Reflections on growing leadership capacity through formal training and mid-career peer connections.

In this commentary, two alumni of the 2018 Society of Behavioral Medicine Mid-Career Leadership Institute reflect on their experiences in the year-long program. Each was at different stages of their career and went into the program for different reasons. One was seeking purpose and direction after being promoted to Associate Professor. The other had been awarded full professorship and was contemplating a career move into administration. Assigned to the same learning community within the institute, they stayed in touch through monthly peer-mentoring calls over the course of the year. These calls both reinforced what they learned during the leadership institute and provided a forum for brainstorming how to maximize their career opportunities and traverse their distinct career challenges. Both have since gone through significant career changes, thanks to the validation, inspiration, and support provided by the leadership institute. Both continue to reap the benefits from participating in the leadership institute as they navigate the new and exciting landscape of their changing careers.

Interaction Between Physical Activity and Genes Related to Neurotrophin Signaling in Late-Life Cognitive Performance: The Cache County Study.

Research indicates that lifestyle and genetic factors influence the course of cognitive impairment in aging, but their interactions have not been well-examined. This study examined the relationship between physical activity and genotypes related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in predicting cognitive performance in a sample of older adults with up to 12 years of follow-up. Physical activity levels (sedentary, light, and moderate/vigorous) were determined for the sample of 3,591 participants (57% female) without dementia. The genotypes examined included BDNF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6265 and rs56164415) and receptor gene SNPs (NTRK2 rs2289656 and NGFR rs2072446). Cognition was assessed triennially using the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam. Unadjusted linear mixed models indicated that sedentary (ß = -5.05) and light (ß = -2.41) groups performed worse than moderate-vigorous (p < .001). Addition of interaction effects showed significant differences in rate of decline between activity levels, particularly among males (p = .006). A three-way interaction with sex, NGFR SNP rs2072446, and physical activity suggested that the C/C allele was associated with better cognitive performance among males engaging in light activity only (p = .004). Physical activity and sex, but not BDNF-related SNPs, predicted rate of cognitive decline in older adults, while NGFR rs2072446 may modify main effects.

Use of FDA approved medications for Alzheimer's disease in mild dementia is associated with reduced informal costs of care.

ABSTRACTBackground:The use of FDA approved medications for Alzheimer's disease [AD; FDAAMAD; (cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists)] has been associated with symptomatic benefit with a reduction in formal (paid services) and total costs of care (formal and informal costs). We examined the use of these medications and their association with informal costs in persons with dementia. METHOD: Two hundred eighty participants (53% female, 72% AD) from the longitudinal, population-based Dementia Progression Study in Cache County, Utah (USA) were followed up to ten years. Mean (SD) age at baseline was 85.6 (5.5) years. Informal costs (expressed in 2015 dollars) were calculated using the replacement cost method (hours of care multiplied by the median wage in Utah in the visit year) and adjusted for inflation using the Medical Consumer Price Index. Generalized Estimating Equations with a gamma log-link function were used to examine the longitudinal association between use of FDAAMAD and informal costs. RESULTS: The daily informal cost for each participant at baseline ranged from $0 to $318.12, with the sample median of $9.40. Within the entire sample, use of FDAAMAD was not significantly associated with informal costs (expß = 0.73, p = 0.060). In analyses restricted to participants with mild dementia at baseline (N = 222), use of FDAAMAD was associated with 32% lower costs (expß = 0.68, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Use of FDAAMAD was associated with lower informal care costs in those with mild dementia only.

Outcomes and prognostic variables of radiofrequency zygapophyseal joint neurotomy in Utah workers' compensation patients.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of radiofrequency zygapophyseal joint neurotomy (RFN) has increased substantially across the past decade. Limited research exists that has examined pre-procedure predictors of RFN outcomes, particularly within workers' compensation populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if pre-procedure biopsychosocial variables are predictive of outcomes in a cohort of compensated Utah patients who have undergone RFN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study consisting of a review of pre-procedure medical records and a telephone outcome survey. The sample consisted of 101 compensated workers from Utah who had undergone RFN. Fifty-six patients (55%) responded to the outcome survey. Patients were an average of 46 months post-neurotomy at the time of follow-up. Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, disability status, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Stauffer-Coventry Index, and Short-Form Health Survey-36 (v.2). Statistical techniques utilized included frequencies, mean comparisons, and logistic and multiple regressions. RESULTS: Forty percent of patients were totally disabled at the time of follow-up. Lawyer involvement, older age, and a positive history of depression were predictors of poor outcomes in logistic and multiple regression equations. CONCLUSION: Presurgical biopsychosocial variables were predictive of multidimensional patient outcomes, and a high rate of total disability was observed. Additional research on the effectiveness of RFN for workers' compensation patients is recommended.

Therapist-Specific Factors and Psychotherapy Outcomes of Adult and Youth Clients Seen in a Psychology Training Clinic.

The current study investigated therapist demographic and level of experience in relation to psychotherapy outcomes for adult and child clients. The OQ-45 and Y-OQ 2.01 were used to assess outcomes for 199 adults and 169 youth clients seen for psychotherapy by graduate-level student therapists. Analyses included calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients for each therapist-specific factors (e.g., therapist age, sex) and total score change amount on the OQ-45/Y-OQ 2.01 by treatment outcome subgroup (e.g., clinically significant change, reliable improvement, no change, or deterioration). For adults, a statistically significant relationship was found between improved outcomes and therapist having previously obtained clinical master's degree (r = 0.276, p < .05) as well as female therapist gender (r = -0.295, p < .05). For youth, no statistically significant correlations were observed. Current findings are compared to nontraining settings and implications for student therapist training and training clinic policy are reviewed.

Pain acceptance potentially mediates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and post-surgery outcomes among compensated lumbar fusion patients.

PURPOSE: Chronic low back pain is highly prevalent and often treatment recalcitrant condition, particularly among workers' compensation patients. There is a need to identify psychological factors that may predispose such patients to pain chronicity. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether pain acceptance potentially mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and post-surgical outcomes in a sample of compensated lumbar fusion patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients insured with the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah and who were at least 2 years post-lumbar fusion surgery completed an outcome survey. These data were obtained from a prior retrospective-cohort study that administered measures of pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, mental and physical health, and disability. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients who completed the outcome survey, 75.2% were male with a mean age of 42.42 years and predominantly identified as White (97.0%). The majority of the participants had a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Pain acceptance, including activity engagement and pain willingness, was significantly correlated with better physical health and mental health, and lower disability rates. Pain catastrophizing was inversely correlated with measures of pain acceptance (activity engagement r=-0.67, p<0.01, pain willingness r=-0.73, p<0.01) as well as the outcome measures: mental health, physical health, and disability. Pain acceptance significantly mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and both mental and physical health and also the relationship between pain catastrophizing and disability. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the relationship between pain catastrophizing and negative patient outcomes was potentially mediated by pain acceptance. Understanding this mediating relationship offers insight into how pain acceptance may play a protective role in patients' pain and disability and has potential implications for pain treatments.

Lumbar Fusion in Utah Workers' Compensation Patients: Changing Outcomes Across a Decade.

STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective-cohort design involving a review of patient medical and cost records and a 2-year postsurgery follow-up outcome survey. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and cost outcomes associated with recent lumbar fusion surgeries in Utah workers and compare these outcomes with a comparable prior study cohort. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar fusion performed on injured workers has dramatically increased over the past 2 decades and this likely coincided with the increased use of more advanced surgical instrumentation. Considering the recent changes in lumbar fusion surgery, there is a need to identify how patient outcomes have changed among injured workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review and 2-year postsurgery follow-up survey of patient outcomes were performed. Postsurgical outcomes for this sample were compared with established norms for back pain patients and a previous cohort of compensated lumbar fusion patients obtained from Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah. RESULTS: The current cohort evidenced a solid fusion rate of 89% and significant increase in the use of surgical instrumentation, particularly titanium fusion cages. Despite increased solid fusion rates, injured workers who have undergone lumbar fusion in Utah demonstrated equivalent and in some cases worse outcomes than those documented a decade ago. Specifically, there were significant increases in back pain dysfunction and narcotic medication usage in the current versus the past cohort. Medical and compensation costs for compensated lumbar fusion patients in Utah also significantly increased since the mid-1990s. CONCLUSION: Over the past decade, injured workers who have undergone lumbar fusion in Utah showed an increase in solid fusion rates and costs without a corresponding improvement in patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Occupational and biopsychosocial risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a biopsychosocial model of risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In addition, a host of exploratory psychosocial variables was investigated as potential risk factors for CTS. METHODS: A case-control design was used comparing 87 CTS and 74 sex-matched general orthopedic patients from an outpatient orthopedic clinic. All participants underwent the same diagnostic protocol (ie, physical evaluation and electrodiagnostic testing) and completed a self-report questionnaire assessing a wide range of potential occupational, personological, and psychosocial risk factors. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that occupational repetition, not engaging in vigorous exercise, physical activities with wrist strain, poorer physical health, and lower job satisfaction were significantly related to the presence of CTS. Obesity was borderline significantly related to the presence of CTS. CONCLUSIONS: The biopsychosocial model provides a useful heuristic for conceptualizing CTS risk among injured workers.

