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Carey K, Cole MB. Mental health care provision in community health centers and hospital emergency department utilization. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14283. [PMID: 38243709 PMCID: PMC10915469 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine whether community health centers (CHCs) are effective in offsetting mental health emergency department (ED) visits. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING The HRSA Uniform Data System and the HCUP State ED Databases for Florida patients during 2012-2019. STUDY DESIGN We identified CHC-year-specific service areas using patient origin zip codes. We then estimated panel data models for number of ED mental health visits per capita in a CHC's service area. Models measured CHC mental health utilization as number of visits, unique patients, and intensity (visits per patient). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CHC mental health utilization increased approximately 100% during 2012-2019. Increased CHC mental health provision was associated with small reductions in ED mental health utilization. An annual increase of 1000 CHC mental health care visits (5%) was associated with 0.44% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.153), and an increase of 1000 CHC mental health care patients (15%) with 1.9% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.123). An increase of 1 annual mental health visit per patient was associated with 16% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that mental health provision in CHCs may reduce reliance on hospital EDs, albeit minimally. Policies that promote alignment of services between CHCs and local hospitals may accelerate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Carey
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Megan B. Cole
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Beck AF, Seid M, McDowell KM, Udoko M, Cronin SC, Makrozahopoulos D, Powers T, Fairbanks S, Prideaux J, Vaughn LM, Hente E, Thurmond S, Unaka NI. Building a regional pediatric asthma learning health system in support of optimal, equitable outcomes. Learn Health Syst 2024; 8:e10403. [PMID: 38633017 PMCID: PMC11019385 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthma is characterized by preventable morbidity, cost, and inequity. We sought to build an Asthma Learning Health System (ALHS) to coordinate regional pediatric asthma improvement activities. Methods We generated quantitative and qualitative insights pertinent to a better, more equitable care delivery system. We used electronic health record data to calculate asthma hospitalization rates for youth in our region. We completed an "environmental scan" to catalog the breadth of asthma-related efforts occurring in our children's hospital and across the region. We supplemented the scan with group-level assessments and focus groups with parents, clinicians, and community partners. We used insights from this descriptive epidemiology to inform the definition of shared aims, drivers, measures, and prototype interventions. Results Greater Cincinnati's youth are hospitalized for asthma at a rate three times greater than the U.S. average. Black youth are hospitalized at a rate five times greater than non-Black youth. Certain neighborhoods bear the disproportionate burden of asthma morbidity. Across Cincinnati, there are many asthma-relevant activities that seek to confront this morbidity; however, efforts are largely disconnected. Qualitative insights highlighted the importance of cross-sector coordination, evidence-based acute and preventive care, healthy homes and neighborhoods, and accountability. These insights also led to a shared, regional aim: to equitably reduce asthma-related hospitalizations. Early interventions have included population-level pattern recognition, multidisciplinary asthma action huddles, and enhanced social needs screening and response. Conclusion Learning health system methods are uniquely suited to asthma's complexity. Our nascent ALHS provides a scaffold atop which we can pursue better, more equitable regional asthma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Beck
- Division of General & Community PediatricsCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Division of Hospital MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Michael Fisher Child Health Equity CenterCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Office of Population HealthCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Michael Seid
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Karen M. McDowell
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Mfonobong Udoko
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Susan C. Cronin
- Division of Pulmonary MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | - Tricia Powers
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Sonja Fairbanks
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Jonelle Prideaux
- Division of Emergency MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Qualitative Methods & Analysis CollaborativeCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Lisa M. Vaughn
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Division of Emergency MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Qualitative Methods & Analysis CollaborativeCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Criminal Justice, & Human ServicesUniversity of Cincinnati College of EducationCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | - Sophia Thurmond
- Department of Information ServicesCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Ndidi I. Unaka
- Division of Hospital MedicineCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Michael Fisher Child Health Equity CenterCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Office of Population HealthCincinnati Children'sCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
