NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL
Jennifer Carrie Obel, Bruce Brockstein, Tiffany Benfield, Chad Konchak, Ari Robicsek, Michael Raymond, Cory Tabachow, Maureen Kharasch, Michael Marschke, Thomas A. Hensing
Background: To increase and systematize outpatient ACP, our quality improvement team developed enhancements in 2 oncologists’ cohorts of newly diagnosed, incurable cancer patients (pts). At 1st consultation, an ACP form is given to pts; a nurse assesses knowledge about medical POAs and goals of care. Pts return for chemotherapy teaching and ACP education session conducted by a nurse utilizing an ACP workbook describing end-of-life (EOL) scenarios. After reviewing the workbook, the nurse or social worker fills out an Advance Directive Note (ADN). At next visit, the oncologist reviews the plan, cosigns the ADN and inputs code status orders (CSOs). Alternatively, oncologists may choose to create the ADN. Methods: An EOL quality database of 9 metrics was created via the Electronic Health Record to measure quality of EOL care for cancer patients. Before pilot implementation, baseline assessment of ACP documentation in deceased cancer pts was obtained utilizing the EOL database for a 3 month time frame (12/12-2/13) for 2 oncologists (GI and thoracic oncology). These rates are compared to ACP documentation for newly diagnosed incurable cancer patients in the outpatient clinic during the 3 month pilot occurring from 3/13-5/13. Results: During the pilot, 5/13 (38%) new thoracic oncology patients and 13/17 (76%) GI patients had outpatient ADNs. The average days to ADN placement from 1st visit, was 14 and 10 in thoracic and GI, respectively. GI oncology placed 6/13 ADNs on the 1st visit; 12/13 GI pts had ADNs placed less than 10 days from 1st visit. GI oncology also placed 10/17 outpatient CSOs of which 8/10 were less than 10 days from 1st visit. In the same thoracic oncologist’s deceased patients during the baseline period, 2/20 (10%) had outpatient ADNs compared to 7/20 who had inpatient ADNs; 2/20 thoracic patients had outpatient CSOs compared to 15/20 with inpatient CSOs. In two comparable practices which did not participate in the pilot from 3/13-5/13, 0/26 and 1/26 new patients had outpatient ADNs and CSOs, respectively. Conclusions: Outpatient ACP is feasible early in the care of cancer patients through systematic improvement in work flow and motivated providers. Future research will focus on whether ACP soon after a cancer diagnosis affects downstream metrics of quality and cost of care during EOL.
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