Caregiver coping strategies predict cognitive and functional decline in dementia: the Cache County Dementia Progression Study.

OBJECTIVES: Few longitudinal studies have studied the influence of the care environment on the clinical progression of dementia. We examined whether caregiver coping strategies predict dementia progression in a population-based sample. DESIGN: Longitudinal, prospective cohort study. SETTING: Cache County (Utah) population. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 226 persons with dementia, and their caregivers, were assessed semiannually for up to 6 years. MEASUREMENTS: Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of dementia onset in persons with dementia was 82.11 (5.84) years and mean caregiver age was 67.41 (13.95) years. Mean (SD) follow-up was 1.65 (1.63) years from baseline. In univariate linear mixed-effects models, increasing use of problem-focused and counting blessings by caregivers was associated with slower patient worsening on the MMSE. Problem-focused coping, seeking social support, and wishful thinking were associated with slower Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of boxes (CDR-sb) worsening. Considering covariates, increasing use of problem-focused coping was associated with 0.70 points per year less worsening on the MMSE and 0.55 points per year less worsening on the CDR-sb. Compared with no use, the "regular" use of this strategy was associated with 2 points per year slower worsening on the MMSE and 1.65 points per year slower worsening on the CDR-sb. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver coping strategies are associated with slower dementia progression. Developing interventions that target these strategies may benefit dementia patients.

Predicting back pain treatment outcomes among workers' compensation patients: important information for clinical neuropsychologists.

Low back pain is an increasingly prevalent and costly issue in the United States. It is a particularly relevant problem for Workers' Compensation patients, who typically experience worse surgical and functional outcomes than their non-compensated counterparts. Neuropsychologists often provide intervention and assessment services to compensated patients with back pain, and thus it is critical they possess a basic understanding of the factors that might predispose an injured worker to poor spine surgery outcomes. This paper will review the current literature regarding presurgical biopsychosocial factors which have been implicated in poor back surgery outcomes among injured workers. We provide some tentative guidelines for neuropsychologists to utilize in providing services to injured workers with back pain.

Predicting compensation and medical costs of lumbar fusion patients receiving workers' compensation in utah using presurgical biopsychosocial variables.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective-cohort investigation (N = 245) utilizing a review of patient medical records and costs accrued through the Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah. OBJECTIVE: To replicate a previous study of compensation and medical costs in compensated lumbar fusion patients, to identify changes in costs across time, and to identify biopsychosocial variables predictive of current costs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have demonstrated that medical costs associated with lumbar fusion have been rising drastically. It is unclear whether rising fusion costs are occurring in compensation populations. Prior studies have also demonstrated that costs can be predicted on the basis of presurgical biopsychosocial variables, and there is a need to determine whether such variables are still relevant. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient medical records and compensation and medical costs paid by the Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah was performed. RESULTS: Since the mid-1990s, medical costs for compensated lumbar fusion patients in Utah have risen approximately 174%, whereas compensation costs have increased roughly with the pace of inflation. Wage and assignment to nurse case management predicted compensation costs, whereas assignment to nurse case management also predicted medical costs. CONCLUSION: Medical costs among compensated Utah patients receiving lumbar fusion have risen dramatically since the 1990s, whereas compensation costs have not. Biopsychosocial variables continue to be predictive of these costs, although to a more modest degree than in prior studies. Further investigations should look at other factors leading to increased medical costs.

