Optimizing menstrual health and hygiene management in the U.S.: A mixed-methods study of the barriers and the role of healthcare professionals.

Objective: Menstrual health (MH) practices have been understudied in the U.S. This study aimed to assess patient and medical staff views of MH.

The Effect of Black Cohosh on Ki67 expression and Tumor Volume: A Pilot Study of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Patients.

Background: Black cohosh (BC) () may prevent and treat breast cancer through anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-estrogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study sought to evaluate the effect of BC on tumor cellular proliferation, measured by Ki67 expression, in a pre-operative window trial of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients.

Methods: Patients were treated pre-operatively for 2 to 6 weeks with BC extract.

Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Adolescents in the United States.

Study Objective: Menstrual health in adolescents has been understudied in the United States. We aimed to assess patient and provider perspectives surrounding menstrual health management and screening.

Design: Our mixed-methods approach consisted of provider surveys, patient surveys, and patient interviews.

Increasing accrual of minority patients in breast cancer clinical trials.

Background: Black and Hispanic patients participate in clinical trials at lower rates than white patients nationally; lack of diversity in clinical trials prevents appropriate safety and efficacy testing of new treatments in these populations.

Methods: The Oncology Welcomes New Haven into Trials (OWN IT) initiative at the Yale Cancer Center used a multi-tiered approach to improve breast cancer minority clinical trial accrual through community focus groups, ongoing community outreach, institutional executive council representation, grand rounds presentation, and didactic lectures with healthcare providers. Eligibility criteria of breast cancer trials at Smilow Cancer Center were reviewed using clinicaltrials.

The impact of communication style on patient satisfaction.

Background: Communication between patients and health providers influences patient satisfaction, but it is unknown whether similarity in communication styles results in higher patient satisfaction.

Methods: This study was conducted in the Smilow Cancer Hospital Breast Center. During routine follow-up visits, patients completed a Communication Styles Assessment (CSA), health survey (SF-12), Princess Margaret Hospital Satisfaction with Doctor Questionnaire, and brief demographic form.

Monitoring InBaskets With Feedback to Providers Enhances the Timeliness of Patient Care.

Purpose: Electronic health records have changed providers' workflow. Epic's InBasket supplants traditional communication and is a central hub for clinical information. Failure to promptly complete records impairs communication and revenue collection.