The economic impact of suboptimal treatment and treatment switch among patients with Crohn's disease treated with a first-line biologic - A US retrospective claims database study.

AIMS: Suboptimal treatment indicators, including treatment switch, are common among patients with Crohn's disease (CD), but little is known about their associated healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs. This study assessed the impact of suboptimal treatment indicators on HRU and costs among adults with CD newly treated with a first-line biologic. METHODS: Adult patients with CD were identified in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Subset (10/01/2015-03/31/2020). The index date was defined as initiation of the first-line biologic, and the study period was defined as the 12 months following the index date. Patients were classified into Suboptimal Treatment and Optimal Treatment cohorts based on observed indicators of suboptimal treatment during the study period. Patients in the Suboptimal Treatment Cohort with a treatment switch were classified into the Treatment Switch Cohort and compared to patients with no treatment switch. All-cause HRU and costs were measured during the study period and assessed for patients with suboptimal vs optimal treatment and patients with vs without a treatment switch. RESULTS: The study included 4,006 patients (Suboptimal Treatment: 2,091, Optimal Treatment: 1,915). Treatment switch was a common indicator of suboptimal treatment (Treatment Switch: 640, No Treatment Switch: 3,366). HRU and costs were significantly higher among patients with suboptimal treatment than those with optimal treatment (annual costs: $92,043 vs $73,764; p < 0.01), and among those with a treatment switch than those with no treatment switch (annual costs: $95,689 vs $81,027; p < 0.01). Increases in the number of suboptimal treatment indicators were associated with increased costs. LIMITATIONS: Claims data were used to identify suboptimal treatment indicators based on observed treatment patterns; reasons for treatment decisions could not be assessed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients with suboptimal treatment indicators, including treatment switch, incur substantially higher HRU and costs compared to patients receiving optimal treatment and those that do not switch treatments.

Data driven approach to characterize rapid decline in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic kidney disease with high phenotypic variability. Furthering insights into patients' ADPKD progression could lead to earlier detection, management, and alter the course to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). We sought to identify patients with rapid decline (RD) in kidney function and to determine clinical factors associated with RD using a data-driven approach. A retrospective cohort study was performed among patients with incident ADPKD (1/1/2002-12/31/2018). Latent class mixed models were used to identify RD patients using differences in eGFR trajectories over time. Predictors of RD were selected based on agreements among feature selection methods, including logistic, regularized, and random forest modeling. The final model was built on the selected predictors and clinically relevant covariates. Among 1,744 patients with incident ADPKD, 125 (7%) were identified as RD. Feature selection included 42 clinical measurements for adaptation with multiple imputations; mean (SD) eGFR was 85.2 (47.3) and 72.9 (34.4) in the RD and non-RD groups, respectively. Multiple imputed datasets identified variables as important features to distinguish RD and non-RD groups with the final prediction model determined as a balance between area under the curve (AUC) and clinical relevance which included 6 predictors: age, sex, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, hemoglobin, and proteinuria. Results showed 72%-sensitivity, 70%-specificity, 70%-accuracy, and 0.77-AUC in identifying RD. 5-year ESKD rates were 38% and 7% among RD and non-RD groups, respectively. Using real-world routine clinical data among patients with incident ADPKD, we observed that six variables highly predicted RD in kidney function.

Mortality risk in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the leading inheritable cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Mortality data specific to patients with ADPKD is currently lacking; thus, the aim of this study was to estimate mortality in patients with ADPKD. METHODS: We analyzed data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) for patients with ADPKD available during the study period of 01/01/2014-12/31/2016, which included a cohort of patients with non-ESRD chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a cohort of patients with ESRD. Mortality rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated overall and by age group, sex, and race for the full dataset and for a subset of patients aged ≥ 65 years. Adjusted mortality hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox regression modeling by age group, sex, race, and CKD stage (i.e., non-ESRD CKD stages 1-5) or ESRD treatment (i.e., dialysis and transplant). RESULTS: A total of 1,936 patients with ADPKD and non-ESRD CKD and 37,461 patients with ADPKD and ESRD were included in the analysis. Age-adjusted mortality was 18.4 deaths per 1,000 patient-years in the non-ESRD CKD cohort and 37.4 deaths per 1,000 patient-years in the ESRD cohort. As expected, among the non-ESRD CKD cohort, patients in CKD stages 4 and 5 had a higher risk of death than patients in stage 3 (HR = 1.59 for stage 4 and HR = 2.71 for stage 5). Among the ESRD cohort, patients receiving dialysis were more likely to experience death than patients who received transplant (HR = 2.36). Age-adjusted mortality among patients aged ≥ 65 years in the non-ESRD CKD cohort was highest for Black patients (82.7 deaths per 1,000 patient-years), whereas age-adjusted mortality among patients aged ≥ 65 years in the ESRD cohort was highest for White patients (136.1 deaths per 1,000 patient-years). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality rates specific to patients aged ≥ 65 years suggest racial differences in mortality among these patients in both non-ESRD CKD and ESRD cohorts. These data fill an important knowledge gap in mortality estimates for patients with ADPKD in the United States.

