A trainee-led quality improvement project to improve fertility preservation counseling and access to fertility preservation services for persons with cancer.

Authors

Arjun Gupta

Arjun Gupta

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

Arjun Gupta, Laura Sena, Ramy Sedhom, Susan Combs Scott, Amanda Brooks Kagan, Andrew Harris Marple, Jenna VanLiere Canzoniero, Melinda Laine Hsu, Syed Hussaini, Amin S. Herati, Lauren Reschke, Maria F. Antero, Mindy Christianson, Adam F Binder, Allen Ray Sing Chen, Ross C. Donehower, Kristen Marrone

Organizations

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Oncology, Baltimore, MD, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Gynecology and Obstetrics-Reproductive Endocrinology, Baltimore, MD, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, Johns Hopkins Hosp, Baltimore, MD

Research Funding

Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Background: For patients of reproductive age with cancer, counseling regarding reproductive risks associated with systemic therapy and facilitating access to fertility services are essential to quality care. We conducted a quality improvement study to improve rates of fertility preservation counseling at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) in Baltimore, MD. Methods: We formed a multidisciplinary team as part of the ASCO Quality Training Program. We aimed to increase the rate of fertility preservation counseling for patients of reproductive age (18-40 years) with newly diagnosed cancer who were initiating systemic therapy from a baseline (June 2019- January 2020) of 36.7% (25/ 68) to 70.0% by February, 2021. Data sources included the electronic medical record and direct verification with patients by phone. We surveyed patients, oncologists, and experts in reproductive endocrinology and urology to identify barriers to optimal care. After considering a prioritization matrix, we implemented Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Results: We identified the following improvement opportunities: (1) oncologist under confidence about counseling, (2) oncologist lack of knowledge about local fertility preservation options/ processes, and (3) lack of a standardized referral mechanism to reproductive endocrinology/ urology. The first PDSA cycle was disrupted due to COVID-19; from February 2020-August 2020, we introduced the initiative at oncology disease site meetings (e.g., leukemia). In September 2020, we implemented a second PDSA cycle. Our interventions included (1) presenting the baseline data and fellow-led initiative at Oncology Grand Rounds (attended by 150 staff members), (2) creating and distributing paper and electronic informative pamphlets to oncologists and patients, and (3) implementing an electronic medical record order set. This order set included instructions for providers and patients, necessary laboratory studies, and a referral to reproductive endocrinology or orders for cryopreservation of sperm. It also added the following to a patient’s after visit summary: contact information for a dedicated fertility coordinator, estimated costs of services, and financial assistance programs. Post-implementation (September 2020- February 2021), the percentage of patients who reported receiving fertility preservation counseling increased from 36.7% to 80.9% (38/ 47). A sustained shift in the process was apparent on a control chart. Conclusions: Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrate how a trainee-led, patient-centered initiative improved fertility care services for people with cancer. Ongoing work focuses on ensuring sustainability of change, assessing the quality of counseling, and evaluating the impact on utilization of fertility care services.

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2021 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session B: Patient Experience; Quality, Safety, and Implementation Science; Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care

Track

Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care,Patient Experience,Quality, Safety, and Implementation Science,Cost, Value, and Policy,Health Care Access, Equity, and Disparities

Sub Track

Quality Improvement Research and Implementation Science

Citation

J Clin Oncol 39, 2021 (suppl 28; abstr 237)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.237

Abstract #

237

Poster Bd #

C10

Abstract Disclosures

Funded by Conquer Cancer

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