Symptom characteristics, perceived causal attributions, and contextual factors influencing self-care behaviors: An ecological daily assessment study of adults with chronic illness

OBJECTIVE

Insights into how symptoms influence self-care can guide patient education and improve symptom control. This study examined symptom characteristics, causal attributions, and contextual factors influencing self-care of adults with arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or heart failure.

METHODS

Adults (n = 81) with a symptomatic chronic illness participated in a longitudinal observational study. Using Ecological Daily Assessment, participants described one symptom twice daily for two weeks, rating its frequency, severity, bothersomeness, duration, causes, and self-care.

RESULTS

The most frequent symptoms were fatigue and shortness of breath. Pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness were the most severe and bothersome. Most participants engaged in active self-care, but those with fatigue and pain engaged in passive self-care (i.e., rest or do nothing), especially when symptoms were infrequent, mild, somewhat bothersome, and fleeting. In people using passive self-care, thoughts, feelings, and the desire to conceal symptoms from others interfered with self-care.

CONCLUSION

Most adults with a chronic illness take an active role in managing their symptoms but some conceal or ignore symptoms until the frequency, severity, bothersomeness, or duration increases.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

When patients report symptoms, asking about self-care behaviors may reveal inaction or ineffective approaches. A discussion of active self-care options may improve symptom control.

Impact of Shared Decision-Making on Opioid Prescribing Among Patients With Chronic Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Shared decision-making (SDM) involving patient and physician is a desirable goal that is recommended in chronic pain management guidelines. This study measured whether SDM affects opioid prescribing frequency for chronic low back pain. A retrospective cohort study involving 1,478 participants was conducted within a national pain research registry. The patient participation and patient orientation (PPPO) scale of the Communication Behavior Questionnaire was used to measure SDM, including the classification of greater SDM (PPPO scale score ≥ 80) or lesser SDM (PPPO scale score < 80). Opioid prescribing frequency was measured at quarterly intervals from enrollment through 12 months. Baseline and longitudinal covariates were collected to adjust for potential confounding using generalized estimating equations. The mean age of participants was 53.1 (SD, 13.2) years, and 1,098 (74.3%) were female. A total of 473 (32.0%) participants were prescribed opioids at baseline. Participants completed 5,968 encounters wherein multivariable analyses demonstrated that PPPO scale scores were associated with more frequent opioid prescribing (β = .013; 95% CI, .005-.021; P < .001). Greater SDM was associated with more frequent opioid prescribing than lesser SDM (β = .441; 95% CI, .160-.722; P = .002). Opioids were prescribed in 34.3% versus 25.2% of encounters with greater versus lesser SDM (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.17-2.06). SDM remained associated with more frequent opioid prescribing in a series of sensitivity analyses. Although SDM is desirable in chronic pain management, complex issues and challenging patient conversations may arise during serial assessments of the appropriateness of opioid therapy. Physicians need better education and training to address such difficult situations. PERSPECTIVE: The more frequent use of opioid therapy among patients who reported greater SDM with their physicians underscores the need for better medical education and training in dealing with the complex issues and challenges pertaining to serial assessments of the appropriateness of opioid therapy for chronic pain.

Determining the Innovativeness of Nurses Who Engage in Activities That Encourage Innovative Behaviors

BACKGROUND

We sought to understand the innovativeness of nurses engaging in innovative behaviors and quantify the associated characteristics that make nurses more able to innovate in practice. We first compared the innovativeness scores of our population; then we examined those who self-identified as an innovator versus those who did not to explore differences associated with innovativeness between these groups.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study of nurses in the US engaging in innovative behaviors was performed. We performed an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the correlates of innovative behavior.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and twenty-nine respondents completed the survey. Respondents who viewed themselves as innovators had greater exposure to HCD/DT workshops in the past year (55.8% vs. 36.6%, p = 0.02). The mean innovativeness score of our sample was 120.3 ± 11.2 out of a score of 140. The mean innovativeness score was higher for those who self-identified as an innovator compared with those who did not (121.3 ± 10.2 vs. 112.9 ± 14.8, p =< 0.001). The EFA created four factor groups: Factor 1 (risk aversion), Factor 2 (willingness to try new things), Factor 3 (creativity and originality) and Factor 4 (being challenged).

CONCLUSION

Nurses who view themselves as innovators have higher innovativeness scores compared with those who do not. Multiple individual and organizational characteristics are associated with the innovativeness of nurses.

Physician Empathy and Chronic Pain Outcomes

Importance

Empathy is an aspect of the patient-physician relationship that may be particularly important in patients with chronic pain.

Objective

To measure the association of physician empathy with pain, function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with chronic low back pain.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included adult enrollees from the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation national pain research registry. Study dates were from April 1, 2016, to July 25, 2023, with up to 12 months of follow-up.

Exposure

Physician empathy was assessed with the Consultation and Relational Empathy measure and dichotomized to yield very empathic physician and slightly empathic physician groups.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes were patient-reported pain, function, and HRQOL measured with a numerical rating scale for low back pain intensity, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for back-related disability, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for HRQOL deficits pertaining to anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain interference. Data were collected at 5 quarterly encounters from registry enrollment through 12 months and analyzed with generalized estimating equations, including multivariable models to measure temporal trends and to adjust for baseline and longitudinal covariates.

Results

Among the 1470 patients, the mean (SD) age was 53.1 (13.2) years, and 1093 (74.4%) were female. Patients completed 5943 encounters in which multivariable analyses demonstrated that greater physician empathy was inversely associated with pain intensity (β = -0.014; 95% CI, -0.022 to -0.006; P < .001), back-related disability (β = -0.062; 95% CI, -0.085 to -0.040; P < .001), and HRQOL deficits on each measure (eg, pain interference: β = -0.080; 95% CI, -0.111 to -0.049; P < .001). Correspondingly, compared with the slightly empathic physician group, the very empathic physician group reported lower mean pain intensity (6.3; 95% CI, 6.1-6.5 vs 6.7; 95% CI, 6.5-6.9; P < .001), less mean back-related disability (14.9; 95% CI, 14.2-15.6 vs 16.8; 95% CI, 16.0-17.6; P < .001), and fewer HRQOL deficits on each measure (eg, fatigue: 57.3; 95% CI, 56.1-58.5 vs 60.4; 95% CI, 59.0-61.7; P < .001). All physician empathy group differences were clinically relevant, with Cohen d statistics ranging from 0.21 for pain intensity to 0.30 for back-related disability, fatigue, and pain interference. Physician empathy was associated with more favorable outcomes than non-pharmacological treatments, opioid therapy, and lumbar spine surgery.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of adult patients with chronic pain, physician empathy was associated with better outcomes over 12 months. Greater efforts to cultivate and improve physician empathy appear warranted.

Prevalence of complete edentulism among US adults 65 years and older: A Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System study from 2012 through 2020

BACKGROUND

The rapid growth of the older adult population in the United States and their increased risk of edentulism make it essential to analyze trends and factors associated with edentulism.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2012 through 2020. US- and state-level trend lines were reported. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between self-reported complete edentulism and demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, smoking status, and health insurance status. Multiple imputations were used to address the missing data.

RESULTS

A total of 771,513 (weighted n = 50,410,576) participants were included in the study. There was a significant (P = .021) downward trend in the prevalence of edentulism from 2012 (16.36%) through 2020 (13.54%). Having less than a high school education, being a smoker, being non-Hispanic Black, having an annual household income less than $75,000, and having chronic conditions, including diabetes, myocardial infarction, arthritis, depression, and stroke, were significantly associated with complete edentulism.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a decrease in prevalence of edentulism, disparities based on race, income, and education still exist. Edentulism is associated with chronic diseases in older adults.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Public health initiatives should be aimed at reducing the impact of edentulism and improving overall quality of life among older adults. Community health programs allocating resources to improve access to affordable care, reducing precursors to edentulism, expanding dental coverage, and promoting oral and general health awareness are vital components of these efforts.

Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight and parents' willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Over half of the youth population in the United States, aged 6 months to 17 years, have not received the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Given parents' central role in vaccinating their children, we examined associations between parents' trust of the federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety and their willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 975 parents of minor children residing in Philadelphia who completed the online survey between September 2021 and February 2022. Trust was measured using a four-point Likert scale ranging from 'do not trust' to 'fully trust' for two variables: (1) trust in federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for children and (2) trust in federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for the general public. A multiple logistic regression evaluated associations between trust and parents' willingness to vaccinate their children, which was measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 'strongly disagree' to 'strongly agree.' The analysis was adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender, education, insurance, and parents' vaccination status.

RESULTS

Analyses included 975 parents whose children had not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 (mean age 36.79, standard deviation 6.4; 42.1% racial/ethnic minorities; 93.2% heterosexual; and 73.7% with a college degree). Greater trust regarding federal oversight of COVID-19 vaccine safety for children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-2.04] and for the public (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.17-2.14) were each associated with increased willingness to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated parents had decreased willingness compared to parents who had received at least one dose of the vaccine (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04-0.41). College-graduate parents exhibited increased willingness compared to those without a college degree (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.52-2.81). Non-heterosexual parents showed increased willingness compared to heterosexual parents (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.20-4.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Trust in federal COVID-19 vaccine oversight was associated with parental willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 among parents whose children have not yet been vaccinated. Identifying and addressing causes of mistrust are crucial next steps to promote child vaccination. Intervention efforts to address trust gaps should remain a public health priority.

Effectiveness of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE

Clinical trials generally have not assessed efficacy of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) beyond 6 months because of methodological barriers and ethical concerns. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of LTOT for up to 12 months.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) from April 2016 through August 2022. Participants reporting LTOT (>90 days) were matched to opioid nonusers with propensity scores. Primary outcomes involved low back pain intensity, back-related disability, and pain impact measured with a numerical rating scale, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, respectively. Secondary outcomes involved minimally important changes in primary outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean age of 402 matched participants was 55.4 years (S.D., 11.9 years), and 297 (73.9%) were female. There were 119 (59.2%) LTOT users who took opioids continuously for 12 months. The mean daily morphine milligram equivalent dosage at baseline was 36.7 (95% CI, 32.8 to 40.7). There were no differences between LTOT and control groups in mean pain intensity (6.06, 95% CI, 5.80-6.32 vs 5.92, 95% CI, 5.68-6.17), back-related disability (15.32, 95% CI, 14.55-16.09 vs 14.81, 95% CI, 13.99-15.62), or pain impact (32.51, 95% CI, 31.33-33.70 vs 31.22, 95% CI, 30.00 to 32.43). Correspondingly, LTOT users did not report greater likelihood of minimally important changes in any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Using LTOT for up to 12 months is not more effective in improving CLBP outcomes than treatment without opioids. Clinicians should consider tapering opioid dosage among LTOT users in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.

Racial Disparities in Opioid Use and Lumbar Spine Surgery for Chronic Pain and in Pain and Function Over 3 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This study aims to compare treatments and outcomes among Black and White patients with chronic low back pain in the United States. A retrospective cohort study was conducted within a pain research registry, including 1,443 participants with up to 3 years of follow-up. Pain treatments were measured at quarterly research encounters using reported current opioid use and prior lumbar spine surgery. Pain intensity and functional disability were also measured quarterly with a numerical rating scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, respectively. Longitudinal data were analyzed with generalized estimating equations, including multivariable models to measure temporal trends and adjust for potential confounders. The mean baseline age of participants was 53.5 years (SD, 13.1 years); 1,074 (74.4%) were female, and 260 (18.0%) were Black. In longitudinal multivariable analyses, Black participants reported more frequent current opioid use (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.91; P = .03) and less frequent lumbar spine surgery (odds ratio, .45; 95% CI, .28-.72; P < .001). Black participants also reported greater pain intensity (mean, 6.6; 95% CI, 6.3-6.9 vs mean, 5.6; 95% CI, 5.4-5.8; P < .001) and functional disability (mean, 15.3; 95% CI, 14.6-16.0 vs mean, 13.8; 95% CI, 13.2-14.3; P = .002). Racial disparities were clinically important (risk ratio = 1.28 and risk ratio = .49, respectively, for opioid use and surgery; and d = .46 and d = .24, respectively, for pain and function). Racial disparities in pain and function also widened over time. Thus, barriers to guideline-adherent and specialized pain care among Black patients may affect pain and function outcomes. Greater efforts are needed to address the observed racial disparities. PERSPECTIVE: Widening racial disparities in pain and function over time indicate that new approaches to chronic pain management are needed in the United States. Considering race as a social framework represents an emerging strategy for planning and improving pain treatment services for Black patients.

Patterns of self-care decision-making and associated factors: A cross-sectional observational study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify for the first time patterns of self-care decision-making (i.e. the extent to which participants viewed contextual factors influencing decisions about symptoms) and associated factors among community-dwelling adults with chronic illness.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data collected during the development and psychometric evaluation of the 27-item Self-Care Decisions Inventory that is based on Naturalistic Decision-Making (n = 430, average age = 54.9 ± 16.2 years, 70.2 % female, 87.0 % Caucasian, average number of chronic conditions = 3.6 ± 2.8). Latent class mixture modeling was used to identify patterns among contextual factors that influence self-care decision-making under the domains of external, urgency, uncertainty, cognitive/affective, waiting/cue competition, and concealment. Multivariate multinomial regression was used to identify additional socio-demographic, clinical, and self-care behavior factors that were different across the patterns of self-care decision-making.

RESULTS

Three patterns of self-care decision-making were identified in a cohort of 430 adults. A 'maintainers' pattern (48.1 %) consisted of adults with limited contextual influences on self-care decision-making except for urgency. A 'highly uncertain' pattern (23.0 %) consisted of adults whose self-care decision-making was largely driven by uncertainty about the cause or meaning of the symptom. A 'distressed concealers' pattern (28.8 %) consisted of adults whose self-care decision-making was highly influenced by external factors, cognitive/affective factors and concealment. Age, education, financial security and specific symptoms were significantly different across the three patterns in multivariate models.

CONCLUSION

Adults living with chronic illness vary in the extent to which contextual factors influence decisions they make about symptoms, and would therefore benefit from different interventions.

Does cognitive impairment moderate the relationship between social isolation and anxiety? A 5-year longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of community residing older adults

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is common in older adults and social isolation is one of the leading factors associated with their anxiety. However, what is unknown is how the relationship between social isolation and anxiety differs by cognitive status. Therefore, this study was conducted to (1) compare the level of social isolation and anxiety in older adults who developed probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to those who maintained normal cognitive function over 5 years; and (2) determine if cognitive impairment moderates the relationship between changes in social isolation and changes in anxiety over 5 years.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP): Wave 2 (2010-2011) and Wave 3 (2015-2016). The participants were categorized into three groups: Participants who developed probable dementia over 5 years (4.3%), developed probable MCI (19.1%), or maintained normal cognitive function (76.6%). Weighted linear regression analyses with a group interaction were used to examine the moderating effect of cognitive impairment on the relationship between changes in social isolation and anxiety.