The incidence and prevalence of IgA nephropathy in Europe.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in Europe based on high-quality data from national registries. METHODS: IgAN incidences were obtained from a literature review of European studies of national kidney biopsy registry data in which IgAN diagnosis was biopsy-verified using contemporary techniques. Studies were eligible for the main analysis if published from 1990 to 2020. IgAN point prevalence was defined as the annual IgAN incidence multiplied by the estimated duration of disease. Incidence and prevalence estimates were made for three pooled populations: (i) patients of all ages; (ii) pediatric patients; and (iii) elderly patients. RESULTS: Across 10 European countries, the estimated annual IgAN incidence was 0.76 per 100 000 in patients of all ages. The corresponding pooled IgAN point prevalence was 2.53 per 10 000 (95% confidence interval: 2.51-2.55), ranging from 1.14 per 10 000 in Spain to 5.98 per 10 000 in Lithuania. Applied to 2021 population estimates, the number of expected prevalent IgAN cases was 47 027 across all 10 countries and ranged from 577 in Estonia to 16 645 in Italy. Among pediatric patients, IgAN incidence was 0.20 per 100 000 children and IgAN point prevalence was 0.12 per 10 000 children. Among elderly patients, IgAN incidence was 0.30 per 100 000 and IgAN point prevalence was 0.36 per 10 000. CONCLUSIONS: Based on high-quality data from European national registries, IgAN point prevalence was estimated at 2.53 per 10 000 in patients of all ages. Prevalence was considerably lower in pediatric and elderly populations.

Health Disparities in Kidney Failure Among Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Rationale & Objective: Understanding potential differences in patterns of kidney failure among patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may provide insights into improving disease management. We sought to characterize patients with ADPKD and kidney failure across different race/ethnicities. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting & Participants: Kaiser Permanente Southern California members diagnosed with ADPKD between January1, 2002, and December 31, 2018. Exposure: ADPKD. Outcome: Kidney failure, dialysis, or receipt of kidney transplant. Analytical Approach: Differences in characteristics by race/ethnicity were assessed using analysis of variance F test and χ2 test. To compare the range and distribution of the average age at onset of kidney failure by race/ethnicity and sex, we used box plots and confidence intervals. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate OR for kidney transplant. Results: Among 3,677 ADPKD patients, 1,027 (27.3%) had kidney failure. The kidney failure cohort was comprised of Black (n=138; 30.7%), White (n=496; 30.6%), Hispanic (n=306; 24.7%), and Asian (n=87; 23.6%) patients. Hispanic patients had the youngest mean age of kidney failure onset (50 years) compared to Black (56 years) and White (57 years) patients. Black (44.2%; OR, 0.72) and Hispanic (49.7%; OR, 0.65) patients had lower rates of kidney transplantation compared to White (53.8%) patients. Preemptive kidney transplantations occurred in 15.0% of patients. Limitations: Retrospective study design and possible misclassification of ADPKD cases. Kidney function calculations were based on equations incorporating race, potentially overestimating kidney function in African Americans. The study was conducted within a single, integrated health care system in 1 geographic region and may not be generalizable to all ADPKD patients. Conclusions: Among a large diverse ADPKD population, we observed racial/ethnic differences in rates of kidney failure, age of kidney failure onset, and rates of kidney transplantation. Our real-world ADPKD cohort provides insight into racial/ethnic variation in clinical features of disease and potential disparities in care, which may affect ADPKD outcomes.

The Impact of Agitation in Dementia on Caregivers: A Real-World Survey.

BACKGROUND: Dementia patients frequently depend on caregivers. Agitation is a common behavioral dementia symptom particularly burdensome to patients and caregivers. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of agitation severity with non-professional caregiver hours, burden, health status, and productivity. Secondarily, to assess the association of agitation severity with these outcomes for patients receiving remote (not living with the patient) and proximate (living with the patient) caregiving. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of physician and non-professional caregiver-reported data from a US point-in-time survey. Patients were aged ≥50 years, with early cognitive impairment or dementia. Regression analyses compared outcomes by agitation severity; covariates included age, sex, and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Data were included for 1,349 patients (non-agitated n = 656, agitated n = 693; no care n = 305, remote care n = 248, proximate care n = 691; unknown care n = 105). Greater agitation was significantly associated (p < 0.05) in all caregivers with increasing: Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) Total Caregiver Burden, Personal Strain, Role Strain, and Guilt; Work Productivity and Activity Index (WPAI) presenteeism, overall work impairment, and total activity impairment. Higher ZBI Total Caregiver Burden, Personal Strain, and Role Strain were associated with greater agitation in proximate caregivers and higher ZBI Guilt associated with greater agitation in remote caregivers (p < 0.05). Higher WPAI presenteeism and total activity impairment were associated (p < 0.05) with greater agitation in proximate caregivers. Caregiving hours increased with increasing agitation for proximate caregiving (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Greater agitation severity was associated with higher caregiver burden and lower productivity, with higher indirect costs a likely outcome of agitation.

Regional variations in prevalence and severity of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate geographic variation in the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the US, including ADPKD at risk of rapid progression. METHODS: Claims data from the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases (01/16/2016-12/31/2017) were used to estimate the 2017 annual and 2016-2017 two-year prevalence of diagnosed ADPKD and ADPKD at risk of rapid progression in the US overall, and stratified by census regions and states. Risk of rapid progression was identified based on either: hypertension <35 years, hematuria <30 years, albuminuria, stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) <30 years, stage 3 CKD <50 years, and stage 4/5 CKD or kidney transplant <55 years. RESULTS: Annual prevalence was estimated at 2.34 and two-year prevalence at 3.61 per 10,000 in the US. Across census regions, two-year prevalence per 10,000 was highest in the Northeast (4.14) and lowest in the West (3.35). Prevalence was significantly correlated with the proportion of individuals in urban areas (r = .34, one-sided p = .026). In 2017, 37.5% of patients were identified as being at risk for rapid progression, and this proportion was larger among patients in the South (42.1%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: This estimate for ADPKD prevalence is consistent with previously reported national estimates, with regional variation suggesting that ADPKD might be under-diagnosed in rural areas with more limited access to care. More than one-third of ADPKD patients presented risk factors associated with rapid progression, highlighting the need for timely identification, as disease-modifying therapy may delay progression to end-stage renal disease.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Prevalence among a Racially Diverse United States Population, 2002 through 2018.

Among a large racially and ethnically diverse US population, the prevalence of diagnosed ADPKD between 2002 and 2018 was 42.6 per 100,000 persons.ADPKD prevalence (per 100,000) was higher in (non-Hispanic) White (63.2) and Black (73.0) patients compared with Hispanic (39.9) and Asian (48.9) patients.Given the variable penetrance of ADPKD, our findings suggest race may be a factor in the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ADPKD.

Analysis of Nationwide Data to Determine the Incidence and Diagnosed Prevalence of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in the USA: 2013-2015.

BACKGROUND: This study addresses an important gap, as it is the first US nationwide, epidemiologic study of ADPKD incidence and prevalence. SUMMARY: This 3-year, observational study utilized data from Truven Health MarketScan® administrative claims, as well as cross-sectional data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). We estimated the annual incidence and diagnosed prevalence using population-based data on over 170 million de-identified patients to provide the most current epidemiologic estimates available. The ADPKD-diagnosed prevalence was 4.3 per 10,000 in the NAMCS, which closely corresponded with age-adjusted rates from patients with either commercial insurance or employer-sponsored Medicare supplemental insurance. The annual incidence was 0.62 per 10,000. Both nationwide data sets indicate that approximately 140,000 patients are currently diagnosed in the USA. We also found significant differences by gender and age. Females are nearly twice as likely as males to be diagnosed in early adulthood, while the incidence in males was highest in those aged 65 years or older. ADPKD appears more likely to be diagnosed in men after disease progression or the development of chronic kidney disease. KEY MESSAGES: Our results revealed striking age and gender differences in the incidence of ADPKD. Young women are diagnosed with ADPKD at nearly twice the rate of young men, perhaps due to the use of ultrasound in women during child-bearing years. This points to a need for increased recognition of ADPKD, with an emphasis on younger men in particular. ADPKD has been inaccurately perceived as a common condition based on misinterpretation of early epidemiologic data (1957) confirmed by our data and recent European data. ADPKD affects approximately 140,000 patients in the USA and meets the criterion for a rare disease. Our results indicate a need for further study of gender and ADPKD diagnosis, progression, management, and outcomes.

