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Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to investigate clinical outcomes in overhead athletes undergoing biceps tenodesis for the treatment of symptomatic, isolated SLAP tears involving the biceps-labral complex. Methods: A retrospective review of overhead athletes who underwent biceps tenodesis for a SLAP tear was performed. The American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo surgery again, revisions, and return to play (RTP) were evaluated. Psychological readiness to return to sport was evaluated using the SLAP-Return to Sport after Injury (SLAP-RSI) score. A p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The current study included 44 overhead athletes. The mean age was 34.9 (16-46), 79.5% were males, and the mean follow-up was 49 months (18-107). Overall, we found that 81.8% of patients returned to play their overhead sport following biceps tenodesis, and 59.1% of patients returned to the same or higher level of play. It took patients on average 8.7 months to return to play following biceps tenodesis. The mean SLAP-RSI score was 69.3, and 70.5 % of patients passed the SLAP-RSI threshold of 56. The mean scores for ASES, VAS, SSV, and satisfaction were 92, 0.8, 80.5, and 87.9%, respectively. No patients in our cohort required a revision surgery. Conclusions: This study found that athletes undergoing biceps tenodesis as the treatment for a symptomatic, isolated SLAP tear had a high rate of return to play, good functional outcomes, and a low rate of revision surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caregivers for patients with ovarian cancer (OC) often carry a considerable emotional and financial burden. Objective: This analysis evaluated sociodemographic characteristics and cancer-related burden in caregivers of patients with OC. Methods: Adult caregivers of US patients with OC identified through patient advocacy groups, physicians, and panel groups completed online/paper surveys (English/Spanish). Outcomes included caregiver responsibilities, human impact (Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire), health-related quality of life (CarerQol-7D and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires), work impact, and financial impact. Results: Caregivers (n=80) were diverse in age (mean, 47.3 y; range, 19-75 y), patient treatment (surveillance, 42%; IV treatment, 25%; daily pills, 23%; chemotherapy, 10%), and ethnicity (most common: White, 55%; Black, 20%; Hispanic/Latino, 10%). They were mainly partners/adult children of patients (85%). Most caregivers reported working/studying (64%) alongside caring. Despite providing support for a mean of 26.9 months, caregivers rarely received financial support (10%), and most household medical expenses were spent on the patient (mean monthly household medical costs, $263.00; mean monthly patient medical costs, $213.40). To provide care, 25% of caregivers changed living arrangements. Emotional (92%) and logistical supports (travel, 74%; shopping, 69%; preparing meals, 62%) were most frequent, often at high/substantial levels (emotional, 71%; travel, 55%; shopping, 53%; preparing meals, 40%). Most nonresident caregivers (19%) travelled by car (73%) and often over 5 miles (53%) to provide support. Caregivers reported moderate/extreme anxiety/depression (55%) and moderate/severe burden of care (33%). Mean CarerQol-7D utility score for informal care situation was 73.8 (range, 0-100; best-worst informal care situation), and 52% were physically healthy. Conclusions: Caregivers of patients with OC reported burdens including anxiety/depression, work/financial impact, and quality-of-life impairment. Further investigations are needed to determine effects of specific patient treatments on caregivers and interventions to assist in providing care. Additionally, future research could assess caregiver burden by patient and disease characteristics. Funding: This study (214511) was sponsored by GSK, Waltham, MA. Editorial support for the original abstract was provided by Fishawack Health and funded by GSK. The editorial and reformatting support for this encore abstract was funded by GSK (Waltham, MA) and provided by Ashfield MedComms, an Inizio company. Data p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral chemotherapy accounts for 50% of newly prescribed cancer treatments. Patients report convenience and flexibility of home administration, citing reduced barriers to treatment. Studies report barriers to adherence related to symptom management. Standardizing processes can reduce processing time, increase compliance and safety, and improve the experience for patients and staff. Objective: To create a standardized process led by an oral chemotherapy nurse navigator (OCNN) that accounts for all patients prescribed oral oncolytics; improves order-to-delivery time; assures appropriate pharmacy utilization; retains revenue within the organization's network facilities; improves adherence to treatment plan and patient safety; and improves the experience of patients and staff. Methods: The current process was defined, and issues and barriers were outlined using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) process. A dedicated OCNN was tasked with creating a standardized workflow. In collaboration with the electronic medical record (EMR) vendor, a report was generated identifying all patients who were prescribed an oral oncolytic. Parameters were set in the EMR to create prompts for refill and compliance call reminders. Network specialty pharmacies were contacted, and a pharmacy care coordinator (PCC) team was established to process all prescriptions, including insurance verification, utilization of appropriate specialty pharmacy, co-payment verification, and patient assistance with co-payment and drug assistance programs. Communication lines were established to inform the patient and team regarding drug delivery. All information is scanned into the EMR, improving documentation, safety, and communication. The workflow is organized and well documented, leading to increased staff satisfaction. Results: The standardized process replaced a paper-based system using notebooks and sticky notes. The EMR report identified 140 patients on oral chemotherapy. All patients were easily tracked, and the OCNN was prompted to make compliance calls and refill reminders. Compliance calls improved safety, as patient treatment was withheld based on reported symptoms. Through the team approach, prior authorization time was reduced from 10 to 14 days to 2 to 3 days, and appropriate pharmacy use increased from 60% to 100%, resulting in a greater than 80% reduction in processing fees for each prescription. Patients were alerted to medication delivery and received them in a timely manner. The process decreased risk to the patient and the organization, and improved the experience for patients and staff. Conclusion: Standardizing the process for oral chemotherapy prescription processing and compliance checks through the PDSA tool improved patient safety, the experience of patients and staff, and retained revenue within the organization network. The OCNN is able to identify, track, and monitor adherence for each patient throughout the treatment plan. The process is outlined in detail, allowing covering nurses to seamlessly complete the work; in addition, the process could be used across the network facilities. Next steps include tracking the outcome of compliance calls related to symptom management and the percentage of patient treatments withheld due to information gathered during the call. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on American Headache Society 65th Annual Scientific Meeting June 15-18, 2023 Austin, Texas to improve the lives of people impacted by migraine and other headache disorders, by encouraging scientific research and educating physicians, health professionals and the public. Topics include Preclinical Science; Clinical Presentation or Diagnosis; Epidemiology and Health Outcomes; Headache Education and it provides information on various topics covered in publications.