RESULTS

At the 5-year follow up, there were statistically significant differences in social isolation between the three groups (p = 0.043). Regression analyses showed that increased social isolation over time was related to increased anxiety over 5 years regardless of cognitive status after controlling for covariates (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between social isolation and anxiety was a universal phenomenon regardless of cognitive status. Tailored interventions targeting both people with or without cognitive impairment are needed to lessen social isolation and anxiety.

Remote Delivery of the Cuidándome Telehealth Intervention for Self-Management of Depression and Anxiety Among Latina Immigrant Women: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests that Latina immigrant survivors of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at increased risk for developing and remaining with either depression or anxiety or both symptoms. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth intervention-Cuidándome (quee-DAN-doh-meh, "taking care of myself"). Cuidándome is a 10-week, patient-centered, trauma-informed intervention delivered by a trained facilitator that promotes self-management of depression and anxiety symptoms through improved problem-solving skills and strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of Cuidándome delivered remotely (via Zoom) with Latina immigrant ACE survivors with either depression or anxiety or both symptoms. We also estimated the effect sizes associated with the intervention on decreasing depression and anxiety symptoms and improving social problem-solving styles.

METHODS

We evaluated Cuidándome using a randomized controlled trial design. Latina immigrants (N=47) who had experienced at least 1 ACE and had at least mild depression or anxiety symptoms were randomized to Cuidándome or a comparison group delivered by trained facilitators. We assessed for changes in depression and anxiety symptoms as well as social problem-solving styles at baseline, post intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Analyses indicated significant decreases over time within both Cuidándome and comparison groups for depression and anxiety symptoms and maladaptive problem-solving. The intervention effect was largest for anxiety; at 6-month follow-up, Cuidándome participants had significantly lower anxiety scores than the comparison group. In addition, we observed a greater average point reduction in depression symptoms at 6 months among Cuidándome participants (5.7 points) than in the comparison group (3.7 points).

CONCLUSIONS

A mental health program delivered via Zoom by a trained facilitator was feasible and acceptable to Latina immigrant women and can be beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. More research is needed to assess the effectiveness of Cuidándome among a powered sample size of Latina immigrants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN16668518; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16668518.

A Comparison of Family Management Between Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Families of Children With Down Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) compare family management between families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Down syndrome and (2) evaluate the contribution of the child (ASD behaviors, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances), caregiver (mental health) and family (social support) factors to the caregiver's perceived condition management ability and effort.

METHOD

Eighty-five caregivers (56 ASD, 29 Down syndrome) completed quantitative instruments online. Data analysis included independent samples t-tests and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the dimensions of family management between groups. More ASD behaviors were associated with lower condition management ability and higher condition management effort. Lower perceived social support and higher caregiver age were associated with lower condition management ability.

DISCUSSION

Integrating care into family life may be more challenging when the child has more social differences and behavioral rigidity. Nursing care should include an assessment of family social support.

Timed Activity to Minimize Sleep Disturbance in People With Cognitive Impairment

Background and Objectives

Sleep disturbances occur in >60% of persons living with cognitive impairment, affecting their quality of life (QOL). Regulating the sleep-wake cycle through engaging cognitive, physical, and sensory-based activities delivered at strategic times may reduce sleep disturbances and be a feasible nonpharmacological treatment for sleep problems. The objective of this trial was to test the efficacy of a timed-activity intervention in improving QOL and sleep disturbances in persons living with cognitive impairment.

Research Design and Method

Randomized 2-group parallel design involving 209 dyads of community-residing persons living with cognitive impairment and care partners. Dyads were randomly assigned (1:1) to 1-hr home activity sessions administered weekly in the morning, afternoon, or evening over 4 weeks (the Healthy Patterns Sleep Program), or to an attention-control condition consisting of sleep hygiene training plus education on home safety and health promotion. QOL, objective and subjective sleep quality, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks later.

Results

QOL was significantly improved in the intervention group compared to control (p = .0491). There were no significant effects on objective or subjective sleep or neuropsychiatric symptoms. In a subgroup analysis, subjective sleep as measured by the PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Sleep-Related Impairment survey was significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group for individuals with symptoms of depression (p = .015) or poor observed sleep at baseline (p = .005).

Discussion and Implications

The Healthy Patterns Intervention may benefit QOL for persons living with cognitive impairment and those with poor subjective sleep. A longer dose may be necessary to elicit improvement in actigraphically measured sleep-wake activity.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT0368218 5.

The process and outcomes of chronic low back pain treatment provided by osteopathic and allopathic physicians: a retrospective cohort study

CONTEXT

Osteopathic physicians are trained to treat patients with musculoskeletal symptoms, to treat somatic dysfunction with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and to avoid unnecessarily prescribing drugs such as opioids. It is also generally believed that osteopathic physicians provide a unique patient-centered approach to medical care that involves effective communication and empathy. Such training and characteristics of osteopathic medical care (OMC) may enhance clinical outcomes among patients with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to measure and compare the process and longitudinal outcomes of chronic low back pain (CLBP) treatment provided by osteopathic and allopathic physicians and to identify mediators of the treatment effects of OMC.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing adult participants with CLBP within the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation (PRECISION) from April 2016 through December 2022. Participants having an osteopathic or allopathic physician for at least 1 month prior to registry enrollment were included and followed at quarterly intervals for up to 12 months. Physician communication and physician empathy were measured at registry enrollment. Opioid prescribing and effectiveness and safety outcomes were measured at registry enrollment and for up to 12 months and were analyzed with generalized estimating equations to compare participants treated by osteopathic vs. allopathic physicians. Multiple mediator models, including physician communication, physician empathy, opioid prescribing, and OMT, with covariate adjustments, were utilized to identify mediators of OMC treatment effects.

RESULTS

A total of 1,079 participants and 4,779 registry encounters were studied. The mean (SD) age of participants at enrollment was 52.9 (13.2) years, 796 (73.8 %) were female, and 167 (15.5 %) reported having an osteopathic physician. The mean physician communication score for osteopathic physicians was 71.2 (95 % CI, 67.6-74.7) vs. 66.2 (95 % CI, 64.8-67.7) for allopathic physicians (p=0.01). The respective mean scores for physician empathy were 41.6 (95 % CI, 39.9-43.2) vs. 38.3 (95 % CI, 37.6-39.1) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in opioid prescribing for low back pain between osteopathic and allopathic physicians. Although participants treated by osteopathic physicians reported less severe nausea and vomiting as adverse events potentially attributable to opioids in a multivariable model, neither result was clinically relevant. OMC was associated with statistically significant and clinically relevant outcomes pertaining to low back pain intensity, physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over 12 months. Physician empathy was a significant mediator of OMC treatment effects in each of the three outcome domains; however, physician communication, opioid prescribing, and OMT were not mediators.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicate that osteopathic physicians provide a patient-centered approach to CLBP treatment, particularly involving empathy, that yields significant and clinically relevant outcomes pertaining to low back pain intensity, physical function, and HRQOL over 12 months of follow-up.