Real-World Health Care Costs Based on Medication Adherence and Risk of Stroke and Bleeding in Patients Treated with Novel Anticoagulant Therapy.

BACKGROUND: With the lack of real-world evidence, the challenge for drug reimbursement policy decision makers is to understand medication adherence behavior among users of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and its effect on overall cost savings. No study has examined and quantified the burden of cost in high-risk patients taking NOAC therapy. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of cost with adherence, comorbidity, and risk of stroke and bleeding in patients taking NOACs (rivaroxaban and dabigatran). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study used deidentified data from a commercial managed care database affiliated with Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (January 1, 2010-December 31, 2012). Patients aged 18 years and older with ≥ 1 diagnosis of atrial fibrillation/flutter, > 1 NOAC prescription, 6-month pre-index and 12-month post-index continuous enrollment, and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 1 were included. Adherence was calculated using proportion of days covered (PDC ≥ 80%) over an assessment period of 3, 6, and 12 months and compared based on level of comorbidity, stroke, and bleeding risk. The adjusted annual health care costs per patient (drug, medical, and total) were calculated using multivariable gamma regression controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics and compared across groups based on adherence over 12 months, baseline level of comorbidity, and risk of stroke and bleeding. RESULTS: Of 25,120 NOAC patients, 2,981 patients were included in the final cohort. Based on a PDC threshold of ≥ 80%, the adherence rate over 3, 6, and 12 months was 72%, 65%, and 54%, respectively. For all time periods, the level of adherence significantly increased (P < 0.001), with an increase in stroke risk (based on CHA2DS2VASc scores of 1, 2-3, and 4+); comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 0, 1-2, and 3+); and risk of bleeding (HAS-BLED scores of 0-1, 2, and 3+). Adjusted all-cause total cost calculated for a 12-month period was significantly lower ($29,742 vs. $33,609) among adherent versus nonadherent users. Drug cost was higher ($5,595 vs. $2,233) among adherent versus nonadherent patients but was offset by lower medical costs ($23,544 vs. $30,485) costs. The overall cost significantly increased for patients with a high risk of bleeding and a high level of comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to NOAC therapy led to a reduction in overall health care cost, since higher drug costs were offset by lower medical (inpatient and outpatient) costs among adherent patients. Cost information based on adherence and risk of stroke and bleeding can help formulary decision makers to assess risk-benefit and help clinicians in developing interventions to reduce patient burden. DISCLOSURES: Funding to acquire the data source was provided by the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, to support PhD dissertation work. Deshpande is currently an employee of Pharmerit International.

Clinical and Translational Research in Rhode Island: Results of a Needs Assessment Survey.

The Advance-Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) program was established in Rhode Island in May of 2016 with an IDeA Program Infrastructure award to collaborating institutions: Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, with the Lifespan, Care New England and Providence VA Medical Center healthcare institutions and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. To support programmatic planning, the Tracking and Evaluation Key Component Activity (KCA) of Advance-CTR developed and implemented a needs assessment survey to identify the obstacles to clinical and translational research at the participating institutions. We describe the methods used and the responses, which identified needs for study design and data analysis support. Support for project development, pilot funding and grants administration showed significant variation, depending on the affiliation of the respondent. The results of the survey are discussed in the context of Rhode Island's significant opportunities to support and develop the capabilities of scientists who engage in translational research. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2018-02.asp].

