Development and implementation of a clinical pathway for radiation of bone metastases on a palliative radiation oncology service.

Authors

null

Lisa Rotenstein

Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Lisa Rotenstein, Joseph Killoran, Tracy A. Balboni, Monica Shalini Krishnan, Allison Taylor, Neil E. Martin

Organizations

Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Brookline, MA, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

Research Funding

Other

Background: Clinical pathways increase compliance with treatment guidelines and reduce in-hospital complications. Evidence around treatment of complicated bone metastases is increasingly nuanced and although ASTRO/ACR recommend single fraction radiation therapy for uncomplicated bone metastases, implementation is variable. We sought to determine the effects of a bone metastases-focused clinical pathway on the practice patterns of our institution’s palliative radiation oncology service (SPRO), which sees 600 patients yearly and on a rotating basis, involves 23 physicians, 28 residents, 2 nurse practitioners, and 1 fellow. We hypothesized that pathway implementation would augment data-driven use of palliative radiation for bone metastases, including use of 8 Gy x 1 for uncomplicated metastases. It would also enhance physician efficiency and confidence. Methods: Using published literature, clinical guidelines, and expert input, we designed a comprehensive clinical pathway for bone metastases radiation. This was translated to a secure electronic interface as a decision support tool and integrated into daily SPRO workflows. Providers were surveyed pre and post implementation to assess expectations and elicit feedback. Rates of pathway compliance and reasons for non-compliance were assessed. Rates of 8 Gy x 1 use for uncomplicated metastases were compared pre and post implementation. Our aim was for approximately 70-80% on-pathway rates. Results: The final pathway, which includes twenty endpoints, integrates several validated scoring systems, including assessments of life expectancy, spinal stability, and appropriateness of surgical management. The pathway has been well received on the SPRO service, with addition of extra steps to workflows being the main cause of resistance to use. Data on rates of pathway adherence will be reported, and rates of 8 Gy x 1 use will be compared to the baseline of 22%. Conclusions: Our experience suggests the utility of pathways-based decision support for bone metastases radiation on a palliation consult service. Next steps include assessing the pathway’s effects on guideline-concordant care and calculating associated cost savings.

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2016 Palliative and Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session A

Track

Evaluation and Assessment of Patient Symptoms and Quality of Life,Integration and Delivery of Palliative Care in Cancer Care

Sub Track

Quality improvement activities

Citation

J Clin Oncol 34, 2016 (suppl 26S; abstr 170)

DOI

10.1200/jco.2016.34.26_suppl.170

Abstract #

170

Poster Bd #

J10

Abstract Disclosures

Similar Abstracts

Abstract

2017 Palliative and Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium

Impact of a clinical pathway tool on appropriate palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases.

First Author: Lisa Rotenstein

Abstract

2022 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Improving routine use of clinical pathway decision support through EMR integration.

First Author: Dinesh Kotak

First Author: Jianbin Li

First Author: Aarti Sonia Bhardwaj