Access, relationships, quality and safety (ARQS): a qualitative study to develop an Indigenous-centred understanding of virtual care quality

BACKGROUND

Among Indigenous peoples in Canada, access to high-quality healthcare remains an important determinant of health. The shift to virtual and remote-based approaches, expedited during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced the ways in which individuals accessed care and the quality of care received. This study sought to determine which elements are required for effective and sustainable virtual care approaches for delivery of primary care to Indigenous patients and develop quality indicators grounded in Indigenous community and experience. We share a conceptual framework to understand how Indigenous patients access and define high-quality virtual care, grounded in Indigenous patient experiences and worldviews.

METHODS

Using principles of patient-oriented research, we grounded this work in social justice and participatory action research. We sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the Indigenous experiences of virtual care and specifically of primary care. This was developed through semistructured interviews with Indigenous patients and Indigenous virtual primary care providers.

RESULTS

Thirteen participants were interviewed between 5 August 2021 and 25 October 2021. Using Framework Analysis, we constructed four domains including access, relationships, quality and safety as being primary facets of defining high-quality Indigenous virtual primary care.

DISCUSSION

The results presented here indicate that the shift to virtual care, largely seen in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, does not compromise quality of care, nor does it lead to negative patient experiences. Optimal care is possible in virtual settings for some care needs and types of appointments and has the potential to decrease barriers to access and improve patient experiences of safety and quality while facilitating patient/provider relationships.

CONCLUSION

In summary, high-quality Indigenous virtual care benefits from attention to patients' experiences of access, relationships, safety and quality with their service providers and healthcare teams.

Harmonized Scenario-Based Laboratory Coding System to Guide Real-Time Public Health Actions in Quebec Province, Canada

Purpose

Effective public health (PH) response to emerging pathogens requires effective information systems integrating surveillance data from multiple sources. For laboratories, data entry of multiple variables both at pre-analytical steps and again in laboratory information systems (LIS) is time-consuming and difficult to implement in a resource-limited setting and negatively affects the timeliness of the surveillance system. We set up a simple harmonized laboratory query that summarized 22 public-health relevant scenarios and variables, reduced to a two-digit code.

Methods & Materials

Information data specialists were mobilized to integrate data from the 108 different LIS using the harmonized query, which provided timely access to COVID-19 testing indications, volumes, and positivity rates stratified by age, health region, clinical settings, outbreak context or Health-Care worker status. The information system allowed to develop multiple indicators for a better understanding of the pandemic and the COVID-19 transmission in population subgroups.

Results

Dashboards were available for public health and infection prevention and control officers in their location. Multiple stakeholders were able to interpret real-time data for more than 40 000 different qPCR tests every day. The data allowed to adjust prescription practice and promote optimal usage and plan contingencies within Quebec's qPCR lab capacities. It also served as the basis to monitor community transmission through test positivity rate in various settings. The coding system also allowed labs to easily implement sample triage, which reduced turnaround time to less than 24h for most samples. Starting May 2021, public health authorities add monitoring of the positive predictive value of rapid antigen test used at the community level to support evidence-based public health decisions about the best possible use of those assays.

Conclusion

This simple scenario-based coding system allowed timely PH and management of both sampling and processing priorities which proved most useful during surge periods. Quebec Public Health Authorities were better able to target preventive actions and to plan outreach screening activities in subpopulations, neighbourhoods, and communities, while modulating clinical criteria to get access to testing and allowing laboratories to better triage samples.

A guide for assessing the clinical relevance of findings in small bowel capsule endoscopy: analysis of 8064 answers of international experts to an illustrated script questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although recommended, the P-score used for assessing the pertinence / relevance of findings seen in small bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) is based on a low level of knowledge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the most frequent SBCE findings through an illustrated script questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen types of SBCE findings were illustrated four times each in three different settings (occult and overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and suspected Crohn's disease), and with a variable number (n = 1/n = 2-5/n ≥ 6), thus providing a questionnaire with 192 scenarios and 576 illustrated questions. Fifteen international experts were asked to rate the finding's relevance for each question as very unlikely (-2) / unlikely (-1) / doubtful (0) / likely (+1) / very likely (+2). The median score (≤-0.75, between -0.75 and 0.75, or ≥0.75) obtained for each scenario determined a low (P0), intermediate (P1) or high (P2) relevance, respectively.