Impact of medication adherence on risk of ischemic stroke, major bleeding and deep vein thrombosis in atrial fibrillation patients using novel oral anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVES: Our study examined the impact of adherence to novel oral anticoagulants [NOACs - dabigatran and rivaroxaban] on ischemic-stroke (IS), major-bleeding (MB), deep-vein-thrombosis and pulmonary-embolism (DVTPE) risk in a large, nationwide, propensity-matched sample. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study utilized data from a US commercial managed-care database (2010-2012). Adult patients with ≥1 diagnosis of atrial fibrillation/flutter (ICD-9 427.31/32), >1 prescription of NOACs and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1 were included. Patients were categorized as adherent versus nonadherent (using proportion of days covered [PDC ≥80%]) based on their NOAC use up to 6 months and those continued its use up to 12 months. The patients were matched using propensity score (based on inverse probability treatment weighting) and the risk of IS, MB, DVTPE outcomes was evaluated for the matched cohorts' post-adherence (exposure) assessment using multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 3,629 and 1,946 patients with at least 6 and 12 months of NOAC use were included. Based on a PDC threshold of ≥80%, adherence rates at 6 and 12 month usage were 77% and 76%, respectively. Patients with lowest adherence were from the South, had low stroke risk and EPO/HMO insurance. Using Cox models with matched cohorts, nonadherence within the first 6 months' use was significantly associated with higher risk of IS and DVTPE (IS: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, p = .002; DVTPE: HR = 2.12, p = .010) and the risk increased with nonadherence for the prolonged period of 12 months' use (IS: HR = 2.08, p = .022; DVTPE: HR = 5.39, p = .003). The risk of MB was not different (p > .05) between adherent and nonadherent groups for both 6 month and 12 month cohorts. CONCLUSION: Adherence to NOACs for both 6 months and prolonged use (up to 12 months) was associated with a reduction in IS and DVTPE risk, but did not substantially increase risk of MB. Further studies on newer, individual NOACs and older populations are warranted.

Does Cardiovascular Comorbidity Influence the Prescribing of Bronchodilators in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent comorbidity for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Potential adverse cardiovascular events of bronchodilators warrant their cautionary use in the comorbid COPD-CVD population, yet little is known about the prescribing of bronchodilators in this high-risk patient group. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether comorbid CVD is associated with reduced bronchodilator prescribing in patients with COPD. In addition, we explored how the association was modified by gender, concurrent asthma, and concomitant ß-blocker (BB) use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. All visits among diagnosed COPD patients 40 years and older were examined. Logistic regression on survey-weighted data was used to predict treatment with bronchodilators and determine the influence of gender, asthma, and BBs on bronchodilator prescribing. RESULTS: Among 11 627 061 ambulatory COPD visits, we found a significantly lower bronchodilator treatment rate among patients with comorbid CVD (32.3%) than among patients without CVD (57.6%). The observed effect was modified by gender, asthma, and BBs. Deprescribing was more pronounced for females than males, for nonusers of BBs than users of BBs, and for asthma patients than nonasthma patients. CVD did not affect bronchodilator prescribing in either asthmatic or nonasthmatic males taking BBs. CONCLUSIONS: Most COPD patients with concurrent CVD were less likely to be prescribed bronchodilators, with the exception of males who were also prescribed BBs. Thus, this study highlights a specific patient subgroup for whom the guidelines are less likely to be observed.

Prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the European Union.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, but estimates of its prevalence vary by >10-fold. The objective of this study was to examine the public health impact of ADPKD in the European Union (EU) by estimating minimum prevalence (point prevalence of known cases) and screening prevalence (minimum prevalence plus cases expected after population-based screening). METHODS: A review of the epidemiology literature from January 1980 to February 2015 identified population-based studies that met criteria for methodological quality. These examined large German and British populations, providing direct estimates of minimum prevalence and screening prevalence. In a second approach, patients from the 2012 European Renal Association‒European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry and literature-based inflation factors that adjust for disease severity and screening yield were used to estimate prevalence across 19 EU countries (N = 407 million). RESULTS: Population-based studies yielded minimum prevalences of 2.41 and 3.89/10 000, respectively, and corresponding estimates of screening prevalences of 3.3 and 4.6/10 000. A close correspondence existed between estimates in countries where both direct and registry-derived methods were compared, which supports the validity of the registry-based approach. Using the registry-derived method, the minimum prevalence was 3.29/10 000 (95% confidence interval 3.27-3.30), and if ADPKD screening was implemented in all countries, the expected prevalence was 3.96/10 000 (3.94-3.98). CONCLUSIONS: ERA-EDTA-based prevalence estimates and application of a uniform definition of prevalence to population-based studies consistently indicate that the ADPKD point prevalence is <5/10 000, the threshold for rare disease in the EU.

