Self-reports of health care utilization compared to provider records

Parent SMART: Effects of residential treatment and an adjunctive parenting intervention on behavioral health services utilization

INTRODUCTION

Scant research has examined the impact of residential treatment on adolescent behavioral healthcare utilization post-discharge, even though behavioral healthcare utilization is major driver of healthcare costs. In the primary analyses of a pilot randomized trial, Parent SMART - a technology-assisted intervention for parents of adolescents in residential treatment - was found to improve parental monitoring and parent-adolescent communication, reduce adolescent drinking, and reduce adolescent school-related problems, relative to residential treatment as usual (TAU). The goal of this secondary analysis of the pilot randomized trial was to assess the effects of residential treatment and the adjunctive Parent SMART intervention on both the amount and type of subsequent behavioral healthcare utilization.

METHOD

The study randomized sixty-one parent-adolescent dyads to residential TAU (n = 31) or residential TAU plus Parent SMART (n = 30). Of the 61 dyads, 37 were recruited from a short-term residential facility and 24 were recruited from a long-term facility. Adolescents completed a structured clinical interview and self-reported their behavioral health-related visits to the emergency department, nights in residential/inpatient, and outpatient visits over the past 90 days, at baseline, 12-, and 24-weeks post-discharge. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) examined both linear and non-linear (pre- to post- residential treatment) trends, pooled, and stratified by residential facility to examine behavioral health service utilization.

RESULTS

Both the linear and pre-post GLMMs revealed that behavioral health-related emergency department visits and residential/inpatient nights decreased across both residential facilities. GLMMs estimating change from the pre- to post period indicated that outpatient visits increased across both facilities. There were no significant effects of the Parent SMART adjunctive intervention in GLMMs, though bivariate tests and the direction of effects signaled that Parent SMART was associated with more nights of residential/inpatient utilization.

CONCLUSION

Residential substance use treatment may reduce adolescents' subsequent utilization of costly behavioral healthcare services such as emergency department visits and residential/inpatient nights, while increasing utilization of outpatient services. Parent SMART was not associated with significant changes in behavioral healthcare utilization, but the pattern of results was consistent with prior literature suggesting that stronger parenting skills are associated with greater utilization of non-emergency services.

People who die by suicide without having attended hospital-based psychiatric care: Who are the ones that do not seek help?

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding those who die by suicide without having received help. The aim of this study was to compare those who died by suicide without having attended psychiatric care with controls (a) with a psychiatric diagnosis and (b) from the general population.

METHODS

Cases were all individuals 15+ who lived in Denmark during 2010-2021 and had died by suicide without having attended hospital-based psychiatric care. Cases were matched to controls from the two comparison-groups using a 1:10 ratio and compared using age-and sex-adjusted logistic regression analyses. Geographical variations in psychiatric care utilization were examined.

RESULTS

Among 7119 individuals who died by suicide, 3474 (48.8 %) had not attended psychiatric care. Compared to controls with a psychiatric diagnosis, cases were more likely to be male (OR, 3.9, 95 % CI, 3.6-4.2), older (80+ years: OR, 10.7, 95 % CI, 9.2-12.5), have lost a close relative (OR, 1.8, 95 % CI, 1.3-2.6) or recently retired (OR, 1.4, 95 % CI, 1.0-1.1.8). Compared to controls from the general population, cases were associated with male sex (OR, 4.6, 95 % CI, 4.2-5.0), living alone (OR, 2.3, 95 % CI, 2.2-2.5), unemployment (OR, 2.1, 95 % CI, 1.8-2.5), and having lost a close relative (OR, 5.0, 95 % CI, 3.5-7.2) or divorced (OR, 3.6, 95 % CI, 2.7-4.9).

LIMITATIONS

Characteristics and preceding events were limited to available register data.

CONCLUSIONS

About half of all who died by suicide had not attended psychiatric care. Being older, male, or exposed to recent stressors were some of the major markers when compared to controls.

The healthcare costs of increased body mass index-evidence from The Trøndelag Health Study

BACKGROUND

Earlier studies have estimated the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on healthcare costs. Various methods have been used to avoid potential biases and inconsistencies. Each of these methods measure different local effects and have different strengths and weaknesses.

METHODS

In the current study we estimate the impact of increased BMI on healthcare costs using nine common methods from the literature: multivariable regression analyses (ordinary least squares, generalized linear models, and two-part models), and instrumental variable models (using previously measured BMI, offspring BMI, and three different weighted genetic risk scores as instruments for BMI). We stratified by sex, investigated the implications of confounder adjustment, and modelled both linear and non-linear associations.

RESULTS

There was a positive effect of increased BMI in both males and females in each approach. The cost of elevated BMI was higher in models that, to a greater extent, account for endogenous relations.

CONCLUSION

The study provides solid evidence that there is an association between BMI and healthcare costs, and demonstrates the importance of triangulation.

Designing economic evaluations alongside clinical trials in maternal health care: A guide for clinical trial design

BACKGROUND

Economic evaluations are being conducted with increasing frequency in the maternity care setting, with more randomized controlled trials containing a health economic component. Key emerging criticisms of economic evaluation in maternity care are lack of robust data collection and measurement, inconsistencies in methodology, and lack of adherence to reporting guidelines.

METHODS

This article provides a guide to the design of economic evaluations alongside clinical trials in maternal health. We include economic concepts and considerations for the maternity setting and provide examples from the UK and Australia.

RESULTS

There are many important considerations for the design of economic evaluations alongside clinical trials. To be effective, researchers must select types of economic evaluation, which align with their study objectives; choose an appropriate evaluation perspective, time horizon, and discount rate; and identify accurate ways to measure and evaluate health outcomes and costs.

DISCUSSION

This guide is written for noneconomists and can be used for designing economic evaluations to be conducted as a part of clinical trials. We seek to improve the quality, consistency, and transparency of economic evaluations in maternal health.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online three-wave survey study of US adults

BACKGROUND

To effectively promote vaccine uptake, it is important to understand which people are most and least inclined to be vaccinated and why. In this study, we examined predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and reasons for non-vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted an online English-language survey study in December-2020, January-2021, and March-2021. A total of 930 US respondents completed all surveys. Multiple logistic regression models were run to test whether the early vaccine eligibility, demographic factors, and psychological factors predict getting at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination in January-2021 and in March-2021.

RESULTS

The proportion of respondents who received ≥ 1-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 18% (January) to 67% (March). Older age predicted vaccine uptake in January (OR = 2.02[95%CI = 1.14-3.78], p < .001) and March (10.92[6.76-18.05], p < .001). In January, additional predictors were higher numeracy (1.48[1.20-1.86], p < .001), COVID-19 risk perceptions (1.35[1.03-1.78], p = .029), and believing it is important adults get the COVID-19 vaccine (1.66[1.05-2.66], p = .033). In March, additional predictors of uptake were believing it is important adults get the COVID-19 vaccine (1.63[1.15-2.34], p = .006), prior COVID-19 vaccine intentions (1.37[1.10-1.72], p = .006), and belief in science (0.84[0.72-0.99], p = .041). Concerns about side effects and the development process were the most common reasons for non-vaccination. Unvaccinated respondents with no interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccine were younger (0.27[0.09-0.77], p = .016), held negative views about COVID-19 vaccines for adults (0.15[0.08-0.26], p < .001), had lower trust in healthcare (0.59[0.36-0.95], p = .032), and preferred to watch and wait in clinically ambiguous medical situations (0.66[0.48-0.89], p = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence that attitudes and intentions towards COVID-19 vaccines were important predictors of uptake provides validation for studies using these measures and reinforces the need to develop strategies for addressing safety and development concerns which remain at the forefront of vaccine hesitancy.

Health Service Utilisation of People Living with Psychosis: Validity of Self-report Compared with Administrative Data in a Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Self-reported service use informs resource utilisation and cost estimates, though its validity for use within economic evaluations is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess agreement in health resource-use measurement between self-reported and administrative data across different resource categories, over time and between different recall periods by subgroups among Australians living with psychosis.

METHODS

Data were obtained for 104 participants with psychotic disorders from a randomised controlled trial. Agreement between self-reported resource-use questionnaires and administrative data on community-based services and medication use was assessed through estimating differences of group mean number of visits and medications used and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) over multiple time periods.

RESULTS

ICC showed moderate agreement across most time periods for general practitioners, psychiatrists and mental health medications. No clear trends were discernible over time, between varying lengths of recall periods nor across participant subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Despite poor agreement, when measuring visits to psychologists and other health professionals, small overall differences in group mean number of visits indicate that self-reported data may still be valid for use in economic evaluations in people living with psychosis.

Psychometric Properties of the Short Scale Anxiety Sensitivity Index Among Adults with Chronic Respiratory Disease

Approximately one-third of adults with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) have comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders; yet these disorders are often unrecognized in this patient population. Transdiagnostic processes such as anxiety sensitivity (AS) are useful for identifying mechanisms underlying psychological and heath conditions. The Short-Scale AS Index (SSASI) is a brief self-report measure of AS which has potential clinical utility among CRD populations to evaluate psychological distress and inform comprehensive care. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the SSASI among adults with CRDs. Participants were recruited from a web-based panel of adults with CRDs (n = 768; 49.3% female; 57.8% White) including adults with asthma only (n = 230), COPD only (n = 321), or co-occurring asthma and COPD (n = 217). Participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing psychological and medical symptoms. Analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance across CRD groups. Convergent validity and criterion validity of the SSASI were assessed within each group. Results supported partial measurement invariance across CRD groups. The SSASI demonstrated high reliability, convergent validity, and criterion validity with each CRD group. Findings from this study and existing work indicate that the SSASI is an effective and economical assessment tool for identifying patients CRD who may benefit from psychological interventions to reduce AS.

