. When compared with patients with uncontrolled aRH, those with controlled aRH were more frequently prescribed a beta-blocker, diuretic, and nitrate, with the largest standardized difference observed for a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (35.4% versus 10.4%, Cohen D 0.62). Consistent findings were noted in sensitivity analyses using the blood pressure threshold of 140/90 mm Hg. In an analysis of over 2.4 million individuals, a lower prevalence of aRH was observed than previously reported (12%-15%), but with a high burden of comorbidities. Identification of differences in pharmacotherapy between patients with controlled and uncontrolled aRH, particularly lower rates of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use, help define potential opportunities to improve care and lower cardiovascular risk.

US practice adoption of patient-engagement strategies and spending for adults with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Patient-engagement strategies are being encouraged by payers and governments, but with limited evidence about whether practice adoption of these strategies impacts utilization and spending. We examine the association of physician practice adoption of patient-engagement strategies (low vs moderate vs high) with potentially preventable utilization and total spending for patients with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease using US physician practice survey (n = 2086) and Medicare fee-for-service (n = 736 269) data. In adjusted analyses, there were no differences in potentially preventable utilization associated with practice adoption of patient-engagement strategies. Compared with patients attributed to practices with moderate adoption, patients attributed to practices with high adoption had higher total spending ($26 364 vs $25 991; P < .05) driven by spending for long-term services and supports, including home health agency, long-term care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice payments. In contrast, patients attributed to practices with low adoption had higher total spending ($26 481 vs $25 991; P < .01) driven by spending for tests and acute care and clinical access spending. The results highlight that stakeholders that encourage the use of patient-engagement strategies should not necessarily expect reduced spending.

RARE-02. OBSERVATIONAL REGISTRY STUDY OF TREATMENT PRACTICES AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF CHILDREN WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1 (NF1) AND PLEXIFORM NEUROFIBROMAS (PN) INITIATING SELUMETINIB IN REAL-WORLD PRACTICE IN THE UNITED STATES (US): STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Abstract Selumetinib (ARRY-142886, AZD6244) is an oral, allosteric MEK1/2 inhibitor approved in the US for children aged ≥2 years with NF1 and symptomatic, inoperable PN, based on results from the pivotal SPRINT study. Aims of the US Selumetinib Registry study [NCT05683678] include understanding treatment practices and assessing short- and long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes of selumetinib treatment in children with NF1-PN in real-world US practice. Clinical and non-clinical factors affecting outcomes will also be explored. This observational registry study of pediatric patients with NF1-PN will be conducted in up to 22 US centers. Eligible patients will be 2–18 years old at the time of selumetinib initiation (on/after April 10, 2020), and not currently participating in a clinical trial. Patients will be divided into three cohorts: Cohort 1 – treatment discontinued before enrollment, Cohort 2 – treatment initiated before enrollment and currently on treatment, Cohort 3 – treatment initiation intended within 3 months of enrollment. Patients will be followed for ≥36 and up to 60 months. Primary objectives are to describe patient demographics and disease characteristics (including diagnosis criteria and related manifestations, diagnostic tests and results, and PN-related morbidities), selumetinib treatment course, short- and long-term effectiveness and safety, and disease course and treatment following discontinuation. Key secondary objectives include measures of quality of life, pain and physical functioning before, during, and after selumetinib. Target enrollment is 200 patients with a 24-month enrollment period and will begin in 2023. The US Registry study will facilitate understanding of treatment practices and assess short and long-term outcomes of selumetinib for NF1-PN in a real-world setting.

Oncologist perceptions of health inequity.