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Shaller D, Nembhard I, Matta S, Grob R, Lee Y, Warne E, Evans R, Dicello D, Colon M, Polanco A, Schlesinger M. Assessing an innovative method to promote learning from patient narratives: Findings from a field experiment in ambulatory care. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14245. [PMID: 37845082 PMCID: PMC10915476 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether an online interactive report designed to facilitate interpretation of patients' narrative feedback produces change in ambulatory staff learning, behavior at the individual staff and practice level, and patient experience survey scores. DATA SOURCES AND SETTING We studied 22 ambulatory practice sites within an academic medical center using three primary data sources: 333 staff surveys; 20 in-depth interviews with practice leaders and staff; and 9551 modified CG-CAHPS patient experience surveys augmented by open-ended narrative elicitation questions. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a cluster quasi-experimental study, comparing 12 intervention and 10 control sites. At control sites, narratives were delivered free-form to site administrators via email; at intervention sites, narratives were delivered online with interactive tools for interpretation, accompanied by user training. We assessed control-versus-intervention site differences in learning, behavior, and patient experience scores. DATA COLLECTION Staff surveys and interviews were completed at intervention and control sites, 9 months after intervention launch. Patient surveys were collected beginning 4 months pre-launch through 9 months post-launch. We used control-versus-intervention and difference-in-difference analyses for survey data and thematic analysis for interview data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Interviews suggested that the interface facilitated narrative interpretation and use for improvement. Staff survey analyses indicated enhanced learning from narratives at intervention sites (29% over control sites' mean of 3.19 out of 5 across eight domains, p < 0.001) and greater behavior change at staff and practice levels (31% and 21% over control sites' means of 3.35 and 3.39, p < 0.001, respectively). Patient experience scores for interactions with office staff and wait time information increased significantly at intervention sites, compared to control sites (3.7% and 8.2%, respectively); however, provider listening scores declined 3.3%. CONCLUSIONS Patient narratives presented through structured feedback reporting methods can catalyze positive changes in staff learning, promote behavior change, and increase patient experience scores in domains of non-clinical interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid Nembhard
- Health Care Management Department, The Wharton SchoolUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sasmira Matta
- Health Care Management Department, The Wharton SchoolUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rachel Grob
- Center for Patient Partnerships, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Yuna Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Emily Warne
- Center for Patient Partnerships, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | | | | | - Maria Colon
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Mark Schlesinger
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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Hinson JS, Zhao X, Klein E, Badaki‐Makun O, Rothman R, Copenhaver M, Smith A, Fenstermacher K, Toerper M, Pekosz A, Levin S. Multisite development and validation of machine learning models to predict severe outcomes and guide decision-making for emergency department patients with influenza. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2024; 5:e13117. [PMID: 38500599 PMCID: PMC10945311 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Millions of Americans are infected by influenza annually. A minority seek care in the emergency department (ED) and, of those, only a limited number experience severe disease or death. ED clinicians must distinguish those at risk for deterioration from those who can be safely discharged. Methods We developed random forest machine learning (ML) models to estimate needs for critical care within 24 h and inpatient care within 72 h in ED patients with influenza. Predictor data were limited to those recorded prior to ED disposition decision: demographics, ED complaint, medical problems, vital signs, supplemental oxygen use, and laboratory results. Our study population was comprised of adults diagnosed with influenza at one of five EDs in our university health system between January 1, 2017 and May 18, 2022; visits were divided into two cohorts to facilitate model development and validation. Prediction performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the Brier score. Results Among 8032 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza, incidence of critical care needs was 6.3% and incidence of inpatient care needs was 19.6%. The most common reasons for ED visit were symptoms of respiratory tract infection, fever, and shortness of breath. Model AUCs were 0.89 (95% CI 0.86-0.93) for prediction of critical care and 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.93) for inpatient care needs; Brier scores were 0.026 and 0.042, respectively. Importantpredictors included shortness of breath, increasing respiratory rate, and a high number of comorbid diseases. Conclusions ML methods can be used to accurately predict clinical deterioration in ED patients with influenza and have potential to support ED disposition decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah S. Hinson
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Malone Center for Engineering in HealthcareJohns Hopkins University Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Xihan Zhao
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Eili Klein
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- One Health TrustWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Oluwakemi Badaki‐Makun
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of PediatricsJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Richard Rothman
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Martin Copenhaver
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Aria Smith
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Malone Center for Engineering in HealthcareJohns Hopkins University Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Katherine Fenstermacher
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Matthew Toerper
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Scott Levin
