Bylund, Carma L.

Abstract Context. Thyroid nodule ultrasound findings are crucial in guiding management decisions for patients with thyroid nodules. However, the frequency with which ultrasound images are discussed and reviewed with patients during clinical visits is not well understood. Objective. To assess how often thyroid ultrasound images are shown and discussed with patients during consultations, and to identify predictors of image review during clinical visits. Design and setting. Secondary analysis of a multicenter pilot randomized clinical trial conducted at two academic medical centers in the United States. Participants. Adults undergoing evaluation for thyroid nodules. Intervention. Participants were randomized to receive either usual care or care enhanced with a conversation aid. Main Outcome Measures. The primary outcome was the frequency of thyroid nodule imaging review evaluated as a binary outcome. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of predictors of image discussion. Results. Eighty-five patients were evaluated. Most participants were women (80%), mean age (60 years, SD 16), and White (86%), undergoing new patient visits (84%). Thyroid nodule ultrasound images were reviewed with patients in 53% of visits (45/85), and in all cases, clinicians initiated the imaging discussion. Predictors of image review included type of consultation (new patient visit) (OR 10.6, 95% CI: 1.79, 62.3). Age, sex, study arm, thyroid nodule size or cancer risk and plan of care (e.g., completing a biopsy) were not statistically associated with review of clinical images. Conclusions. Review of thyroid ultrasound images during clinical visits is relatively common, with consultation type serving as significant predictor.

ImportanceSurvivors of thyroid cancer represent 10% of all cancer survivors in the US, yet their unmet care needs remain unexplored. Understanding the unmet care needs of survivors of thyroid cancer could help develop targeted interventions to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.ObjectiveTo summarize the unmet care needs of survivors of thyroid cancer and programs to address them and to summarize the reporting and patterns of sociodemographic factors influencing these needs across studies.Evidence ReviewA systematic review and meta-narrative synthesis on studies published from January 2000 to September 2023 that evaluated the unmet needs of survivors of thyroid cancer or clinical programs to address them. The review included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. Two reviewers independently identified relevant articles and extracted data using standardized forms. Unmet care needs were summarized using the Supportive Care Framework for Cancer, whereas sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated according to the PROGRESS-Plus framework. A narrative synthesis was performed for quantitative studies, and a meta-narrative was created for qualitative studies. The risk of bias in the included studies was also assessed.FindingsWe included 14 quantitative studies (n = 8930) and 9 qualitative studies (n = 166) evaluating unmet care needs. Reported participant demographics were female (7653/9034 [85%]), White (2497/2986 [84%]), 40 years or older (2497/2986 [58%]), well-educated (1493/2124 [70%]), married or in stable relationships (1445/2114 [68%]), and English-speaking (1815/1915 [95%]). Quantitative studies primarily assessed and demonstrated unmet psychological and informational needs among survivors of thyroid cancer. Qualitative synthesis highlighted the negative impact of thyroid cancer’s perception as a “good cancer,” unmet informational and emotional support needs throughout survivorship stages, and practical hindrances in daily life. Sociodemographic data reporting was limited to a few factors influencing thyroid cancer care (eg, age, sex reported in >90% vs socioeconomic status <10%). One interventional study evaluating a patient navigation program was identified.Conclusions and RelevanceThis systematic review found that adult survivors of thyroid cancer report unmet informational, psychological, emotional, and practical support needs, which may be influenced by the good cancer label. Although patient demographics shape thyroid cancer care experiences and needs, population description is primarily limited to age and sex, overlooking other important variables that can affect care.

Abstract Objectives Diagnostic reconciliation is the collaborative process between patients and clinicians to create and reconcile evidence-based, feasible, and desirable care plans. However, the specific components of this process remain unclear. The objective of this study was to develop the first comprehensive framework to elucidate the diagnostic reconciliation process. Methods We followed a multi-step and iterative approach to develop the framework, including a focused systematic review of diagnostic conversations, quantitative evaluation of recordings of real-life clinical visits recordings, and stakeholder engagement (e.g., patients, clinicians, researchers). Results We identified 17 potential components to the process of diagnostic reconciliation through literature review and stakeholder engagement. After review of 56 clinical visits and further stakeholder engagement, we developed a final framework including four categories: 1) understanding the need for a test/referral, 2) logistics of test/referral scheduling, 3) test/referral information, and 4) test/referral results. Conclusions The proposed framework lays the foundation for evaluation and improvement of diagnostic conversations in practice. Clinicians can enhance patient-centered diagnosis by co-creating diagnostic plans of care in practice and using the components described in the novel diagnostic reconciliation framework.

