Comparison of a novel methadone rotation method with other commonly used methods.

Objectives: To compare a novel method of methadone rotation used in a specialist palliative care inpatient unit (SPCU) in Cork, Ireland, with rapid titration methods using Perth and Brisbane Protocols as well as the Edmonton method of methadone rotation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in March-June 2022. All patients who completed rotation to methadone during 2018-2019 in the SPCU were included.

Effect of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications on physical functional decline among older adults with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment.

Background: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are common among older adults with advanced cancer, but their association with physical functional outcomes is understudied. This study aimed to estimate the risk of physical functional decline associated with medication measures in older adults with advanced cancer starting a new line of systemic treatment.

Methods: This secondary analysis of GAP 70+ Trial (PI: Mohile) enrolled patients aged 70+ with advanced cancer, had ≥ 1 geriatric assessment domain impairment and planned to start a new antineoplastic regimen with a high risk of toxicity.

Recruitment of informal caregivers into community oncology research studies: results from the 2022 Landscape Assessment.

Understanding the experiences of community oncology practices in recruiting informal (unpaid/family) caregivers into research studies can inform strategies to improve caregiver enrollment. We used data from the 2022 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Landscape Assessment to describe the experience of recruiting informal caregivers for research studies in community oncology practices. Among 258 practice groups, only one-third (30%, 78/258) reported prior experience recruiting informal caregivers for research studies.

Predictors of Specialty Outpatient Palliative Care Utilization Among Persons With Serious Illness.

Context: Outpatient Palliative Care (OPC) benefits persons living with serious illness, yet barriers exist in utilization.

Objectives: To identify factors associated with OPC clinic utilization.

Methods: Emergency Medicine Palliative Care Access is a multicenter, randomized control trial comparing two models of palliative care for patients recruited from the Emergency Department (ED): nurse-led telephonic case management and OPC (one visit a month for six months).