N E W S F R O M T H E R E G I O N ’ S P R E M I E R A C A D E M I C M E D I C A L C E N T E R

ADVANCES JANUARY 30, 2014

Clinical Research Center Spotlight

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Digital connection: Medicine’s next breakthrough?$7 million project will look for new cures in patient data.

As hospitals around the nation build their own electronic medi-cal record systems, researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center are taking the next step: Finding ways to coordinate and analyze those billions of patient data points.

The medical center has received a $7 million grant to lead a group of 10 Midwest medical centers and hospitals. Called the Greater Plains Collaborative, they’ll spend the next 18 months developing a network to connect their electronic medical record (EMR) systems and building tools that use patient data to answer specific research questions.

The project will target breast cancer, obesity and ALS. In ad-dition to our medical center, the team includes Children’s Mercy and medical centers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas and Wisconsin.

The benefit for patients is clear, said Russell Waitman, PhD, our medical center’s assistant vice chancellor for enterprise analyt-ics, who is the project’s principal investigator.

The system will sort through vast amounts of blind (anony-mous) patient data: age, weight, medical history, medications and other treatments. “We’ll be able to see in real time if what’s

working for breast cancer patients in Minnesota is leading to better results than what’s working for breast cancer patients in Texas,” Waitman said.

“This project is a huge step

forward,” he added. “We’re look-ing forward to helping to lead the national conversation about ways to advance scientific knowledge faster by creating better studies, analyzing data more quickly and helping to answer questions that come from patients themselves.”

The grant is from the new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent organization authorized by Congress in 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The $7 million project is one of three PCORI grants announced this month by the medical center. The other two awards, each $1.5 million, also target new therapies for patients.

One is for a new clinical trial exploring pain associated with neuropathy. The second clinical trial will examine the effectiveness of long-term nicotine replacement therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read more at kumc.edu.

New dual role supports integration of hospital, physiciansSteven Stites, MD, has been

appointed to a dual role as vice chancellor for clinical affairs for the University of Kansas Medical Center and senior vice president for clinical affairs for The University of Kansas Hospital Authority.

Stites, who had been chair of Internal Medicine, brings the kind of leadership skills that will help in the organizations’ ongoing efforts to become a more fully integrated academic and clinical enterprise. The groups have been working diligently on the effort since it was announced approximately a year ago.

He will work to more closely

align the hospital and physicians, allowing the groups to develop a more streamlined model for healthcare delivery, further enhanc-ing quality of care and improving the overall patient experience.

Integration will lead to more opportunities for health educa-tion, patient care and research for the benefit of patients and communities.  

“I am thrilled at the opportu-nity to work more closely with hospital leadership and continue to improve clinical performance around quality and cost, and to begin looking at how we can build a health system that is not only a leader locally, but throughout the region,” Stites said. “It is incred-ibly exciting, because we can really do great things for the state.”

As hospitals increase their use of electronic medical records, Russell Waitman, PhD (right), is leading a project to find new treatments for patients based on EMR data from multiple Midwest medical centers.

Events Royals FanFest –The University

of Kansas Hospital will host a booth at the Kansas City Royals FanFest. The annual event is Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1, at Bartle Hall. Physicians at the booth will discuss concussion aware-ness, while staff will promote the hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine and hold drawings for Royals-autographed baseballs.

Parkinson’s disease posture and gait – A physical therapist with expertise in the treatment of Parkinson’s will discuss the impor-tance of exercise for persons with PD, and she will present creative techniques to improve their mobility and quality of life. The class is 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing, in Leawood. Call 913-383-8700 to register.

Basketball for a cure – For every person in attendance at the Kansas vs. Oklahoma women’s basketball game, the University of Kansas Athletics will donate $1 to Jayhawks for a Cure, which supports The University of Kansas Cancer Center. The game is 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. Wear pink for a $3 admission. Fans will receive pink rally towels while supplies last.

Eye care seminar about AMD – Age-related macular degenera-tion (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 and older. Learn about symptoms and signs as well its causes and treatment options. The session is noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the University of Kansas Eye Center in Prairie Village. Register by calling 913-588-6606 or email dkephart@kumc.edu.

Girls’ Night In – The Ninth Annual Girls’ Night In is 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Heartfelt storytelling will be followed by art, wine and heart-healthy bites in the Bloch Lobby. This year’s event will benefit the Adelaide C. Ward Women’s Heart Health Center and Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing. Details and ticket information are at girlsnightinkc.com.

