In 2019 we conducted the following screening and prevention studies:
Some of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), untreated high-risk HPV infection can lead to anal, cervical, vaginal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccines can prevent infections and HPV-related cancers.
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA -2018/2019) report lists low vaccination rates, 20% in King county, as one of the risk behaviors linked to these cancers. This study provides an overview of Virginia Mason’s efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates from 46% in January of 2019 to 57% by August 2019.
Additional details about the studies can be found here:
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) report for 2018-2019 indicates cancer is leading cause of death in King County. The report also showed Lung Cancer has the 3rd highest incidence (newly diagnosed cases) in King county. The CHNA cited smoking as a risk behavior for cancer and indicated that this is most prevalent in American Indian and Native Alaskan (AINA) youth and adults. Virginia Mason Cancer Registry data (2015–2018) confirmed that we see an average of 202 new cases per year with 33% diagnosed in late stages.
Research on early lung screening resulting in decrease of late stage lung cancers is well document. This study provides an overview of Virginia Mason’s ongoing Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) Lung Screening program and how it has led to early detection.
Additional details about the studies can be found here:
In 2018 we conducted the following quality and improvement studies:
To determine the utility of routine measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before the administration of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy (DOX) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Conclusion
The decision to administer DOX was influenced by LVEF status only when previous CD was factored out. Furthermore, CHF incidence posttreatment did not differ between patients who did and did not receive DOX. These preliminary findings challenge the practice of performing cardiac screening before DOX for patients with DLBCL.
Additional details about the studies can be found here:
Assess quality of current palliative care referral process in the oncology clinic. Hold two day Kaizen event with goal of of operationalizing automatic referrals for patients with stage 4 or non resectable cancers, and optimize clinic workflows through the creation of a Palliative Care Needs Assessment, sorting mechanism to determine which discipline(s) should be involved depending on the patient’s unique situation, and standard work for referrals to Palliative Care. The goal was also to assess staff’s baseline knowledge and comfort with palliative care and increase education.
Additional details about the studies can be found here: