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1.
Health Serv Res ; 2024 Jul 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38972911

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the association of social risk factors with unplanned readmission and emergency care after a hospital stay. (2) To create a social risk scoring index. DATA SOURCES AND SETTING: We analyzed administrative data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse. Settings were VA medical centers that participated in a national social work staffing program. STUDY DESIGN: We grouped socially relevant diagnoses, screenings, assessments, and procedure codes into nine social risk domains. We used logistic regression to examine the extent to which domains predicted unplanned hospital readmission and emergency department (ED) use in 30 days after hospital discharge. Covariates were age, sex, and medical readmission risk score. We used model estimates to create a percentile score signaling Veterans' health-related social risk. DATA EXTRACTION: We included 156,690 Veterans' admissions to a VA hospital with discharged to home from 1 October, 2016 to 30 September, 2022. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The 30-day rate of unplanned readmission was 0.074 and of ED use was 0.240. After adjustment, the social risks with greatest probability of readmission were food insecurity (adjusted probability = 0.091 [95% confidence interval: 0.082, 0.101]), legal need (0.090 [0.079, 0.102]), and neighborhood deprivation (0.081 [0.081, 0.108]); versus no social risk (0.052). The greatest adjusted probabilities of ED use were among those who had experienced food insecurity (adjusted probability 0.28 [0.26, 0.30]), legal problems (0.28 [0.26, 0.30]), and violence (0.27 [0.25, 0.29]), versus no social risk (0.21). Veterans with social risk scores in the 95th percentile had greater rates of unplanned care than those with 95th percentile Care Assessment Needs score, a clinical prediction tool used in the VA. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans with social risks may need specialized interventions and targeted resources after a hospital stay. We propose a scoring method to rate social risk for use in clinical practice and future research.

2.
Digit Health ; 10: 20552076241245278, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38854917

ABSTRACT

Objective: The acceptability of being offered a choice from a suite of digital health service options to support optimal diet and exercise behaviors in adults with complex chronic conditions was evaluated. This study sought to understand many areas of acceptability including satisfaction, ease of use, usefulness and user appropriateness and perceived effectiveness. Methods: This mixed-methods study was embedded within a randomized-controlled feasibility trial providing digital health services managing diet and exercise for adults from specialist kidney and liver disease clinics. Post study surveys and semistructured interviews were used to determine patients' acceptability of the trial interventions. Quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (surveys and interviews) results were merged using integrative analysis and mapped to each construct of the modified version of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results: Seventeen interviews (intervention group) and 50 surveys (n = 24 intervention, n = 26 comparator) completed from a possible 67 participants were analyzed. In the intervention group, the survey results revealed high areas of acceptability for the digital health services including overall support received, ease of use, timely advice and feeling safe. The interviews also revealed high areas of acceptability including convenience, ability to adopt healthier behaviors and having regular interactions with health professionals. However, the interviews also revealed lower areas of acceptability as a result of absence of individualization, low digital literacy, and limitations from life circumstances. Conclusions: Recipients of digital health services that supported diet and exercise interventions found these useful, effective, and safe. Individualized care, technical support and patient confidence remain important to improve the acceptability of digital health service interventions.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38801006

ABSTRACT

Aims: Exercise interventions positively affect numerous cardiometabolic risk factors. To better evaluate the health effects of exercise training, it may be more appropriate to evaluate risk factors together. The Metabolic Syndrome Severity Score (MetSSS) is a composite score representing cardiometabolic risk. Purpose: To evaluate the relationships between physical activity, neuromuscular fitness, exercise capacity, and the MetSSS in a heterogenous sample of people with complex chronic disease. Material and Methods: Fifty-three people with kidney or liver disease and at least one feature of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were included. Pearson correlations were conducted between physical activity, neuromuscular fitness, exercise capacity, and the MetSSS. Linear regressions were performed for multi-level categorical variables. Independent variables with an association with MetSSS (P ≤ 0.2) were included in a multiple regression analysis. Results: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance was inversely and independently associated with MetSSS [standardized beta coefficient (ß) = -0.31, P = 0.04]. No relationship was found between MetSSS and physical activity or neuromuscular fitness. Mean 6MWT in the highest tertile was 550 m (range: 505-620 m) and 346 m (range: 233-408 m) in the lowest. The analysis showed a medium-large between-group effect for the difference in MetSSS for the lowest and highest tertile of 6MWT [Eta squared (η2) = 0.16, P = 0.01]. Conclusions: Exercise capacity was inversely and independently associated with MetSSS in people with complex chronic disease. Clinical trials with exercise interventions are needed to further investigate if improvements in exercise capacity result in clinically significant changes in the MetSSS.

4.
MethodsX ; 12: 102617, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38425497

ABSTRACT

The residential sector accounts for 33% of energy-related Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions globally and must undergo rapid emissions reductions in order to support broader society-wide sustainability and net-zero transitions. Additionally, urban areas account for approximately 70% of global GHG emissions. To provide a baseline for urban climate action plans and mitigation strategies, sub-national municipalities must quantify their sectoral baseline emissions in detail and develop strategies for reducing emissions relative to these baselines. Therefore, it is important to establish clear methodologies for computing these baselines in accordance with the best available science. This paper establishes a novel methodology for developing a residential sector emissions model using a data-driven and spatial mapping approach. This would form an important component of future multi-sectoral baseline emissions inventories. •The residential sector emissions model combines publicly available census and building energy performance datasets in order to model and visualize the distribution of energy demand and resultant emissions across an urban study domain in Ireland.•The methodology presented was developed in line with the approaches and requirements of the Global Covenant of Mayors and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.•It is envisioned that this residential sector emissions model methodology could be applied in any urban area worldwide.

6.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol ; 45(2): 211-217, 2024 02 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238093

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nonspecific, localized thalamic signal abnormalities of uncertain significance are occasionally found on pediatric brain MR imaging. The goal of this study is to describe the MR imaging appearance and natural history of these lesions in children and young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated clinically acquired brain MR imaging examinations obtained from February 1995 to March 2022 at a large, tertiary care pediatric hospital. Examinations with non-mass-like and nonenhancing thalamic lesions were identified based on term search of MR imaging reports. A total of 221 patients formed the initial group for imaging assessment. Additional exclusions during imaging review resulted in 171 patients. Imaging appearance and size changes were assessed at baseline and at follow-up examinations. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients (102 male) at a median age of 11 years (range: 1-23 years), 568 MR imaging examinations, and 180 thalamic lesions were included. Median time from baseline to the last follow-up MR imaging was 542 days (range: 46-5730 days). No lesion enhanced at any time point. On imaging follow-up, 11% of lesions (18/161) became smaller, 10% (16/161) resolved, 73% (118/161) remained stable, and 6% (9/161) increased in size at some point during evaluation. Median time interval from baseline to enlargement was 430 days (range: 136-1074 days). CONCLUSIONS: Most incidental, non-mass-like thalamic signal abnormalities were stable, decreased in size, or resolved on follow-up imaging and are likely of no clinical significance. Surveillance strategies with longer follow-up intervals may be adequate in the management of such findings.


Subject(s)
Brain , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Child , Young Adult , Male , Infant , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Neuroimaging , Thalamus/diagnostic imaging
7.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(48): 19637-19648, 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37972280

ABSTRACT

Unprecedented levels of urbanization have escalated urban environmental health issues, including increased air pollution in cities globally. Strategies for mitigating air pollution, including green urban planning, are essential for sustainable and healthy cities. State-of-the-art research investigating urban greenspace and pollution metrics has accelerated through the use of vast digital data sets and new analytical tools. In this study, we examined associations between Google Street View-derived urban greenspace levels and Google Air View-derived air quality, where both have been resolved in extremely high resolution, accuracy, and scale along the entire road network of Dublin City. Particulate matter of size fraction less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide were quantified using 5,030,143 Google Air View measurements, and greenspace was quantified using 403,409 Google Street View images. Significant (p < 0.001) negative associations between urban greenspace and pollution were observed. For example, an interquartile range increase in the Green View Index was associated with a 7.4% [95% confidence interval: -13.1%, -1.3%] decrease in NO2 at the point location spatial resolution. We provide insights into how large-scale digital data can be harnessed to elucidate urban environmental interactions that will have important planning and policy implications for sustainable future cities.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Air Pollutants/analysis , Cities , Parks, Recreational , Search Engine , Air Pollution/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis
9.
Environ Res ; 231(Pt 3): 116242, 2023 08 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37244499