Role of Serial Phlebotomy in the Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injury in Adults

BACKGROUND

The management of blunt spleen and liver trauma has become increasingly nonoperative. There is no consensus on timing or duration of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring in this patient population.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the clinical utility of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring. We hypothesized that most interventions occur early in the hospital course, based on hemodynamic instability or physical examination findings rather than serial monitoring.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult trauma patients with blunt spleen or liver injury from November 2014 through June 2019 at our Level II trauma center. Interventions were classified as no intervention, surgical intervention, angioembolization, or packed red blood cell transfusion. Demographics, length of stay, total blood draws, laboratory values, and clinical triggers preceding intervention were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients were studied, of whom 73 (51%) received no intervention, 47 (33%) received an intervention within 4 hr of presentation, and 23 (16%) had interventions beyond 4 hr. Of these 23 patients, 13 received an intervention based on phlebotomy results alone. Most of these patients (n = 12, 92%) received blood transfusion without further intervention. Only one patient underwent operative intervention based on serial hemoglobin results on hospital day 2.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with these injury patterns either require no intervention or declare themselves promptly after arrival. Serial phlebotomy after initial triage and intervention may add little value in the management of blunt solid organ injury.

Mismatch identified in symptom burden profiles in lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

There is considerable heterogeneity in symptom burden among lung transplant candidates that may not be explained by objective measures of illness severity.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize symptom burden, identify distinct profiles based on symptom burden and illness severity, and determine whether observed profiles are defined by differences in social determinates of health (SDOH).

METHODS

This was a prospective study of adult lung transplant candidates. Symptoms were assessed within 3 months of transplant with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). MSAS subscale (physical and psychological) scores range 0-4 (higher=more symptom burden). The lung allocation score (LAS) (range 0-100) was our proxy measure of illness severity. The MSAS subscales and LAS were used as continuous indicators in a latent profile analysis to identify distinct symptom-illness severity profiles. Comparative statistics were used to identify SDOH differences among observed profiles.

RESULTS

Among 93 candidates, 3 distinct symptom-illness severity profiles were identified: 71% had a mild profile in which mild symptoms (MSAS physical 0.49; MSAS psychological 0.57) paired with mild illness severity (LAS 38.59). Of the 29% mismatched participants, 9% had moderate symptoms (MSAS physical 0.88; MSAS psychological 1.47) but severe illness severity (LAS 88.02) and 20% had severe symptoms (MSAS physical 1.30; MSAS psychological 1.94) but mild illness severity (LAS 42.13). The two mismatch profiles were younger, more racially diverse, and had higher psychosocial risk scores.

CONCLUSION

Symptom burden is heterogenous, does not always reflect objective measures of illness severity, and may be linked to SDOH.

iCare4Me for FTD: A pilot randomized study to improve self-care in caregivers of persons with frontotemporal degeneration

Introduction

A tremendous burden is placed on frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) caregivers who sacrifice their own self-care to manage the functional impairments of their loved one, contributing to high levels of stress and depression. Health coaching provides support for coping with stress while fostering self-care behaviors. We report on preliminary evidence for efficacy of a virtual health coach intervention aimed at increasing self-care.

Methods

Thirty-one caregivers of persons with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) were assigned randomly to an intervention group, which included 10 coaching sessions over 6 months plus targeted health information or the control group receiving standard care augmented with the health information. Caregiver self-care (primary outcome), stress, depression, coping, and patient behavioral symptoms were collected at enrollment and 3 and 6 months. Change over time was evaluated between the intervention and control groups using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

There was a significant group-by-time interaction for self-care monitoring (t₅₈ = 2.37, p = 0.02 and self-care confidence (t₅₈ = 2.32, p = 0.02) on the Self-Care Inventory, demonstrating that caregivers who received the intervention improved their self-care over time. Behavioral symptoms were reduced in bvFTD patients whose caregivers received the intervention (t₅₄ = -2.15, p = 0.03).

Discussion

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) shows promise for health coaching as a way to increase support that is urgently needed to reduce poor outcomes in FTD caregivers.

A randomized controlled trial to test a behavioral sleep intervention to improve insomnia symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Multicomponent Behavioral Sleep Intervention (MBSI) protocol

BACKGROUND

Insomnia symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment represent a significant public health burden in terms of impaired quality of life, risks from untreated insomnia, and adverse effects from pharmaceutical insomnia treatment. To address current limitations in the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, we are conducting a randomized pilot study to test a brief (4- week), tablet-based, personalized, multicomponent behavioral sleep intervention (MBSI) for insomnia, compared to a sleep education control, in a sample of older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control group. Both groups will complete three virtual study data collection visits: baseline, 4-week post-intervention, and 12-week post-intervention follow-up. Key components of the 4-week intervention include sleep hygiene education, stimulating meaningful activity during the day and promoting relaxation therapy at night. We will determine preliminary immediate (4-week) and sustained efficacy (12-week) of MBSI compared to sleep education on sleep related outcomes and health related quality of life. Additionally, we will explore mechanisms by which the intervention affects sleep and health related quality of life using standardized questionnaires and inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS

(N/A).

DISCUSSION

The findings of the proposed project will inform future, larger scale clinical trials and may provide a novel and innovative way for older adults with mild cognitive impairment to achieve better sleep and health-related quality of life outcomes.

Patient Satisfaction With Medical Care for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pain Research Registry Study

PURPOSE

The process and outcomes of delivering medical care for chronic low back pain might affect patient satisfaction. We aimed to determine the associations of process and outcomes with patient satisfaction.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patient satisfaction among adult participants with chronic low back pain in a national pain research registry using self-reported measures of physician communication, physician empathy, current physician opioid prescribing for low back pain, and outcomes pertaining to pain intensity, physical function, and health-related quality of life. We used simple and multiple linear regression models to measure factors associated with patient satisfaction, including a subgroup of participants having both chronic low back pain and the same treating physician for >5 years.

RESULTS

Among 1,352 participants, only physician empathy (standardized β, 0.638; 95% CI, 0.588-0.688; t = 25.14; P < .001) and physician communication (standardized β, 0.182; 95% CI, 0.133-0.232; t = 7.22; P < .001) were associated with patient satisfaction in the multivariable analysis that controlled for potential confounders. Similarly, in the subgroup of 355 participants, physician empathy (standardized β, 0.633; 95% CI, 0.529-0.737; t = 11.95; P < .001) and physician communication (standardized β, 0.208; 95% CI, 0.105-0.311; t = 3.96; P < .001) remained associated with patient satisfaction in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Process measures, notably physician empathy and physician communication, were strongly associated with patient satisfaction with medical care for chronic low back pain. Our findings support the view that patients with chronic pain highly value physicians who are empathic and who make efforts to more clearly communicate treatment plans and expectations.

Differential Expression of LLT1, SLAM Receptors CS1 and 2B4 and NCR Receptors NKp46 and NKp30 in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents the most common pediatric cancer. Most patients (85%) develop B-cell ALL; however, T-cell ALL tends to be more aggressive. We have previously identified 2B4 (SLAMF4), CS1 (SLAMF7) and LLT1 (CLEC2D) that can activate or inhibit NK cells upon the interaction with their ligands. In this study, the expression of 2B4, CS1, LLT1, NKp30 and NKp46 was determined. The expression profiles of these immune receptors were analyzed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of B-ALL and T-ALL subjects by single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from the St. Jude PeCan data portal that showed increased expression of LLT1 in B-ALL and T-ALL subjects. Whole blood was collected from 42 pediatric ALL subjects at diagnosis and post-induction chemotherapy and 20 healthy subjects, and expression was determined at the mRNA and cell surface protein level. A significant increase in cell surface LLT1 expression in T cells, monocytes and NK cells was observed. Increased expression of CS1 and NKp46 was observed on monocytes of ALL subjects at diagnosis. A decrease of LLT1, 2B4, CS1 and NKp46 on T cells of ALL subjects was also observed post-induction chemotherapy. Furthermore, mRNA data showed altered expression of receptors in ALL subjects pre- and post-induction chemotherapy treatment. The results indicate that the differential expression of the receptors/ligand may play a role in the T-cell- and NK-cell-mediated immune surveillance of pediatric ALL.

Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling measures

Plastic pollution in various forms has emerged as the most severe environmental threat. Small plastic chunks, such as microplastics and nanoplastics derived from primary and secondary sources, are a major concern worldwide due to their adverse effects on the environment and public health. Several years have been spent developing robust spectroscopic techniques that should be considered top-notch; however, researchers are still trying to find efficient and straightforward methods for the analysis of microplastics but have yet to develop a viable solution. Because of the small size of these degraded plastics, they have been found in various species, from human brains to blood and digestive systems. Several pollution-controlling methods have been tested in recent years, and these methods are prominent and need to be developed. Bacterial degradation, sunlight-driven photocatalyst, fuels, and biodegradable plastics could be game-changers in future research on plastic pollution control. However, recent fledgling steps in controlling methods appear insufficient due to widespread contamination. As a result, proper regulation of environmental microplastics is a significant challenge, and the most equitable way to manage plastic pollution. Therefore, this paper discusses the current state of microplastics, some novel and well-known identification techniques, strategies for overcoming microplastic effects, and needed solutions to mitigate this planetary pollution. This review article, we believe, will fill a void in the field of plastic identification and pollution mitigation research.

CAREGIVER OUTCOMES RELATED TO SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Sleep disturbances in people living with cognitive impairment (CI) may impose a great burden on caregivers. We examined the relationship between objective and subjective sleep measures in people living with CI and caregiver depression and mastery via a secondary analysis of The Healthy Patterns Clinical Trial (NCT03682185) baseline data (n=170). Objective sleep variables included total sleep time and sleep efficiency derived from 3 nights of actigraphy. Subjective sleep measures included PROMIS Sleep Related Impairment, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Caregiver measures included Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and Caregiver Mastery Scale. People living with CI were female (67%), Black (80%), with mean age 73.4 ± 8.7. Caregivers were female (81%), family caregivers (80%) with mean age 56.5 ± 14.7. We used multiple regression analysis, adjusting for cognition, and examined if there were differences by caregiver gender. Poorer subjective sleep quality was significantly associated with more caregiver depression (B=0.407, SE= 0.198, p = 0.042). There were no significant sleep predictors for caregiver mastery; however, there was a moderating effect of gender on the association between subjective sleep quality and caregiver mastery. Female caregivers had increased caregiver mastery compared to males when the person living with CI had better sleep quality (B=0.555, SE= 0.218, p = 0.012). This study found that people living with CI sleep characteristics differentially influence caregiver outcomes. Sleep should be assessed using a combination of objective and subjective sleep measures in people living with CI to inform providers when interventions are needed.

DIURNAL CORTISOL SECRETION AND SELF-REPORTED AND CAREGIVER-REPORTED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Introduction

People living with dementia (PLwD) report lower quality of life (QoL), compared to healthy older adults. The poorer QoL is not fully accounted for by the severity of dementia. Dementia is associated with prominent neuroendocrine changes, however, there is a lack of research examining whether biological factors are related to QoL in PLwD. This study examined relationships between cortisol, symptom severity, and QoL in PLwD.

Methods

A total of 143 participants aged 55-94 years (65.7% women) in the Healthy Patterns Study (NCT03682185) provided three saliva samples at wake-up (AM1), 30 minutes (AM2) after waking, and bedtime (PM) on two consecutive days. We derived cortisol awakening response (CAR), wake to bedtime cortisol slope, and diurnal mean cortisol secretion. Sociodemographic and severity of dementia were assessed by interviews and questionnaires. Self-reported and caregiver-reported QoL was measured using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD).

Results

Poorer QoL was associated with more severe dementia rating. Flattened cortisol slope was significantly correlated with overall poorer self-reported QoL (β=0.43, p=0.017), but not caregiver-reported QoL (p=0.12), after controlling for severity of dementia and demographic variables. We did not find a significant relationship between CAR and diurnal mean cortisol with QoL.

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence linking neuroendocrine mechanisms to QoL in PLwD. The findings indicate that dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is linked to poorer QoL, independently of the severity of dementia. Biopsychosocial approaches to QoL for PLwD may lead to a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Cognitive dysfunction and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire

Introduction

Visual function and cognitive impairment are interrelated; however, little is known about the impact of modifying treatable vision impairment on the development of cognitive dysfunction. This study examines the relationship between cognition and self-reported visual function using the National Eye Institute's Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ).

Methods

Participants completed the NEI VFQ 25-Item questionnaire as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Additionally, all participants were assigned a consensus clinical diagnosis based on established criteria. We used a general linear model and analysis of variance approach to compare means between multiple groups.

Results

A significant association between overall composite score on the NEI VFQ and total MMSE score was revealed (P = 0.04). On average, for every 1-point increase in MMSE score, the overall composite score increased by 0.40 units (95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.77).

Discussion

Reduced visual function should raise concerns about cognitive decline and prompt additional assessment.

HPV Vaccination Rates of 7th Grade Students After a Strong Recommending Statement from the School Nurse

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Health care provider recommendations affect vaccine uptake, yet there are a lack of studies examining the impact of the school nurse (SN) in vaccine recommendations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of adding a SN HPV recommendation to the standard vaccination letter sent to parents/guardians. The rate of vaccination between the intervention and control schools was not statistically significant (Estimate (Std. Error) = -0.3066 (0.2151), p = 0.154). After controlling for age, sex, race, insurance type, and medical practice type, there was no significant difference in the likelihood to receive the HPV vaccine (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.563-4.19 in 2018; OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.124-14.54 in 2019. Further work is needed to clarify how school nurses can better promote HPV vaccine, and which adolescent demographic groups (e.g., race, insurance type, provider type) face barriers to HPV vaccine uptake.

Optimizing chronic pain management through patient engagement with quality of life measures: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a new approach for guiding chronic pain management because it is patient-centered and more likely to be understood and accepted by patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value and utility of an eHealth intervention for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) that was primarily based on HRQOL measures and to measure the clinical outcomes associated with its use.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted within the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation (PRECISION Pain Research Registry) using participants screened from November 2019 through February 2021. A total of 331 registry participants within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia met the eligibility criteria, which included having CLBP and HRQOL deficits. Almost three-fourths of the participants were enrolled after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were randomized to an eHealth intervention for HRQOL or wait list control. The primary outcome measures involved HRQOL based on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), including the SPADE cluster (Sleep disturbance, Pain interference with activities, Anxiety, Depression, and low Energy/fatigue) and each of its five component scales. Secondary outcome measures involved low back pain intensity and back-related functioning. Changes over time for each outcome measure reported by participants in each treatment group were compared utilizing the student's t-test for statistical significance and Cohen's d statistic for clinical importance. Outcomes were reported as between-group differences in change scores and the d statistic, with positive values favoring the experimental treatment group.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the experimental and control treatment groups for changes over time in any primary outcome measure. The d statistic (95% confidence interval) for the difference between the experimental and control treatment groups on the SPADE cluster was 0.04 (-0.18-0.25). The corresponding d statistics for the SPADE scales ranged from -0.06 (-0.27 to 0.16) for anxiety to 0.11 (-0.10 to 0.33) for sleep disturbance. There were also no significant or clinically important differences between the experimental and control treatment groups on the secondary outcome measures. Additionally, in subgroup analyses involving participants treated by osteopathic vs allopathic physicians, no significant interaction effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The eHealth intervention studied herein did not achieve statistically significant or clinically important improvements in any of the primary or secondary outcome measures. However, the validity and generalizability of the findings may have been limited by the unforeseen onset and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after beginning the trial.