Stages of change for adherence to antiretroviral medications.

Providers do not predict reliably which of their HIV-positive patients are having difficulty adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The transtheoretical, or stages of change model, may be a useful tool to help providers identify patients who are having difficulty with ART adherence. The objective of the current study was to determine the relationship between stages of change and ART adherence among patients who were actively taking ART. Data from a randomized trial of a provider-focused intervention were used to examine the relationship between the stages of change and adherence, measured using electronic monitoring devices in the 30 days following the stages of change assessment. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were taking ART and had detectable plasma viral load (HIV-RNA). Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to determine the impact of stages of change on adherence after controlling for potential confounders. The sample of 137 participants was 22% female, 48% white, 28% African-American, with a mean age of 42 years. Fifty-eight percent reported sex with a man as an HIV risk factor, while 13% reported sex with a woman, 14% reported injecting drugs and 15% reported other risk factors. In adjusted models, those in earlier stages of change (i.e., contemplation and preparation) had significantly lower adherence (-9.8%, p=0.04) compared to those in the action and maintenance phases. No demographic characteristics predicted adherence. The stages of change model may function as a screening tool for clinicians to discover patients at-risk of lower adherence.

The brave new world of GEC evaluation: the experience of the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center.

In 2007, the Health Resources Services Administration introduced new mandates that raised the standards on program evaluation for Geriatric Education Centers. Described in this article are the primary and secondary evaluation efforts undertaken for one program within the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center (RIGEC), the findings from these efforts, and the modifications to assessment that ensued in response to the increased accountability requirements. The evaluation focused on RIGEC's series of continuing education, day-long workshops for health and social service professionals, the completion of all seven of which leads to a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics.

Translating an evidence-based protocol for nurse-to-nurse shift handoffs.

PURPOSE: Ineffective communication is the most frequently reported cause of sentinel events in U.S. hospitals. Examining hospital processes and systems of communication, and standardizing communication practices can reduce the risks to patients in the acute care environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of an innovative, translating-research-into-practice model to generate and test a cost-effective, easy to use, best-practice protocol for nurse-to-nurse shift handoffs in a medium-sized magnet-designated community hospital in the United States. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Roger's Diffusion of Innovations Theory was used as the overall framework for the translational model with Orlando's theory providing theoretical evidence for the best practice protocol. APPROACH: Using the first three steps of the model, methods included: (1) identifying clinical problems related to shift handoffs; (2) appraising and systematically evaluating the strength of theoretical, empirical, and clinical evidence; and (3) translating this evidence into a best-practice patient-centered, standardized protocol for nurse-to-nurse shift handoffs. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Meaningful clinician participation in the development of a standardized, evidence-based, patient-centered approach to nurses' change-of-shift handoffs was achieved. Using the Collaborative Research Utilization Model can facilitate the integration of new knowledge both in the clinical and academic community.

Polypharmacy with oral antidiabetic agents: an indicator of poor glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antidiabetic drug treatment patterns and glycemic control among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study using the automated databases of a 200 000-member HMO. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients > or =18 years of age with documented type 2 diabetes mellitus from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002. We determined the proportion of patients who had optimal glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin <7%) during the 6 months after the initial documentation of diabetes during calendar year 2002 (index date). RESULTS: Of the 4282 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 1050 (25%) received 1 oral agent, 486 (11%) received 2 oral agents, 56 (1%) received > or =3 oral agents, 84 (2%) received insulin and an oral agent, and 107 (2%) received insulin exclusively within 90 days after the index date. Among the 1075 patients receiving antidiabetic drug therapy who had a laboratory test result documented, 414 (39%) had optimal glycemic control. Optimal control was most frequent among patients receiving 1 oral agent (47%) and least frequent among patients receiving > or =3 oral agents (13%) (P <.01). Patients with a prior history of suboptimal glycemic control were less likely to have optimal glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple oral antidiabetic agents may serve as a marker for more severe, uncontrolled diabetes. The vast majority of patients treated with multiple oral antidiabetic agents had suboptimal glycemic control, suggesting a need for intensified efforts to treat this particular group of patients to recommended goal levels.