Incidence of urinary incontinence after hip fracture surgery and associated risk factors: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

The contribution of the postoperative process to developing or worsening urinary incontinence (UI) after hip fracture surgery (HFS) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate UI incidence and worsening among older patients undergoing HFS, and explore associated risk factors.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients ≥ 75 years admitted between October 2019 and October 2021 to the Traumatology Service of three hospitals in the Consorci Sanitari de Alt-Penedès i Garraf (Barcelona, Spain) with hip fracture requiring surgical treatment. UI was assessed using the first two questions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) at baseline and at days 30 (± 3 days) and 90 (± 3 days) after HFS. Surgery-related data and post-surgical complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients with a mean (SD) age of 85.8 (6.78) years were included; 77.8% were female and 154 (62.1%) had UI at baseline. After HFS, 3.24% experienced urinary tract infections (UTIs), 3.64%, acute urinary retention (AUR), 8.57%, constipation, and 53.9%, prolonged catheterization (> 24 h). Fifty-eight patients without baseline UI developed UI at 30 days, resulting in a UI incidence of 61.7% (95% CI 51.1-71.54) between days 0 and 30. Of the 248 patients, 146 (59.1%) experienced worsening of UI. AUR and UTIs were identified as risk factors for UI development and worsening after HFS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of UI in older patients after HFS is significant. Patient management protocols should consider AUR and UTIs to reduce or eliminate the incidence of UI in older patients undergoing HFS.

Symptom Clusters in Adults with Post-COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

More than 100 symptoms have been reported for post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and this study aimed to organize self-reported symptoms by identifying symptom clusters. We used a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of 491 adults who reported experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID. A list of 25 symptoms of post-COVID-19 was used to measure the symptoms, and exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to identify symptom clusters for people with symptoms lasting 5 to 8 weeks and 9 weeks or longer. Six symptom clusters were identified for each of the two groups, and five clusters were similar across both groups: respiratory, general viral, smell/taste, cognitive cardiac, and mental health. The >9-week group reported symptoms primarily from two factors: respiratory-muscular and mental health. Post-COVID-19 symptom clusters differ across timeframes. Symptom clusters were useful in establishing coherent patterns of multiple complex symptoms.

Risks of adverse childhood experiences on healthcare utilization and outcomes in early childhood

BACKGROUND

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all pediatricians to be ready to implement trauma-informed care, including the mitigation of impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through screening and identification of at-risk population. Reliable survey tools and knowledge of the consequences of ACEs are needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the healthcare utilization and diagnoses captured in insurance claims in association with the number of ACEs recorded by the Family Map Inventories (FMI). The FMI offers a comprehensive family assessment, which includes child ACEs (FMI-ACEs) using prospective, proxy risk indicators.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Low-income families (N = 1647) with children aged three to five years who completed the FMI were linked to their insurance records.

METHODS

Multivariable logistic and generalized linear regression models were fitted to explore the association between the number of ACEs (FMI-ACEs scores) and healthcare utilization and health outcomes.

RESULTS

Children were exposed at rates of 32.4 % to zero, 31.7 % to one, 19.7 % to two, and 16.3 % to three or more ACEs. The FMI-ACEs scores were associated with greater use of non-preventive outpatient visits, filled prescriptions, and overall use of healthcare. Incidences of adjustment disorders were 4 times and attention-deficit conducts were 2 times higher among children with the highest FMI-ACEs scores than those with zero FMI-ACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study marks the first effort to conduct insurance claims data review to ascertain association between a survey measure of ACEs and health utilization and diagnosed conditions. The association of ACEs risk screening and healthcare utilization and diagnoses was observed.

Telehealth Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Veterans and Nonveterans: Web-Based Survey Study

BACKGROUND

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies reported delays in health care usage due to safety concerns. Delays in care may result in increased morbidity and mortality from otherwise treatable conditions. Telehealth provides a safe alternative for patients to receive care when other circumstances make in-person care unavailable or unsafe, but information on patient experiences is limited. Understanding which people are more or less likely to use telehealth and their experiences can help tailor outreach efforts to maximize the impact of telehealth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the characteristics of telehealth users and nonusers and their reported experiences among veteran and nonveteran respondents.

METHODS

A nationwide web-based survey of current behaviors and health care experiences was conducted in December 2020-March 2021. The survey consisted of 3 waves, and the first wave is assessed here. Respondents included US adults participating in Qualtrics web-based panels. Primary outcomes were self-reported telehealth use and number of telehealth visits. The analysis used a 2-part regression model examining the association between telehealth use and the number of visits with respondent characteristics.

RESULTS

There were 2085 participants in the first wave, and 898 (43.1%) reported using telehealth since the pandemic began. Most veterans who used telehealth reported much or somewhat preferring an in-person visit (336/474, 70.9%), while slightly less than half of nonveterans (189/424, 44.6%) reported this preference. While there was no significant difference between veteran and nonveteran likelihood of using telehealth (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95% CI 0.97-1.82), veterans were likely to have more visits when they did use it (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.49, 95% CI 1.07-2.07). Individuals were less likely to use telehealth and reported fewer visits if they were 55 years and older (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.62 for ages 55-64 years; IRR 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.66) or lived in a small city (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43-0.92; IRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.99). Receiving health care partly or primarily at the Veterans Health Administration (VA) was associated with telehealth use (primarily VA: OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.20-4.81; equal mix: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.40-3.39) and more telehealth visits (primarily VA: IRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.10-2.04; equal mix: IRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11-2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth will likely continue to be an important source of health care for patients, especially following situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Some groups who may benefit from telehealth are still underserved. Telehealth services and outreach should be improved to provide accessible care for all.

Augmenting clinical trial economic analysis by linking cancer trial data to administrative data: current landscape and future opportunities

BACKGROUND

Economic analyses based on clinical trial data are costly and time consuming, and alternative methods for performing economic analyses should be explored.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

In this perspective, we examine the emerging role of administrative data for economic analyses in cancer.

RESULTS

Compared with routinely collected clinical trial data, routinely collected administrative data have several strengths including high capture rates for healthcare encounters, less resource utilisation, low rates of misclassification, long follow-up periods and the opportunity to collect data points not traditionally captured in clinical trials. However, there are also limitations including the need for accurate data linkage across multiple databases and systems, the costs and time associated with data linkage, the potential time lag between trial data collection and the availability of administrative data, and limited data on quality of life, toxicity and indirect costs. In this perspective, we identify important barriers and potential solutions to performing economic analyses for oncology using administrative data, and outline strategies to increase research in this field.

CONCLUSION

The use of routinely collected administrative data sets for economic analyses of clinical trials presents a unique opportunity that could complement and validate economic analyses based on trial-level data.

Healthcare utilization, quality of life, and work productivity associated with primary hyperoxaluria: a cross-sectional web-based US survey

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a family of ultra-rare, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorders associated with frequent kidney stones, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, and serious complications due to systemic oxalosis, resulting in significant morbidity. We investigated the burden of PH among affected patients and caregivers. This cross-sectional, web-based survey was used to quantify the burden of PH, in terms of healthcare resource utilization, health-related quality of life, and work productivity and activity impairment among adults (≥ 18 years) with PH and caregivers of children (≤ 17 years) with PH in the US. Among the 20 respondents, there were 7 adults with PH and 13 caregivers of children with PH. Adherence to hyperhydration was noted as the most, or one of the most, difficult aspects of PH by 56% of respondents. Most patients (95%) had experienced painful kidney stone events, one-third had visited the emergency room, and 29% were hospitalized for complications due to PH. Of the 24% of patients on dialysis, all found the procedure burdensome. Adult patients' quality of life was negatively affected across several domains. Most respondents (81%) reported that PH had a negative effect on their finances. Employed adult patients and caregivers, and children with PH, had moderate impairment in work productivity, school attendance, and activity. Anxiety about future PH-related sequelae was moderate to high. These findings highlight the need for improvements in PH medical management. A plain language summary is available in the supplementary information.

Methods for think-aloud interviews in health-related resource-use research: the PECUNIA RUM instrument

BACKGROUND

The think-aloud (TA) approach is a qualitative research method that allows for gaining insight into thoughts and cognitive processes. It can be used to incorporate a respondent's perspective when developing resource-use measurement (RUM) instruments. Currently, the application of TA methods in RUM research is limited, and so is the guidance on how to use them. Transparent publication of TA methods for RUM in health economics studies, which is the aim of this paper, can contribute to reducing the aforementioned gap.

METHODS

Methods for conducting TA interviews were iteratively developed by a multi-national working group of health economists and additional qualitative research expertise was sought. TA interviews were conducted in four countries to support this process. A ten-step process was outlined in three parts: Part A 'before the interview' (including translation, recruitment, training), Part B 'during the interview' (including setting, opening, completing the instrument, open-ended questions, closing), and part C 'after the interview' (including transcription and data analysis, trustworthiness).

CONCLUSIONS

This manuscript describes the step-by-step approach for conducting multi-national TA interviews with potential respondents of the PECUNIA RUM instrument. It increases the methodological transparency in RUM development and reduces the knowledge gap of using qualitative research methods in health economics.

Alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty predict somatic symptoms in autistic and non-autistic adults

LAY ABSTRACT

Autistic people have more physical health problems than non-autistic people. We were interested in whether autistic people experience more discomfort in their bodies than non-autistic people and whether certain psychological traits contribute to that. A survey was completed online by older adolescents and adults, 51 of whom were autistic, 32 of whom thought they might be autistic but were not diagnosed and 119 who were not autistic. They completed measures of somatic symptoms (daily experience of pain, discomfort, dizziness), alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing feelings), interoception (how much people are aware of their bodies) and intolerance of uncertainty (how people handle doubt or uncertainty), and reported any physical or mental health conditions. We found that the autistic participants had more physical and mental health conditions than the non-autistic participants, but even when we took account of this, they experienced higher levels of somatic symptoms. We looked at which psychological factors influenced levels of somatic symptoms across the whole sample, and found that alexithymia, intolerance of uncertainty, having physical health problems, being female and the number of mental health conditions predicted somatic symptoms, while interoception and autism diagnosis did not. The findings suggest that people may be more likely to experience physical discomfort if they are female, and have difficulty identifying and expressing feeling and difficulty tolerating doubt. As these psychological factors are more prominent in autism, we think this is important for physical and mental health providers to know about, so that these psychological factors can be considered when assessing and treating autistic people.

Taking Care of Us© (TCU) study protocol: feasibility and acceptability of a dyadic intervention for couples living with heart failure

BACKGROUND

There are more than 1 million hospital admissions and 3 million emergency visits for heart failure in the USA annually. Although spouse/partners make substantial contributions to the management of heart failure and experience poor health and high levels of care strain, they are rarely the focus of heart failure interventions. This protocol describes a pilot randomized controlled trial that tests the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary change in outcomes of a seven-session couple-based intervention called Taking Care of Us© (TCU). The TCU© intervention is grounded in the theory of dyadic illness management and was developed to promote collaborative illness management and better physical and mental health of adults with heart failure and their partners.

METHODS

A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Eligible adults with heart failure and their co-residing spouse/partner will be recruited from a clinical site in the USA and community/social media outreach and randomized to either the TCU© intervention or to a control condition (SUPPORT©) that offers education around heart failure management. The target sample is 60 couples (30 per arm). TCU© couples will receive seven sessions over 2 months via Zoom; SUPPORT© couples will receive three sessions over 2 months via Zoom. All participants will complete self-report measures at baseline (T1), post-treatment (T2), and 3 months post-treatment (T3). Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention will be examined using both closed-ended and open-ended questions as well as enrollment, retention, completion, and satisfaction metrics. Preliminary exploration of change in outcomes of TCU© on dyadic health, dyadic appraisal, and collaborative management will also be conducted.

DISCUSSION

Theoretically driven, evidence-based dyadic interventions are needed to optimize the health of both members of the couple living with heart failure. Results from this study will provide important information about recruitment and retention and benefits and drawbacks of the TCU© program to directly inform any needed refinements of the program and decision to move to a main trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04737759) registered on 27 January 2021.

Factors associated with past-year medication use and psychotherapy in adults with suicidal ideation in France

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study is to assess the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with past-year medication use and/or psychotherapy among adults with suicidal ideation in the past 12 months.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2017 Health Barometer survey, a large computer-assisted telephone survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 18 to 75 years living in metropolitan France (n = 25,319). Logistic and multinomial regression analyses were used to study past-year medication use and/or psychotherapy as a function of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Analyses were restricted to individuals reporting suicidal ideation in the past year (n = 1,148).

RESULTS

Overall, 43.6% of adults with suicidal ideation reported no treatment for a mental health reason in the past year; 36.6% reported using medication only, 4.8% psychotherapy only, and 15.0% both. Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with increased probability of treatment varied as a function of the type of treatment received. Adjusting for key factors including clinical factors, older adults with suicidal ideation were more likely than younger adults to receive medication only.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings point to differential inequalities in access to medication and psychotherapy among adults with suicidal ideation in the general population of France.

Identifying common patterns of health services use: a longitudinal study of older Swiss adults' care trajectories

BACKGROUND

Population ageing puts pressure on health systems initially designed to handle acute and episodic illnesses. Segmenting an ageing population based on its healthcare utilization may enable policymakers to undertake evidence-based resource planning. We aimed to derive a typology of healthcare utilization trajectories in Swiss older adults.

METHODS

Our work used data from the Lc65 + study, a population-based cohort of individuals aged 65 to 70 years at enrolment. The dimensions of healthcare utilization considered were ambulatory care, emergency care, hospitalizations, professional home care and nursing home stay. We applied the Sequence Analysis framework, within which we quantified the variation between each multidimensional pair of sequences, implemented a clustering procedure that grouped together older persons with similar profiles of health services use, and characterized clusters of individuals using selected baseline covariates.

RESULTS

Healthcare utilization trajectories were analysed for 2271 community-dwelling older adults over a period of 11 years. Six homogeneous subgroups were identified: constant low utilization (83.3% of participants), increased utilization (4.9%), late health deterioration (4.4%), ambulatory care to nursing home (1.5%), early fatal event (3.8%) and high ambulatory care (2.1%). Associations were found between cluster membership and age, sex, household composition, self-perceived health, grip strength measurement, comorbidities, and functional dependency.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneous healthcare utilization profiles can be clustered into six common patterns. Different manifestations of functional decline were apparent in two distinct trajectory groups featuring regular home care use. Furthermore, a small proportion of individuals with a unique set of characteristics was related to the highest levels of ambulatory and emergency care use. New research avenues are outlined to investigate time-varying effects of health factors inside the clusters containing most unfavourable outcomes.

Predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with past-year health service use for mental health reasons in adults with suicidal ideation in France

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the prevalence of past-year health service use for mental health reasons in a French representative sample of adults overall and in those reporting suicidal ideation in the past year and assess the factors associated with health service use according Andersen's model of healthcare seeking behaviors.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2017 Health Barometer survey a large computer-assisted telephone survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 18-75 years living in France (n = 25,319). Logistic regression analyses were used to study past-year health service use for mental health reasons as a function of predisposing, enabling and need factors. Analyses were stratified according to suicidal ideation and sex.

RESULTS

Among individuals with suicidal ideation, 45.1 % of adults, 50.4 % of females and 37.6 % of males, reported past-year health service use for a mental health reason. Increased odds of health service use were observed regarding predisposing (female sex, younger age, higher education), enabling (income level), and need factors (prior suicide attempts, role impairment and major depression). Among males, the only significant factors included age 65-75 (aOR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.03-0.84) and major depression (aOR = 2.79, 95%CI = 1.79-4.36).

LIMITATIONS

Self-reported service utilization. Cross-sectional survey.

CONCLUSIONS

In a country with a high level of medical coverage, further research is needed to identify sex-specific socio-demographic, economic and clinical differences in the use of different types of health services as well as perceived need for care, structural and attitudinal barriers to treatment.

A multisource approach to health care use: concordance between register and self-reported physician visits in the foreign-born population in Finland

BACKGROUND

Reliable information on the use of health services is important for health care planning, monitoring and policy. It is critical to assess the validity of the sources used for this purpose, including register and survey-based data. Studies on foreign-born populations' health care use have usually implemented either survey or register data. The concordance of such data among groups of different cultural background remains largely unknown. In this study, we presented an approach to examine routinely how survey and register-related characteristics may explain disagreement found between the two information sources.

METHODS

We linked register- and survey-based data pertaining to the Finnish Register of Primary Health Care general physician visits and the Survey on Well-Being among Foreign Born Population (FinMonik, 2018-2019), a nationally representative survey. The sample comprised n = 5,800 informants for whom registered general physician visits were tracked in the 12-month period preceding their participation in the survey. Cohen's kappa was used as measure of multisource concordance, hierarchical loglinear models for the association between single predictors and multisource discrepancy, and a logistic regression model for examining source-related predictors of source discrepancy. Survey weights were used in all sample analyses.

RESULTS

Source concordance was poor. When dichotomizing general physician visits (zero vs one or more), 35% of informants had reported one or more visits while none were found from register. Both register- and informant-related predictors were associated to this discrepancy (i.e. catchment area, private health care use, inability to work, region of origin and reason for migration).

CONCLUSIONS

We found high discrepancy between the reported and the registered physician visits among the foreign-born population in Finland, with a particularly high number of reported physician visits when none were found in the register. There was a strong association between the specific catchment area and mismatch, indicating that both register under-coverage and survey over-report are plausible and may coexist behind the discrepancy. However, associations of informant's characteristics and mismatch were less pronounced. Implications on the validity of medical information sources are discussed.

Prediction Models for Suicide Attempts among Adolescents Using Machine Learning Techniques

OBJECTIVE

Suicide attempts (SAs) in adolescents are difficult to predict although it is a leading cause of death among adolescents. This study aimed to develop and evaluate SA prediction models based on six different machine learning (ML) algorithms for Korean adolescents using data from online surveys.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the 2011-2018 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS), an ongoing annual national survey. The participants comprised 468,482 nationally representative adolescents from 400 middle and 400 high schools, aged 12 to 18. The models were trained using several classic ML methods and then tested on internal and external independent datasets; performance metrics were calculated. Data analysis was performed from March 2020 to June 2020.

RESULTS

Among the 468,482 adolescents included in the analysis, 15,012 cases (3.2%) were identified as having made an SA. Three features (suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and grade) were identified as the most important predictors. The performance of the six ML models on the internal testing dataset was good, with both the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) ranging from 0.92 to 0.94. Although the AUROC of all models on the external testing dataset (2018 KYRBS) ranged from 0.93 to 0.95, the AUPRC of the models was approximately 0.5.

CONCLUSION

The developed and validated SA prediction models can be applied to detect high risks of SA. This approach could facilitate early intervention in the suicide crisis and may ultimately contribute to suicide prevention for adolescents.

