Predictors and Consequences of Inappropriate Thyroid Ultrasound in Hypothyroidism.

Introduction In 2012, the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation established the Choosing Wisely® initiative, partnering with specialist societies to promote evidence-based care. Under this program, the Endocrine Society recommends against ordering thyroid ultrasounds in individuals with subclinical or overt hypothyroidism and a normal neck exam. We sought to understand the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of thyroid ultrasound performed at our academic medical center that are not in compliance with this recommendation. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of electronic health record data from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018. Data were extracted from records of all patients who underwent thyroid ultrasonography. Ultrasounds were considered inappropriate if they were ordered based on hypothyroidism, without other clear indications. Results A total of 2,021 patients underwent thyroid ultrasonography, of which 572 (28.3%) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Among the patients with hypothyroidism, 40 were identified as having received an inappropriate ultrasound (7.0%). Of those patients who received inappropriate ultrasounds, 42.5% had subsequent medical encounters, with a mean charge of $851 (standard deviation = $271) per patient. Using a multivariable model, the odds of receiving an inappropriate ultrasound were significantly higher for patients younger than 50 years of age (odds ratio: 2.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-5.58). Conclusion Seven percent of thyroid ultrasounds were inappropriately ordered in a cohort with hypothyroidism. Patients aged <50 years were at an increased risk of inappropriate ultrasound. Sequelae of inappropriate ultrasound included further medical encounters and financial burdens. Systems to reduce the inappropriate use of thyroid ultrasound may lessen the consequences of unnecessary medical imaging.

Improving Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Hospitalized Adults: A Quality Initiative.

ABSTRACT: The American Diabetes Association recommends scheduled basal and nutritional insulin doses as the preferred treatment for noncritically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes; however, the adoption of these practices remains suboptimal. We sought to understand current diabetes management practices and improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes on the Hospital Medicine Services at our academic medical center. We surveyed resident and attending physicians to understand barriers to guideline-based practice. We conducted educational sessions, developed pocket-card decision aids, encouraged discussion on rounds, and provided periodic performance feedback to attending physicians. Results of the barriers survey identified "fear of causing hypoglycemia" as the most common barrier to guideline-based practice. Compared with the preintervention 12-month period, these interventions were associated with doubling of the use of guideline-based insulin therapy regimens, a significant reduction in the rate of severe hyperglycemia days, and a nonsignificant reduction in the rate of hypoglycemia days over a 12-month period. These results demonstrate that a simple, low-cost intervention can be associated with an increase in guideline-concordant insulin ordering with improvement in glycemic outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Behavioral Weight Loss and Weight Loss Goal Setting in Cardiac Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Obesity is prevalent among participants in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Establishing a weight loss goal is an important strategy for promoting weight loss. We evaluate the association between a pre-program weight loss goal and change in weight during CR. METHODS: Body weight was measured at CR entry and at exit from CR. Overweight/obese participants were categorized as having: (1) established a weight loss goal and attended behavioral weight loss sessions (G + BWL); (2) set a weight loss goal but did not attend BWL (G); (3) and neither set a weight loss goal nor attended BWL (NoG). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 317 overweight/obese participants; 52 of whom set a weight loss goal and attended BWL, 227 patients set a goal but did not attend BWL, and 38 did neither. The G + BWL group lost more weight than the G group (-6.8 + 4.3 vs -1.1 + 3.5) (P < .0001). Both groups that established a weight loss goal lost more weight than the NoG group. CONCLUSIONS: For overweight/obese individuals in CR, participating in BWL classes and setting a weight loss goal leads to more weight loss than G alone. Setting a weight loss goal alone leads to greater weight loss than not setting a weight loss goal.