Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Stage Of Disease And Likelihood Of Surgical Intervention In Colon Cancer Patients: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Seer Database, R. Denneny, D. Delgado, V. Nguyen, J. Subramoney, B. George, E. Mitchell, Md

Phase 1

Introduction/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths amongst both men and women in the United States. However, the mortality rate from CRC continues to drop, which has been attributed to increased surgical polyp removal. This study explored the association between disease stage and the likelihood of surgical intervention as primary treatment for the disease.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study analysis using de-identified patient data from the NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1998-2015. Inclusion criteria included patients with colon cancer, over 18 years of age, with known disease in either the proximal or …

Racial Disparities In Head And Neck Cancers In An Urban Hospital, Jessica Kraus-Lavy, Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, Scott W Keith, Frances Guiles, David Cognetti, Voichita Bar-Ad, Rita S. Axelrod, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Head and neck cancer incidence rates are higher for white residents in Philadelphia, while related mortality rates are highest for black residents. It is unclear how risk factors like HPV and smoking contribute to these disparities. The goal of this study is to determine which factors are associated with head and neck cancers in a diverse patient population from a Philadelphia hospital.

Methods: Cancer registry data from Thomas Jefferson University was used to obtain records from 922 head and neck cancer patients. One patient of other race was excluded. Twenty in-situ cancer cases were excluded. Chi-square tests were used …

Are We Doing It For The Money? A Salary Survey Of The United States Surgical Program Directors, Alexander Hoey, Ba, Brian Hoey, Md, Stanislaw Stawicki, Md

Phase 1

Compensation packages and job responsibilities for United States surgical program directors (PD) vary considerably from one institution to the next. With limited compensation data available for PD’s, this survey reassesses and compares the salaries, benefits, duties, and contract arrangements of all allopathic U.S. surgical PDs. Questionnaires regarding these areas of interest were mailed out electronically to all of the PDs and data was compared between the individuals’ responses using Chi-Squared and Fischer Exact Tests. Fifty-five percent of the PDs responded, revealing significant variation in total compensation packages, size of the dedicated stipend for the role, and time spent on clinical …

High Density Of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Staining Correlates With Poor Clinicopathologic Markers In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis, Alexander Knops, Ba, Ayan Kumar, Bs, Brian Swendseid, Md, Ubaldo E. Martinez-Outshoorn, Md, Larry Harshyne, Phd, Nancy Philp, Phd, Ulrich Rodeck, Md, Phd, Christopher Snyder, Adam Luginbuhl, Md, David Cognetti, Md, Jennifer Johnson, Md, Joseph Curry, Md

Phase 1

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops within a complex cellular microenvironment that promotes tumor growth, but also represents many potential therapeutic targets. Macrophage presence within that environment has been implicated in the growth, aggression, and persistence of HNSCC. Current literature reports variable degrees of association between tumor-associated macrophage (TAMs) density and clinicopathologic markers of disease.Inconsistent findings may result from grouping of TAM subtypes, which include both M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (immunosuppressive). Our aim is to define the prognostic significance of the phenotypes of tumor-associated macrophages in HNSCC.

Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of the existing publications investigating …

Retrospective Chart Review Assessing Factors That Contribute To Network Leakage In Postoperative Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Nazanin Sarpoulaki, Christian Fernandez, Md, Mark Hurwitz, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Standard of care for resectable pancreatic cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, with consideration of radiotherapy. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) is a large volume institution for pancreatectomy. Rate of subsequent in-network adjuvant treatment are far less which may impact outcomes. We will elucidate variables that influence coordinated patient care.

Objective: To evaluate variables that correlate with follow up and adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer patients at TJUH.

Methods: Retrospective medical chart reviews will be performed with data from patients with pancreatic cancer who have undergone resection at TJUH from April 2017 to March 2018. Patient demographics, clinical, and pathologic information …

Factors Associated With Stage At Presentation Among Patients With Rare Pancreatic Tumors: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Seer Database, J. Subramoney, D. Delgado, V. Nguyen, R. Denneny, B. George, E. Mitchell, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Rare pancreatic carcinomas (PC) account for roughly 15% of all pancreatic cancers and approximately 8,300 new cases within the US annually. Little research compares initial stage at diagnosis among rare vs. common pancreatic tumors. The aim of this study was to examine associations between tumor histology and initial stage at diagnosis among cases of rare pancreatic cancers.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study, using the NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 1990-2015 database. We included patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged 18+. Histology was classified into four categories (ductal, carcinoid, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and undetermined) and stage was dichotomized …

Management Of Retinoblastoma In Older Children (>5 Years) Using Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy: Comparison Of Outcomes To Pre-Chemotherapy And Intravenous Chemotherapy Eras, Evan Selzer, Ms, R. Joel Welch, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md, Ann Leahey, Md, Carol L. Shields, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) has emerged as an effective treatment for retinoblastoma (RB), but little information exists regarding its use in older patients (>5 years). We evaluate the use of IAC (2008-2018) for RB in older patients and compare outcomes to those in the pre-chemotherapy (<1994) and intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) (1994-2007) eras.