Pathways to reduced overnight hospitalizations in older adults: Evaluating 62 physical, behavioral, and psychosocial factors

As our society ages and healthcare costs escalate, researchers and policymakers urgently seek potentially modifiable predictors of reduced healthcare utilization. We aimed to determine whether changes in 62 candidate predictors were associated with reduced frequency, and duration, of overnight hospitalizations. We used data from 11,374 participants in the Health and Retirement Study—a national sample of adults aged >50 in the United States. Using generalized linear regression models with a lagged exposure-wide approach, we evaluated if changes in 62 predictors over four years (between t0;2006/2008 and t1;2010/2012) were associated with subsequent hospitalizations during the two years prior to t2 (2012–2014 (Cohort A) or 2014–2016 (Cohort B)). After robust covariate-adjustment, we observed that changes in some health behaviors (e.g., those engaging in frequent physical activity had 0.80 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [0.74, 0.87])), physical health conditions (e.g., those with cancer had 1.57 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [1.35, 1.82])), and psychosocial factors (e.g., those who helped friends/neighbors/relatives 100–199 hours/year had 0.73 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [0.63, 0.85])) were associated with subsequent hospitalizations. Findings for both the frequency, and duration, of hospitalizations were mostly similar. Changes in a number of diverse factors were associated with decreased frequency, and duration, of overnight hospitalizations. Notably, some psychosocial factors (e.g., informal helping) had effect sizes equivalent to or larger than some physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes) and health behaviors (e.g., smoking). These psychosocial factors are mostly modifiable and with further research could be novel intervention targets for reducing hospitalizations.

Sex differences in the association between social capital and healthcare use-Results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)

Females and males frequently report substantial differences in social capital indicators and may use healthcare distinctly. Nevertheless, the potential effect of sex on the relation between social capital and healthcare use remains unclear. This study aims to quantify the association between different indicators of individuals' social capital and healthcare use, according to sex. Data were retrieved from the Sixth Wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which was conducted in 2015, and included 68,188 participants from 18 countries. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were computed using logistic regression. Overall, males and females with smaller social networks, those who live alone or with any other relatives besides their partners, and those whose first close confidant was a family member or a neighbour reported fewer contacts with medical doctors or nurses, as well as with dentists or dental hygienists. Amongst females, participation in educational or training courses (AOR = 1.67, 95%CI:1.40-2.00; p for interaction = 0.035) and sport, social or any other club (AOR = 1.79, 95%CI:1.58-2.02; p for interaction = 0.043) was associated with a more frequent contact with dentists or dental hygienists. Females who participated in volunteer or charity work (AOR = 0.76, 95%CI:0.64-0.91; p for interaction = 0.042) and political or community-related organisations (AOR = 0.72, 95%CI:0.52-1.00; p for interaction = 0.030) were less likely to report the use of polypharmacy. This outcome was more frequently observed amongst females who referred feelings of severe loneliness (AOR = 1.44, 95%CI:1.22-1.68; p for interaction < 0.001). Social capital is associated with healthcare use distinctively amongst males and females. Increasing opportunities for social participation may improve healthcare use, particularly amongst females.

Effectiveness of the "Living with Cancer" peer self-management support program for persons with advanced cancer and their relatives: study protocol of a non-randomized stepped wedge study

BACKGROUND

Persons with advanced cancer and their relatives experience physical, emotional, and psychosocial consequences of the illness. Most of the time, they must deal with these themselves. While peer self-management support programs may be helpful, there is little evidence on their value for this population. We present the research protocol of our SMART study that will evaluate the effectiveness of the "Living with Cancer" peer self-management support program, aimed at improving self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life of persons with advanced cancer and their relatives.

METHODS

We will conduct a non-randomized stepped wedge study in the Netherlands. We will include 130 persons with advanced cancer and 32 relatives. Participants can choose to either start the program within 4 weeks after inclusion or after eight to 10 weeks. The "Living with Cancer" is a peer self-management support program, based on the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. It consists of six 1,5 hours video-conferencing group meetings with eight to 12 participants, preceded by two or three preparatory audio clips with supportive text per session. The program has the following core components: the learning of self-management skills (action-planning, problem-solving, effective communication, and decision-making), discussing relevant themes (e.g. dealing with pain and fatigue, living with uncertainty, and future planning), and sharing experiences, knowledge, and best practices. The primary outcome for both persons with advanced cancer and relatives is self-management behavior assessed by the subscale "constructive attitudes and approaches" of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are other self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, symptoms, depression and anxiety, and loneliness. Participants complete an online questionnaire at baseline, and after eight and 16 weeks. After each session, they complete a logbook about their experiences. Group meetings will be video recorded.

DISCUSSION

SMART aims to evaluate an innovative program building on an evidence-based self-management program. New features are its use for persons with advanced cancer, the inclusion of relatives, and the video-conferencing format for this population. The use of both quantitative and qualitative analyses will provide valuable insight into the effectiveness and value of this program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register on October 2021, identifier NL9806 .

Changes in acute headache medication use and health care resource utilization: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating galcanezumab in adults with treatment-resistant migraine (CONQUER)

BACKGROUND: Patients with migraine, particularly with multiple prior preventive treatment failures, often have high rates of acute headache medication use and are at risk for overuse (acute or symptomatic headache medication use between 10 and 15 days per month [depending on the medication] for > 3 months). Furthermore, these patients have greater health care resource utilization (HCRU). OBJECTIVE: To examine acute headache medication use and HCRU with galcanezumab compared with placebo in a population with multiple prior migraine preventive treatment failures. METHODS: In the 3-month double-blind phase, patients with episodic or chronic migraine and treatment failures to 2 to 4 standard-of-care migraine preventive categories (lack of effectiveness or safety/tolerability) received galcanezumab 120 mg/month (following a 240-mg loading dose) or placebo; an optional 3 month open-label phase followed. Acute headache medication use (monthly days with acute headache medication utilization) was self-reported daily. The change from baseline in monthly days with acute headache medication used a mixed-model repeated measures analysis. HCRU was reported at baseline (for the previous 6 months) and at monthly visits. Migraine-related HCRU rates were evaluated in the total population per 100 patient-years. RESULTS: Of the 462 patients (galcanezumab n=232, placebo n=230), baseline mean days/month of acute headache medication was 12.3; 44.8% had acute headache medication overuse. Across months 1-3, least squares (LS) mean reductions in acute headache medication use were greater for the galcanezumab group (4.2) compared with placebo (0.9); the LS mean difference was 3.4 (95% CI = 2.7-4.1; P < 0.0001). Greater reductions in the galcanezumab group were observed as early as month 1; statistical separation continued at months 2 and 3 (all P < 0.0001). During the open-label phase, reductions from baseline ranged from 4.7 to 5.3 days and were similar in patients who transitioned from placebo to patients continuing galcanezumab. Reductions from baseline of migraine-specific health care visits (double-blind phase) were numerically greater with galcanezumab than placebo (215.5 vs 155.3). Patients switching to galcanezumab had reductions (212.9 days) similar to patients continuing galcanezumab (222.6 days). Migraine-specific emergency department visits decreased by two-thirds at month 3 in the galcanezumab group compared with nearly no reduction in the placebo group that experienced a similar reduction during the open-label phase. For both groups, migraine-specific hospitalizations were less than 2 per 100 patient-years. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that galcanezumab has the potential to reduce acute headache medication use and overuse and HCRU in patients with prior migraine preventive treatment failures. DISCLOSURES: Data were presented in part as a poster presentation at the 14th European Headache Congress (European Headache Federation), Virtual Meeting, July 3-5, 2020. Dr Ambrosini is on the advisory board for Eli Lilly and Company and received honorarium from Teva, Novartis, and Eli Lilly and Company. Dr Estemalik is on the advisory boards for Eli Lilly and Company, Lundbeck, and Allergan and the speakers' bureau for Teva, Lundbeck, Eli Lilly and Company, Allergan, and Biohaven. He received consulting fees from Eli Lilly and Company, Teva, Lundbeck, and Allergan and support for attending meetings and/or travel from Eli Lilly and Company, Allergan, Biohaven, Teva, and Lundbeck. Dr Pascual received research support from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Economy, Spain. He was also on advisory boards for Allergan, Amgen-Novartis, Eli Lilly and Company, and Stendhal and received consulting fees or honoraria from Allegan, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis-Amgen, and Teva. Dr Rettiganti is an employee of Eli Lilly and Company and/or one of its subsidiaries, Indianapolis, IN. She is also a minor stock and restricted stockholder of Eli Lilly and Company. Mr. Stroud and Ms. Day are employees of Eli Lilly and Company and/or one of its subsidiaries, Indianapolis, IN. Dr Ford is an employee of and holds stock of Eli Lilly and Company and/or one of its subsidiaries, Indianapolis, IN. She also received support for attending meetings and/or travel from Eli Lilly and Company.

Adapting MultiPLe behavior Interventions that eFfectively Improve (AMPLIFI) cancer survivor health: program project protocols for remote lifestyle intervention and assessment in 3 inter-related randomized controlled trials among survivors of obesity-related cancers

BACKGROUND

Scalable, multiple behavior change interventions are needed to address poor diet, inactivity, and excess adiposity among the rising number of cancer survivors. Efficacy-tested diet (RENEW) and exercise (BEAT Cancer) programs were adapted for web delivery among middle-aged and older cancer survivors for the AMPLIFI study, a National Cancer Institute-funded, multi-site, program project.

METHODS

Throughout the continental U.S., survivors of several obesity-related cancers are being recruited for three interconnected randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Projects 1 and 2 test 6-month diet or exercise interventions versus a wait-list control condition. Upon completion of the 6-month study period, the intervention participants receive the next behavior change sequence (i.e., diet receives exercise, exercise receives diet) and the wait-list control arm initiates a 12-month combined diet and exercise intervention. Project 3 tests the efficacy of the sequential versus simultaneous interventions. Assessments occur at baseline and semi-annually for up to 2-years and include: body mass index, health behaviors (diet quality, accelerometry-assessed physical activity/sleep), waist circumference, D3 creatine-assessed muscle mass, physical performance, potential mediators/moderators of treatment efficacy, biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic regulation, health care utilization, cost, and overall health. Four shared resources support AMPLIFI RCTs: 1) Administrative; 2) Adaptation, Dissemination and Implementation; 3) Recruitment and Retention; and 4) Assessment and Analysis.

