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Contreras DG, McLane P, Barber CEH, Lin K, Elliott MJ, Chomistek K, McQuitty S, Davidson E, Hildebrandt C, Katz S, Lang E, Holroyd BR, Barnabe C. Emergency department utilization by persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1691-1700. [PMID: 38850323 PMCID: PMC11343970 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Some emergency department (ED) visits by persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be avoidable. This study aims to describe ED use by persons with RA in Alberta, Canada over a 10-year period. Using linked population-based administrative datasets, the annual frequency of ED visits, timing of visits, acuity at presentation assessed (Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS)), return visits within 72 h, and final disposition were assessed. Most responsible diagnoses assessed by the ED provider were categorized. Between 2008 and 2017, a total of 48,633 persons with RA had 416,964 unique ED visits. There was a 41% relative increase in visits over the study period and within a fiscal year 37% of persons with RA on average attended an ED. Half of the visits were assessed as CTAS 4 'Less Urgent' (31%) and CTAS 5 'Non-Urgent' (19%). No specific diagnosis could be assigned in 36% of visits and RA was listed as the most responsible diagnosis in 2.5% of all visits. Hospital admissions, occurring on average for 14% of ED visits, increased by 15% over the 10 years, and were rare for CTAS 4 (6.4%) and CTAS 5 (1.4%) presentations. Male patients (difference to female 1.2%, 95%CI 0.6, 1.7) and urban patients (difference to rural 8.4%, 95%CI 7.7, 9.2) were more frequently admitted to hospital. Persons with RA have increased ED utilization over time, with a significant volume of less urgent and non-urgent visits. Opportunities for appropriate ambulatory care provision to reduce acute care use should be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani G Contreras
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patrick McLane
- Emergency Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Claire E H Barber
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katie Lin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meghan J Elliott
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kelsey Chomistek
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Steven Katz
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brian R Holroyd
- Emergency Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Cheryl Barnabe
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Wang J, Vordenbäumen S, Schneider M, Brinks R. Population-based epidemiological projections of rheumatoid arthritis in Germany until 2040. Scand J Rheumatol 2024; 53:161-172. [PMID: 38358097 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2024.2312693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to conduct a population-based projection to estimate the number of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases in Germany until 2040. METHOD Data obtained from a report published in 2017 (doi:10.20364/VA-17.08) were used for future prediction analysis. The data were originally collected by the German Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance. We used the illness-death model to estimate future numbers of RA cases, considering nine possible scenarios based on different incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS In the baseline scenario, the number of women with RA is projected to increase by 417 000 cases and men by 179 000 cases by 2040, compared with 2015. Peak numbers of cases are concentrated in the 70-80-year-old age group, particularly among women. In the most favourable scenario (scenario 2), assuming a decreasing incidence, the total number of RA cases is projected to rise by 284 000 by 2040, reflecting a 38% relative increase from 2015 to 2040. The least favourable scenario (scenario 9), assuming an increasing incidence, projects a significant burden on the healthcare system. The total number of RA cases is expected to rise by 1.16 million by 2040, marking a substantial 158% relative increase from 2015 to 2040. CONCLUSIONS Our research emphasizes a discernible trend: with an ageing society, improving treatment effectiveness, and declining all-cause mortality, we anticipate a rise in the absolute numbers of RA cases in Germany in the coming years. Our models robustly support this viewpoint, underscoring impending challenges for healthcare systems. Addressing these challenges demands multifaceted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Institute of Biometry and Epidemiology, The German Diabetes Center, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Vordenbäumen
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Meerbusch-Lank, Meerbusch, Germany
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Schneider
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - R Brinks
- Chair for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Barber CEH, Lethebe BC, Szostakiwskyj JH, Barnabe C, Barber MRW, Katz S, England BR, Hazlewood GS. A population-based analysis of rheumatology care patterns for inflammatory arthritis during COVID-19 in Alberta, Canada. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 65:152364. [PMID: 38237230 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inflammatory arthritis (IA) rheumatology care in Alberta, Canada. METHODS We used linked provincial health administrative datasets to establish an incident cohort of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) seen at least once by a rheumatologist. We examined incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 population, and patterns of follow-up care between 2011 and 2022. In a subset of individuals diagnosed five years prior to the pandemic, we report on those lost to follow-up during the pandemic, and those with virtual care visits followed by in-person visit within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine patient characteristics associated with these patterns of care. RESULTS The IR for RA in 2020 declined compared to previous years (44.6), but not for AS (9.2) or PsA (9.1). In 2021 IRs rose (RA 49.5; AS 11.8; PsA 11.8). Among those diagnosed within 5 years of the pandemic, 632 (6.0 %) were lost to follow-up, with characteristics of those lost to follow-up differing between IA types. 1444 individuals had at least one virtual visit followed within 30 days by an in-person follow-up. This was less common in males (OR 0.69-0.79) and more common for those with a higher frequency of physician visits prior to the pandemic (OR 1.27-1.32). CONCLUSION Impacts of patterns of care during the pandemic should be further explored for healthcare planning to uphold optimal care access and promote effective use of virtual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E H Barber