Objective: To evaluate the hypothesis that IAC is effective in managing RB in older patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients older than 5 years who were treated with IAC for RB from 2008-2018 on the Ocular Oncology Service at the Wills Eye Hospital. Comparisons were made to historic, …

Implementation Of Psychological Interview And Testing In A Large Sperm Bank, Catherine Sham, Andrea Braverman, Robert Mora, Makenzie Perdue, Jaime Shamonki

Phase 1

Introduction: Historically, sperm donor applicants have been medically but not psychologically evaluated by mental health professionals (MHPs). As social norms and legislation shift toward non-anonymous donation, psychological assessments can provide opportunities to exclude unqualified donors and allow donors to consider the long-term implications of donating.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of psychological screening in identifying unqualified sperm donors, and to evaluate psychological reasons for disqualification through clinical interview and testing.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 229 potential donors who passed initial qualification at a major sperm bank from February 2017 to February 2018. All potential donors were evaluated by …

Association Of Cyp2c19*17 Allele And Choice Of P2y12 Inhibitor On Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Yash Varma, Bs, Craig R. Lee, Phd, Pharmd, Joseph S. Rossi, Md, George A. Stouffer, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The CYP2C19*17 allele variant is a gain-of-function polymorphism which increases levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.

Objective: *17 is associated with increased bleeding risk during clopidogrel therapy, but it is unclear whether alternative P2Y12 inhibitors, prasugrel and ticagrelor, produce better clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: A single-center observational study was conducted in 928 PCI patients who received CYP2C19 testing and dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT). Risk of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and clinically significant bleeding over 12 months were compared across genotype and DAPT groups by proportional hazards regression.

Results: 584 …

Identifying The Causes Of Cancer Readmissions: A Patient Centered Approach, Emily Wei, Katie Holland, Allison Zibelli, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Readmission rates of cancer patients remain high, while the rates of many other conditions are decreasing in the United States. Cancer patients are a plurality of patients readmitted to hospitals within 30 days of discharge, and have a high rate of avoidable readmission. Therefore, it is important to understand why these readmissions happen in order to prevent their occurrence.

Objective: This study hopes to identify specific, and potentially personal, reasons that bring cancer patients back to the hospital. Patient perspective may reveal trends that are not apparent in medical record chart reviews. This information can present an opportunity to …

Sociodemographic Background Characteristics Of Patients Who Participate In A Lung Cancer Screening Program, Amber Zhang, Marcella Pimpinelli, Brooke Ruane, Russell K. Mcintire, Julie Barta, Md, Hee-Soon Juon, Bridget Jackson

Phase 1

Introduction: Despite decreasing lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, disparities in prevalence and outcomes persist between Black and White patients. Secondary analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial found screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) reduced lung cancer mortality more in Blacks than Whites. However, it is unknown if racial disparities exist in screening results, and the involved sociodemographic factors.

Objective: The study aims to analyze characteristics that may predict screening outcomes (Lung-RADS category) in patients who received LDCT through the Jefferson Lung Cancer Screening Program (LCSP).

Methods: Retrospective data (n=733, May 2015 to July 2017) were merged with prospective …

Post-Operative Outcomes Of Surgical Treatment For Trigeminal Neuralgia, Daniel Tzou

Phase 1

Introduction: Trigeminal Neuralgia causes severe paroxysmal facial pain that leads to debilitating quality of life. Pharmacologic management often becomes insufficient, and the microvascular decompression (MVD) procedure is the mainstay surgical intervention. Internal neurolysis (IN) is a novel addition to the MVD procedure to treat trigeminal neuralgia, and its efficacy has not been well tested.

Objective: The objectives of the study are to understand appropriate surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia and to determine the efficacy of the additional IN compared to MVD.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study on patients undergoing surgical intervention for trigeminal neuralgia at TJUH was conducted. Surgical treatment …

The Accuracy Of Blood Pressure Measurement By A Smartwatch And A Portable Health Device, Vignesh Murali, Noud Van Helmond, Cecilia G. Freeman, Christina Hahnen, Nilanjan Haldar, Jacquelyn N. Hamati, Dylan M. Bard, Geno J. Merli, Jeffrey I. Joseph

Phase 1

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality. Proper blood pressure (BP) control can be achieved by lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and frequent measurements. With the growing popularity of cuffless blood pressure monitors, it is important to independently validate their accuracy.