DISCUSSION

Representing a new generation of RCTs, AMPLIFI will exclusively use remote technologies to recruit, intervene and assess the efficacy of the newly-adapted, web-based diet and exercise interventions and determine whether sequential or combined delivery works best for at-risk (older, rural, racial minority) cancer survivors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04000880 . Registered 27 June 2019.

SCiPad: evaluating telemedicine via iPad facetime for general spinal cord injury care

Study design

Uncontrolled clinical pilot study.

Objectives

To assess usage, perceived impact, and satisfaction with a telemedicine program among individuals with spinal cord injury (tele-SCI).

Setting

Community-based.

Methods

Participants (N = 83) were recruited from acute SCI inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient SCI care at a community hospital to participate in a 6-month tele-SCI intervention administered by SCI subspecialty board-certified physiatrists via iPad FaceTime. In addition to monthly follow up interview calls, psychosocial and Quality of Life (QoL) measures were collected at baseline and post-intervention. A program satisfaction survey was also collected post-intervention.

Results

Seventy-five percent of participants engaged in tele-SCI visits (Median [IQR]: 2.5 [2.0, 4.0]) for a total of 198 tele-SCI visits. Bladder and bowel concerns were the leading topics discussed during tele-SCI visits, followed by neurological, pain, and functional concerns. Tele-SCI users resided further away (Median miles [IQR] – 114[73–177] vs. 81[46–116], p = 0.023) and reported seeking more clinical advice (Median [IQR] – 1.5[0–4.0] vs. 0[0–1.0], p = 0.002) compared to non-tele-SCI users. All other clinical utilization, baseline characteristics, psychosocial measures, and QoL did not differ among those who used tele-SCI and those who did not. The satisfaction survey suggested satisfaction with the tele-SCI intervention (89%), study equipment (89%), staff responsiveness (100%), and improved motivation for self-monitoring of health (71%).

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that tele-SCI is a feasible modality for providing general SCI care. Further research is required to examine longer-term efficacy of remotely-provided care among individuals living with SCI.

Body mass index and healthcare costs: using genetic variants from the HUNT study as instrumental variables

Background

Past studies have found associations between obesity and healthcare costs, however, these studies have suffered from bias due to omitted variables, reverse causality, and measurement error.

Methods

We used genetic variants related to body mass index (BMI) as instruments for BMI; thereby exploiting the natural randomization of genetic variants that occurs at conception. We used data on measured height and weight, genetic information, and sociodemographic factors from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Studies (HUNT), and individual-level registry data on healthcare costs, educational level, registration status, and biological relatives. We studied associations between BMI and general practitioner (GP)-, specialist-, and total healthcare costs in the Norwegian setting using instrumental variable (IV) regressions, and compared our findings with effect estimates from ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions. The sensitivity of our findings to underlying IV-assumptions was explored using two-sample Mendelian randomization methods, non-linear analyses, sex-, healthcare provider-, and age-specific analyses, within-family analyses, and outlier removal. We also conducted power calculations to assess the likelihood of detecting an effect given our sample 60,786 individuals.

Results

We found that increased BMI resulted in significantly higher GP costs; however, the IV-based effect estimate was smaller than the OLS-based estimate. We found no evidence of an association between BMI and specialist or total healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Elevated BMI leads to higher GP costs, and more studies are needed to understand the causal mechanisms between BMI and specialist costs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07597-z.

Data acquisition process for VA and non-VA emergency department and hospital utilization by veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders in California using VA and state data

Context: To identify VA and non-VA Emergency Department (ED) and hospital utilization by veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) in California.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: VA and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) in California.Participants: Total 300 veterans admitted to the study VA SCI/D Center for initial rehabilitations from 01/01/1999 through 08/17/2014.Interventions: N/A.Outcome Measures: Individual-level ED visits and hospitalizations during the first-year post-rehabilitation.Results: Among 145 veterans for whom ED visit data available, 168 ED visits were identified: 94 (55.2%) at non-VA EDs and 74 (44.8%) at the VA ED, with a mean of 1.16 (±2.21) ED visit/person. Seventy-seven (53.1%) veterans did not visit any ED. Of 68 (46.9%) veterans with ≥ one ED visit, 20 (29.4%) visited the VA ED only, 34 (50.0%) visited non-VA EDs only, and 14 (20.6%) visited both VA and non-VA EDs. Among 212 Veterans for whom hospitalization data were available, 247 hospitalizations were identified: 82 (33.2%) non-VA hospitalizations and 165 (66.8%) VA hospitalization with a mean of 1.17 (±1.62) hospitalizations/person. One hundred-seven (50.5%) veterans had no hospitalizations. Of 105 veterans with ≥ one hospitalization, 58 (55.2%) were hospitalized at the study VA hospital, 15 (14.3%) at a non-VA hospital, and 32 (30.5%) at both VA and non-VA hospitals.Conclusion: Non-VA ED and hospital usage among veterans with SCI/D occurred frequently. The acquisition of non-VA healthcare data managed by state agencies is vital to accurately and comprehensively evaluate needs and utilization rates among veteran populations.

Predictors of Online Patient Portal Use Among a Diverse Sample of Emerging Adults: Cross-sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

Health self-management is increasingly being influenced by emerging health information technologies (IT), especially online patient portals. Patient portals provide patients with direct access to their health information, electronic tools to manage their health, and additional opportunities to engage with their care team. Previous studies have found that patient portal use is highest among patients with high eHealth literacy, the ability to find health information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained to solve a health problem. The role of eHealth literacy on patient portal use appears to be especially strong among older adults with chronic diseases. The use of patient portals among emerging adults (ages 18-29) is much less understood. Although generally healthy, emerging adults are more regular IT users and just beginning to independently navigate the health care system. A good understanding of how emerging adults are using online patient portals and what factors, including eHealth, impact portal use is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe patient portal use and explore the predictors of portal use among a diverse sample of emerging adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study that used convenience sampling was conducted at two universities. Data on demographics, health care encounters, eHealth literacy, patient engagement, and use of patient portal features (administrative and clinical) were obtained via self-report and summarized. Logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with portal use.

RESULTS

Of the 340 emerging adults, 257 (76%) were female, 223 (65%) White, 156 (47%) low income, and 184 (54%) reported having patient portal access. Of those reporting access, 142 (77%) used at least 1 portal feature and 42 (23%) reported using none. Significant predictors were patient engagement (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.13, P=.001) and total encounters (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.44, P=.009) but not eHealth literacy. Hispanic and Asian emerging adults were more likely to be frequent users of clinical portal features than White emerging adults (Hispanic: OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.03-8.52, P=.04; Asian: OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.08-16.89, P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that about half of emerging adults had access to a patient portal. Among those with access, a majority reported using at least one portal feature. Factors associated with increased portal use included increased patient engagement and total clinical encounters. Self-reported eHealth literacy was not associated with patient portal use in this diverse sample of emerging adults. This may have been due to high overall eHealth literacy levels in this population of frequent IT users. There may also be racial/ethnic differences that are important to consider, as we found Hispanic and Asian emerging adults reported more frequent portal use than White emerging adults. Interventions to promote patient portal use among emerging adults should include strategies to increase awareness of portal access and engagement among patients with fewer clinical encounters, with a focus on preventative health management.

Reductions in acute medication use and healthcare resource utilization in patients with chronic migraine: a secondary analysis of a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of galcanezumab with open-label extension (REGAIN)

AIMS

To analyze secondary objectives of the REGAIN study related to acute headache medication use and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with chronic migraine treated with galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide.

METHODS

Adults with chronic migraine (N = 1,113) were randomized (2:1:1) and treated with double-blind monthly injections of placebo, galcanezumab-120 mg, or galcanenzumab-240 mg for 3 months, followed by a 9-month open-label extension with 120 or 240 mg/month galcanezumab. Headache and medication information was collected by daily eDiary. HCRU was reported for the 6 months before randomization, monthly thereafter, and converted to rate per 100-patient-years.

RESULTS

At baseline, 63-64% of patients met criteria for acute headache medication overuse. At Month 3, incidence of headache medication overuse in the galcanezumab groups (33% and 33%) was significantly lower than in the placebo group (46%, both p < .001) and was 16% and 23% in the previous-galcanezumab groups at Month 12. From a baseline of 14.5 to 15.5, reduction in mean number of monthly migraine headache days with acute headache medication use was also significantly greater in the galcanezumab groups at Month 3 (-4.2 and -4.9) than in placebo (-2.6, both p < .001), with reductions of -6.8 and -7.6 in the previous-galcanezumab groups at Month 12. Migraine-specific HCRU rates decreased for all groups, with no significant between-group differences at Month 3. At Month 12, in the two previous-galcanezumab groups, emergency room visits decreased by 58% and 75%, hospital admissions by 100%, and healthcare professional visits by 54% and 67%.

LIMITATIONS

Only 3 months of double-blind, placebo-controlled data, a longer HCRU recall period for baseline than postbaseline, and patients receiving care in the clinical trial itself, may limit generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with galcanezumab resulted in significant reductions in headache medication overuse and migraine headache days requiring acute medication use, with notable reductions in migraine-specific HCRU.

Pharmacists improve diabetes outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is a growing shortage of primary care physicians. Pharmacists can fill the gap, and interdisciplinary teams are being evaluated as part of health care reform.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether adding a pharmacist to an interprofessional health team will improve diabetes outcomes.

