Patient-reported outcome (PRO) has been paid increasing attention in lung cancer surgery. It has gradually become an important outcome indicator in clinical research of lung cancer surgery and an important tool for symptom management. Commonly used lung cancer-specific PRO measurement tools include: Lung Cancer Symptom Scale, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and Lung Cancer module, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer module, Postoperative Symptom Scale for Lung Cancer Patients, and Perioperative Symptom Assessment for Lung Surgery. The application of lung cancer-specific scales lacks authoritative implementation norms in the field of lung cancer surgery in terms of scale selection, data collection, and outcome application. This review aimed to analyze the current status of application of PRO scales in lung cancer surgery.
Objective This study aimed to explore the characteristics and deficiencies of the current standardized training evaluation system for general practitioners (including professional master’s degrees), analyze the awareness and attitudes of teaching physicians toward entrustable professional activities (EPAs), and to explore feasible solutions for establishing an EPAs evaluation and assessment system for general practitioners in training. Methods This study used a questionnaire survey to investigate 158 clinical teaching professionals, analyzed the current status of the standardized training evaluation system for general practitioners, and explored the level of understanding and opinions of teaching physicians on EPAs. Results Currently, there were many assessments for trained general practitioner residents, but there were problems with excessive formalization, single assessment methods, and a focus on written assessments. The recognition rate of EPAs among preceptors before training was only 15.9%, which increased to 71.51% after training. The EPA system could improve understanding and facilitate rapid implementation in the short term (P<0.001). While recognizing the concept of EPAs, preceptors also suggested simplifying the EPA system. Conclusion To address the shortcomings of the current standardized training evaluation system for general practitioners, targeted work should be carried out to design EPAs for professional confidence behaviors. A concise and practical EPAs evaluation system should be established for general practitioners. In addition, teaching staff should be trained and educated on EPAs to improve their teaching competence and ensure the output of general medical education.
In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of automatic seizure detection, the paper proposes a method based on improved genetic algorithm optimization back propagation (IGA-BP) neural network for epilepsy diagnosis, and uses the method to achieve detection of clinical epilepsy rapidly and effectively. Firstly, the method extracted the linear and nonlinear features of the epileptic electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and used a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to perform cluster analysis on EEG features. Next, expectation maximization (EM) algorithm was used to estimate GMM parameters to calculate the optimal parameters for the selection operator of genetic algorithm (GA). The initial weights and thresholds of the BP neural network were obtained through using the improved genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimized BP neural network is used for the classification of the epileptic EEG signals to detect the epileptic seizure automatically. Compared with the traditional genetic algorithm optimization back propagation (GA-BP), the IGA-BP neural network can improve the population convergence rate and reduce the classification error. In the process of automatic detection of epilepsy, the method improves the detection accuracy in the automatic detection of epilepsy disorders and reduced inspection time. It has important application value in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
ObjectiveUnder the background of standardized training for general practitioners (including professional master’s degree in general practice), this study aimed to explore a feasible scheme for establishing an evaluation and assessment system for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for general residency training based on the current application status and objective demands of EPAs by clinical teaching physicians. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among 158 clinical teaching physicians to analyze the current evaluation system for standardized training of general practitioners, as well as their understanding and suggestions on EPAs. ResultsCompared with the emphasis on medical knowledge and skills, the humanistic care, represented by medical ethics education, was found to be insufficient in the standardized training of general practitioners. Regarding actual demands, the order of importance of EPAs by teaching physicians was as follows: standardization (93.04%), objectification (93.04%), multidimensionality (92.41%), lightness (90.51%), and diversity (86.04%). ConclusionAn EPA system for professional confidence based on the actual demands of standardized training for general practitioners in China should be designed to address the shortcomings of humanistic education. This system will improve the teaching competence of faculty and guarantee the output of general medical education.