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Malone Center for Engineering in HealthcareJohns Hopkins University Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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LEE YUNASH, GROB RACHEL, NEMBHARD INGRID, SHALLER DALE, SCHLESINGER MARK. Leveraging Patients' Creative Ideas for Innovation in Health Care. Milbank Q 2024; 102:233-269. [PMID: 38090879 PMCID: PMC10938936 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Patients' creative ideas may inform learning and innovation that improve patient-centered care. Routinely collected patient experience surveys provide an opportunity to invite patients to share their creative ideas for improvement. We develop and assess a methodological strategy that validates question wording designed to elicit creative ideas from patients. Health care organizations should consider how to report and use these data in health care delivery and quality improvement, and policymakers should consider promoting the use of narrative feedback to better understand and respond to patients' experiences. CONTEXT Learning health systems (LHSs) have been promoted for a decade to achieve high-quality, patient-centered health care. Innovation driven by knowledge generated through day-to-day health care delivery, including patient insights, is critical to LHSs. However, the pace of translating patient insights into innovation is slow and effectiveness inadequate. This study aims to evaluate a method for systematically eliciting patients' creative ideas, examine the value of such ideas as a source of insight, and examine patients' creative ideas regarding how their experiences could be improved within the context of their own health systems. METHODS The first stage of the study developed a survey and tested strategies for elicitation of patients' creative ideas with 600 patients from New York State. The second stage deployed the survey with the most generative open-ended question sequence within a health care system and involved analysis of 1,892 patients' responses, including 2,948 creative ideas. FINDINGS Actionable, creative feedback was fostered by incorporating a request for transformative feedback into a sequence of narrative elicitation questions. Patients generate more actionable and creative ideas when explicitly invited to share such ideas, especially patients with negative health care experiences, those from minority racial/ethnic backgrounds, and those with chronic illness. The most frequently elicited creative ideas focused on solving challenges, proposing interventions, amplifying exceptional practices, and conveying hopes for the future. CONCLUSIONS A valid and reliable method for eliciting creative ideas from patients can be deployed as part of routine patient experience surveys that include closed-ended survey items and open-ended narrative items in which patients share their experiences in their own words. The elicited creative ideas are promising for patient engagement and innovation efforts. This study highlights the benefits of engaging patients for quality improvement, offers a rigorously tested method for cultivating innovation using patient-generated knowledge, and outlines how creative ideas can enable organizational learning and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - RACHEL GROB
- Qualitative and Health Experiences Lab, Center for Patient Partnerships, University of Wisconsin
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Danielson EC, Li W, Suleiman L, Franklin PD. Social risk and patient-reported outcomes after total knee replacement: Implications for Medicare policy. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14215. [PMID: 37605376 PMCID: PMC10771904 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether county-level or patient-level social risk factors are associated with patient-reported outcomes after total knee replacement when added to the comprehensive joint replacement risk-adjustment model. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Patient and outcomes data from the Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement cohort were merged with the Social Vulnerability Index from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STUDY DESIGN This prospective longitudinal cohort measured the change in patient-reported pain and physical function from baseline to 12 months after surgery. The cohort included a nationally diverse sample of adult patients who received elective unilateral knee replacement between 2012 and 2015. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Using a national network of over 230 surgeons in 28 states, the cohort study enrolled patients from diverse settings and collected one-year outcomes after the surgery. Patients <65 years of age or who did not report outcomes were excluded. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS After adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, we found patient-reported race, education, and income were associated with patient-reported pain or functional scores. Pain improvement was negatively associated with Black race (CI = -8.71, -3.02) and positively associated with higher annual incomes (≥$45,00) (CI = 0.07, 2.33). Functional improvement was also negatively associated with Black race (CI = -5.81, -0.35). Patients with higher educational attainment (CI = -2.35, -0.06) reported significantly less functional improvement while patients in households with three adults reported greater improvement (CI = 0.11, 4.57). We did not observe any associations between county-level social vulnerability and change in pain or function. CONCLUSIONS We found patient-level social factors were associated with patient-reported outcomes after total knee replacement, but county-level social vulnerability was not. Our findings suggest patient-level social factors warrant further investigation to promote health equity in patient-reported outcomes after total knee replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Danielson
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics and Biostatistics Core, Health Statistics and Geography LabUniversity of MassachusettsLowellMassachusettsUSA
| | - Linda Suleiman
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Patricia D. Franklin