ABSTRACT

Climate change is a defining challenge for today's society and its consequences pose a great threat to humanity. Cities are major contributors to climate change, accounting for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With urbanization occurring at a rapid rate worldwide, cities will play a key role in mitigating emissions and addressing climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are strongly interlinked with air quality as they share emission sources. Consequently, there is a great opportunity to develop policies which maximize the co-benefits of emissions reductions on air quality and health. As such, a narrative meta-review is conducted to highlight state-of-the-art monitoring and modelling tools which can inform and monitor progress towards greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reduction targets. Urban greenspace will play an important role in the transition to net-zero as it promotes sustainable and active transport modes. Therefore, we explore advancements in urban greenspace quantification methods which can aid strategic developments. There is great potential to harness technological advancements to better understand the impact of greenhouse gas reduction strategies on air quality and subsequently inform the optimal design of these strategies going forward. An integrated approach to greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reduction will create sustainable, net-zero and healthy future cities.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Greenhouse Gases , Cities , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/prevention & control , Air Pollution/analysis , Policy , Environmental Monitoring
10.
Health Aff (Millwood) ; 42(3): 349-356, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36877907

ABSTRACT

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has struggled with many aspects of the public health response, from determining where transmission is occurring to building trust with communities and implementing interventions. Three factors have contributed to these challenges: insufficient local public health capacity, siloed interventions, and underuse of a cluster-based approach to outbreak response. In this article we introduce Community-based Outbreak Investigation and Response (COIR), a local public health strategy developed during the COVID-19 pandemic that addresses these shortcomings. COIR can help local public health entities conduct disease surveillance more effectively, take a more proactive and efficient approach to mitigating transmission, coordinate response efforts, build community trust, and advance equity. We offer a practitioner's lens, informed through on-the-ground experience and engagement with policy makers, to highlight the financing, workforce, data system, and information-sharing policy changes needed to scale up COIR throughout the country. COIR can enable the US public health system to develop effective solutions to many of today's public health challenges and improve the nation's preparedness for public health crises in the years to come.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Public Health , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Administrative Personnel
11.
Nutrients ; 15(5)2023 Feb 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36904203

ABSTRACT

Optimal nutrition is imperative for psychological health. Oxidative stress and inflammation are underlying etiologies for alterations in psychological health. Warfighters are at risk of health concerns such as depression due to increased stress in austere environments and family separation while deployed. Over the last decade, research has demonstrated the health benefits of flavonoids found in fruits and berries. Berry flavonoids have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, the promising effects of various berries rich in bioactive flavonoids are examined. By inhibiting oxidative stress, berry flavonoids have the potential to modulate brain, cardiovascular, and intestinal health. There is a critical need for targeted interventions to address psychological health concerns within the warfighter population, and a berry flavonoid-rich diet and/or berry flavonoid dietary supplement intervention may prove beneficial as an adjunctive therapy. Structured searches of the literature were performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using predetermined keywords. This review focuses on berry flavonoids' critical and fundamental bioactive properties and their potential effects on psychological health in investigations utilizing cell, animal, and human model systems.


Subject(s)
Diet , Flavonoids , Animals , Humans , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Fruit , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Inflammation
12.
Anesth Analg ; 136(2): 270-281, 2023 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36638511

ABSTRACT

The importance of resident physicians as clinical educators is widely acknowledged in many clinical specialties and by national accreditation organizations for medical education. Within anesthesiology training programs, there is growing attention to the role of trainees as clinical educators. This narrative review describes the theoretical and demonstrated benefits of clinical teaching by residents in anesthesiology and other medical fields, summarizes current efforts to support and promote residents as educators, and suggests ways in which anesthesiology training programs can further assess and develop the role of residents as clinical educators.