Details and more events are at kumed.com/event-detail.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

At CRC, employees offer options, hopePatients at the University of

Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital have access to the newest treat-ments available through clinical trial research. In 2013 more than 2,700 people participated in trials at the University of Kansas Clinical Research Center (CRC) in Fairway.

The CRC is home to nearly 100 employees devoted to Phase 1 through Phase 3 clinical trial re-search. Phase 1 trials, which involve a small number of participants, focus on testing the latest medica-tions with patients for the first time. Each subsequent phase tests the medication with more people until it is approved by the FDA and available outside the trial.

Staff who conduct clinical trial research at the center are in the Clinical and Translational Science Unit (CTSU) and Early Phase Oncology Trial Program. The center is also home to the Midwest Cancer Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

“Clinical trials provide patients treatment options they otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive,” said Maxine Stoltz, PhD, senior ex-ecutive director, Cancer Clinical

Trials Office. “Early phase trials are the first step in providing new, more advanced treatment options for patients.”

With the opening of the CRC in January 2012, the university expanded its early phase oncology research program and clinical research across a wide variety of diseases through the CTSU.

In 2013, CRC researchers tested new medications in 91 clinical trials. The trials range

from research of various cancers to many noncancer diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, chronic kidney disease and multiple sclerosis. Many of the trials at the CRC are not available anywhere else in the region.

“The progress we make in curing diseases through research is incremental,” Stoltz said. “But through our work, we continue to provide hope every day to patients and their families.”

EXPOSURE

Hoopla inPediatricsBefore the Harlem Globetrotters Jan. 25 game at Sprint Center, the team’s Jet Williams made a fast break to The University of Kansas Hospital’s Pediatrics unit. He entertained many of our young patients, including Isaac Burks, 7, and Isaac’s mom, Sarah Shaw. The team calls such visits “the smile patrol.”

Nearly 100 employees at the KU CRC are devoted to clinical trial research. Leadership includes CRC Medical Director Raymond Perez, MD, and Maxine Stoltz, PhD (front, gray suit), senior executive director of the Oncology Clinical Trial Office. They are sur-rounded by some of the oncology research team.

North KC cancer center marks openingThe University of Kansas Cancer Center-North Kansas City

(KUCC-NKC) celebrated its grand opening Jan. 21, giving Northland patients close-to-home access to the region’s most comprehensive cancer care.

During the open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony, speak-ers from the cancer center, The University of Kansas Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital emphasized the importance of the organizations’ partnership and what it means for patients.

Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony, including area physicians, hospital executives, local and state elected officials and representatives from area schools, chambers of commerce and economic development councils.

The center, which first began treating patients Nov. 4, includes fully renovated radiation oncology and new medical oncology clinics. Both are located on the North Kansas City Hospital campus, on the lower level of the Medical Plaza building.

The radiation oncology office features a state-of-the-art linear accelerator. The adjacent medical oncology office includes an infusion center offering a warm, spa-like atmosphere with heated treatment chairs and personal TV screens.

Patients also gain greater access to treatment options and clinical research trials available only at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

With KUCC-NKC, the cancer center now encompasses 11 cancer care locations, including the Westwood Campus and main campus.

As flu bug spreads, heed this advice Flu season is in full swing, with high flu activity expected to

continue for several weeks, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Annual vaccination is the first and most important step to protect against flu; you can still benefit from a flu shot. Contact your healthcare provider to make an appointment.

Also, be mindful of symptoms: Fever or feeling feverish with chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

If you experience flu-like symptoms, you’re urged to stay home and limit spread of the disease. Rest and drink clear fluids such as water, broth or sports drink. Use the “Count Dracula” approach to limit spread of germs: Cough and sneeze in the crook of your arm.

And remember to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if possible. Do not return to work or school until you are free of symptoms for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If your symptoms seem severe or you have concerns, call your healthcare provider.

In the NewsA recap of recent articles, TV segments and other media coverage of the region’s leading academic medical center.

New building for physician training will be pursued – The Associated Press, Jan. 17. University of Kansas leaders vow not to give up on a plan to build a $75 million facility at the University of Kansas Medical Center, even though Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposed budget does not include funding for it. The building would allow expansion of training for physicians and other healthcare professionals. “We have not given up,” said Kansas Board of Regents Chairman Fred Logan. “If we don’t get it this session we’re going to get it the next session. It is something the state needs; it needs it very badly.”

Teen stroke victim recovering, helping others – KCTV 5 News, Jan. 10. Blake Ephraim, 16, woke up two months ago with an earache, then nausea and a splitting headache. Soon she couldn’t speak or understand, then she lost control of half her body. Physicians at The University of Kansas Hospital found she had a blood clot making her brain swell. The story profiles the Olathe South cheerleader’s surgery and remarkable recovery.