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Post B, Hollenbeck BK, Norton EC, Ryan AM. Hospital-physician integration and clinical volume in traditional Medicare. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14172. [PMID: 37248765 PMCID: PMC10771899 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the effect of hospital-physician integration on primary care physicians' (PCP) clinical volume in traditional Medicare. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Nationwide retrospective longitudinal study using Medicare claims and other data sources from 2010 to 2016. STUDY DESIGN We identified 70,000 PCPs, some of whom remained non-integrated and some who became hospital-integrated during this study period. We used an event study design to identify the effect of integration on key measures of physicians' clinical volume, including the number of claims, work-relative value units (RVUs), professional revenue generated, number of patients treated, and facility fee revenue generated. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Per-physician clinical volume declined by statistically and economically significant margins. Relative to the comparison group who remained non-integrated, work RVUs fell by 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.6% to -5.5%); the number of patients treated fell by 4% (95% CI: -5.8% to -2.6%); and claims volume among PCPs who became hospital-integrated fell by over 15% (95% CI: -16.8% to -13.5%). Though professional revenue declined by $29,165 (95% CI: -$32,286 to -$26,044), this loss was almost entirely offset by increased facility fee revenue of $28,556 (95% CI: 26,909 to 30,203). CONCLUSIONS Hospital-physician integration may affect the quantity of clinical services delivered by PCPs to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Reductions in clinical volume associated with integration may have long-term consequences for the supply of physician services and patient access to primary care. Future research on physician time use and patient access following hospital integration would further add to the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady Post
- Department of Health SciencesBouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Edward C. Norton
- Department of Health Management and PolicyUniversity of Michigan School of Public HealthAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of EconomicsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Andrew M. Ryan
- Department of Health Services, Policy & PracticeSchool of Public Health, Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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Fleming MD, Safaeinili N, Knox M, Brewster AL. Organizational and community resilience for COVID-19 and beyond: Leveraging a system for health and social services integration. Health Serv Res 2024; 59 Suppl 1:e14250. [PMID: 37845043 PMCID: PMC10796281 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how a preexisting initiative to align health care, public health, and social services influenced COVID-19 pandemic response. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING In-depth interviews with administrators and frontline staff in health care, public health, and social services in Contra Costa County, California from October, 2020, to May, 2021. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative, semi-structured interviews examined how COVID-19 response used resources developed for system alignment prior to the pandemic. DATA COLLECTION We interviewed 31 informants including 14 managers in public health, health care, or social services and 17 social needs case managers who coordinated services across these sectors on behalf of patients. An inductive-deductive qualitative coding approach was used to systematically identify recurrent themes. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We identified four distinct components of the county's system alignment capabilities that supported COVID-19 response, including (1) an organizational culture of adaptability fostered through earlier system alignment efforts, which included the ability and willingness to rapidly implement new organizational processes, (2) trusting relationships among organizations based on prior, positive experiences of cross-sector collaboration, (3) capacity to monitor population health of historically marginalized community members, including information infrastructures, data analytics, and population monitoring and outreach, and (4) frontline staff with flexible skills to support health and social care who had built relationships with the highest risk community members. CONCLUSIONS Prior investments in aligning systems provided unanticipated benefits for organizational and community resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results illustrate a pathway for investment in system alignment efforts that build capacity within organizations and relationships between organizations to enhance resilience to crisis. Our findings suggest the usefulness of an integrated concept of organizational and community resilience that understands the resilience of systems of care as a vital resource for community resilience during crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Fleming
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nadia Safaeinili
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Margae Knox
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amanda L. Brewster
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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Auty SG, Daw JR, Admon LK, Gordon SH. Comparing approaches to identify live births using the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14233. [PMID: 37771156 PMCID: PMC10771902 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of different approaches for identifying live births using Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files (TAF). DATA SOURCES The primary data source for this study were TAF inpatient (IP), other services (OT), and demographic and eligibility files. These data contain administrative claims for Medicaid enrollees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. STUDY DESIGN We compared five approaches for identifying live birth counts obtained from the TAF IP and OT data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Natality data-the gold standard for birth counts at the state level. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The five approaches used varying combinations of diagnosis and procedure, revenue, and place of service codes to identify live births. Approaches 1 and 2 follow guidance developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Approaches 3 and 4 build on the approaches developed by CMS by including all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluding codes related to delivery services for infants, respectively. Approach 5 applied Approach 4 to only the IP file. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Approach 4, which included all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluded codes related to infants to identify deliveries, achieved the best match of birth counts relative to CDC birth record data, identifying 1,656,794 live births-a national overcount of 3.6%. Approaches 1 and 3 resulted in larger overcounts of births (20.5% and 4.5%), while Approaches 2 and 5 resulted in undercounts of births (-3.4% and -6.8%). CONCLUSIONS Including claims from both the IP and OT files, and excluding codes unrelated to the delivery episode and those specific to services rendered to infants improves accuracy of live birth identification in the TAF data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Auty