Subject(s)
Anesthesiology , Education, Medical , Internship and Residency , Physicians , Humans , Anesthesiology/education , Education, Medical, Graduate
13.
J Am Med Dir Assoc ; 24(4): 573-579, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36708742

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To pilot test and refine an infection control peer coaching program, Infection Control Amplification in Nursing Centers (ICAN), in partnership with providers. DESIGN: Intervention design and pilot test. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Infection preventionists (IPs) from 7 Connecticut nursing homes (NHs). METHODS: We codesigned and pilot tested the ICAN program with NH IPs. The initial program involved designating peer coaches to provide real-time feedback on infection control practices to coworkers and targeting coaches' observations using data from both observations shared by coaches in daily huddles and weekly audit data about hand hygiene, masking, and transmission-based precautions. IPs tested the initial program while providing feedback to the research team during weekly calls. We used information from the calls, participant surveys, and the pilot process to update the program. RESULTS: Despite IPs reporting that the initial program was highly aligned with facility priorities and needs, their weekly call attendance dropped as they dealt with short staffing and COVID-19-related outbreaks and none implemented all of the program's components as intended. Most IPs described making changes to increase feasibility and reduce burden on staff amid short staffing and other ongoing issues exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We used information from the IPs and the pilot to update the program, including shifting from having IPs lead implementation solo to using a team-based approach. The updated program retains peer coaches and audit data, while broadening the mode of feedback from huddles only to communication using one-on-one meetings or emails, huddles, or other strategies. It also provides NH staff with flexibility to tailor implementation of each to their needs and constraints. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Working with staff, we developed an infection control peer coaching program that may be of use to NH leaders seeking strategies to strengthen infection control practices. Future work should involve implementing and evaluating the updated program.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mentoring , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Infection Control , Nursing Homes
14.
Pediatr Emerg Care ; 39(5): 329-334, 2023 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35413039

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bilateral skull fractures in infancy often raise suspicion for abuse. Nevertheless, literature suggests that they may occur accidentally. However, empiric data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This multicenter retrospective review aimed to characterize bilateral skull fractures in a large sample. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Medical records for infants younger than 24 months with bilateral skull fractures involving hospital consultation with a child abuse pediatrician (CAP) were reviewed from 2005 to 2020 at 13 nationally represented institutions. METHODS: Standardized data collection across institutions included historical features, fracture characteristics, and additional injuries, as well as the CAP's determination of accident versus abuse. Pooled data were analyzed for descriptive and bivariate analyses. RESULTS: For 235 cases, 141 were accidental, and 94 abuse. The majority occurred in young infants, and a history of a fall was common in 70% of cases. More than 80% involved both parietal bones. Bilateral simple linear fractures were more common in accidental cases, 79% versus 35%, whereas a complex fracture was more frequent in abuse cases, 55% versus 21% ( P < 0.001). Almost two thirds of accidental cases showed approximation of the fractures at the sagittal suture, compared with one third of abuse cases ( P < 0.001). Whereas focal intracranial hemorrhage was seen in 43% of all cases, diffuse intracranial hemorrhage was seen more in abuse cases (45%) than accidents (11%). Skin trauma was more common in abusive than accidental injury (67% vs 17%, P < 0.001), as were additional fractures on skeletal survey (49% vs 3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A fall history was common in bilateral skull fractures deemed accidental by a CAP. Most accidental cases involved young infants with biparietal simple linear fractures, without skin trauma or additional fractures. A skeletal survey may aid in the determination of accidental or abusive injury for unwitnessed events resulting in bilateral skull fractures in infants.


Subject(s)
Child Abuse , Skull Fractures , Infant , Child , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Skull Fractures/epidemiology , Skull Fractures/etiology , Head , Hemorrhage , Child Abuse/diagnosis , Intracranial Hemorrhages
15.
Trop Med Int Health ; 28(2): 126-135, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36480459