e18656 Background: The Institute of Medicine has reported on policies and practices based on assumptions and misinformation as pervading the educational, clinical, and payer sectors of health care. In these settings, unconscious bias toward marginalized populations can negatively impact patients, providers, health systems, and research. As national focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion expands, we sought to measure oncologists’ perceptions of issues surrounding health inequity in the context of patient care. Methods: In 2022, we surveyed oncologists’ perceptions of patient diversity, health inequity and disparities, unconscious bias, and their impact. Recruitment was conducted within the Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network (800 US practices). Participation was voluntary and compensated at fair market value. Results: In total, 192 oncologists responded. Of those surveyed: 48% estimated 10%–25% of their patients were in disadvantaged neighborhoods; 40% estimated 10%–25% were Hispanic or non-White; 69% estimated 10%–50% had low health literacy; and 92% estimated &lt; 10% were of sexual/gender minority. 96% felt prepared to talk with underrepresented patients, 80% agreed that health inequities exist, and 49% agreed they are especially prevalent in oncology. The majority also agreed that health inequities cause differences in care, outcomes, and access to care (80%, 82%, and 70%, respectively). 43% thought unconscious bias adversely affects Hispanic/non-White patients, and 74% perceived health care disparities among these patients. Additionally, 73% thought they would benefit from more research/education, and 50% had educated their coworkers on these issues and provided patient resources. Conclusions: Most oncologists are aware of health inequities and their adverse impact on clinical outcomes; they desire more education and want to help underrepresented patients. Health inequity and disparity may be driven subliminally by lower-quality patient-provider communication (eg, decreased conversationality and less participatory decision-making). Efforts at filling this need in oncology should be prioritized. [Table: see text]

Clinical Profile, Health Care Costs, and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background Many patients with heart failure (HF) have severely reduced ejection fraction but do not meet threshold for consideration of advanced therapies (ie, stage D HF). The clinical profile and health care costs associated with these patients in US practice is not well described. Methods and Results We examined patients hospitalized for worsening chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction ≤40% from 2014 to 2019 in the GWTG-HF (Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure) registry, who did not receive advanced HF therapies or have end-stage kidney disease. Patients with severely reduced EF defined as EF ≤30% were compared with those with EF 31% to 40% in terms of clinical profile and guideline-directed medical therapy. Among Medicare beneficiaries, postdischarge outcomes and health care expenditure were compared. Among 113 348 patients with EF ≤40%, 69% (78 589) had an EF ≤30%. Patients with severely reduced EF ≤30% tended to be younger and were more likely to be Black. Patients with EF ≤30% also tended to have fewer comorbidities and were more likely to be prescribed guideline-directed medical therapy ("triple therapy" 28.3% versus 18.2%, P<0.001). At 12-months postdischarge, patients with EF ≤30% had significantly higher risk of death (HR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.08-1.18]) and HF hospitalization (HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.09-1.19]), with similar risk of all-cause hospitalizations. Health care expenditures were numerically higher for patients with EF ≤30% (median US$22 648 versus $21 392, P=0.11). Conclusions Among patients hospitalized for worsening chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in US clinical practice, most patients have severely reduced EF ≤30%. Despite younger age and modestly higher use of guideline-directed medical therapy at discharge, patients with severely reduced EF face heightened postdischarge risk of death and HF hospitalization.

Six-month abdominal transplant recipient outcomes from donation after circulatory death heart donors: A retrospective analysis by procurement technique

Standard US practice for donation after circulatory death (DCD) abdominal organ procurement is superrapid recovery (SRR). A newer approach using thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) shows promise for better recipient outcomes for all organs, but there are few reports of abdominal recipient outcomes from TA-NRP donors. We used the United Network for Organ Sharing data to identify all cardiac DCD donors from October 1, 2020, to May 20, 2022, and categorized them by recovery procedure (SRR vs TA-NRP). We then identified all liver, kidney, and pancreas recipients of these donors for whom 6-month outcome data were available and compared patient and graft survival, kidney delayed graft function (DGF), and biliary complications between TA-NRP DCD and SRR DCD organ recipients. Patient and graft survival did not differ significantly between groups for either kidney or liver recipients. Significantly fewer TA-NRP kidney recipients developed DGF (12.7% [15/118] vs 42.0% [84/200], P <.001), and TA-NRP and pumped kidneys had lower odds for DGF on multivariate analysis. No liver recipients in either group had biliary complications or were relisted for transplantation for ischemic cholangiopathy. Although long-term outcomes need to be investigated, our early results show similar outcomes for recipients of TA-NRP DCD abdominal organs versus recipients of SRR DCD abdominal organs. We believe that TA-NRP is an effective approach to expand the use of DCD organs.