METHODS

In this 2-phase pilot study, Medicaid-eligible patients with diabetes were randomized to receive standard of care (control arm) or standard of care plus the care of a pharmacist (intervention arm) for 12 months (phase 1). The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) from baseline. Secondary outcomes included identifying and correcting medication therapy problems (MTPs) for comorbid conditions, adherence to preventive care visits, health care utilization, self-rated health, and satisfaction surveys. After phase 1, patients in the control arm who did not achieve an A1C of < 8% were eligible to enroll into phase 2 where they received treatment with a pharmacist for 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the 239 patients enrolled, 122 completed phase 1. At 12 months, intervention patients' mean A1C was 1.85 percentage point (pp) below baseline versus 0.94 pp for control (between-group difference 0.91 pp; P = 0.0218). Most control patients (79%) who completed phase 1 and enrolled into phase 2 improved their A1C by more than 1 pp (P < 0.01). The pharmacists completed 806 patient visits and identified 2638 MTPs. Intervention patients were more adherent to preventive care visits with nutrition (P = 0.043), ophthalmology (P = 0.002), and dentistry (P = 0.007). For intervention patients, 78% rated their experience with the pharmacist as excellent whereas, for control patients, 37% rated their experience with their provider as excellent.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist comanagement of patients with diabetes can significantly improve glucose control and patient satisfaction. Creative payment models were used to include pharmacists in the interprofessional patient care team.

The impact of multimorbidity level and functional limitations on the accuracy of using self-reported survey data compared to administrative data to measure general practitioner and specialist visits in community-living adults

Background

Researchers often use survey data to study the effect of health and social variables on physician use, but how self-reported physician use compares to administrative data, the gold standard, in particular within the context of multimorbidity and functional limitations remains unclear. We examine whether multimorbidity and functional limitations are related to agreement between self-reported and administrative data for physician use.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 52,854 Ontario participants of the Canadian Community Health Survey linked to administrative data were used to assess agreement on physician use. The number of general practitioner (GP) and specialist visits in the previous year was assessed using both data sources; multimorbidity and functional limitation were from self-report.

Results

Fewer participants self-reported GP visits (84.8%) compared to administrative data (89.1%), but more self-reported specialist visits (69.2% vs. 64.9%). Sensitivity was higher for GP visits (≥90% for all multimorbidity levels) compared to specialist visits (approximately 75% for 0 to 90% for 4+ chronic conditions). Specificity started higher for GP than specialist visits but decreased more swiftly with multimorbidity level; in both cases, specificity levels fell below 50%. Functional limitations, age and sex did not impact the patterns of sensitivity and specificity seen across level of multimorbidity.

Conclusions

Countries around the world collect health surveys to inform health policy and planning, but the extent to which these are linked with administrative, or similar, data are limited. Our study illustrates the potential for misclassification of physician use in self-report data and the need for sensitivity analyses or other corrections.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07160-2.

Estimation of the Width of Uncertainty in Care Consumption and Costs When Using Common Data Collection Tools in Economic Evaluations: A Benchmark for Sensitivity Analyses

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the uncertainty related to the use of common collection tools to assess costs in economic evaluations compared with an exhaustive administrative database.

METHODS

A pragmatic study was performed using preexisting cost-effectiveness studies. Patients were probabilistically matched with themselves in the French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé [SNDS]), and all their reimbursed hospital and ambulatory care data during the study were extracted. Outcomes included the ratio of the number of each type of resources consumed using trial data (case report forms for ambulatory care and local hospital data for hospital care) versus the SNDS and the ratio of corresponding costs. Mean ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using bootstrapping. The impact of the collection tool on the result of the economic evaluation was calculated with the difference in costs between the 2 treatment arms with both collection methods.

RESULTS

Five cost-effectiveness studies were included in the analysis. A total of 397 patients had the SNDS hospital data, and 321 had ambulatory care data. Common collection tools underestimated hospital admissions by 13% (95% CI 8-20), corresponding costs by 5% (95% CI 2-14), and ambulatory acts by 41% (95% CI 33-51), with large variations in costs depending on the study. There was no change in the economic conclusion in any study.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of common collection tools underestimates healthcare resource consumption and its associated costs, particularly for ambulatory care. Our results could provide useful evidence-based estimates to inform sensitivity analyses' parameters in future cost-effectiveness analyses.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder: the FACTOID feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Generalised anxiety disorder, characterised by excessive anxiety and worry, is the most common anxiety disorder among older people. It is a condition that may persist for decades and is associated with numerous negative outcomes. Front-line treatments include pharmacological and psychological therapy, but many older people do not find these treatments effective. Guidance on managing treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder in older people is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether or not a study to examine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder is feasible, we developed an intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy for this population, assessed its acceptability and feasibility in an uncontrolled feasibility study and clarified key study design parameters.

DESIGN

Phase 1 involved qualitative interviews to develop and optimise an intervention as well as a survey of service users and clinicians to clarify usual care. Phase 2 involved an uncontrolled feasibility study and qualitative interviews to refine the intervention.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from general practices, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services, Community Mental Health Teams and the community.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were people aged ≥ 65 years with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder.

INTERVENTION

Participants received up to 16 one-to-one sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy, adapted for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder, in addition to usual care. Sessions were delivered by therapists based in primary and secondary care services, either in the clinic or at participants' homes. Sessions were weekly for the first 14 sessions and fortnightly thereafter.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The co-primary outcome measures for phase 2 were acceptability (session attendance and satisfaction with therapy) and feasibility (recruitment and retention). Secondary outcome measures included additional measures of acceptability and feasibility and self-reported measures of anxiety, worry, depression and psychological flexibility. Self-reported outcomes were assessed at 0 weeks (baseline) and 20 weeks (follow-up). Health economic outcomes included intervention and resource use costs and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifteen older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder participated in phase 1 and 37 participated in phase 2. A high level of feasibility was demonstrated by a recruitment rate of 93% and a retention rate of 81%. A high level of acceptability was found with respect to session attendance (70% of participants attended ≥ 10 sessions) and satisfaction with therapy was adequate (60% of participants scored ≥ 21 out of 30 points on the Satisfaction with Therapy subscale of the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale-Revised, although 80% of participants had not finished receiving therapy at the time of rating). Secondary outcome measures and qualitative data further supported the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Health economic data supported the feasibility of examining cost-effectiveness in a future randomised controlled trial. Although the study was not powered to examine clinical effectiveness, there was indicative evidence of improvements in scores for anxiety, depression and psychological flexibility.

LIMITATIONS

Non-specific therapeutic factors were not controlled for, and recruitment in phase 2 was limited to London.

CONCLUSIONS

There was evidence of high levels of feasibility and acceptability and indicative evidence of improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychological flexibility. The results of this study suggest that a larger-scale randomised controlled trial would be feasible to conduct and is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12268776.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 54. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Aspects and Challenges of Resource Use Measurement in Health Economics: Towards a Comprehensive Measurement Framework

BACKGROUND

While the methods for conducting health economics research in general are improving, current guidelines provide limited guidance regarding resource use measurement (RUM). Consequently, a variety of methods exists, yet there is no overview of aspects to consider when deciding on the most appropriate RUM methodology. Therefore, this study aims to (1) identify and categorize existing knowledge regarding aspects of RUM, and (2) develop a framework that provides a comprehensive overview of methodological aspects regarding RUM.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified by enrolling a search string in six databases and handsearching the DIRUM database. Included articles were descriptively reviewed and served as input for a comprehensive framework. Health economics experts were involved during the process to establish the framework's face validity.

RESULTS

Forty articles were included in the scoping review. The RUM framework consists of four methodological RUM domains: 'Whom to measure', addressing whom to ask and whom to measure; 'How to measure', addressing the different approaches of measurement; 'How often to measure', addressing recall period and measurement patterns; and 'Additional considerations', which covers additional aspects that are essential for further refining the methodologies for measurement. Evidence retrieved from the scoping review was categorized according to these domains.

CONCLUSION

This study clustered the aspects of RUM methodology in health economics into a comprehensive framework. The results may guide health economists in their decision making regarding the selection of appropriate RUM methods and developing instruments for RUM. Furthermore, policy makers may use these findings to review study results from an evidence-based perspective.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Abdominal Pain in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Abdominal pain is the most common gastrointestinal symptom reported in ambulatory clinics, but little is known about its prevalence and burden of illness in the general community. We conducted a population-based survey to determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and healthcare-seeking behavior of persons with abdominal pain.

METHODS

Using an online survey research firm, we recruited a representative sample of adults (18 years or older) with a history of abdominal pain. The survey included questions about abdominal pain severity as measured by GI PROMIS (a validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire), healthcare-seeking behaviors, and tests performed to evaluate symptoms. We used multivariable regression models to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,929 individuals accessed the survey and 10,300 respondents reported experiencing abdominal pain and completed the questionnaire. Most participants (81.0%) were symptomatic in the past week, as measured by GI PROMIS. Of participants with prior pain, 61.5% sought medical care for their symptoms; non-Hispanic Blacks, Latinos, and participants with more education, insurance, a usual source of care, comorbidities, and more severe pain had increased odds for seeking care. Participants who sought care consulted with the following providers: primary care physicians (84.5%), gastroenterologists (39.2%), nurse practitioners or physician assistants (18.6%), obstetricians or gynecologists (8.3%), general surgeons (7.1%), or rheumatologists (3.2%). Moreover, 72.4% of healthcare seekers received tests to evaluate their pain: cross-sectional imaging (54.2%), colonoscopy (52.3%), upper endoscopy (40.8%), exploratory surgery (6.3%), or capsule endoscopy (5.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of illness and healthcare use associated with abdominal pain is high in the United States. However, 2 of 5 individuals did not seek care for their symptoms and many of them might have undiagnosed, treatable disorders.