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Achievement of ISO15189 accreditation demonstrates competency of a laboratory to conduct testing. Three programmes were developed to facilitate achievement of accreditation in low- and middle-income countries: Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA), Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) and Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of accreditation and associated barriers and facilitators among medical laboratories in the WHO-AFRO region by 2020. METHODS: A desk review of SLIPTA and SLMTA databases was conducted to identify ISO15189-accredited medical laboratories between January 2013 and December 2020. Data on access to the LQSI tool were extracted from the WHO database. Facility and country characteristics were collected for analysis as possible enablers of accreditation. The chi-square test was used to analyse differences with level of significance set at <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 668 laboratories achieved accreditation by 2020 representing a 75% increase from the number in 2013. Accredited laboratories were mainly in South Africa (n = 396; 55%) and Kenya (n = 106; 16%), two countries with national accreditation bodies. About 16.9% (n = 113) of the accredited laboratories were registered for the SLIPTA programme and 26.6% (n = 178) for SLMTA. Approximately 58,217 LQSI users were registered by December 2020. Countries with a higher UHC index for access to HIV care and treatment, higher WHO JEE scores for laboratory networks, a larger number of registered LQSI users, with national laboratory policy/strategic plans and PEPFAR-priority countries were more likely to have an accredited laboratory. Of the 475 laboratories engaged in the SLIPTA programme, 154 attained ≥4 SLIPTA stars (ready to apply for accreditation) and 113 achieved ISO 15189 accreditation, with 96 enrolled into the SLMTA programme. Lower-tier laboratories were less likely to achieve accreditation than higher-tier laboratories (7.7% vs. 30%) (p < 0.001). The probability of achieving ISO 15189 accreditation (19%) was highest during the first 24 months after enrolment into the SLIPTA programme. CONCLUSION: To sustainably anchor quality improvement initiatives at facility level, national approaches including access to a national accreditation authority, adoption of national quality standards and regulatory frameworks are required.


Subject(s)
Accreditation , Laboratories , Humans , Quality Control , Reference Standards , Kenya
16.
Surg Clin North Am ; 103(1): 35-47, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36410352

ABSTRACT

Genetic testing plays an important role in assessing breast cancer risk and often the risk of other types of cancers. Accurate risk assessment and stratification represents a critical element of identifying who is best served by increased surveillance and consideration of other prevention or treatment options while also limiting overtreatment and unnecessary testing. The indications for testing will likely continue to expand, and ideally, more women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer will be identified before they are diagnosed with breast cancer and thus have the option to consider effective screening and prevention management strategies.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Genetic Testing , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Risk Assessment
17.
Breast Cancer Res Treat ; 197(1): 177-187, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36334190

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: National cancer registries are valuable tools to analyze patterns of care and clinical outcomes; yet, missing data may impact the accuracy and generalizability of these data. We sought to evaluate the association between missing data and overall survival (OS). METHODS: Using the NCDB (National Cancer Database) and SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results Program), we assessed data missingness among patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2010 to 2014. Key variables included demographic (age, race, ethnicity, insurance, education, income), tumor (grade, ER, PR, HER2, TNM stages), and treatment (surgery in both databases; chemotherapy and radiation in NCDB). OS was compared between those with and without missing data using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Overall, 775,996 patients in the NCDB and 263,016 in SEER were identified; missing at least 1 key variable occurred for 29% and 13%, respectively. Of those, the overwhelming majority (NCDB 80%; SEER 88%) were missing tumor variables. When compared to patients with complete data, missingness was associated with a greater risk of death: NCDB HR 1.23 (99% CI 1.21-1.25) and SEER HR 2.11 (99% CI 2.05-2.18). Patients with complete tumor data had higher unadjusted OS estimates than that of the entire sample: NCDB 82.7% vs 81.8% and SEER 83.5% vs 81.7% for 5-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: Missingness of select variables is not uncommon within large national cancer registries and is associated with a worse OS. Exclusion of patients with missing variables may introduce unintended bias into analyses and result in findings that underestimate breast cancer mortality.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Breast Neoplasms/therapy , SEER Program , Registries , Ethnicity , Proportional Hazards Models
18.
Am J Surg ; 225(1): 84-92, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36180300