Objective: We evaluated two cuffless blood pressure monitors, The Everlast TR10 fitness watch and the BodiMetrics Performance Monitor, for their accuracy and precision in BP measurements.

Methods: Using a protocol derived from the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 2013 standard for evaluating automated sphygmomanometers, we measured the blood pressures of 85 patients recruited from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Preadmission Testing Center with two …

Acute Pancreatitis In The Emergency Department, Gregory J. Lopez, Bs, Matt Hall, Md, Matthew Babineau, Md, Darshan Kothari, Md, Ryan C. Burke, Phd, Mph, Richard E. Wolfe, Md, Sunil G. Sheth, Md, Stephen Freedman, Md, Nathan I. Shapiro, Md, Carrie Tibbles, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency department (ED) presentation with a variety of outcomes. Stratifying AP severity with scoring systems can allow physicians to effectively manage patient disposition.

Objective: To identify ED pancreatitis patients who will likely be admitted to the ICU or be discharged within 48 hours, and to validate existing pancreatitis severity scores.

Methods: Patients with a final ED diagnosis of AP and/or lipase ≥ 3 times the upper limit of normal were enrolled in a prospective, observational chart review study. Parametric and non-parametric descriptive statistics were used to describe the patient population. Area under receiver …

Selection Criteria For Posterior Circulation Stroke And Functional Outcome Following Mechanical Thrombectomy, Vivian Xu, Ahmad Sweid, Md, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Md, Kavya Shivashankar, Ba, Karim Hafazalla, Bs, Michael R. Gooch, Md, Nabeel Herial, Md, Robert H. Rosenwasswer Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md

Phase 1

Objective: 20% of all acute ischemic strokes (AIS) are caused by posterior circulation strokes, which carry an intensified mortality touching 95%. Early recanalization improves outcome as shown by several reports; however, safety, patient selection, and prognostic factors remain lacking. An investigation of the safety and prognostic factors for posterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was performed.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting with posterior circulation AIS, who underwent MT between 2010 and 2018.

Results: Of 443 patients who underwent MT for AIS, 83 patients had posterior circulation strokes. 95% of procedures were conducted under general anesthesia. The median NIHSS upon …

Opioid Consumption After Orthopedic Surgery: Prospective Randomized Trial On The Effects Of Preoperative Counseling, Sage Vincent, Taylor Paskey, Elizabeth Critchlow, Erica Mann, Talia Chapman, Md, Kristin Sandrowski, Md, Asif Ilyas, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Recently, there have been increases in morbidity and mortality associated with opioid medications. Physician overprescribing, particularly within orthopedics, contributes to large quantities of leftover opioids, leading to an increased risk of non-medical opioid use and abuse.

Objective: To understand the role of preoperative patient counseling on postoperative opioid consumption, a prospective randomized study was done, with the idea that patients receiving counseling would take fewer opioids than their control counterparts.

Methods: Patients undergoing elective outpatient orthopedic surgery at Jefferson affiliate hospitals were enrolled over a 3-month period. Patients were randomized to a control group or to receive preoperative counseling …

17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Does Not Prevent Preterm Birth In Women With A Twin Pregnancy And A Prior Singleton Spontaneous Preterm Birth, Breanna Valcarcel, Bs, Andrew Ward, Md, Huda Al-Kouatly, Md, Vincenzo Berghella, Md, Victoria Greenberg, Md

Phase 1

INTRODUCTION: Prior spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a risk factor for recurrent sPTB. Weekly 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) is used to prevent sPTB in singletons, but there is insufficient evidence on its benefit in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that 17P weekly injections would reduce the likelihood of sPTB in women carrying a twin pregnancy with a history of singleton sPTB.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective case control study of women with a twin gestation and prior singleton sPTB between 2005 and 2016. The study group consisted of women with a twin gestation that received weekly 17P starting at 16 to …

Improving Door-To-Groin Time For Stroke-Alert Patients Arriving At Tjuh, Megan Carney, Mackenzie O'Connor, Robin Dharia, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Due to the large number of endovascular-eligible acute ischemic stroke patients, the urgent nature of effective stroke treatment protocols has become increasingly recognized at TJUH. Due to the hospital’s unique situation with two city blocks between the ER and endovascular lab, in-hospital factors remain a significant reason for the delay of treatment.