Objective To investigate the optimal mixing ratio of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) with porous calcium phosphate cement (PCPC) and autologous bone as bone grafting material for the repair of large bone defects using Masquelet technique. The effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of bone defects was evaluated under the optimal ratio of mixed bone. Methods Fifty-four New Zealand White rabbits were taken to establish a 2 cm long bone defect model of the ulna and treated using the Masquelet technique. Two parts of the experiment were performed in the second phase of the Masquelet technique. First, 36 modeled experimental animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=9) according to the mass ratio of autologous bone and rhBMP-2/PCPC. Group A: autologous bone (100%); group B: 25% autologous bone+75% rhBMP-2/PCPC; group C: 50% autologous bone+50% rhBMP-2/PCPC; group D: 75% autologous bone+25% rhBMP-2/PCPC. The animals were executed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively for general observation, imaging observation, histological observation (HE staining), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and biomechanical assay (three-point bending test) were performed to assess the osteogenic ability and to determine the optimal mixing ratio. Then, 18 modeled experimental animals were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=9). The control group was implanted with the optimal mixture ratio of autologous bone+rhBMP-2/PCPC, and the experimental group was implanted with the optimal mixture ratio of autologous bone+rhBMP-2/PCPC+autologous PRP. The same method was used to observe the above indexes at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Results The bone healing process from callus formation to the cortical connection at the defected gap could be observed in each group after operation; new bone formation, bridging with the host bone, and bone remodeling to normal bone density were observed on imaging observation; new woven bone, new capillaries, bone marrow cavity, and other structures were observed on histological observation. The ALP activity of each group gradually increased with time (P<0.05); the ALP activity of group A was significantly higher than that of the other 3 groups at each time point after operation, and of groups C and D than group B (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between groups C and D (P>0.05). Biomechanical assay showed that the maximum load in three-point bending test of each group increased gradually with time (P<0.05), and the maximum loads of groups A and D were significantly higher than that of groups B and C at each time point after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and D (P>0.05). According to the above tests, the optimal mixing ratio was 75% autogenous bone+25% rhBMP-2/PCPC. The process of new bone formation in the experimental group and the control group was observed by gross observation, imaging examination, and histological observation, and the ability of bone formation in the experimental group was better than that in the control group. The ALP activity and maximum load increased gradually with time in both groups (P<0.05); the ALP activity and maximum load in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group at each time point after operation (P<0.05), and the maximum load in the experimental group was also significantly higher than that in group A at 12 weeks after operation (P<0.05). ConclusionIn the second phase of Masquelet technique, rhBMP-2/PCPC mixed with autologous bone to fill the bone defect can treat large bone defect of rabbit ulna, and it has the best osteogenic ability when the mixing ratio is 75% autologous bone+25% rhBMP-2/PCPC. The combination of PRP can improve the osteogenic ability of rhBMP-2/PCPC and autologous bone mixture.
Objective To analyse the consistency of perioperative self-reported pain scores of lung cancer patients with clinical records to provide a basis for optimal pain management. MethodsThe patients with lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital from November 2017 to January 2020 were selected. They were divided into two groups based on the source of pain data. The self-report group used a questionnaire in which patients self-reported their pain scores, and the pain scores for the clinical record group were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Kappa test was used to compare the concordance of pain scores between the two groups preoperatively, on postoperative 1-6 days and on the day of discharge. McNemar's paired χ2 test was used to compare the differences in pain intensity levels between the two groups. Binary logistic multi-factor regression was used to analyse the factors influencing the concordance of severe pain (7-10 points) between the two groups. Results Totally 354 patients were collected, including 191 males and 163 females, with an average age of 55.64±10.34 years. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. The consistency of pain scores between the two groups was poor (Kappa=–0.035 to 0.262, P<0.05), and the distribution of pain levels at each time point was inconsistent and statistically significant (P<0.001). The percentage of inconsistent severe pain assessment ranged from 0.28% to 35.56%, with the highest percentage of inconsistent severe pain assessment on postoperative day 1 (35.56%). Single-port thoracoscopic surgical access was an influencing factor for inconsistent assessment of severe pain on postoperative day 3 (OR=2.571, P=0.005). Conclusion Self-reported perioperative pain scores of lung cancer patients are poorly aligned with clinical records. Clinical measures are needed to improve the accuracy of patient pain data reporting by choosing the correct assessment method, increasing education, and developing effective quality control measures.
Objective To investigate the post-discharge exercise behavior and factors influencing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in patients undergoing lung surgery. Methods A survey was conducted using the Investigation of Exercise Behavior after Lung Surgery questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) among patients who underwent lung surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing patients’ engagement in MVPA. Results A total of 702 patients were surveyed, including 252 males and 450 females, with an average age of 52.4±10.2 years. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 85.9%. Only 36.0% of the patients had regular exercise habits, while 42.3% did not engage in any physical activity. The three main barriers were physical discomfort (pain, coughing, shortness of breath, etc, 54.7%), lack of professional guidance (41.7%), and concerns about the surgical wound (28.9%). The proportions of patients engaging in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity physical activity were 5.7%, 28.2%, and 66.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a personal annual income ≥50000 yuan (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.01-2.29, P=0.044), high school education or above (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.33-2.76, P<0.001), and lobectomy (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.02-2.03, P=0.037) engaged in more MVPA. Conclusion Patients undergoing lung surgery have inadequate physical activity after discharge, particularly lacking in MVPA. Patients with higher income, higher educational levels, and lobectomy are more frequently engaged in MVPA. Measures such as symptom control, providing exercise guidance, and enhancing education on wound care may potentially improve the inadequate physical activity in lung surgery patients after discharge.