RESULTS

8064 answers were analyzed. Participation and completion rates were 93% and 100%, respectively. In overt or occult OGIB, resultant P2 findings were 'typical angiectasia', 'deep ulceration', 'stenosis', and'blood', whatever their numbers, and 'superficial ulcerations' when multiple. While in suspected CD, consensus P2 lesions were 'deep ulceration' and 'stenosis' whatever their numbers, and 'aphthoid erosions' and 'superficial ulcerations' when multiple.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes a guide for the evaluation of relevance of SBCE findings. It represents a step forward for SB-CE interpretation and is intended to be used as a tool for teaching and academic research.

The treatment gap after major osteoporotic fractures in Denmark 2005-2014: a combined analysis including both prescription-based and hospital-administered anti-osteoporosis medications

This study demonstrates a substantial and persistent anti-osteoporosis treatment gap in men and women ≥50 years old who sustained major osteoporotic fracture(s) between 2005 and 2014 in Denmark. This was not substantially reduced by including hospital-administered anti-osteoporosis treatments. Strengthened post-fracture organization of care and secondary fracture prevention is highly needed.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Danish anti-osteoporosis treatment gap from 2005 to 2014 in patients sustaining a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), and to assess the impact of including hospital-administered anti-osteoporosis medications (AOM) on the treatment gap among these patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective, registry-based study, we included men and women aged 50 years or older and living in Denmark, who sustained at least one MOF between 2005 and 2014. We applied a repeated cross-sectional design to generate cohorts of patients sustaining a first MOF, hip, vertebral, humerus, or forearm fracture, respectively, within each calendar year. We evaluated the treatment gap as the proportion of patients within each cohort not receiving treatment with AOM within 1 year of the fracture. Hospital-administered AOM was identified by SKS code.

RESULTS

The treatment gap among MOF patients decreased from 85% in 2005 to 79% in 2014. The gap was smaller among hip and vertebral fracture patients as compared to humerus and forearm fracture patients, and it was smaller in women than in men. The use of hospital-administered AOM was relatively uncommon, with a maximum of 0.9% of MOF patients initiating hospital-administered AOM (in 2012). We observed substantial variations in this proportion between fracture types and gender. Hospital-administered AOM was most commonly used among vertebral fracture patients.

CONCLUSION

A significant treatment gap among patients sustaining a major osteoporotic fracture was present throughout our analysis, and including hospital-administered AOM did not significantly improve the treatment gap assessment. Improved secondary fracture prevention is urgently needed.

Secular trends in the initiation of therapy in secondary fracture prevention in Europe: a multi-national cohort study including data from Denmark, Catalonia, and the United Kingdom

This paper demonstrates a large post-fracture anti-osteoporosis treatment gap in the period 2005 to 2015. The gap was stable in Denmark at around 88-90%, increased in Catalonia from 80 to 88%, and started to increase in the UK towards the end of our study. Improved post-fracture care is needed.

INTRODUCTION

Patients experiencing a fragility fracture are at high risk of subsequent fractures, particularly within the first 2 years after the fracture. Previous studies have demonstrated that only a small proportion of fracture patients initiate therapy with an anti-osteoporotic medication (AOM), despite the proven fracture risk reduction of such therapies. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the changes in this post-fracture treatment gap across three different countries from 2005 to 2015.

METHODS

This analysis, which is part of a multinational cohort study, included men and women, aged 50 years or older, sustaining a first incident fragility fracture. Using routinely collected patient data from three administrative health databases covering Catalonia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, we estimated the treatment gap as the proportion of patients not treated with AOM within 1 year of their first incident fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 648,369 fracture patients were included. Mean age 70.2-78.9 years; 22.2-31.7% were men. In Denmark, the treatment gap was stable at approximately 88-90% throughout the 2005 to 2015 time period. In Catalonia, the treatment gap increased from 80 to 88%. In the UK, an initially decreasing treatment gap-though never smaller than 63%-was replaced by an increasing gap towards the end of our study. The gap was more pronounced in men than in women.

CONCLUSION

Despite repeated calls for improved secondary fracture prevention, an unacceptably large treatment gap remains, with time trends indicating that the problem may be getting worse in recent years.

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Among Young Children: Priorities of Two Indigenous Communities in Canada

BACKGROUND

Indigenous people in Canada carry a disproportionate burden of obesity and obesity-related diseases compared with non-Indigenous Canadians, which could be related to intergenerational trauma exposures. Implementing effective health promotion strategies to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors during early childhood could be a strategy to mitigate the burden of intergenerational trauma exposures that have the potential to impact the trajectory to obesity and related complications throughout the lifecycle.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to support 2 Indigenous communities in identifying priorities and strategies for promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity for young children.

METHODS

Using a formative approach, we conducted a 2-phase study that started with 2 community engagement workshops (n = 37 participants), followed by a qualitative descriptive study. In this latter study, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 23 community parents, health care providers, and traditional knowledge holders. Data from both study phases were analyzed and synthesized using conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

To promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among young children living in Indigenous communities, it was identified that the primary pathway to health and well-being must prioritize the integration of knowledge about Indigenous ways of life including traditional Indigenous foods and physical activities. Participants also identified individual/family and community/contextual factors that ultimately influence the nutrition and physical activity of children in their communities.

CONCLUSIONS

Informed by this formative study conducted to better understand community members' strategies for healthy eating and physical activity for young children, we argue for the continued recognition of the unique Indigenous context, incorporating the history of inequity and injustice and looking toward Indigenous-led interventions that incorporate this history and ways of life as solutions in the future.

Risk of imminent fracture following a previous fracture in a Swedish database study

This study examined the imminent risk of a future fracture within 1 and 2 years following a first fracture in women aged 50 years and older and assessed independent factors associated with risk of subsequent fractures. The study highlights the need to intervene rapidly after a fracture to prevent further fractures.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to determine the imminent risk of subsequent fractures within 1 and 2 years following a first fracture and to assess independent factors associated with subsequent fractures.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational cohort study of women aged ≥ 50 years with a fragility fracture was identified from Swedish national registers. Clinical/demographic characteristics at the time of index fracture and cumulative fracture incidences up to 12 and 24 months following index fracture were calculated. Risk factors for subsequent fracture were identified using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-two thousand one hundred eight women (mean [SD] age 74 [12.5] years) were included. The cumulative subsequent fracture incidence at 12 months was 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9-7.2) and at 24 months was 12.0% (95% CI, 11.8-12.1). The rate of subsequent fractures was highest in the first month (~ 15 fractures per 1000 patient-years) and remained steady between 4 and 24 months (~ 5 fractures/1000 patient-years). Higher age was an independent risk factor for imminent subsequent fractures (at 24 months, sub-distribution hazard ratio [HR], 3.07; p < 0.001 for women 80-89 years [reference 50-59 years]). Index vertebral fracture was a strong independent risk factor for subsequent fracture (sub-distribution HR, 2.72 versus hip fracture; p < 0.001 over 12 months; HR, 2.23; p < 0.001 over 24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the need to intervene rapidly after any fragility fracture in postmenopausal women. The occurrence of a fragility fracture provides healthcare systems with a unique opportunity to intervene to reduce the increased risk of subsequent fractures.

Multiparametric monitoring of microbial faecal pollution reveals the dominance of human contamination along the whole Danube River

The microbial faecal pollution of rivers has wide-ranging impacts on a variety of human activities that rely on appropriate river water quality. Thus, detailed knowledge of the extent and origin of microbial faecal pollution is crucial for watershed management activities to maintain safe water use. In this study, the microbial faecal pollution levels were monitored by standard faecal indicator bacteria (SFIB) along a 2580 km stretch of the Danube, the world's most international river, as well as the Danube's most important tributaries. To track the origin of faecal pollution, host-associated Bacteroidetes genetic faecal marker qPCR assays for different host groups were applied in concert with SFIB. The spatial resolution analysis was followed by a time resolution analysis of faecal pollution patterns over 1 year at three selected sites. In this way, a comprehensive faecal pollution map of the total length of the Danube was created, combining substantiated information on both the extent and origin of microbial faecal pollution. Within the environmental data matrix for the river, microbial faecal pollution constituted an independent component and did not cluster with any other measured environmental parameters. Generally, midstream samples representatively depicted the microbial pollution levels at the respective river sites. However, at a few, somewhat unexpected sites, high pollution levels occurred in the lateral zones of the river while the midstream zone had good water quality. Human faecal pollution was demonstrated as the primary pollution source along the whole river, while animal faecal pollution was of minor importance. This study demonstrates that the application of host-associated genetic microbial source tracking markers in concert with the traditional concept of microbial faecal pollution monitoring based on SFIB significantly enhances the knowledge of the extent and origin of microbial faecal pollution patterns in large rivers. It constitutes a powerful tool to guide target-oriented water quality management in large river basins.

Colon capsule endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative noninvasive, and painless ingestible capsule technique that allows exploration of the colon without the need for sedation and gas insufflation. Although it is already available in European and other countries, the clinical indications for CCE as well as the reporting and work-up of detected findings have not yet been standardized. The aim of this evidence-based and consensus-based guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to furnish healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for potential implementation of this technique in a clinical setting.