Prevalence, Trends, and Severity of Early Childhood Caries in The United States: National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey Data 2013 to 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in the United States and to examine trends from 2013 to 2018 in children under six years of age. Methods: Data were obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data from three consecutive cycles (2013 to 2014, 2015 to 2016, and 2017 to 2018) were analyzed. A total of 3,157 children younger than six years of age were included in the analysis. The proportion of children with ECC who developed S-ECC was calculated to assess the severity of the disease burden. Multivariable logistic models were used to determine the significance of both linear and quadratic trends. Subgroup analyses were done to test trends in different population groups. Results: The overall prevalence of ECC from 2013 to 2018 was 18.6 percent; the overall prevalence of S-ECC during this interval was 10.6 percent. The prevalence of ECC decreased from 2013 to 2014 (19.6 percent) to 2015 to 2016 (17.4 percent) but increased from 2017 to 2018 (to 18.7 percent). By contrast, the prevalence of S-ECC increased substantially from 2013 to 2014 (9.8 percent) through 2017 to 2018 (11.9 percent). The proportion of children with S-ECC among those with ECC increased from 2013 (49.9 percent) to 2018 (63.4 percent; linear P=0.048) with a significant linear increase among five-year- old (P=0.013), males (P=0.037) and children in families with income 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline (P=0.003). Conclusion: A greater proportion of children with early childhood caries developed from 2017 to 2018 versus 2013 to 2014.

Self-care recommended by clinicians in patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes: a Delphi study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Australian Catholic University, Australia

Background

Patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes often experience bothersome symptoms (e.g., swelling, dizziness) and need clinical support with symptom management to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Knowledge about recommended self-care management behaviors by experienced clinicians can help to guide the development of more effective self-care interventions.

Purpose

To develop a list of common bothersome symptoms of heart failure and type 2 diabetes and of self-care management behaviors that clinicians recommend to patients to reduce the impact of these symptoms.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study among a panel of 37 nurses and physicians (heart failure only n=14; type 2 diabetes only n=11 and both heart failure and type 2 diabetes n=12) from Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the US was performed. Online surveys were used to identify common and bothersome symptoms and related self-care management behaviors that they recommend to patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes. Self-care management behaviors that received at least 75% agreement were retained and similar self-care management behaviors were discussed and merged to reduce redundancy.

Results

For heart failure, the final list included 12 common bothersome symptoms (e.g., fatigue/tiredness, shortness of breath) and 51 related self-care management behaviors (e.g., balance rest & activity, check body weight & swelling). For type 2 diabetes, 11 common bothersome symptoms (e.g., hypo- and hyperglycemia symptom clusters, foot wounds) and 25 related self-care management behaviors (e.g., check blood sugar, take insulin, contact podiatrist) were included in the final list. Consensus was reached on the vast majority (70%) of recommended behaviors.

Conclusion

The lists of common bothersome symptoms and self-care management behaviors reflect consensus but also discrepancies between clinicians’ recommendations and current guidelines. Efforts to enhance and align the use of proven effective self-care management behaviors to reduce symptom impact in routine care by clinicians should be considered.

Self-care management of bothersome symptoms as recommended by clinicians for patients with a chronic condition: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Chronically medically ill patients often need clinical assistance with symptom management, as well as self-care interventions that can help to reduce the impact of bothersome symptoms. Experienced clinicians can help to guide the development of more effective self-care interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To create a consensus-based list of common bothersome symptoms of chronic conditions and of self-care management behaviors recommended to patients by clinicians to reduce the impact of these symptoms.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi study was performed among an international panel of 47 clinicians using online surveys to identify common and bothersome symptoms and related self-care management behaviors recommended to patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, or arthritis.

RESULTS

A total of 30 common bothersome symptoms and 158 self-care management behaviors across the five conditions were listed. Each chronic condition has its own bothersome symptoms and self-care management behaviors. Consensus was reached on the vast majority of recommended behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

The list of common bothersome symptoms and self-care management behaviors reflect consensus across four countries on many points but also disagreement on others, and a few recommendations are inconsistent with current guidelines. Efforts to encourage clinicians to recommend effective self-care management behaviors may reduce symptom impact in chronically ill patient populations.

Hospice Enrollment, Future Hospitalization, and Future Costs Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Patients Who Received Palliative Care Consultation

BACKGROUND

Palliative care consultation to discuss goals-of-care ("PCC") may mitigate end-of-life care disparities.

OBJECTIVE

To compare hospitalization and cost outcomes by race and ethnicity among PCC patients; identify predictors of hospice discharge and post-discharge hospitalization utilization and costs.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study assessed hospice discharge, do-not-resuscitate status, 30-day readmissions, days hospitalized, ICU care, any hospitalization cost, and total costs for hospitalization with PCC and hospitalization(s) post-discharge among 1,306 Black/African American, Latinx, White, and Other race PCC patients at a United States academic hospital.

RESULTS

In adjusted analyses, hospice enrollment was less likely with Medicaid (AOR = 0.59, P = 0.02). Thirty-day readmission was less likely among age 75+ (AOR = 0.43, P = 0.02); more likely with Medicaid (AOR = 2.02, P = 0.004), 30-day prior admission (AOR = 2.42, P < 0.0001), and Black/African American race (AOR = 1.57, P = 0.02). Future days hospitalized was greater with Medicaid (Coefficient = 4.49, P = 0.001), 30-day prior admission (Coefficient = 2.08, P = 0.02), and Black/African American race (Coefficient = 2.16, P = 0.01). Any future hospitalization cost was less likely among patients ages 65-74 and 75+ (AOR = 0.54, P = 0.02; AOR = 0.53, P = 0.02); more likely with Medicaid (AOR = 1.67, P = 0.01), 30-day prior admission (AOR = 1.81, P = 0.0001), and Black/African American race (AOR = 1.40, P = 0.02). Total future hospitalization costs were lower for females (Coefficient = -3616.64, P = 0.03); greater with Medicaid (Coefficient = 7388.43, P = 0.01), 30-day prior admission (Coefficient = 3868.07, P = 0.04), and Black/African American race (Coefficient = 3856.90, P = 0.04). Do-not-resuscitate documentation (48%) differed by race.

CONCLUSIONS

Among PCC patients, Black/African American race and social determinants of health were risk factors for future hospitalization utilization and costs. Medicaid use predicted hospice discharge. Social support interventions are needed to reduce future hospitalization disparities.

Self-care for head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema and fibrosis: A pilot randomized clinical trial

6094

Background: Lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) are debilitating late effects in head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS). Initial therapy is usually directed by therapists following which patients undertake a LEF self-care program (SCP). No evidence based LEF-SCP are available. We report on the feasibility and preliminary efficacy data of a multifaceted LEF-SCP. Methods: 59 HNCS with LEF were randomized to: Usual care (n = 20), usual care + LEF-SCP (n = 20), and usual care + LEF-SCP + routine follow-up with a lymphedema therapist (n = 19). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months. Outcome measures include feasibility and preliminary efficacy (LEF progression, symptom burden, and jaw range of motion [ROM]). Multivariate covariance pattern model analysis was used to test for difference between arms. Results: 1) Feasibility: LEF-SCP training sessions - 80% completion rate; 90% satisfaction with the LEF-SCP; self-care adherence was similar between arms; no adverse event. 2) Preliminary Efficacy: Compared to usual care, participants randomized to LEF-SCP (+/- follow-up) showed a decrease in LEF severity (p < 0.05), reduction in symptom burden (p < 0.05), without significant improvement in jaw ROM. No significant differences were noted between the patients +/- follow-up with a lymphedema therapist. There was a trend to improved self-efficacy in patients participating in the LEF-SCP. Conclusions: The LEF-SCP is feasible and potentially efficacious for HNCS. Further testing is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT03030859.