ObjectiveTo investigate the use of opioid analgesics during the postoperative hospitalization in patients undergoing lung resection and analyse its influencing factors.MethodsThe clinical data of 450 patients undergoing lung resection in Sichuan Cancer Hospital among a multicenter symptom research database (CN-PRO-Lung 1) between November 2017 and January 2020 were analyzed. There were 248 males and 202 females with an average age of 54.7±10.3 years.ResultsA total of 448 (99.6%) patients used opioid analgesics. The average daily morphine equivalent dose during the postoperative hospitalization was 48.9 mg. There were statistical differences in postoperative morphine equivalent dose across patients with different sex, age, highest level of education, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, surgical approach, surgical type, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and grade of postoperative complications (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that sex, surgical approach and postoperative hospital stay were independent influencing factors for morphine use during the postoperative hospitalization in patients undergoing lung resection (all P<0.05).ConclusionIn clinical practice, attention should be paid to postoperative pain for male patients, as well as to promote the application of minimally invasive surgery, and to shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay, in order to ultimately reduce the use of opioids.
ObjectiveTo determine the symptom burden and functional status of patients with early-stage lung cancer at 4 weeks after discharge, and to investigate the influencing factors. MethodsAn analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with early-stage lung cancer in a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in six hospitals in China from November 2017 to January 2020. The MD Anderson Symptom Assessment Scale-Lung Cancer Module (MDASI-LC) was used to evaluate symptoms and functions. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of moderate to severe functional impairment (≥2 points) and moderate to severe symptoms affecting recovery (≥4 points). ResultsA total of 158 patients were included, including 59 males and 99 females, with an average age of (55.5±9.9) years. At 4 weeks of discharge, the three most severe moderate to severe symptoms were cough (30.4%), shortness of breath (25.3%), and disturbed sleep (22.2%). The proportions of patients with moderate to severe physical and psychological impairment were 53.2% and 38.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis results showed that shortness of breath was an independent risk factor for moderate to severe postoperative physical impairment [OR=10.12, 95%CI (1.51, 67.60), P=0.017]; cough [OR=5.66, 95%CI (1.52-21.15), P=0.007], pain [OR=12.35, 95%CI (1.21, 126.39), P=0.034], and female sex [OR=4.01, 95%CI (1.10, 14.67), P=0.036] were independent risk factors for moderate to severe psychological impairment; forced expiratory volume in the first second <1.5 L [OR=0.10, 95%CI (0.02, 0.58), P=0.010] and female [OR=2.80, 95%CI (1.17, 6.66), P=0.020] were independent risk factors for moderate to severe shortness of breath; open surgery [OR=6.18, 95%CI (1.54, 24.80), P=0.010] and female [OR=7.33, 95%CI (1.84, 29.20), P=0.005] were independent risk factors for moderate to severe pain. ConclusionPatients with early-stage lung cancer still have a significant symptom burden and functional impairment 4 weeks after discharge. Preoperative attention should be given to patients with poor lung function and female patients. During the operation, open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Effective management of shortness of breath, pain, and cough symptoms in the postoperative period can promote the functional recovery of patients with early-stage lung cancer.
ObjectiveTo investigate the preoperative symptom burden and quality of life of patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study. We used the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-lung cancer module (MDASI-LC) and the single-item quality of life scale (UNISCALE) to collect the preoperative patient-reported outcomes of 265 patients with lung cancer from November 2017 to July 2019 in Sichuan Cancer Hospital.ResultsOf 265 patients, 90.9% had preoperative symptoms. The five most common symptoms were coughing (66.8%), dry mouth (53.6%), memory problems (52.8%), disturbed sleep (52.1%) and fatigue (44.2%). The five most common moderate to severe symptoms were disturbed sleep (23.0%), distress (18.5%), memory problems (16.6%), coughing (16.2%) and dry mouth (16.2%). Patients with early-stage lung cancer had less pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, numbness and coughing, and their symptoms had less impact on work (including housework), relations with other people, walking and enjoyment of life as well as better quality of life before surgery (P<0.05). Patients with adenocarcinoma had milder coughing and a better quality of life before surgery (P<0.05). Symptom score was positively correlated with symptom interference with life score (r=0.66, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with quality of life score (r=-0.41, P<0.01).ConclusionMost patients undergoing lung cancer surgery have a mild symptom burden before surgery. The most common and severe symptoms are coughing, dry mouth, lung cancer and disturbed sleep. Patients with early-stage lung cancer have a milder symptom burden and a better quality of life.