Presurgical biopsychosocial variables predict medical, compensation, and aggregate costs of lumbar discectomy in Utah workers' compensation patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Elective lumbar discectomy among injured workers is a prevalent spine surgery that often requires a lengthy rehabilitation. It is important to determine presurgical biopsychosocial predictors of compensation and medical costs in such patients. PURPOSE: To determine if presurgical biopsychosocial variables are predictive of compensation and medical costs in a cohort of Utah patients who have undergone open or microlumbar discectomy that are receiving workers' compensation. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective cohort study consisting of a review of presurgical medical records and accrued medical and compensation costs. PATIENT SAMPLE: A consecutive sample of 266 compensated workers from Utah who had undergone either open discectomy or microlumbar discectomy from 1994 to 2000. All patients were at least 2 years postsurgery at the time of follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Total accrued medical, compensation, and aggregate costs. METHODS: A retrospective review of presurgical biopsychosocial variables and total accrued medical, compensation, and aggregate costs. RESULTS: Presurgical variables were statistically significantly correlated with medical and compensation costs. Multiple linear regression models accounted for 31% of variation in compensation costs, 32% in medical costs, and 43% in total aggregate costs. CONCLUSIONS: Presurgical biopsychosocial variables are important predictors of compensated lumbar discectomy costs. Medical cost control programs might benefit from identifying biopsychosocial variables related to increased costs.

A brief metacognition questionnaire for the elderly: comparison with cognitive performance and informant ratings the Cache County Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of a brief, metacognition questionnaire by examining its association with objective cognitive testing and informant ratings. We hypothesized that the association between self-ratings of change and both outcomes would be greater among individuals without dementia than among those with dementia. METHODS: Participants were 535 persons without dementia and 152 with dementia from the Cache County Memory Study who had completed a metacognition questionnaire, two administrations of the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam (3 MS) and who had data on the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Cronbach's alpha was calculated as a measure of internal consistency of the metacognition questionnaire. Multiple regression was used to examine the relationship between metacognition and 3 MS change. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between metacognition and IQCODE ratings (no change vs. worse). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. Among individuals without dementia, metacognition significantly predicted 3 MS change (p = .027) and IQCODE ratings (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.2-13.8, p = .029), suggesting consistency among measures. For those with dementia, there was a weak, inverse relationship between 3 MS change and metacognition (r = -0.16, p = .056). IQCODE ratings were not significantly associated with metacognition (p = .729). Degree of dementia severity did not modify the relationship between metacognition and either outcome (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated adequate internal consistency and evidence for validity of a brief metacognition questionnaire. The questionnaire may provide a useful adjunct to memory and functional assessments for assessing anosognosia in elderly populations.

Outcomes and presurgery correlates of lumbar discectomy in Utah Workers' Compensation patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbar discectomy is the most common type of back surgery performed in the United States. Outcomes after this procedure can be variable and it appears that Workers' Compensation patients might be at increased risk for poor outcomes. PURPOSE: To examine long-term multidimensional outcomes of lumbar discectomy within a cohort of Workers' Compensation patients from Utah and identify presurgical biopsychosocial factors related to poor outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective cohort study consisting of a review of presurgical medical records and assessment of patient outcomes via a telephone survey. Outcomes were assessed at least 2 years postsurgery. PATIENT SAMPLE: A consecutive sample of 271 workers from Utah who underwent lumbar discectomy from 1994 to 1999. A total of 134 patients were surveyed at the time of follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient satisfaction, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, SF-36v2, and Stauffer-Coventry Index. METHODS: A retrospective review of presurgical biopsychosocial variables and outcome assessment via telephone survey was conducted. RESULTS: Work disability rate for the cohort was 12.7% (17/134). Analysis of patient satisfaction, back pain-related dysfunction, and the Short-Form Health Survey-36 subscales indicated approximately 25% of patients experienced poor outcomes. Older age, number of comorbid health conditions, assigned case manager, litigation, and time delay from injury to surgery were consistently statistically significant predictors (p<.05) of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that compensated back surgery patients are at greater risk for poor lumbar discectomy outcomes than noncompensation patients. Presurgery correlates of poor outcomes may be useful in identifying high-risk compensation patients.

