CHAMBER: A Regional Performance Improvement CME Initiative for Breast Cancer Health Care Providers

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2015 Aug;13(8):1005-11. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2015.0121.

Abstract

CHAMBER was a regional educational initiative for providers of care to patients with HER2+ breast cancer. The study goals were to (1) enhance testing for HER2/neu overexpression in patients with invasive breast cancer; (2) increase the appropriate use of targeted therapy for patients with HER2+ breast cancer; and (3) enhance patients' coping ability. This Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI-CME) initiative included clinical practice assessment, educational activities, and reassessment. Chart review revealed a high rate of HER2 testing (98%) before and after education. Targeted therapy for patients with HER2+ breast cancer declined after the program (from 96% to 61%), perhaps attributable to an increase in awareness of medical reasons to avoid use of targeted therapy. Assessment for patients' emotional coping ability increased after education (from 55% to 76%; P=.01). Rates of testing for HER2 amplification and assessment of emotional well-being after education were consistent with ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative benchmark values. Documentation of actions to address emotional problems remained an area for improvement.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing*
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Health Personnel* / education
  • Health Personnel* / standards
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptor, ErbB-2