An editorial is presented on American Occupational Therapy Association's AOTA INSPIRE 2022 Annual Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas. Topics include attending the continuing education seminars, scientific research and technology panels, posters, short courses, tech labs, workshops and special events; and factors associated with requesting accommodations among people with multiple sclerosis, musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers, and veterinary healthcare professions.

Purpose: Presently, there are six undergraduate HRSA-funded MCH pipeline training programs (MCHPTP) in the nation and they have gained significant momentum since inception by recruiting, training and mentoring undergraduate students in a comprehensive MCH-focused approach. This article describes the outcomes from the 6 training programs; and primarily Baylor College of Medicine–Texas Southern University (BCM–TSU's) collaborative strategy focusing on the MCH research training and outcomes, which align with HRSA's MCH bureau's missions. Description: Each MCHPTP offers trainees interdisciplinary MCH research experiences through intra/inter-institutional collaborations and partnerships, but BCM–TSU's MCHPTP was the only one with the primary focus to be research. As a case study, the BCM–TSU Program developed an innovative research curriculum integrated with MCH Foundations Course that comprised 2 hour weekly meetings. Students were split into collaborative research groups of 4–5 students, with multidisciplinary peer-mentors, clinical fellows and MCH research faculty from institutions at the world—renowned Texas Medical Center. Assessment: Since the inception of the MCH mentorship programs, all six MCHPTPs have enrolled up to 1890 trainees and/or interns. BCM–TSU Program trainees are defined as undergraduate students in their 1st or 2nd year of college while research interns are upper classmen in their 3rd or 4th year of college. The case study showed that BCM–TSU Program trainees demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the area of research through primary and co-authorships of 13 peer-reviewed journal publications by 78 trainees, over a period of 3 years, in addition to dozens of presentations at local, regional and national conferences. Conclusions: The research productivity of students in the six MCHPTPs is strongly indicative of the success of integrating MCH research mentoring into MCH didactic training. The development of a diverse and robust MCH mentorship program promotes and strengthens research activities in areas of high priority such as addressing health disparities in MCH morbidity and mortality in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is a noninvasive, locoregional treatment approved in several countries globally, as well as by the US Food and Drug Administration, for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), recurrent GBM, and pleural mesothelioma. Oncology nurse navigators enhance patients' treatment experience by providing education on TTFields therapy and practical resources. TTFields therapy usage positively correlates with enhanced survival; patient education on this relationship is integral to maximize usage and, therefore, survival benefit. Objective: To evaluate real-world TTFields therapy usage, patient education regarding therapy, and overall satisfaction with therapy among a cohort of US patients with GBM. Methods: In 2022, real-world experiences of 1332 US patients with GBM receiving TTFields therapy (NovoTTF-200A; Novocure® GmbH) were analyzed according to time on therapy: first-time users (n=403), ~60 days posttreatment initiation (n=554), and 6 months from treatment start (n=375). Patient satisfaction surveys were conducted via mail (73%) or online (27%). Results: Overall, 54% of first-time users decided to use TTFields therapy within 1 week; the most common reason for delaying treatment was to obtain additional information (n=43). Education on, and comfort with, the device was important; most first-time patients recommended in-person assistance (85%) over online assistance for treatment initiation. Among 6-month users, there was a high rate of satisfaction with patient resources (rated very/somewhat useful: brochures, 83%; website, 84%; patient video, 83%). Important information for new users included hands-on experience, comfort and scalp skincare tips, patient testimonials, troubleshooting guidance, and advice for integrating TTFields therapy into daily life. Most 60- day users (92%) agreed that monthly usage data were valuable. Overall satisfaction was high across all 3 cohorts but decreased marginally in 6-month users. Lifestyle integration, device logistics, skin irritation, and unawareness of the positive correlation between usage and long-term survival outcomes were areas requiring improved educational efforts. Conclusion: Effective patient/caregiver/healthcare provider education on TTFields therapy is critical for ensuring informed decision-making, usage, and overall satisfaction. Oncology nurse navigators represent a vital link between the healthcare provider and patient and, as such, should be an integral component in the GBM patient education process. Patient