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether tumor phenotype influences surgical decision-making, and how that may impact overall survival (OS) for early-stage breast cancer. METHODS: Women aged 18-69 with cT0-2/cN0/cM0 breast cancer in the National Cancer Database (2010-2017) were included. A generalized logistic model was used to identify factors associated with surgery type. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to visualize unadjusted OS, and the log-rank test was used to test for differences in OS between surgery types. RESULTS: Of 597,149 patients, 58% underwent lumpectomy with radiation (BCT), 25% unilateral mastectomy (UM), and 17% bilateral mastectomy (BM). After adjustment, HER2+ and triple-negative (TN) tumors were less likely to undergo UM than BCT, versus hormone receptor-positive tumors (OR = 0.881, 95% CI = 0.860-0.903; OR = 0.485, 95% CI = 0.470-0.501). UM and BM had worse 5-year OS versus BCT (UM: 0.926, vs BM: 0.952, vs BCT: 0.960). CONCLUSIONS: BCT is increasingly used to treat HER2+ and TN tumors. More extensive surgery is not associated with better survival outcomes, regardless of tumor phenotype.


Subject(s)
Mastectomy , Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Mastectomy, Segmental , Phenotype
19.
J Card Surg ; 37(12): 5162-5171, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36378897

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and health insurance status are independently associated with perioperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of insurance status on allogeneic and autologous transfusion risk in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of data spanning 2007-2018 from six states from the State Inpatient Databases. Patients were cohorted by medical insurance type. Rates and risk-adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated for allogenic and autologous RBC transfusions. Interactions between insurance and race/ethnicity were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 710,296 cardiac surgery patients were included. Allogeneic infusions occurred in 34.7% of Medicare patients, 31.9% of Medicaid patients, 24.7% of privately insured patients, and 26.1% of uninsured patients. Autologous rates were 2.3%, 2.5%, 3.4%, and 2.6% for Medicare, Medicaid, privately insured, and uninsured patients, respectively. Medicare and Medicaid patients were more likely to receive allogeneic RBC than privately insured patients (Medicare: aOR: 1.42, 99% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-1.44, p < .001, Medicaid: aOR: 1.18, 99% CI: 1.14-1.21, p < .001). Nonwhite Medicare patients showed higher odds of allogeneic transfusion compared with White patients with private insurance (Black Medicare: aOR 1.74, 99% CI: 1.65-1.83, p < .001, Hispanic Medicare: aOR 1.92, 99% CI: 1.84-2.00, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery patients with Medicare and Medicaid insurance demonstrate increased risk of allogeneic RBC transfusion; nonwhite patient groups are particularly vulnerable. Further research is needed to understand the causes and implications of these disparities, and to help ensure equitable care across patient groups.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Humans , Aged , United States/epidemiology , Medicaid , Medicare , Erythrocyte Transfusion , Retrospective Studies , Insurance Coverage
20.
J Am Med Dir Assoc ; 23(12): 2030.e1-2030.e8, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36058295

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To understand dementia care providers' perspectives on high-quality care for persons living with dementia (PLWD) in long-term care (LTC). DESIGN: A qualitative study using a directed content analysis approach. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Nine national LTC dementia care providers. METHODS: We facilitated 5 listening sessions centered around dementia care philosophies, models, and practices. Two researchers first mapped qualitative data to the Holistic Approach to Transformational Change (HATCh) model for dementia care using a directed content analysis approach. They then identified themes and subthemes emerging from the data using a conventional analysis approach. They coded data iteratively and solicited input from 3 additional researchers to reach consensus where needed. Member checks were performed to ensure the trustworthiness of the data during 2 follow-up listening sessions. RESULTS: The 9 participants described the importance of understanding the experiences of PLWDs in order to provide high-quality dementia care and to deliver such care with the residents and their preferences as the focus. They emphasized experiential education as essential for families and all staff, regardless of role. They noted the need to balance safety with resident choice, as well as the corresponding need for facility leadership and regulators to support such choices. The listening sessions revealed areas to foster person-centered care for PLWD, but also highlighted barriers to implementing this philosophy in LTC settings. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Emergent themes included care practices that center on resident preferences and are supported by staff with the experiential education and communication skills necessary to relate to and support PLWD. These findings provide contextual information for researchers seeking to identify and test interventions that reflect LTC providers' priorities for PLWD and emphasize the need to align research priorities with provider priorities.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Long-Term Care , Humans , Qualitative Research , Dementia/therapy
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