Obesity and litigation predict workers' compensation costs associated with interbody cage lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Results of lumbar fusion surgery have been mixed and procedures are costly. Interbody cage lumbar fusion (ICLF) has been advanced to improve arthrodesis and clinical outcomes; however, little attention has been given to ICLF costs or potential predictors of these expenses. PURPOSE: To depict medical and compensation costs associated with ICLF in a Utah cohort of patients receiving workers' compensation as well as to investigate predictors of costs. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective-cohort research design was used involving completion of presurgical and postsurgical medical record reviews and accrual of medical and compensation costs. Presurgical variables included in a regression model were presurgical spinal pathophysiology rating, obesity, and litigation status. PATIENT SAMPLE: Forty-three consecutive patients who were compensated by the Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah and underwent ICLF. OUTCOME MEASURES: Total accrued compensation and medical costs. METHODS: A retrospective review of presurgical variables and total accrued compensation and medical costs was conducted. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis indicated that nonpathophysiological factors predicted compensation costs (lawyer involvement [beta=0.40]; obesity [beta=0.34]). Specifically, compensation for those with versus without lawyers was $41,657 versus $24,837, and for those who were obese versus nonobese was $46,152 versus $28,168. Arthrodesis was correlated with medical costs (r=-0.47, p=.002), with incurred costs for patients achieving solid fusion versus pseudarthrosis equaling $38,881 versus $71,655, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable costs were associated with ICLF, particularly for those who were obese, involved in litigation, or failed to achieve solid fusion. With regard to compensation costs, the findings support the importance of assessing nonpathophysiological factors in spinal fusion patients.

Presurgical biopsychosocial factors predict multidimensional patient: outcomes of interbody cage lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Interbody cage lumbar fusion (ICLF) has been advanced to improve arthrodesis; however, little attention has been given to quality of life and functional outcomes. Studies suggest that psychosocial factors may be important modifiers of low back surgical outcomes. PURPOSE: To depict outcomes of ICLF surgery across multiple dimensions and to investigate presurgical biopsychosocial predictors of these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective-cohort research design was used that involved completion of presurgical medical record reviews and postsurgical telephone outcome surveys at least 18 months after surgery. Presurgical variables included in a regression model were age at the time of surgery, spinal pathophysiology rating, smoking tobacco, depression, and pursuing litigation. PATIENT SAMPLE: Seventy-three patients received ICLF, and of those 56 patients completed the outcome survey an average of 2.6 years after surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures consisted of arthrodesis status, patient satisfaction, back-specific functioning, disability status, and quality of life. RESULTS: Although arthrodesis occurred in 84% of the patients, nearly half were dissatisfied with their current back condition. Functional status was worse than expected, and 38% were totally disabled at follow-up. Regression analyses revealed tobacco use, depression, and litigation were the most consistent presurgical predictors of poorer patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, despite a high rate of arthrodesis, ICLF was not associated with substantial improvements in patient functioning. Presurgical biopsychosocial variables predicted patient outcomes, which may help improve patient selection and possible targeted interventions.

Presurgical biopsychosocial variables predict medical and compensation costs of lumbar fusion in Utah workers' compensation patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Elective lumbar fusion surgery is a prevalent and costly procedure that requires a lengthy rehabilitation. It is important to identify presurgical biopsychosocial predictors of medical and compensation costs in such patients. PURPOSE: To determine if presurgical biopsychosocial variables are predictive of compensation and medical costs in a cohort of Utah lumbar fusion patients receiving workers' compensation. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective-cohort study consisting of a review of presurgical medical records and accrued medical and compensations costs. PATIENT SAMPLE: A consecutive sample of 203 compensated workers from Utah who underwent lumbar fusion from 1990 to 1995. Patients were at least 2 years postsurgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: Total accrued medical and compensations costs. METHODS: A retrospective review of presurgical biopsychosocial variables and total accrued medical and compensation costs was conducted. RESULTS: Presurgical variables from each of the biopsychosocial domains were statistically significantly correlated with medical and compensation costs. Social and biological variables were the best predictors of total compensation costs, whereas psychological variables were better predictors of total medical costs. CONCLUSIONS: Compensation and medical costs associated with posterolateral lumbar fusion can be predicted by preintervention biopsychosocial variables. Cost reduction programs might benefit from identifying biopsychosocial factors related to increased costs.

Outcomes of posterolateral versus BAK titanium cage interbody lumbar fusion in injured workers: a retrospective cohort study.

Lumbar fusion has been criticized for variable patient outcomes, though little is known regarding how outcomes vary across procedures. We examined outcomes of posterolateral versus BAK interbody lumbar fusion in workers' compensation cases. A medical record review and a follow-up survey were completed. The sample included 185 posterolateral and 185 lumbar interbody fusions. An outcome survey was conducted an average of 5 years after surgery. Arthrodesis rates, satisfaction, function, and health were better for the BAK interbody lumbar fusion cohort. Results suggest greater efficacy of the BAK interbody approach over posterolateral approaches to lumbar fusion in compensated patients.