Health preferences and preventive care utilisation: How EQ-5D-5L health preferences may affect uptake

Despite the economic and health benefits of preventive care being well established, the uptake of many cost-effective preventive services remains lower than desired in many cases, especially among specific sub-populations. The value an individual places on health can influence their uptake of preventive care. One way to capture the value an individual places on health and future health status is to examine their health preferences. This study used a novel use of EQ-5D-5L health preferences to determine if health preferences are associated with the uptake of a range of preventive care services, including a cancer screening, blood pressure check, cholesterol check, blood test and urine test. We collected EQ-5D-5L composite time trade-off data in 2018/2019 on 242 respondents residing in Ireland. We estimated an initial tobit model to predict an individual’s health preference to capture health preferences as a regressor. We then estimated a bivariate probit model to examine the uptake of each preventive service and GP use. Each model controlled for health preferences, education, sex, type of health coverage, self-reported health, employment status, age and marital status. Health preferences are a significant determinant of all five preventive services while controlling for other covariates. The results shows that the higher an individual values good health, the more likely they are to avail of preventive care. Health preferences can be noted as a potential determinant of preventive care use that could guide policy responses seeking to increase demand-side factors for preventive care uptake.

Tele-health interventions to support self-management in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a long-term auto-immune condition is a challenging condition for patients to manage. Goals of treatment include reducing pain, decreasing inflammation, and improving an individual's overall function. Increasingly technology is being utilised to support patients to self-manage their condition. The aim of this systematic narrative review was to synthesise and critically appraise published evidence concerning the effectiveness of tele-health interventions to support self-management in RA. Bibliographic databases searched from 2014 to March 2020 included MedLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library. Search strategy combined the following concepts: (1) rheumatoid arthritis, (2) tele-health interventions, and (3) self-management. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with RA were included. Titles, abstracts, full-text articles were screened, any discrepancies were checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and data were extracted utilising the Cochrane data collection form for RCT interventions along with the TiDier checklist. Due to high heterogeneity, results were not meta-analysed and instead data were synthesised narratively. The search identified 98 articles, seven were included. The completed RCTs varied in the nature of the interventions, duration/severity of RA, outcomes measured and effectiveness of the interventions. The completed RCTs included a total of 791 participants Disease duration was largely between 4 and 10 years and disease severity on average was moderate. There was extensive variation in intervention components, theories underpinning theories and outcomes measured. Five RCTs reported a positive effect on factors such as disease activity, medication adherence, physical activity and self-efficacy levels. This study suggests that tele-health interventions that are well-designed, tailored and multi-faceted can help to achieve positive self-management outcomes in RA. None of the studies showed evidence of harm.

Effects of in-person and telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapies on health services use and expenditures among African-American dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms

Objectives: To compare the effects of telephone-based and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on health services use and expenditures among African-American dementia caregivers (CGs) with depressive symptoms.Methods: We analyzed data collected from 109 caregivers in a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of telephone-based and in-person CBT on health services use and costs. Study participants were assigned randomly to either telephone or in-person CBT. Data were collected one week before and one week after the 12-week intervention. The Health Service Composite (HSC) was used to collect information on health services (physical and mental health, emergency room, hospital) utilization and associated expenditures. Intervention cost data were collected using micro-costing analysis. We used generalized linear models to examine whether the two groups differed in total health care expenditures over the six-month study period.Results: CG characteristics and health services use were similar at pre-intervention. CGs' monthly health expenditures averaged $924 and $844 in the in-person and telephone-based groups, respectively. However, intervention costs were lower for telephone-based than in-person CBT. Adjusting for CG characteristics and pre-intervention health status, there were no statistically significant differences in average monthly expenditures between the two intervention groups across time.Discussion: Findings suggest that while telephone-based CBT offers more participation flexibility, it has a similar cost profile as compared to the in-person CBT. Despite the lack of cost saving, telephone-based CBT may be an important option for providing skills building and support to older African-American family CGs with barriers to access resources for respite care and transportation.

Design and Rationale for the Deep South Interactive Voice Response System-Supported Active Lifestyle Study: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The rates of physical inactivity and related cancer incidence and mortality are disproportionately high in the Deep South region in the United States, a rural, medically underserved region with a large African American population compared with the rest of the nation. Given this region's lower rates of literacy and internet access, interactive voice response (IVR) system-automated telephone-based interventions have the potential to help overcome physical activity intervention barriers (literacy, internet access, costs, and transportation) but have yet to be extended to rural, underserved populations, such as in the Deep South. Thus, extensive formative research is being conducted to develop and beta test the Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention in preparation for dissemination in rural Alabama counties.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the design and rationale of an ongoing efficacy trial of the Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention.

METHODS

A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare a 12-month physical activity intervention versus a wait-list control condition in 240 underactive adults from 6 rural Alabama counties. The Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention is based on the Social Cognitive Theory and includes IVR-automated physical activity-related phone counseling (daily in months 0-3, twice weekly in months 4-6, and weekly in months 7-12) and support from local rural county coordinators with the University of Alabama O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Office. The primary outcome is weekly minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (7-day physical activity recall; accelerometry) at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Rural Active Living Assessments will be conducted in each rural county to assess walkability, assess recreational amenities, and inform future environment and policy efforts.

RESULTS

This study was funded in March 2019 and approved by the institutional review board of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in April 2019. As of February 2020, start-up activities (hiring and training staff and purchasing supplies) were completed. Study recruitment and assessments began in September 2020 and are ongoing. As of February 2021, a total of 43 participants have been enrolled in Dallas County, 42 in Sumter County, and 51 in Greene County.

CONCLUSIONS

IVR-supported phone counseling has great potential for addressing physical activity barriers (eg, culture, literacy, cost, or transportation) and reducing related rural health disparities in this region.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03903874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03903874.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29245.

Examining the association between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services utilization: A cross-sectional study among older adults in the United States of America

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services use among older adults.

METHODS

The Health and Retirement Study was used to assess the association of perceived neighbourhood safety with inpatient hospital utilization, contact with a physician, home health use, and any health services utilization in the United States of America (n = 10,844). Logistic regression models were used, while controlling for a large number of potential confounders.

RESULTS

The odds of any contact with a physician were greater among those who perceived their neighbourhood safety to be excellent (odds ratio (OR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20, 2.72) or very good (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.32) compared with those who perceived their neighbourhood safety as fair or poor, controlling for all model covariates. The odds of any health services utilization were greater among those who perceived their neighbourhood safety to be excellent (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.00) or very good (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.50) compared with those who perceived their neighbourhood safety as fair or poor controlling for all other model covariates. The odds of inpatient care were higher among those who perceived their neighbourhood to be excellent compared with those who compared their neighbourhood to be fair/poor (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.48). Results were not statistically significant for home health utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses show a relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and contact with a physician and any health services utilization among older adults and a weaker relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and inpatient services. Future research should continue to examine this relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services utilization among older adults.

Effect of the OPTIMAL programme on self-management of multimorbidity in primary care: a randomised controlled trial

Background

Effective primary care interventions for multimorbidity are needed.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based, 6-week, occupational therapy-led self-management support programme (OPTIMAL) for patients with multimorbidity.

Design and setting

A pragmatic parallel randomised controlled trial across eight primary care teams in Eastern Ireland with 149 patients with multimorbidity, from November 2015 to December 2018. Intervention was OPTIMAL with a usual care comparison.

Method

Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) and frequency of activity participation (Frenchay Activities Index [FAI]). Secondary outcomes included independence in activities of daily living, occupational performance and satisfaction, anxiety and depression, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation. Complete case linear regression analyses were conducted. Age (<65/≥65 years) and the number of chronic conditions (<4/≥4) were explored further.

Results

A total of 124 (83.2%) and 121 (81.2%) participants had complete data at immediate and 6-month post-intervention follow-up, respectively. Intervention participants had significant improvement in EQ-VAS (visual analogue scale) at immediate follow-up (adjusted mean difference [aMD] = 7.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92 to 14.80) but no difference in index score (aMD = 0.04; 95% CI = −0.06 to 0.13) or FAI (aMD = 1.22; 95% CI = −0.84 to 3.29). At 6-month follow-up there were no differences in primary outcomes and mixed results for secondary outcomes. Pre-planned subgroup analyses suggested participants aged <65 years were more likely to benefit.

Conclusion

OPTIMAL was found to be ineffective in improving health-related quality of life or activity participation at 6-month follow-up. Existing multimorbidity interventions tend to focus on older adults; preplanned subgroup analyses results in the present study suggest that future research should target younger adults (<65 years) with multimorbidity.

Anxiety sensitivity and respiratory disease outcomes among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Depression and anxiety worsen COPD and lead to greater respiratory symptom severity and health care utilization. Fear of physical sensations of anxiety (AS-P) is known to exacerbate respiratory symptoms. The current study investigated the unique contribution of AS-P in respiratory symptom exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and COPD-related functional health status, controlling for medical characteristics, depression, and anxiety.

METHOD

The sample included 535 adults with COPD (M_age = 56.57; 58.1% male). Participants were recruited from a web-based panel of adults with chronic respiratory disease and completed an online battery of self-report measures.

RESULTS

Consistent with hypotheses, AS-P significantly increased the likelihood of acute symptom exacerbations by 12% and respiratory-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations by 7% during the prior 12 month period. Additionally, AS-P demonstrated a unique, large effect (f² = 0.37) on COPD-related functional health status.

CONCLUSION

Fear of physical sensations contributed to worse respiratory outcomes and health care utilization among adults with COPD. Screening for AS-P may effectively identify at-risk COPD patients, while reducing AS-P through targeted interventions may result in decreased symptom severity, functional limitations, and burden on the health care system.

The somatic care situation of people with mental illness

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

People with mental illness have worse physical health and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. Nevertheless, their medical care is often insufficient. The present study aimed to investigate the somatic status of people with mental illness with a focus on somatic diagnoses, metabolic risk factors, regular somatic care, and routine check-ups.

