Improving management of comorbidity in patients with colorectal cancer using comprehensive medical assessment: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Screening for and active management of comorbidity soon after cancer diagnosis shows promise in altering cancer treatment and outcomes for comorbid patients. Prior to a large multi-centre study, piloting of the intervention (comprehensive medical assessment) was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of the comorbidity screening tools and proposed outcome measures, and the feasibility, acceptability and potential effect of the intervention. Methods: In this pilot intervention study, 72 patients of all ages (36 observation/36 intervention) with newly diagnosed or recently relapsed colorectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled and underwent comorbidity screening and risk stratification. Intervention patients meeting pre-specified comorbidity criteria were referred for intervention, a comprehensive medical assessment carried out by geriatricians. Each intervention was individually tailored but included assessment and management of comorbidity, polypharmacy, mental health particularly depression, functional status and psychosocial issues. Recruitment and referral to intervention were tracked, verbal and written feedback were gathered from staff, and semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 13 patients to assess screening tool and intervention feasibility and acceptability. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. Patients were followed for 6-12 months after recruitment to assess feasibility of proposed outcome measures (chemotherapy uptake and completion rates, grade 3-5 treatment toxicity, attendance at hospital emergency clinic, and unplanned hospitalisations) and descriptive data on outcomes collated. Results: Of the 29 intervention patients eligible for the intervention, 21 received it with feedback indicating that the intervention was acceptable. Those in the intervention group were less likely to be on 3+ medications, to have been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months, or to have limitations in daily activities. Collection of data to measure proposed outcomes was feasible with 55% (6/11) of intervention patients completing chemotherapy as planned compared to none (of 14) of the control group. No differences were seen in other outcome measures. Overall the study was feasible with modification, but the intervention was difficult to integrate into clinical pathways. Conclusions: This study generated valuable results that will be used to guide modification of the study and its approaches prior to progressing to a larger-scale study.

Impact of COVID-19 related movement restrictions on the follow-up care visits of adults with chronic conditions: A Saudi arabian survey study

“…The results of our study indicate that individuals with high scores for COVID-19 fear were more likely to miss follow-up care visits. Studies have shown that individuals with chronic conditions experience poor healthcare management after experiencing a major health shock such as cancer ( Garg et al, 2018 , Signal et al, 2020 ). Mental health interventions and support programs are also crucial to improve mental health during crises, especially among individuals with chronic conditions.…”

Clinical Effectiveness of Oncological Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Is Independent of Comorbidities and Age

“…Focusing on the optimization of comorbid conditions is a key issue in these cases. Preliminary data show that the probability of completing a planned systemic treatment is higher if comorbidities are extensively managed and can potentially be increased by interdisciplinary care consisting of oncologists working together with geriatricians [46,47].…”

Guidelines for Evaluating the Feasibility of Recruitment in Pilot Studies of Diverse Populations: An Overlooked but Important Component

“…28 In a pilot feasibility study on managing comorbidity of colorectal cancer patients, investigators recruited 72 patients (the goal was 124). 27 Because patients were only eligible prior to surgery and recruiters reported that many patients were too overwhelmed to join may need to be found. In a feasibility study of biomarkers for cerebral amyloid angiopathy, patients were identified from a single specialist center.…”

“…More often than not, studies fall short of their recruitment goals in a specific time frame. [25][26][27][28][29] Occasionally, studies achieve their goal 30 or even surpass the goal 31 suggesting that the recruitment methods were successful.…”