Development and testing of an instrument to measure contextual factors influencing self-care decisions among adults with chronic illness

Background

Decisions about how to manage bothersome symptoms of chronic illness are complex and influenced by factors related to the patient, their illness, and their environment. Naturalistic decision-making describes decision-making when conditions are dynamically evolving, and the decision maker may be uncertain because the situation is ambiguous and missing information. Contextual factors, including time stress, the perception of high stakes, and input from others may facilitate or complicate decisions about the self-care of symptoms. There is no valid instrument to measure these contextual factors. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a self-report instrument measuring the contextual factors that influence self-care decisions about symptoms.

Methods

Items were drafted from the literature and refined with patient input. Content validity of the instrument was evaluated using a Delphi survey of expert clinicians and researchers, and cognitive interviews with adults with chronic illness. Psychometric testing included exploratory factor analysis to test dimensionality, item response theory-based approaches for item recalibration, confirmatory factor analysis to generate factor determinacy scores, and evaluation of construct validity.

Results

Ten contextual factors influencing decision-making were identified and multiple items per factor were generated. Items were refined based on cognitive interviews with five adults with chronic illness. After a two round Delphi survey of expert clinicians (n = 12) all items had a content validity index of > 0.78. Five additional adults with chronic illness endorsed the relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the inventory during cognitive interviews. Initial psychometric testing (n = 431) revealed a 6-factor multidimensional structure that was further refined for precision, and high multidimensional reliability (0.864). In construct validity testing, there were modest associations with some scales of the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory.

Conclusion

The Self-Care Decisions Inventory is a 27-item self-report instrument that measures the extent to which contextual factors influence decisions about symptoms of chronic illness. The six scales (external, urgency, uncertainty, cognitive/affective, waiting/cue competition, and concealment) reflect naturalistic decision making, have excellent content validity, and demonstrate high multidimensional reliability. Additional testing of the instrument is needed to evaluate clinical utility.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-01990-2.

Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life, Caregiver Burden, and Perceptions of Caregiver-Centered Communication among Black and White Hospice Family Caregivers

Background: Anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life (QOL) are common problems for hospice family caregivers, but it is unknown if disparities in these experiences exist among Black and White caregivers. Objectives: To compare anxiety, depression, QOL, caregiver burden, and perceptions of caregiver-centered hospice team communication between Black and White hospice family caregivers. Design: Secondary analysis of baseline data from two randomized clinical trials. Setting/Subjects: Seven hundred twenty-two Black and White hospice family caregivers ages 18+ from Midwestern and Northeastern United States. Measurements: Measures included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Caregiver Quality-of-Life Index-Revised (CQLI-R), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-7), and Caregiver-Centered Communication Questionnaire (CCCQ). Results: Black and White caregivers differed across demographic and socioeconomic variables. Nearly one-third of hospice family caregivers reported moderate-to-severe anxiety (32.1%) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (32.0%). White caregivers reported lower QOL than Black caregivers (p = 0.04), specifically in emotional (p = 0.02) and social (p = 0.0005) domains. In multiple regression analyses controlling for caregiver and patient factors, we found no racial differences in depression, anxiety, QOL, caregiver burden, or perceptions of caregiver-centered hospice communication. Conclusions: Despite demographic and socioeconomic differences, Black and White hospice family caregivers experience similarly high levels of anxiety, depression, burden, and perceptions of hospice communication. Interventions to support hospice family caregivers across racial groups and research that identifies factors that mediate social determinants of health in this population are needed. The development and validation of culture-concordant mental health screening tools in racially diverse populations is recommended. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02929108 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01444027.

Midwives and Liability: Results of the 2018 National Midwives and Liability Survey

INTRODUCTION

This is the third national survey about the incidence of midwifery involvement in malpractice litigation, case outcome, methods of coping, and the influence of fear of liability or actual litigation on midwifery practice and professional liability insurance. Incidence of disciplinary action was also included.

METHODS

A link to a web-based survey was sent to all American College of Nurse-Midwives members with an active email address in January 2018. Students and associate members were excluded from analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of involvement in lawsuit.

RESULTS

Of 6199 email links sent, 880 midwives responded (14%). One-third of participants (n = 280, 32%) have been named in at least one lawsuit after a median of 7 years in practice. Claims most often involved intrapartum hospital-based care and resulted from fetal heart rate interpretation. The most common outcome of a case was settlement prior to court or arbitration (n = 117, 42%). Significant predictors of litigation included older age of the midwife and region of practice (increased in Northeastern states, decreased in Midwestern states). Midwives' most common source of emotional support was their attorney. Only 6% (n = 53) of participants experienced disciplinary action against their state license. Half of the actions by a state governing board were unrelated to a lawsuit.

DISCUSSION

Midwives may experience litigation the longer they are in practice, but there has not been a significant change in the incidence since the previous survey in 2009. More resources and education are needed for midwives to provide adequate peer support to colleagues following adverse events or when named in a lawsuit. Continued education is also needed for midwives regarding types of professional liability insurance, affordability, and how policy terms and limits influence clinical practice.

In young women, a link between childhood abuse and subliminal processing of aversive cues is moderated by impulsivity

BACKGROUND

Childhood maltreatment is a serious public health concern. The association between child maltreatment, adverse behaviors, mental health outcomes, and alterations to brain function and structure have begun to be characterized. Less is known about the specific associations of maltreatment subtypes with cue-response to evocative cues and the moderating effects of confounding mental health/behavioral variables.

METHODS

Fifty-four emerging adult women (aged 18-24) completed assessments for behaviors, mental health, and childhood maltreatment. They participated in a fMRI task featuring passive viewing of evocative (33 ms) cues presented by "backward masking" to prevent conscious processing. Correlations of abuse/neglect scores, behavioral/mental health factors, and brain function were assessed. Follow-up analyses investigated the moderating effects of behavioral/mental health factors on maltreatment and brain relationships.

RESULTS

Greater frequency of childhood abuse and neglect were correlated with higher scores of impulsivity, depressive symptoms, and anxious attachment. Childhood abuse was positively associated with increased medial orbitofrontal cortical (mOFC) response to aversive (vs. neutral) cues. Among the behavioral/mental health variables, only impulsivity appeared to have a moderating effect on the relationship between childhood abuse and brain response to aversive cues.

CONCLUSIONS

The link between childhood abuse and a heightened mOFC response to "unseen" aversive stimuli, moderated by impulsivity, adds to the growing literature on the impact of prior adversity on brain function. These findings offer further understanding for the way in which childhood maltreatment affects the brain processing of negative stimuli, helping to explain the well-documented link between childhood maltreatment and a variety of adverse outcomes in adulthood.

The relationship between social isolation and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Social isolation among older adults with cognitive impairment is understudied. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social isolation and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment in the United States.

METHODS/DESIGN

Secondary data analyses were conducted using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 2 (2010-2011) dataset which includes a nationally representative sample of American older adults living at home. A total of 1343 people who had probable cognitive impairment measured by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 22 or less were selected. Anxiety was measured using the anxiety measure of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and social isolation was measured using Perceived Social Isolation Scale. A weighted multivariable linear regression analysis and weighted F tests were used to examine the relationship between social isolation and anxiety.