AbstractObjectiveTo support patient‐centred care and the collaboration of patients and clinicians, we developed and pilot tested a conversation aid for patients with thyroid nodules.Design, Patient and MeasurementsWe developed a web‐based Thyroid NOdule Conversation aid (TNOC) following a human‐centred design. A proof of concept observational pre–post study was conducted (TNOC vs. usual care [UC]) to assess the impact of TNOC on the quality of conversations. Data sources included recordings of clinical visits, post‐encounter surveys and review of electronic health records. Summary statistics and group comparisons are reported.ResultsSixty‐five patients were analysed (32 in the UC and 33 in the TNOC cohort). Most patients were women (89%) with a median age of 57 years and were incidentally found to have a thyroid nodule (62%). Most thyroid nodules were at low risk for thyroid cancer (71%) and the median size was 1.4 cm. At baseline, the groups were similar except for higher numeracy in the TNOC cohort. The use of TNOC was associated with increased involvement of patients in the decision‐making process, clinician satisfaction and discussion of relevant topics for decision making. In addition, decreased decisional conflict and fewer thyroid biopsies as the next management step were noted in the TNOC cohort. No differences in terms of knowledge transfer, length of consultation, thyroid cancer risk perception or concern for thyroid cancer diagnosis were found.ConclusionIn this pilot observational study, using TNOC in clinical practice was feasible and seemed to help the collaboration of patients and clinicians.

Abstract There are few data on the quality of cancer treatment information available on social media. Here, we quantify the accuracy of cancer treatment information on social media and its potential for harm. Two cancer experts reviewed 50 of the most popular social media articles on each of the 4 most common cancers. The proportion of misinformation and potential for harm were reported for all 200 articles and their association with the number of social media engagements using a 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Of 200 total articles, 32.5% (n = 65) contained misinformation and 30.5% (n = 61) contained harmful information. Among articles containing misinformation, 76.9% (50 of 65) contained harmful information. The median number of engagements for articles with misinformation was greater than factual articles (median [interquartile range] = 2300 [1200-4700] vs 1600 [819-4700], P = .05). The median number of engagements for articles with harmful information was statistically significantly greater than safe articles (median [interquartile range] = 2300 [1400-4700] vs 1500 [810-4700], P = .007).

4045 Background: Our group previously reported on patient (Pt) recollections of adjuvant therapy (AT) for colon cancer and their grading of medical oncologists (MO) regarding various aspects of care. Overall, MO were highly rated, but grades for presenting information were lower, and patient expectations about side effects often did not match experiences. To further examine the Pt experience with AT, a prospective study was launched in Feb 2008. Methods: Pts with Stage II/III colon cancer about to begin or within 4 months of starting AT were recruited for a 4-part survey regarding sources and quality of treatment information and their experiences with AT. The survey also asked Pts to provide a grade (A-F) for their MO in 8 areas. Results: 85 Pts (71% female, 79% Stage III, median age 52 years) completed Part 1 of the survey. 93% stated that their MO explained the risks and benefits of AT. Of those, 92% stated they understood this information completely or almost completely (3 or 4 on a 0–4 scale) and 79% received numerical estimates of recurrence risk with and without treatment. When questioned about the potential absolute benefit of AT, 26% of Pts who received numerical estimates “had no idea” and other answers ranged from 3% to 100% for recurrence risk. Pt grade point averages for their MO ranged from 3.0 to 3.6 ( Table 1 ). As in the prior survey, expectations about side effects frequently did not accurately reflect experiences. For example, 54% of Pts expected alopecia but only 5% experienced it to a significant degree. 84% of Pts also sought information from websites, and 87% rated this as helpful and valuable (3 or 4 on a 0–4 scale). Conclusions: Pts are generally satisfied with their MO but less so with the presentation of treatment-related information and thus frequently consult additional resources, such as cancer information websites. This suggests an opportunity for improved information delivery within oncology offices and via the Internet. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

4020 Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) presents a substantial patient education challenge to medical oncologists (MOs). Findings from our 2005 pilot survey suggest that a significant fraction of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are willing to undergo AC for modest treatment benefits, but their understanding of risks and benefits may be suboptimal. This project attempted to validate these findings by surveying patients with CRC (Pts) who previously received AC. Methods: 150 Pts who received AC for CRC in the last 5 years were recruited to listen to an audio program on AC featuring interviews with clinical investigators (CIs) and Pts who received AC. Based on this input, Pts were asked whether they would undergo the same AC again for varying absolute treatment benefits. A corresponding survey asked 24 CRC CIs and 150 MOs to predict how patients would respond. The survey also queried Pts about their expectations of and experiences with AC side effects. Results: About 1/3 of Pts would be treated again with AC for a 1% absolute reduction in recurrence risk (ARRR), and about 2/3 believed a 5% ARRR would justify treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between responses of males and females or between Pts receiving oxaliplatin (OX) and those receiving other regimens. ( Table 1 ) The corresponding estimates of CIs and MOs were lower. Additionally, AC side effects were different than expected: 57% and 66% of Pts experienced less GI toxicity and alopecia, respectively, while 38% and 46% of Pts receiving OX experienced greater cold intolerance and numbness. Conclusions: Many potential obstacles exist in communicating with Pts about AC including heterogeneity in Pts’ attitudes towards risk/benefit trade-offs and preconceptions about treatment side effects. The next step in this initiative will be to examine these issues prospectively by evaluating the impact of an audio/web education supplement on the decision-making process. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.