Unpredictable chronic stress in juvenile or adult rats has opposite effects, respectively, promoting and impairing resilience

We evaluated the effects of early maternal deprivation (MD; age 7-14 days) alone or in combination with unpredictable chronic stress (UCS; MDUN; 28-84 days) on anxiety and learning in 90 days old adult rats. We hypothesized that exposure to both stressors (MDUN) would be more detrimental than exposure to one or neither. Unexpectedly, adult rats from the MDUN group did not differ from control animals, whereas adult MD animals exhibited impaired avoidance learning. We next investigated the effect of juvenile-onset (30-90 days) versus adult-onset (60-90 days) stress on avoidance learning in adulthood (90 days). We found that adult-onset chronic stress impaired avoidance learning and memory whereas juvenile-onset stress did not. Thus, the results again indicate that juvenile exposure to UCS induces resilience rather than impairment.

Challenges to the provision of diabetes care in first nations communities: results from a national survey of healthcare providers in Canada

Background

Aboriginal peoples globally, and First Nations peoples in Canada particularly, suffer from high rates of type 2 diabetes and related complications compared with the general population. Research into the unique barriers faced by healthcare providers working in on-reserve First Nations communities is essential for developing effective quality improvement strategies.

Methods

In Phase I of this two-phased study, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were held with 24 healthcare providers in the Sioux Lookout Zone in north-western Ontario. A follow-up survey was conducted in Phase II as part of a larger project, the Canadian First Nations Diabetes Clinical Management and Epidemiologic (CIRCLE) study. The survey was completed with 244 healthcare providers in 19 First Nations communities in 7 Canadian provinces, representing three isolation levels (isolated, semi-isolated, non-isolated). Interviews, focus groups and survey questions all related to barriers to providing optimal diabetes care in First Nations communities.

Results

the key factors emerging from interviews and focus group discussions were at the patient, provider, and systemic level. Survey results indicated that, across three isolation levels, healthcare providers' perceived patient factors as having the largest impact on diabetes care. However, physicians and nurses were more likely to rank patient factors as having a large impact on care than community health representatives (CHRs) and physicians were significantly less likely to rank patient-provider communication as having a large impact than CHRs.

Conclusions

Addressing patient factors was considered the highest impact strategy for improving diabetes care. While this may reflect "patient blaming," it also suggests that self-management strategies may be well-suited for this context. Program planning should focus on training programs for CHRs, who provide a unique link between patients and clinical services. Research incorporating patient perspectives is needed to complete this picture and inform quality improvement initiatives.

Bleeding peptic ulcer - time trends in incidence, treatment and mortality in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The incidence of peptic ulcer disease was expected to decrease following the introduction of acid inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

AIM

To analyse possible changes in the incidence of bleeding peptic ulcer, treatment and mortality over time.

METHODS

Residents of Malmö hospitalized for bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcer disease during 1987-2004 were identified in hospital databases (n = 1610). The material was divided into 6-year periods to identify changes over time. All patients who had been submitted to emergency surgery (n = 137) were reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence rate for bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcers decreased by one half in males and by one-third in females and emergency operations decreased significantly (9.2%, 7.5% and 5.7% during the three time periods, respectively (P < 0.05). The post-operative mortality tended to decrease (9.7, 2.4 and 3.7%, respectively) and the 30-day mortality rates in the whole material were 1.2%, 3.6% and 3.4% during the different time periods.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcer disease has decreased markedly. Operative treatment has been replaced by endoscopic treatment. The bleeding ulcer-related mortality was less than 4% and has not changed over time.

Small-bowel neoplasms in patients undergoing video capsule endoscopy: a multicenter European study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Small-bowel tumors account for 1% - 3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Recent studies with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) suggest that the frequency of these tumors may be substantially higher than previously reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation, diagnostic/therapeutic work-up, and endoscopic appearance of small-bowel tumors in a large population of patients undergoing VCE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Identification by a questionnaire of patients with VCE findings suggesting small-bowel tumors and histological confirmation of the neoplasm seen in 29 centers of 10 European Countries.