METHODS

This study used a 14-item questionnaire to survey the somatic care situation of psychiatric university hospital patients. Main survey topics were psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, metabolic risk factors, regular somatic care, and routine check-ups.

RESULTS

Four-hundred and thirty-five people with mental illness (48.3% male, mean age 45.4 years) were included. More than three quarters of the participating people with mental illness had access to a general practitioner. People with affective and anxiety disorders reported significantly more contact with medical specialists for somatic diseases, but schizophrenic patients did not receive enough care. Not all people with mental illness and on psychiatric medication received regular somatic care. Somatic diseases increased with number of diagnoses, and the duration of the psychiatric illness was positively correlated with treatment motivation.

CONCLUSION

The observed unmet medical needs in this study might reflect the lack of treatment motivation in people with mental illness, but could also represent their obstacles to access care as well as a suboptimal communication between the treating psychiatrist and the referring general practitioner. Increasing awareness of somatic diseases in psychiatric patients and easier access to somatic care have to be implemented in psychiatric clinical routine. The risk of stigmatization in somatic institutions and the lack of self-care management in people with mental illness are complicating factors.

Evaluation of Peer-to-Peer Support and Health Care Utilization Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

IMPORTANCE

The vast majority of older adults desire to age in their communities, and it is not clear what helps them be successful at aging in place.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the comparative effectiveness of community-designed and community-implemented peer-to-peer (P2P) support programs vs standard community services (SCS) to promote health and wellness in at-risk older adults.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This comparative effectiveness study involved a longitudinal cohort of adults aged 65 years and older conducted between 2015 and 2017. The setting was 3 communities in which community-based organizations delivered P2P services to older adults in California, Florida, and New York. Participants in the P2P group and in the SCS group were matched at enrollment into the study according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity at each site. Data analysis was performed from October 2018 to May 2020.

EXPOSURES

P2P support was provided by trained older adult volunteers in the same community. They provided support targeted at the needs of the older adult they served, including transportation assistance, check-in calls, social activities, help with shopping, and trips to medical appointments.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Rates of hospitalization, urgent care (UC) and emergency department (ED) use, and a composite measure of health care utilization were collected over 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 503 participants were screened, 456 participants were enrolled and had baseline data (234 in the SCS group and 222 in the P2P group), and 8 participants had no follow-up data, leaving 448 participants for the main analysis (231 in the SCS group and 217 in the P2P group; 363 women [81%]; mean [SD] age, 80 [9] years). Participants in the P2P group more often lived alone, had lower incomes, and were more physically and mentally frail at baseline compared with the SCS group. After adjusting for propensity scores to account for baseline differences between the 2 groups, there was a statistically significant higher rate of hospitalization in the P2P group than in the SCS group (0.68 hospitalization per year vs 0.44 hospitalization per year; risk ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.14-2.07; P = .005) during the 12 months of observation. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the rates of ED or UC visits or composite health care utilization over the 12 months of the study.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

P2P support was associated with higher rates of hospitalization but was not associated with other measures of health care utilization. Given that this is not a randomized clinical trial, it is not clear from these findings whether peer support will help older adults age in place, and the topic deserves further study.

Comparison of self-report and administrative data sources to capture health care resource use in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following pulmonary rehabilitation

Background

The optimal method to collect accurate healthcare utilisation data in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not well established. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility and compare self-report and administrative data sources to capture health care resource use in people with COPD for 12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled equivalence trial comparing centre-based and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Healthcare utilisation data were collected for 12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation from self-report (monthly telephone questionnaires and diaries) and administrative sources (Medicare Benefits Schedule, medical records). Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of self-reports completed and accuracy was established using month-by-month and per participant comparison of self-reports with administrative data.

Results

Data were available for 145/163 eligible study participants (89%, mean age 69 (SD 9) years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 51 (SD 19) % predicted; n = 83 male). For 1725 months where data collection was possible, 1160 (67%) telephone questionnaires and 331 (19%) diaries were completed. Accuracy of recall varied according to type of health care encounter and self-report method, being higher for telephone questionnaire report of emergency department presentation (Kappa 0.656, p < 0.001; specificity 99%, sensitivity 59%) and hospital admission (Kappa 0.669, p < 0.001; specificity 97%, sensitivity 68%) and lower for general practitioner (Kappa 0.400, p < 0.001; specificity 62%, sensitivity 78%) and medical specialist appointments (Kappa 0.458, p < 0.001; specificity 88%, sensitivity 58%). A wide variety of non-medical encounters were reported (allied health and nursing) which were not captured in administrative data.

Conclusion

For self-reported methods of healthcare utilisation in people with COPD following pulmonary rehabilitation, monthly telephone questionnaires were more frequently completed and more accurate than diaries. Compared to administrative records, self-reports of emergency department presentations and inpatient admissions were more accurate than for general practitioner and medical specialist appointments.

Trial registration

NCT01423227 at clinicaltrials.gov

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-020-05920-0.

REFRESH protocol: a non-inferiority randomised clinical trial comparing internet and teleconference to in-person 'Managing Fatigue' interventions on the impact of fatigue among persons with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. It is considered a major cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. One of the most common and disabling symptoms of MS is fatigue. MS fatigue can impact all aspects of quality of life, including physical, mental and social function. Fortunately, fatigue self-management interventions, such as 'Managing Fatigue: A 6 week energy conservation course', can decrease the impact of fatigue and improve health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare three modes of delivering the Managing Fatigue intervention-two remote delivery formats (teleconference and internet) and one in-person format-on perceptions of fatigue and its impact on physical, mental and social function.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A non-inferiority randomised clinical trial is being conducted to compare the three delivery formats (1:1:1 allocation ratio) among 582 participants with MS living in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. The hypothesis is that teleconference and internet versions of the intervention are non-inferior to the traditional mode of clinical service delivery (ie, one to one, in person) in terms of the primary outcome of self-reported fatigue impact (ie, Fatigue Impact Scale) and the secondary outcome of health-related quality of life (ie, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale). Outcomes are being measured at baseline, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. The primary analysis tool will be linear mixed effects model. The prespecified inferiority margin for the primary outcome is 10 points. We will also examine whether baseline characteristics (eg, sociodemographic) moderate outcomes of the Managing Fatigue intervention and whether changes in self-efficacy and fatigue self-management behaviours mediate changes in outcomes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol is approved centrally by the institutional review board at Case Western Reserve University. Eligible participants give consent before being enrolled and randomised into the study. The study results will be disseminated through relevant advocacy organisations, newsletters to participants, publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03550170; Pre-results.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Dysphagia Based on a Population-Based Survey

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although dysphagia is common, there is limited information about the prevalence and burden of illness of dysphagia in the United States. We performed a population-based survey of more than 31,000 adults to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and health care-seeking behavior of individuals with dysphagia.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of adults in the United States who completed an online, self-administered health survey from April 4 through April 19, 2018. All respondents were asked which of the following symptoms they had ever experienced (presented in random order): dysphagia, abdominal pain, bloating, bowel incontinence, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn/reflux, nausea/vomiting, or none of the above. Only respondents who selected dysphagia continued the remaining survey, which included questions about dysphagia severity, use of compensatory maneuvers, health care seeking, and esophageal comorbidities. We used multivariable regression methods to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

Of 31,129 individuals who participated in the survey, 4998 respondents (16.1%) reported experiencing dysphagia; 92.3% of these had symptoms in the previous week. We found that 16.3% of respondents described their dysphagia over the previous 7 days as either quite a bit or very severe. Drinking liquids to help with dysphagia (86.0%) and taking longer to finish eating (76.5%) were the most common compensatory maneuvers. Overall, 51.1% of individuals sought care for their difficulty swallowing; older age, male sex, having a usual source of care and insurance, having comorbidities, and more severe dysphagia symptoms increased the odds for seeking care (P < .05). The most commonly reported esophageal comorbidities were gastroesophageal reflux disease (30.9%), eosinophilic esophagitis (8.0%), and esophageal stricture (4.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based survey, we found that dysphagia is common; 1 of 6 adults reported experiencing difficulty swallowing. However, half of individuals have not discussed their symptoms with a clinician and many could have treatable disorders.

Rates and Predictors of Patient Underreporting of Hospitalizations During Follow-Up After Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Assessment From the TRIUMPH Study

BACKGROUND

Many clinical investigations depend on participant self-report as a principal method of identifying health care events. If self-report is used as the trigger to collect and adjudicate medical records, any event that is not reported by the patient will be missed by the investigators, reducing the power of the study and misrepresenting the risk of its participants. We sought to determine the rates and predictors of underreporting hospitalization events during the follow-up period of a prospective study of patients hospitalized with an acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The TRIUMPH (Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status) registry, a longitudinal multicenter cohort study of people with acute myocardial infarction in the United States, queried patients for hospitalization events during interviews at 1, 6, and 12 months. To validate these self-reports, medical records for all events at every hospital where the patient reported receiving care were acquired for adjudication, not just those for the reported events. Of the 4340 participants in TRIUMPH, 1209 (28%) reported at least one hospitalization. After medical records abstraction and adjudication, we identified 1086 hospitalizations from 639 participants (60.2±12 years of age, 38.2% women). Of these hospitalizations, 346 (31.9%) were underreported by the participants. Rates of underreporting ranged from 22.5% to 55.6% based on different patient characteristics. The odds of underreporting were highest for those not currently working (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.04-2.63]), lowest for those married (adjusted odds ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.33-0.76]), and increased the longer the elapsed time between the admission and the patient's follow-up interview (adjusted odds ratio per month, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.08-1.24]). There was a substantial within-individual variation on the accuracy of reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalizations after acute myocardial infarction are commonly underreported in interviews and should not be used alone to determine event rates in clinical studies.