education and satisfaction may optimize TTFields therapy usage through increased awareness of the relationship between usage and survival outcomes. Therefore, long-term TTFields therapy users should receive ongoing education and encouragement to maintain usage, thus maximizing survival outcomes. Further education for oncology nurse navigators to gain a deeper understanding of TTFields therapy will enhance patient/caregiver education and awareness. Funding: This research was sponsored by Novocure Inc. All authors are employees of Novocure Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non--small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) causes significant symptom burden, particularly at advanced stages. Objectives: To gain insight into patients' experience of advanced/ metastatic (adv/met) NSCLC and to identify the symptoms and daily life impacts of importance to patients. Methods: Semistructured, qualitative interviews using open-ended questions and lasting 45 to 60 minutes were conducted by telephone/virtual platform with US patients with a confirmed diagnosis of adv/met NSCLC to explore symptomatology and disease impacts on daily life. Results: Overall, 19 patients (aged 28-71 y; 95% female) were interviewed. Most patients were receiving targeted therapy (63%) and were diagnosed with adv/met NSCLC more than 12 months prior (79%). Patients frequently reported 14 symptoms, with the most common being shortness of breath/difficulty breathing (n=16), fatigue (n=16), cough (n=13), and pain (eg, chest, back; n=9). Patients had difficulty distinguishing disease-related symptoms from treatment-related symptoms, particularly cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms (n=9), hair/skin/nail issues (n=4), sensory changes (eg, vision/taste; n=3), and swelling (n=2) were described as treatment-related symptoms. Patients reported impacts on physical functioning (mainly difficulty walking [n=16]), psychological well-being (mainly anxiety/depression [n=16]), and activities of daily living (ADLs; mainly difficulty performing daily tasks [n=13]). Walking and ADLs were impacted by fatigue and shortness of breath, although pain also contributed to difficulty with ADLs. Patients linked coughing to impaired ability to sleep, impacts on ADLs like conversations/laughing, and impacts on psychological well-being. Conclusions: These interviews indicate that patients with adv/met NSCLC are negatively impacted by disease-related and treatment-related symptoms. Understanding the symptoms and impacts most relevant to patients can help inform which patient-reported outcomes reflect treatment benefits in clinical trials and can support treatment decision- making in clinical practice. Funding: GSK provided funding for this research study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concussion patients may manifest changes in exercise tolerance (ET). Since the visual system is affected as well, investigating the relationship between ET and vision could prove useful in developing better rehabilitation strategies. Hypothesis/Purpose: To explore trends between ET and visual fatigue in pediatric concussion patients. Methods: A Retrospective chart review of 63 pediatric concussion patients ages 12-21 was collected from 11/05/21 to 6/10/21. Each patient completed a validated symptom-related questionnaire resulting in quantitative clinical profile (CP) score (0-89) and ocular profile subtype (OPS) score (0-3) with higher scores indicating worse symptoms. The OPS score is a weighted score based off of 5 vision focused questions regarding visual symptoms and visual fatigue. Each patient was also evaluated by a physician and classified into an active rehabilitation (AR) step (Step 1-5) based on exertional testing results using heart rate to establish exertional threshold at the visit. Patients were split up into low ET level (n=10) who could not exceed HR<140bpm and high ET level (n=53) who exhibited vigorous to maximal intensities all tolerating HR>140bpm. Near point convergence (NPC) and other objective exam markers were also evaluated at each patient visit. A paired two sample t-test compared the differences in their OPS and objective clinical data. Results: The low ET group averaged an OPS score of 1.84, CP score of 43.20, and a physician measured average NPC of 9.96 cm, while the high ET group averaged an OPS score of 0.68, CP score of 13.87, and a physician measured NPC of 9.06 cm (Table 1). T-test for the OPS and CP score revealed statistically significant differences (p value of 4.04E-05 and 3.49E-06 respectively) while the t-test for NPC had a p-value of 0.491. Conclusion: Visual fatigue as endorsed by the OPS score may be a critical subjective marker in predicting ET in pediatric athletes after concussion. Those tolerating vigorous or maximal exertion generally had significantly lower OPS scores, despite similar NPC findings in this small sample. Further studies are required to confirm this trend and how it may affect exertional rehabilitation strategies. Table 1: Ocular Profile Score (OPS), Near Point Convergence (NPC), Clinical Profile Score (CPS) in low vs high exercise tolerance (ET) patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]