Policy Change for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Effects on Length of Stay and Hospitalization Costs of Moving From Warfarin to Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

PURPOSE: Renown Health (Reno, Nevada), a large, locally owned, not-for-profit integrated health care network, has developed an institution-wide policy to shift the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from a short-acting anticoagulant and vitamin K antagonist to the direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban combined with pharmacy-directed follow-up at an outpatient anticoagulation clinic. We examined data on hospitalizations and costs pre-/post-policy change. METHODS: Data were obtained from the electronic health records of adults with newly diagnosed DVT treated at Renown Health. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate patients who received a DVT diagnosis before versus after the policy change. Primary outcomes were number of all-cause inpatient nights at 30 and 60 days post-DVT index date. Secondary outcomes were costs of all-cause overnight stays at 30 and 60 days post-DVT index. Outcomes were evaluated in propensity-weighted logistic regression and generalized linear models. FINDINGS: There were 343 patients pre-policy change and 266 post-policy change. In the first 30 days postindex, the mean (95% CI) numbers of propensity-weighted all-cause inpatient nights were 1.27 (0.83-1.95) prechange and 0.66 (0.42-1.02) postchange (P = 0.038). Mean propensity-weighted estimated all-cause hospital costs in patients diagnosed as outpatients were $7848 ($4990-$12,344) prechange and $2466 ($1553-$3915) postchange (P <0.001). Mean costs of all-cause overnight stays in inpatient-diagnosed DVT patients were $8907 prechange and $7449 postchange (P = 0.600). In the first 60 days postindex, the mean number of all-cause inpatient nights (P = 0.219) and mean costs of all-cause overnight stays (P = 0.275) were not significantly different before and after the policy change. IMPLICATIONS: Changing institutional policy to increase the utilization of a direct oral anticoagulant and pharmacist-led outpatient anticoagulation clinics may reduce length of hospital stay and decrease health care expenditures in the treatment of DVT.

Preventing diseases and outbreaks at child care centers using an education, evaluation, and inspection method.

From 2005 to 2008, Washoe County, Nevada, child care centers experienced an increase in illnesses from communicable disease outbreaks. The number of ill children and caregivers from these outbreaks went from 26 in 2005 to 266 in 2008, an increase of 923%. A clear need to reverse this trend existed. Therefore, in 2009 Washoe County strengthened its regulations for child care facilities by adding numerous communicable disease prevention standards. In addition, in 2009 a two-year education, evaluation, and inspection program was implemented at Washoe County child care centers. Following the implementation of this program, a decline occurred in the number of illnesses. The number of ill children and caregivers from outbreaks went from 266 in 2008 to 13 in 2011, a decrease of 95%.

Nutrient adequacy during weight loss interventions: a randomized study in women comparing the dietary intake in a meal replacement group with a traditional food group.

BACKGROUND: Safe and effective weight control strategies are needed to stem the current obesity epidemic. The objective of this one-year study was to document and compare the macronutrient and micronutrient levels in the foods chosen by women following two different weight reduction interventions. METHODS: Ninety-six generally healthy overweight or obese women (ages 25-50 years; BMI 25-35 kg/m2) were randomized into a Traditional Food group (TFG) or a Meal Replacement Group (MRG) incorporating 1-2 meal replacement drinks or bars per day. Both groups had an energy-restricted goal of 5400 kJ/day. Dietary intake data was obtained using 3-Day Food records kept by the subjects at baseline, 6 months and one-year. For more uniform comparisons between groups, each diet intervention consisted of 18 small group sessions led by the same Registered Dietitian. RESULTS: Weight loss for the 73% (n = 70) completing this one-year study was not significantly different between the groups, but was significantly different (p < or = .05) within each group with a mean (+/- standard deviation) weight loss of -6.1 +/- 6.7 kg (TFG, n = 35) vs -5.0 +/- 4.9 kg (MRG, n = 35). Both groups had macronutrient (Carbohydrate:Protein:Fat) ratios that were within the ranges recommended (50:19:31, TFG vs 55:16:29, MRG). Their reported reduced energy intake was similar (5729 +/- 1424 kJ, TFG vs 5993 +/- 2016 kJ, MRG). There was an improved dietary intake pattern in both groups as indicated by decreased intake of saturated fat (< or = 10%), cholesterol (<200 mg/day), and sodium (< 2400 mg/day), with increased total servings/day of fruits and vegetables (4.0 +/- 2.2, TFG vs 4.6 +/- 3.2, MRG). However, the TFG had a significantly lower dietary intake of several vitamins and minerals compared to the MRG and was at greater risk for inadequate intake. CONCLUSION: In this one-year university-based intervention, both dietitian-led groups successfully lost weight while improving overall dietary adequacy. The group incorporating fortified meal replacements tended to have a more adequate essential nutrient intake compared to the group following a more traditional food group diet. This study supports the need to incorporate fortified foods and/or dietary supplements while following an energy-restricted diet for weight loss.