Objective: The purpose was to conduct a quality-assurance trial to determine whether standardizing imaging modalities for inpatient and ER stroke-alert patients at our institution would improve door-to-puncture times.

Methods: After implementation of the new stroke alert protocol, data were prospectively collected for six months for two groups …

Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access (Empalla): Preliminary Data From A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial, Abigail M. Schmucker, Ba, Deborah J. Shim, Bs, Corita R. Grudzen, Md, Mshs, Jeanne Cho, Mph, Keith Goldfeld, Drph

Phase 1

Introduction: Emergency department (ED)-initiated palliative care has been shown to improve patient-centered outcomes in older adults with serious illnesses, but the optimal modality for providing such interventions is unknown. The EMPallA trial compares nurse-led, telephonic case management with specialty, outpatient palliative care on: 1) patient quality of life (QOL); 2) healthcare utilization; 3) loneliness and symptom burden; and 4) caregiver strain, QOL, and bereavement.

Objective: Summarize preliminary demographic and QOL data for the EMPallA cohort.

Methods: A pragmatic, parallel, two-arm randomized controlled trial is enrolling 1350 ED patients across 9 EDs over 3 years to compare the effectiveness of palliative …

The Pathway To Low Outlier Status In Venous Thromboembolism Events: An Analysis Of Pancreatic Surgery In Acs Nsqip, Samantha L. Savitch, Tyler M. Bauer, Nikosi H. Alvarez, Adam P. Johnson, Theresa P. Yeo, Harish Lavu, Charles J. Yeo, Jordan M. Winter, Geno J. Merli, Scott W. Cowan

Phase 1

Introduction: Our institution’s hepatopancreaticobiliary service (HPBS) is a high-volume pancreatic surgery service, which has demonstrated consistently low rates of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to similar institutions as reported by NSQIP. We sought to determine if the HPBS’s regimented multimodal VTE prophylaxis pathway plays a role in achieving consistently low VTE rates.

Methods: We queried the ACS NSQIP Participant User File and our institution’s data from 2011-2016 for major pancreatic operations. We used Chi-squared analysis to compare the HPBS and national patient populations, and created a matched dataset based on preoperative patient factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on …

Repeat Neuro-Imaging In Patients Presenting With Traumatic Extra-Axial Intracranial Hemorrhage, Austin Saline, Anthony Stefanelli, Md, Omaditya Khanna, Md, Sol Feuerwerker, Somnath Das, Evan Selzer

Phase 1

Introduction: The management of extra-axial intracranial hemorrhage patients is complicated and lacks a systemic algorithm to determine the timing and necessity of head computed tomography (HCT). However, repeat HCTs weakly predict the need for an intervention after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Objective: This study focused on assessing the safety, efficacy, and necessity of obtaining serial HCTs in patients presenting with subdural hemorrhages.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with subdural hemorrhages and a GCS between 13-15 on admission (n=116). The total number of HCTs, time between repeat HCTs, duration of hospital stay, and factors necessitating surgery …

Minimally Invasive Surgery In Neonates With Congenital Anomalies: Experience From The Nsqip-P, Emily Sagalow, Katerina Dukleska, Md, Courtney Devin, Md, Erin Teeple, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md, Charles D. Vincour, Md, Loren Berman, Md

Phase 1

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) and tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) are managed with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open surgery. Little is known about the patient populations and outcomes for those treated by each approach. Hypothesis/Specific Aims: We expect that there will be fewer complications, better outcomes, and longer operative times for the MIS group versus the open group.

Methods: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Participant Use Files (NSQIP-P PUFs) from 2012-2015 were used to identify neonates (up to 30 days old) who underwent CDH and TEF repair. The patient characteristics, post-operative complications, and 30-day mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic …

Direct Anterior Approach Utilizing A Bikini Incision Has Less Wound Related Complications In Patients With High Bmi, Taylor Paskey, Bs, Jorge Manrique, Md, Majd Tarabichi, Md, Camilo Restrepo, Md, Carol Foltz, Phd, William J. Hozack, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be performed through a traditional vertical skin incision, situating the proximal incision at the hip flexion crease, or a horizontal (bikini) skin incision, situating the incision slightly distal and parallel to the hip flexion crease. The dissection beyond the subcutaneous layer is identical for both methods.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare these approaches, performed by an experienced single surgeon, in terms of overall wound complications and patient-reported esthetics 6-months post-operatively. It was hypothesized that the bikini incision would result in less wound complications and …

Is Excision Of Radial Scars Identified On Cnb Necessary?, K. Nimtz, K. Hookim, Md, A. Sevrukov, Md, T. Tsangaris, Md, A. Willis, Md, A. Berger, Md, M. Lazar, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Quantifying the risk of upgrade to malignancy with radial scars has been an ongoing challenge, as the published upgrade rate varies widely from 0-40%, making management strategy controversial. The lack of consensus on optimal management highlights the need for further analysis. We sought to identify our institutional upgrade rate of radial scar identified on core needle biopsy (CNB).