RESULTS

We observed that greater social isolation was related to increased anxiety in people with cognitive impairment (coefficients = 0.7242, t = 2.51, p = 0.015), adjusting for severity of cognitive impairment, race, pain, depression, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living. Weighted F tests showed that persons with clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) had higher levels of loneliness, including feeling a lack of companionship, feeling left out, and greater social isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that people with cognitive impairment can feel social isolation and it may contribute to their anxiety. Health care professionals, family, and friends of people with cognitive impairment should pay greater attention to social isolation of their loved ones.

Opioid Taper is Associated with Improved Experimental Pain Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Pain: An Observational Study

Introduction

The degree to which opioid-induced hyperalgesia contributes to the pain experience of patients with chronic pain remains relatively undescribed. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if experimental pain responses improve in patients with chronic pain as they undergo a planned opioid taper.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Seven patients with chronic neuropathic pain on at least 120 mg morphine equivalents/day were enrolled. The participants were followed over the course of an individualized opioid taper to a lower dose. Measures of experimental pain sensitivity, including indicators of central pain modulation, were collected on a biweekly basis; in addition, measures of function and quality of life were collected monthly. The effect of opioid taper on pain responses and functional outcomes over time were examined using longitudinal mixed-effects regression modeling and general linear regression modeling with regularization as a function of baseline dose, end dose, and taper rate.

Results

In this small sample of patients undergoing highly individualized and variable opioid taper, the opioid taper was significantly associated with improved pain responses to the cold-pressor test, with the pain threshold on average increasing by 1.14 s every 6 weeks (p = 0.0084, 95% confidence interval [CI] for 6-week change 0.3039–2.0178) and pain tolerance on average increasing by 2.87 s every 6 weeks (p = 0.0026, 95% CI for 6-week change 1.02–4.7277). Taper-related changes in central pain modulation were not observed, although conditioned modulation trended toward improvement by the completion of opioid taper. Similarly, no declines in function and quality of life were observed with the opioid taper, suggesting stability despite decreased opioid dose.

Conclusions

Opioid taper was associated with improvements in experimental pain responses without a decline in function and quality of life, suggestive of diminished opioid-induced hyperalgesia in this clinical sample.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03912298.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40122-021-00348-8.

Assessment of Vision Function and Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults through Questionnaire Surveys

BACKGROUND

Visual impairment in older adults has been associated with increased risk and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) [Cronin-Golomb, 1995]. There is a great need to understand the relationship between these two disease processes in an effort to improve coordinated care for these patients. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and self-reported visual function using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE).

METHODS

Subjects for this investigation were enrolled from the Alzheimer's Disease in Primary Care (ADPC) study, in which each participant undergoes a medical exam, interview, neuropsychological testing, 3T MRI of the brain and PET amyloid scans. This study recruited 131 participants from the ADPC cohort to complete the NEI VFQ-25. The 25-item questionnaire consists of 12 subscales that measure the impact of ocular disease on several domains of health. To examine the relationship between cognition and self-reported visual function, we correlated mini-mental state exam (MMSE) scores with NEI-VFQ overall composite scores.

RESULTS

We observed a significant association between overall NEI-VFQ composite score and MMSE score (p = 0.0359). On average, for every 1-point increase in MMSE total score, the overall composite score increases by 0.3992 units.

CONCLUSIONS

The consideration of visual function and quality of life is an important component during the ophthalmic and neuropsychological evaluation of a patient with cognitive dysfunction. Vision tests, such as visual acuity, are not a comprehensive representation of visual impairment experienced by individuals [Cullinan, 1978, Genensky, 1976], and do not account for the influence of visual disability on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) such as emotional well-being or social function [Mangione, 2001]. The use of the NEI-VFQ in a primary care setting could help identify patients with reduced self-reported visual function, which could simultaneously identify those at increased risk for cognitive dysfunction.

Systematic review of prediction models for postacute care destination decision-making

OBJECTIVE

This article reports a systematic review of studies containing development and validation of models predicting postacute care destination after adult inpatient hospitalization, summarizes clinical populations and variables, evaluates model performance, assesses risk of bias and applicability, and makes recommendations to reduce bias in future models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group criteria. Online databases were searched in June 2020 to identify all published studies in this area. Data were extracted based on the CHARMS checklist, and studies were evaluated based on predictor variables, validation, performance in validation, risk of bias, and applicability using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) tool.

RESULTS

The final sample contained 28 articles with 35 models for evaluation. Models focused on surgical (22), medical (5), or both (8) populations. Eighteen models were internally validated, 10 were externally validated, and 7 models underwent both types. Model performance varied within and across populations. Most models used retrospective data, the median number of predictors was 8.5, and most models demonstrated risk of bias.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Prediction modeling studies for postacute care destinations are becoming more prolific in the literature, but model development and validation strategies are inconsistent, and performance is variable. Most models are developed using regression, but machine learning methods are increasing in frequency. Future studies should ensure the rigorous variable selection and follow TRIPOD guidelines. Only 14% of the models have been tested or implemented beyond original studies, so translation into practice requires further investigation.

What’s Race got to do With it? How Palliative Care Consultation may Mitigate Racial Disparities in Future Care

It is unknown if care and cost outcomes differ by race and ethnicity following discharge from a hospitalization involving palliative care consultation to discuss goals-of-care (PCC). In this secondary analysis of 1,390 seriously-ill patients age 18+ alive at discharge who self-identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, white, or other race and received PCC at an urban, academic medical center, we used binomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression controlling for demographic and clinical variables to identify factors associated with care experiences and costs following discharge from a hospitalization with PCC. In adjusted analyses, discharge to hospice was associated with Medicaid (p=0.016). Thirty-day readmission was associated with age 75+ (P=0.015), Medicaid (P=0.004), admission 30 days prior (P<0.0001), and Black race compared to white (P=0.016). Number of future days hospitalized was associated with Medicaid (P=0.001), admission 30 days prior (P=0.017), and Black race compared to white (P=0.012). Having any future hospitalization cost was associated with patient ages 65-74 (P=0.022) and 75+ (P=0.023), Medicaid (P=0.014), admission 30-days prior (P<0.0001), and Black race compared to white (P=0.021). Total future hospitalization costs were associated with female gender (P=0.025), Medicaid (P=0.009), admission 30 days prior (P=0.040), and Black race compared to white (P=0.037). Race or ethnicity was not a predictor of hospice enrollment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to understand if PCC is an intervention that reduces racial disparities in end-of-life care. Qualitative insights are needed to explain how PCC and socioeconomic factors such as Medicaid may mitigate future acute care use among racial and ethnic groups.

Salivary Cortisol Patterns in People Living With Dementia

Salivary cortisol has a well-documented circadian pattern in older adults. Yet, the pattern of salivary cortisol in persons living with dementia (PLWD) due to circadian rhythm disturbances is unknown. This study examined diurnal salivary cortisol patterns in 176 PLWD (mean age 73.6±8.8, 33.3% male, clinical dementia rating &gt;=0.5) by collecting saliva at waking (AM1), 30 minutes after waking (AM2) and bedtime (PM) over two consecutive days. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) was calculated as the change between AM2 and AM1 cortisol levels. The mean baseline salivary cortisol levels (ug/dl) were 0.35 (SD:0.3) at AM1, 0.40 (SD:0.39) at AM2, and 0.19 (SD:0.4) at PM. On average, cortisol levels decreased from morning to evening, with 58% exhibiting a positive CAR (mean 0.05; SD:0.34). There were no significant associations between cortisol levels with age, sex, obesity, and comorbidities. The findings demonstrated that diurnal cortisol rhythms are maintained in PLWD with a flattened CAR.