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Brendan Cord Lethebe
- Clinical Research Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl Barnabe
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan R W Barber
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven Katz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bryant R England
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System & University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Glen S Hazlewood
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Marshall DA, Tagimacruz T, Barber CEH, Cepoiu-Martin M, Lopatina E, Robert J, Lupton T, Patel J, Mosher DP. Intended and unintended consequences of strategies to meet performance benchmarks for rheumatologist referrals in a centralized intake system. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:199-208. [PMID: 37723891 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Timely assessment of a chronic condition is critical to prevent long-term irreversible consequences. Patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) symptoms require diagnosis by a rheumatologist and intervention initiation to minimize potential joint damage. With limited rheumatologist capacity, meeting urgency wait time benchmarks can be challenging. We investigate the impact of the maximum wait time guarantee (MWTG) policy and referral volume changes in a rheumatology central intake (CI) system on meeting this challenge. METHODS We applied a system simulation approach to model a high-volume CI rheumatology clinic. Model parameters were based on the referral and triage data from the CI and clinic appointment data. We compare the wait time performance of the current distribution policy MWTG and when referral volumes change. RESULTS The MWTG policy ensures 100% of new patients see a rheumatologist within their urgency wait time benchmark. However, the average wait time for new patients increased by 51% (178-269 days). A 10% decrease in referrals resulted in a 76% decrease on average wait times (178-43 days) for new patients and an increase in the number of patients seen by a rheumatologist within 1 year of the initial visit. CONCLUSION An MWTG policy can result in intended and unintended consequences-ensuring that all patients meet the wait time benchmarks but increasing wait times overall. Relatively small changes in referral volume significantly impact wait times. These relationships can assist clinic managers and policymakers decide on the best approach to manage referrals for better system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toni Tagimacruz
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claire E H Barber
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canada Strategic Clinical Networks, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monica Cepoiu-Martin
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Elena Lopatina
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jill Robert
- Surgery and Bone & Joint Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Terri Lupton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jatin Patel
- Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Diane P Mosher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Khan MAS, Chang SL. Alcohol and the Brain-Gut Axis: The Involvement of Microglia and Enteric Glia in the Process of Neuro-Enteric Inflammation. Cells 2023; 12:2475. [PMID: 37887319 PMCID: PMC10605902 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge or chronic alcohol consumption causes neuroinflammation and leads to alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD not only affects the central nervous system (CNS) but also leads to pathologies in the peripheral and enteric nervous systems (ENS). Thus, understanding the mechanism of the immune signaling to target the effector molecules in the signaling pathway is necessary to alleviate AUD. Growing evidence shows that excessive alcohol consumption can activate neuroimmune cells, including microglia, and change the status of neurotransmitters, affecting the neuroimmune system. Microglia, like peripheral macrophages, are an integral part of the immune defense and represent the reticuloendothelial system in the CNS. Microglia constantly survey the CNS to scavenge the neuronal debris. These cells also protect parenchymal cells in the brain and spinal cord by repairing nerve circuits to keep the nervous system healthy against infectious and stress-derived agents. In an activated state, they become highly dynamic and mobile and can modulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the CNS. In several ways, microglia, enteric glial cells, and macrophages are similar in terms of causing inflammation. Microglia also express most of the receptors that are constitutively present in macrophages. Several receptors on microglia respond to the inflammatory signals that arise from danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), endotoxins (e.g., lipopolysaccharides), and stress-causing molecules (e.g., alcohol). Therefore, this review article presents the latest findings, describing the roles of microglia and enteric glial cells in the brain and gut, respectively, and their association with neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and receptors under the influence of binge and chronic alcohol use, and AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. S. Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Sulie L. Chang
- Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
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Lopatina E, Barber CEH, LeClercq SA, Noseworthy TW, Suter E, Mosher DP, Marshall DA. Healthcare resource utilization and costs in stable patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Comparing nurse-led and rheumatologist-led models of care delivery. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 59:152160. [PMID: 36603500 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Having previously shown similar clinical outcomes, this study compared the healthcare resource utilization and direct costs in stable patients with RA followed in the nurse-led care (NLC) and rheumatologist-led care (RLC) models. METHODS Previously collected clinical data were linked to data on practitioner claims, ambulatory care, and hospital discharges. Assessed resources included physician visits; emergency department (ED) visits; hospital admissions, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The mean per-patient resource utilization and cost (2020 Canadian dollars) over 1 year were compared between the groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The mean per-patient cost of health services and total cost were also estimated using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) accounting for the baseline differences between the groups. RESULTS Overall, 244 patients were included. No differences in the number of visits to the ED or to general practice and internal medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons were found. The NLC group had fewer hospitalizations than the RLC group (p-value=0.03). The mean cost of health services was not statistically different in NLC and RLC groups ($2275 vs. $3772, p-value=0.30). The RLC group included more patients on biologic DMARDs, contributing to a higher mean total cost than the NLC group ($9191 vs. $3056, p-value<0.01). The mean cost estimates with GLMs were consistent with the observed costs. CONCLUSIONS A nurse-led model of care delivery for stable patients with RA was not associated with increases in healthcare resource utilization or cost as compared to RLC. NLC is one approach to meeting patient needs and better managing scarce healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lopatina
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Claire E H Barber
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sharon A LeClercq
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tom W Noseworthy
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Esther Suter
- Department of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dianne P Mosher
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Lopatina E, Marshall DA, Le Clercq SA, Noseworthy TW, Suter E, De la Rossa Jaimes C, Lauf AM, Mosher DP, Barber CEH. Nurse-Led Care for Stable Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Quality of Care in Routine Practice Compared to the Traditional Rheumatologist-Led Model. Rheumatol Ther 2021; 8:1263-1285. [PMID: 34236650 PMCID: PMC8380599 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This pragmatic non-inferiority study assessed quality of care within a nurse-led care (NLC) model for stable patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the traditional rheumatologist-led care (RLC) model. METHODS Data were collected through a chart review. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using Chi-square test and t test. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients being in remission or low disease activity (R/LDA) with the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) ≤ 3.2 at 1-year follow-up. Process measures included the percentages of patients with chart documentation of (1) comorbidity screening; (2) education on flare management, and (3) vaccinations screening. Outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Each group included 124 patients. At baseline, demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups for most variables. Exceptions were the median (Q1, Q3) Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index scores [0 (0, 0.25) in NLC and 0.38 (0, 0.88) in RLC, p = 0.01], and treatment patterns with 3% of NLC and 38% of RLC patients receiving a biologic agent, p = 0.01. NLC was non-inferior to RLC with 97% of NLC and 92% of RLC patients being in R/LDA at 1-year follow-up. Patients in the NLC group had better documentation across all process measures. CONCLUSIONS This study provided real-world evidence that the evaluated NLC model providing protocolized follow-up care for stable patients with RA is effective to address patients' needs for ongoing disease monitoring, chronic disease management, education, and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lopatina
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C60, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C56, 3280 Hospital Drive NW , Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Sharon A Le Clercq
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C60, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Tom W Noseworthy
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Teaching, Research, and Wellness Building (TRW), 3D14-B, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Esther Suter
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C60, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Carolina De la Rossa Jaimes
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C60, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Anne Marie Lauf
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3C60, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Dianne P Mosher
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre (HSC), G-802A, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Claire E H Barber
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3AA20, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC), 3AA20, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Liu X, Barber CEH, Katz S, Homik J, Bertazzon S, Patel AB, Robert J, Smith C, Mosher D, Marshall DA. Geographic Variation in the Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Alberta, Canada. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:324-332. [PMID: 33793090 PMCID: PMC8126758 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Timely access to rheumatologists remains a challenge in Alberta, a Canadian province with vast rural areas, whereas rheumatologists are primarily clustered in metro areas. To address the goal of timely and equitable access to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care, health planners require information at the regional and local level to determine the RA prevalence and the associated health care needs. METHODS Using Alberta Health administrative databases, we identified RA-prevalent cases (April 1, 2015-March 31, 2016) on the basis of a validated case definition. Age- and sex-standardized prevalence rates per 1000 population members and the standardized rates ratio (SRR) were calculated. We applied Global Moran's I and Gi* hotspot analysis using three different weight matrices to explore the geospatial pattern of RA prevalence in Alberta. RESULTS Among 38 350 RA cases (68% female; n = 26 236), the prevalence rate was 11.81 cases per 1000 population members (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.80-11.81) after age and sex standardization. Approximately 60% of RA cases resided in metro (Calgary and Edmonton) and moderate metro areas. The highest rate was observed in rural areas (14.46; 95% CI 14.45-14.47; SRR 1.28), compared with the lowest in metro areas (10.69; 95% CI 10.68-10.69; SRR 0.82). The RA prevalence across local geographic areas ranged from 4.7 to 30.6 cases. The Global Moran's I index was 0.15 using three different matrices (z-score 3.96-4.24). We identified 10 hotspots in the south and north rural areas and 18 cold spots in metro and moderate metro Calgary. CONCLUSION The findings highlight notable rural-urban variation in RA prevalence in Alberta. Our findings can inform strategies aimed at reducing geographic disparities by targeting areas with high health care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire E. H. Barber