RESULTS

Of 5129 patients undergoing VCE, 124 (2.4%) had small-bowel tumors (112 primary, 12 metastatic). Among these patients, indications for VCE were: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (108 patients), abdominal pain (9), search for primary neoplasm (6), diarrhea with malabsorption (1). The main primary small-bowel tumor type was gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (32%) followed by adenocarcinoma (20%) and carcinoid (15%); 66% of secondary small-bowel tumors were melanomas. Of the tumors, 80.6% were identified solely on the basis of VCE findings. 55 patients underwent VCE as the third procedure after negative bidirectional endoscopy. The lesions were single in 89.5% of cases, and multiple in 10.5%. Retention of the capsule occurred in 9.8% of patients with small-bowel tumors. After VCE, 54/124 patients underwent 57 other examinations before treatment; in these patients enteroscopy, when performed, showed a high diagnostic yield. Treatment was surgery in 95% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that VCE detects small-bowel tumors in a small proportion of patients undergoing this examination, but the early use of this tool can shorten the diagnostic work-up and influence the subsequent management of these patients.

Rationale and implementation of the SLICK project: Screening for Limb, I-Eye, Cardiovascular and Kidney (SLICK) complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes in Alberta's First Nations communities

OBJECTIVE

Identifying diabetes complications through screening using portable laboratory equipment in Aboriginal communities, and providing education and client empowerment for improved follow-up care and self-care.

PARTICIPANTS

First Nations people with known diabetes.

SETTING

Screening was carried out in temporary clinics and laboratories set up at the local health centre in each of Alberta's 44 First Nations.

INTERVENTION

Two mobile units ("SLICK vans"), equipped with professionally trained staff, portable lab instruments and a retinal camera, travelled to all 44 Alberta First Nations communities to facilitate implementation of the Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The project provided relevant education and counselling in conjunction with screening activities.

OUTCOMES

SLICK screened 1,151 clients between December 2001 and July 2003, and the project remains ongoing. A preliminary evaluation of the project's 19-month implementation period showed screening activities and satisfaction with diabetes services were low prior to SLICK. There were modest improvements in some program outcomes at 6-12 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The SLICK project is designed to address the impact of diabetes by utilizing evidence-based CPGs with respect to screening for complications at the community level. It had a successful implementation period facilitated by community acceptance.

Daily treatment with esomeprazole is superior to that taken on-demand for maintenance of healed erosive oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

On-demand therapy with esomeprazole is effective for long-term treatment of non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but it has not been evaluated in erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

AIMS

To compare endoscopic and symptomatic remission over a 6-month period when patients with healed erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are treated with esomeprazole 20 mg, either once daily or on-demand.

METHODS

Patients with verified erosive reflux oesophagitis of Los Angeles grades A-D were enrolled. Following 4-8 weeks treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg daily, those who were endoscopically healed and had symptom control during the last week were randomized to maintenance therapy for 6 months with esomeprazole 20 mg, taken either once daily or on-demand.

RESULTS

Of 539 enrolled patients, 494 (91%) were healed at 8 weeks and 477 were randomized to maintenance therapy with esomeprazole 20 mg, 243 once daily and 234 on-demand. After once daily treatment, 81% of patients were still in remission at 6 months, compared with only 58% who took on-demand treatment (P < 0.0001). A difference in remission was found irrespective of baseline grade of oesophagitis, but it was more pronounced for the more severe grades. There was no difference in overall symptomatic remission between the two treatments, although heartburn was significantly more prevalent in the on-demand group.

CONCLUSIONS

Once daily esomeprazole 20 mg was better than that taken on-demand for maintaining healed erosive oesophagitis, regardless of baseline Los Angeles grade.

Is There Any Connection Between the Presence of Kidney Stones in Primary Hyperparathyroidism and the Location of an Underlying Adenoma?

The majority of the patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) recurrently produce kidney stones, while the rest have other clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of an association between the presence of kidney stones and the location of an underlying adenoma. This was a retrospective evaluation of the records of 91 patients (10 males, 81 females, mean age: 61.9 years [20 - 70 yrs]) operated for primary hyperparathyroidism between 1995 and 2000. One patient was excluded due to carcinoma. Kidney stones were found in 55 cases and other clinical symptoms in 35 cases. In 50 of the 55 patients (91 %) with kidney stones, the adenoma was located in the left inferior parathyroid gland (chi2 = 67.5, p < 0.00,001), while in 24 of the 35 patients (69 %) without kidney stones, the adenoma was in the right inferior parathyroid gland (chi2 = 43.9, p < 0.0001). These results suggest that the location of the adenoma may influence the presence of kidney stones in pHPT. It is proposed that the biologic effects of parathyroid hormone could differ depending on which of the four parathyroid glands it was secreted in, or the four glands may produce different biologically active fragments.