CGE23-073: Tissue and Liquid Biopsy Utilization in Advanced NSCLC in a Large Community US Practice

CGE23-073: Tissue and Liquid Biopsy Utilization in Advanced NSCLC in a Large Community US Practice

A GIRL DEFINED BY GOD: BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD, ANTI-FEMINISM, AND WHITE EVANGELICAL MICROCELEBRITIES

Girl Defined is a cross-platform fundamentalist Evangelical Christian ministry started by two sisters, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal. The goal of their ministry is to encourage women to reject feminism, deny their personal desires, and live out God’s design for their lives: Biblical womanhood, which centers on traditional feminine gender performance, subordinance to one’s husband, and motherhood. This project seeks to understand the ways that white fundamentalist Christian women make sense of and mobilize against the feminist movement in order to augment our understanding of anti-feminist backlash and white Evangelical women’s place in the culture wars. Informed by research on white Evangelical women in the US and microcelebrity practices, I conducted a critical discourse analysis of 67 blog posts (2012-2021) and 14 YouTube videos (2016-2021) tagged “feminism” on the Girl Defined blog. This analysis demonstrates that Girl Defined portrays feminism as fundamentally self-interested and synonymous with mainstream secular culture. Clark and Beal appeal to their audiences by incorporating neoliberal logics of self-improvement while appropriating the language of progressive movements to modernize their presentation of traditional gender norms. Through their expansive construction of feminism as ideologically dominant, Girl Defined simplifies and individualizes women’s experiences to frame Biblical womanhood as a “radical” alternative to feminism. Overall, these findings provide insight into the paradoxical flexibility of hyper-conservative ideologies that center on a rigidly defined “us” vs. an ever-flexible “them” while expanding our understanding of the ways conservative thought leaders modernize old ideas and use digital networks and influencer logics to spread them.

AAPM task group report 275.S: Survey strategy and results on plan review and chart check practices in US and Canada.

AAPM Task Group (TG) 275 was charged with developing practical, evidence-based recommendations for physics plan and chart review clinical processes for radiation therapy. As part of this charge, and to characterize practices and clinical processes, a survey of the medical physics community was developed and conducted. Detailed analyses and trends based on the survey that exceeded TG report length constraints are presented herein. The design, development, and detailed results of the TG- 275 survey as well as statistical analysis and trends are described in detail. This is complementary material to the TG 275 report. The survey consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into four main sections: 1) Demographics, 2) Initial Plan Check, 3) On-Treatment, and 4) End-of-Treatment Chart Check. The survey was released to all AAPM members who self-reported working in the radiation oncology field, and it was kept open for 7weeks. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. To study practice differences, tests of association were performed using data grouped by four demographic questions: 1) Institution Type, 2) Average number of patients treated daily, 3) Radiation Oncology Electronic Medical Record, and 4) Perceived Culture of Safety. The survey captured 1370 non-duplicate entries from the United States and Canada. Differences across practices were grouped and presented based on Process-Based and Check-Specific questions. A risk-based summary was created to show differences amongst the four demographic questions for checks associated with the highest risk failure modes identified by TG-275. The TG-275 survey captured a baseline of practices on initial plan, on-treatment, and end-of-treatment checks across a wide variety of clinics and institutions. The results of test of association showed practice heterogeneities as a function of demographic characteristics. Survey data were successfully used to inform TG-275 recommendations.

US drone strikes, securitization processes and practices: A case study of Pakistan

ABSTRACT This article explores the importance of inter-related securitisation processes on each other, most notably the impact of securitisation practices in one country on the securitisation processes in another. It analyses the impact of US drone strikes on the securitisation processes related to the militancy conducted by successive Pakistani governments in the aftermath of 9/11. The successful securitisation of the war on terror by the US allowed the latter to take extraordinary measures to eliminate terrorism, most notably through the use of drone strikes. However, these securitisation practices inhibited the securitisation of militancy inside Pakistan. While we understand successful securitisation processes, we understand much less about unsuccessful securitisation cases. This article analyses the use of drone strikes as securitisation practices by the US and their impact on the unsuccessful securitisation process of militancy in Pakistan after 9/11. The empirical contribution of this article is its focus on the case of Pakistan where more than 400 drone strikes took place, reportedly killing approximately 7000 people. The article demonstrates how the drone strikes in Pakistan turned the war on terror into an American war and made it difficult for the domestic audience in Pakistan to accept the securitisation moves of the security actors.