Methods: A retrospective review of pathology and radiology databases was performed to identify radial scars found on CNB. We excluded patients with malignancy associated with radial scar and those who did not undergo surgical excision. The upgrade rates to …

Comparison Of Visual Analog Pain Score Reported To Physician Vs Nurse In Nonoperatively Treated Foot And Ankle Patients, Trevor Mcbride, Bs, Maj Kevin D. Martin, Do, Cpt Jeffrey Wake, Do, Atc, Lt J. Preston Van Buren, Do, Cuyler Dewar, Bs

Phase 1

Background: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are taking a more prominent role in Orthopedics as health care seeks to define treatment outcomes. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is considered a reliable measure of acute pain. A previous study found that operative candidates’ VAS pain score was significantly higher when reported to the surgeon compared to the nurse. This study’s aim is to examine whether this phenomenon occurs in nonoperative patients. We hypothesize that patients’ VAS scores reported to the surgeon and a nurse will be the same

Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort of 201 consecutive nonoperative patients treated …

Network Influence Of The Cerebellum For Predicting Dbs Response In Patients With Advanced Parkinson’S Disease, Lucy Li, Jennifer Muller, Sara Thalheimer, Mackenzie D. Silverman, Mahdi Alizadeh, Tsao-Wei Liang, Kelly Layton, Daniel Kremens, Victor Romo, Feroze Mohamed, Chengyuan Wu

Phase 1

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment option for reducing motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) when first-line medication becomes ineffective. Existing literature has hypothesized that the clinical outcome of DBS may depend on brain connectivity profiles of the stimulation site to distant brain regions. However, the potential of brain connectivity profiles to predict response to DBS in PD remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how changes in structural and functional connectivity may relate to patient response to DBS, through the examination of brain network changes using graph theory.

Methods: Ten patients with advanced PD …

A Multicomponent Quality Improvement Project To Improve Sleep In Hospitalized Patients: A Single Center Pilot Experience, Michelle Konkoly, Alan Kubey, Md

Phase 1

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Tort Reform On Diagnostic Imaging Rates, Israel Ojalva, Ba, Arthur Hong, Md, Mph

Phase 1

Introduction: Defensive medicine, is defined as “order[ing] tests, procedures, or visits, or avoid certain high-risk patients or procedures, primarily (but not solely) because of concern about malpractice liability.” Nearly all physician who fear malpractice litigation have admitted to practicing some degree of defensive medicine. In response, many states have enacted policy reforms to lighten the threat of malpractice on physicians.

Objective: The most common defensive medicine behavior is ordering diagnostic imaging tests when it is potentially unwarranted. Many states have enacted non-economic damage caps from 2000-2010. We explored if these laws had an impact on the rates of diagnostic imaging …

An Evaluation Of Ultrasound-Guided Regional Block Anesthesia In Outpatient Hand Surgery, Daniel Calem, Armen C. Voskeridjian, Md, Michael Rivlin, Md, Pedro Beredjiklian, Md, Mark L. Wang, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: The utilization of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in orthopedic surgery has increased in popularity as the anesthesia of choice for the management of perioperative pain. Peripheral nerve blockade has been shown to increase overall surgical efficiency, improve patient satisfaction, reduce postoperative narcotic use, and decrease the duration of facility admissions, while increasing overall cost-effectiveness. To date, scant literature exists regarding the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular blocks used in common hand surgery procedures, and the rate of neurologic and vascular complications remains unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and complication rate of …

Identifying The Causes Of Cancer Readmissions: A Patient Centered Approach, Katie Holland, Emily Wei, Allison Zibelli

Phase 1

While there are large efforts to decrease readmission rates in the United States, cancer patients represent a population that has been overlooked. Cancer patients are a vulnerable population who make up a large portion of hospital readmissions. Most of the current research on the causes of readmissions in cancer patients focuses on medical chart reviews and insurance claims. Many of these studies fail to incorporate patient input which could further the understanding of the complete burden associated with cancer readmissions. The goal of this study is to understand the personal reasons behind the decision of cancer patients to return to …