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Arthritis Research CanadaRichmondBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | | | | | - Alka B. Patel
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Alberta Health ServicesEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Jill Robert
- Alberta Health ServicesEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | | | | | - Deborah A. Marshall
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Arthritis Research CanadaRichmondBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Barber CEH, Lacaille D, Faris P, Mosher D, Katz S, Patel JN, Zhang S, Yee K, Barnabe C, Hazlewood GS, Bykerk V, Shiff NJ, Twilt M, Burt J, Benseler SM, Homik J, Marshall DA. Evaluating Quality of Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis for the Population of Alberta Using System-level Performance Measures. J Rheumatol 2020; 48:482-485. [PMID: 32934120 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.200420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated 4 national rheumatoid arthritis (RA) system-level performance measures (PM) in Alberta, Canada. METHODS Incident and prevalent RA cases ≥ 16 years of age since 2002 were identified using a validated case definition applied in provincial administrative data. Performance was ascertained through analysis of health data between fiscal years 2012/13-2015/16. Measures evaluated were as follows: proportion of incident RA cases with a rheumatologist visit within 1 year of first RA diagnosis code (PM1); proportion of prevalent RA patients who were dispensed a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) annually (PM2); time from first visit with an RA code to DMARD dispensation and proportion of incident cases where the 14-day benchmark for dispensation was met (PM3); and proportion of patients seen in annual follow-up (PM4). RESULTS There were 31,566 prevalent and 2730 incident RA cases (2012/13). Over the analysis period, the proportion of patients seen by a rheumatologist within 1 year of onset (PM1) increased from 55% to 63%; however, the proportion of RA patients dispensed DMARD annually (PM2) remained low at 43%. While the median time to DMARD from first visit date in people who received DMARD improved over time from 39 days to 28 days, only 38-41% of patients received treatment within the 14-day benchmark (PM3). The percentage of patients seen in yearly follow-up (PM4) varied between 73-80%. CONCLUSION The existing Alberta healthcare system for RA is suboptimal, indicating barriers to accessing specialty care and treatment. Our results inform quality improvement initiatives required within the province to meet national standards of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E H Barber
- C.E. Barber, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Assistant Professor, C. Barnabe, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Associate Professor, G.S. Hazlewood, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Associate Professor, D.A. Marshall, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, and Arthritis Research Canada, and McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Diane Lacaille
- D. Lacaille, MD, FRCPC, MHSc, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Scientific Director, Arthritis Research Canada
| | - Peter Faris
- P. Faris, PhD, Director, Health Services Statistical and Analytic Methods Analytics (DIMER), S. Zhang, MSc, Senior Data Analyst, K. Yee, MSc, MPH, Senior Data Analyst, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dianne Mosher
- D. Mosher, MD, FRCPC, Professor, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven Katz
- S. Katz, MD, FRCPC, J. Homik, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jatin N Patel
- J.N. Patel, MBT, Project Manager, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sharon Zhang
- P. Faris, PhD, Director, Health Services Statistical and Analytic Methods Analytics (DIMER), S. Zhang, MSc, Senior Data Analyst, K. Yee, MSc, MPH, Senior Data Analyst, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Yee
- P. Faris, PhD, Director, Health Services Statistical and Analytic Methods Analytics (DIMER), S. Zhang, MSc, Senior Data Analyst, K. Yee, MSc, MPH, Senior Data Analyst, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cheryl Barnabe
- C.E. Barber, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Assistant Professor, C. Barnabe, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Associate Professor, G.S. Hazlewood, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Associate Professor, D.A. Marshall, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, and Arthritis Research Canada, and McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Glen S Hazlewood
- C.E. Barber, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Assistant Professor, C. Barnabe, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Associate Professor, G.S. Hazlewood, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Associate Professor, D.A. Marshall, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, and Arthritis Research Canada, and McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivian Bykerk
- V. Bykerk, MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Hospital for Special Services, New York, New York, USA
| | - Natalie J Shiff
- N. J. Shiff, MD, MHSc, Adjunct Professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marinka Twilt
- M. Twilt, MD, MSCE, PhD, Assistant Professor, S.M. Benseler, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Burt
- J. Burt, PT, ACPAC-trained ERP, St Clare's Mercy Hospital, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Susanne M Benseler
- M. Twilt, MD, MSCE, PhD, Assistant Professor, S.M. Benseler, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanne Homik
- S. Katz, MD, FRCPC, J. Homik, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah A Marshall
- C.E. Barber, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Assistant Professor, C. Barnabe, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Associate Professor, G.S. Hazlewood, MD, FRCPC, PhD, Associate Professor, D.A. Marshall, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, and Arthritis Research Canada, and McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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