Medical Center asked to help with psychiatrist shortage – The Lawrence Journal-World, Jan. 21. A widespread shortage of psychiatrists throughout Kansas has some state agencies looking to the University of Kansas Medical Center for help in training more. William Gabrielli, MD, PhD, Psychiatry chair at the medical center, said rural areas have trouble attracting psychiatrists because the incomes are lower, fewer jobs are available for working spouses and there is “less of a community of doc-tors,” making practice more difficult without a professional network.

Employee crochets for cancer patients – KMBC-TV 9, Jan. 14. An employee’s volunteer effort at The University of Kansas Hospital is warm-ing hearts, along with heads, necks and arms. Marc Wendling, who works in the hospital’s patient finance office, over the past year has used his own time to crochet more than 100 caps, scarves and blankets for cancer patients. The patients use the items while they receive treatment. “When your immune system is down, the cold just sets in,” he said. 

New

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Treads & Threads thanksThe University of Kansas Hospital Board of Directors on Jan. 14 honored Peggy and Terry Dunn (center and right), chairs of the 2013 Treads & Threads. The 12th annual gala, held in September, netted a record $963,026 to support personal-ized patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Fund Development’s Janice Benjamin presented the Dunns with a plaque from the event.

During the open house, Radiation Therapy’s Erika Sedlacek, RT(R) (T), demonstrated features of a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator.

ADVANCES

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Our People Emotional support for

refugees – Approximately 2,000 South Sudanese refugees live in the Kansas City area, most of them women and children who have fled the ongoing Sudanese civil wars.

They are safer here, but the emotional transition to America remains difficult: Studies show refu-gee women face high incidence of mental distress, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

That’s where Martha Baird, PhD, APRN, comes in. Assistant professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Baird is working closely with the South Sudanese community to help improve their emotional health.

Baird uses an approach known for engaging community members as collaborators, not just participants. Working with translator Rebecca Mabior, Baird translated the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, a well-known anxiety and depression-screening instrument, into the South Sudanese tribal language of Dinka.

“I’ve worked to make the checklist congruent with the Sudanese cul-ture, and applicable and appropriate for the women who will be taking it,” said Baird, who received a nursing

research award last year for her work developing the checklist.

Baird also will develop strate-gies to address their symptoms, including counseling, medication and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, guided imagery, dance and prayer. The sessions will be held at a midtown Kansas City church that serves the South Sudanese refugee community.

“There is a real need for interven-tion research with refugees in the communities where they live,” Baird said. “Culturally effective interven-

tions, conducted in partnership with community members, can lead to sustainable health programs.”

The attention to emotional health is new to the refugees, who have witnessed so much trauma and destruction in their homeland; more than 2 million people have died and an estimated 5 million Southern

Sudanese have been displaced.“We survived war every day in

South Sudan,” said Mabior, the trans-lator. “Going to the doctor when you’re well is a difficult concept to understand.”

Excellence in physical therapy teaching – Martin Dolphino, DPT, physical therapy manager in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, has received the Kathy Johnson Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award.

The award is from the Central Academic Coordinators Consortium. It is given to one physical therapist each year – within a seven-state region

– who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication in the education of physical therapy students.

In addition to his role as a physi-cal therapist, Dolphino hosts 12 DPT (doctor of physical therapy) students for clini-cal education each year, orga-nizes numerous orthopedic study groups for students and physical therapists, serves as a guest lecturer in the DPT program at the medical center and serves as a mentor to many in the physical therapy field.   

Top 100 citations – A University of Kansas School of Medicine physician-scientist contributed to one of the top 100 most-cited pediatric articles since 1945.

Merlin Butler, MD, PhD, a profes-sor and clinical geneticist who holds appointments in the departments

of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, co-authored a 1993 manuscript establishing the diagnostic criteria for Prader-Willi syndrome.

The syn-drome is a rare non-inherited genetic disorder. It causes children to have a constant sense of hunger and slower meta-bolic rates, leading to obesity in early childhood that can be life threatening.

The syndrome, which also causes learning disabilities, speech issues and weak muscle tone, occurs in approximately one out of every 12,000 to 15,000 births.

Butler worked with other clini-cians to develop the criteria. Their 1993 paper ranked No. 53 on the list of most-cited pediatric publications. The number of citations, 618, is striking given how rare Prader-Willi syndrome is.

Dolphino

Butler

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Martha Baird, PhD, APRN, received a hug from translator Rebecca Mabior during a health fair at a midtown Kansas City church.