The development of a comprehensive, institution-based patient risk evaluation program: I. Development, content, and data management.

M R Spitz; J J Fueger; L G Borrud; G R Newell

PubMed · 3166822

The development of a comprehensive, institution-based patient risk evaluation program: I. Development, content, and data management.

M R Spitz·J J Fueger·L G Borrud·G R Newell

Abstract

There is a need for standardization of risk factor questionnaires for epidemiological research. This paper describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive cancer risk evaluation program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A detailed self-administered questionnaire is given to all newly registered adult patients. The format of the instrument, coding systems, quality control measures, and data entry mechanisms are discussed. The criteria for the choice of a data base management system are outlined. The identification of high-risk patient subgroups is possible, and it is feasible to link this data base with clinical and biochemical data. There is considerable potential for collaborative research using this risk evaluation program, bringing together basic scientists, clinicians, and epidemiologists.

Explore related subjects

Cancer Care Facilities Database Management Systems Epidemiologic Methods Humans Neoplasms Research Design Risk Software Surveys and Questionnaires Texas Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

M R Spitz, J J Fueger, L G Borrud, G R Newell. The development of a comprehensive, institution-based patient risk evaluation program: I. Development, content, and data management.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3166822/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

A survey of National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers' oral health supportive care practices and resources in the USA.

BACKGROUND: The oral complications and morbidity resulting from overall cancer therapy utilizing radiation, chemotherapy, and/or stem cell transplantation can have significant impact on a patient's health, quality of life, cost of care, and cancer management. There has been minimal health services research focusing on the status of medically necessary, oral supportive services at US cancer centers. METHODS: A pre-tested, survey questionnaire was distributed to the directors of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers to assess each institution's resource availability and clinical practices, as it relates to the prevention and management of oral complications during cancer treatment. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 39 comprehensive cancer centers responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 56% of the centers did not have a dental department. The sites of delivery of oral supportive care services range from the provision of in-house dental care to community-based, private practice sites. No standard protocols were in place for either oral preventive care or for supportive services for oral complications during or after cancer therapy. Fifty percent of the responding comprehensive cancer centers reported orally focused research and/or clinical trial activities. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive cancer care must include an oral care component, particularly for those cancer patients who are at high risk for oral complications. This requires a functional team of oral care providers collaborating closely within the oncology team. Considering the number of cancer patients receiving aggressive oncologic treatment that may result in oral toxicity, the impact of oral conditions on a compromised host, and the potential lack of appropriate resources and healthcare personnel to manage these complications, future research efforts are needed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of present oral supportive care delivery systems at both NCI-designated cancer centers and community-based oncology practices.

Cancer Care Facilities↗

PubMed2006

The impact of literacy on health-related quality of life measurement and outcomes in cancer outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Research is needed to develop measurement techniques for low literacy populations and to evaluate potential literacy-related measurement bias. METHODS: A Talking Touchscreen (TT) was developed for an HRQL study. Low (n = 214) and high literacy (n = 201) adult cancer outpatients participated, 70% of whom were from racial/ethnic minorities. Patients completed three questionnaires by TT: FACT-G (cancer-specific), SF-36 (generic health status), and a standard gamble utility questionnaire. Measurement bias was evaluated using item response theory (IRT). Effects of literacy on HRQL were evaluated using regression models. RESULTS: Most (97%) patients rated the TT easy to use. In IRT analysis, 6/27 FACT-G and 12/31 SF-36 items demonstrated literacy bias; this was relatively balanced (10 items 'biased against' low literacy; 8 'biased against' high literacy). Mean literacy group differences were statistically and clinically non-significant for 9/14 HRQL outcomes. Adjustment for bias and/or covariates eliminated most remaining differences. CONCLUSIONS: The TT is valid and useful for HRQL assessment in low literacy populations. There appears to be no systematic literacy bias in reporting HRQL, and low literacy is not an independent risk factor for poorer HRQL.

Cancer Care Facilities↗

PubMed2006

Patient assistance programs and patient advocacy foundations: alternatives for obtaining prescription medications when insurance fails.

PURPOSE: The role of patient assistance programs and patient advocacy foundations as a safety net for Americans without health insurance or with inadequate insurance, the financial impact of 14 years of experience promoting enrollment in such programs at a cancer treatment center, and resources and strategies that pharmacists can use to increase patient enrollment and access to needed medications are discussed. SUMMARY: Various patient assistance programs and patient advocacy foundations offer financial and other support for patients who need help obtaining prescription medications because they lack health insurance or their insurance fails to meet their needs. Patients must complete an application and provide personal financial information. Efforts by a pharmacist at a cancer treatment center to enroll patients in such programs produced a marked reduction in write-offs over a 14-year period. Pharmacists can promote patient enrollment in assistance programs by screening for costly drugs and patients who are likely to have difficulty obtaining these drugs. These patients include those who exceed Medicaid coverage or for whom Medicaid coverage is pending, patients without any health insurance, patients without a prescription drug benefit, patients for whom the planned drug therapy is not covered by insurance, and patients enrolled in charity programs. CONCLUSION: Patient assistance programs and patient advocacy foundations provide a valuable safety net to ensure that Americans without health insurance or with inadequate coverage receive needed prescription medications.

Cancer Care Facilities↗