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jamie R. Daw
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementColumbia Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Lindsay K. Admon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of MichiganFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Sarah H. Gordon
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Stewart JW, Hou H, Hawkins RB, Pagani FD, Sterling MR, Likosky DS, Thompson MP. Hospital Variation in Skilled Nursing Facility Use After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e029833. [PMID: 38193303 PMCID: PMC10926789 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 20% of patients are discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but little is known about specific drivers for postdischarge SNF use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hospital variation in SNF use and its association with postoperative outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft. METHODS AND RESULTS A retrospective study design utilizing Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files was used to evaluate SNF use among 70 509 beneficiaries undergoing coronary artery bypass graft, with or without valve procedures, between 2016 and 2018. A total of 17 328 (24.6%) were discharged to a SNF, ranging from 0% to 88% across 871 hospitals. Multilevel logistic regression models identified significant patient-level predictors of discharge to SNF including increasing age, comorbidities, female sex, Black race, dual eligibility, and postoperative complications. After adjusting for patient and hospital factors, 15.6% of the variation in hospital SNF use was attributed to the discharging hospital. Compared with the lower quartile of hospital SNF use, hospitals in the top quartile of SNF use had lower risk-adjusted 1-year mortality (12.5% versus 8.6%, P<0.001) and readmission (59.9% versus 49.8%, P<0.001) rates for patients discharged to a SNF. CONCLUSIONS There is high variability in SNF use among hospitals that is only partially explained by patient characteristics. Hospitals with higher SNF utilization had lower risk-adjusted 1-year mortality and readmission rates for patients discharged to a SNF. More work is needed to better understand underlying provider and hospital-level factors contributing to SNF use variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Stewart
- Department of SurgeryYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Department of SurgeryMichigan MedicineAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Hechuan Hou
- Department of Cardiac SurgeryMichigan MedicineAnn ArborMIUSA
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Devine JW, Tadrous M, Hernandez I, Callaway Kim K, Rothenberger SD, Mukhopadhyay N, Gellad WF, Suda KJ. A Retrospective Cohort Study of the 2018 Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Recalls and Subsequent Drug Shortages in Patients With Hypertension. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032266. [PMID: 38156554 PMCID: PMC10863811 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valsartan was recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2018 for carcinogenic impurities, resulting in a drug shortage and management challenges for valsartan users. The influence of the valsartan recall on clinical outcomes is unknown. We compared the risk of adverse events between hypertensive patients using valsartan and a propensity score-matched group using nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. METHODS AND RESULTS We used Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Datamart (July 2017-January 2019). Hypertensive patients who received valsartan or nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for 1 year before and on the recall date were compared. Primary outcomes were measured in the 6 months following the recall and included: (1) a composite measure of all-cause hospitalization, all-cause emergency department visit, and all-cause urgent care visit, and (2) a composite cardiac event measure of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/emergency department visits/urgent care visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure, or hypertension. We compared the risk of outcomes between treatment groups using Cox proportional hazard models. Of the hypertensive patients, 76 934 received valsartan, and 509 472 received a nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Valsartan use at the time of recall was associated with a higher risk of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department use, or urgent care use (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00-1.04]) and the composite of cardiac events (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.15-1.29]) within 6 months after the recall. CONCLUSIONS The valsartan recall and shortage affected hypertensive patients. Local- and national-level systems need to be enhanced to protect patients from drug shortages by providing safe and reliable medication alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoOntarioCanada
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual CareWomen’s College HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Inmaculada Hernandez
- University of California San DiegoSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Katherine Callaway Kim
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Scott D. Rothenberger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nandita Mukhopadhyay
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicineDepartment of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental GeneticsPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Walid F. Gellad
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Center for Health Equity Research and PromotionVA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Katie J. Suda
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Center for Health Equity Research and PromotionVA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
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Franklin PD, Drane D. Assessment of learning health system science competency in the equity and justice domain. Learn Health Syst 2024; 8:e10381. [PMID: 38249846 PMCID: PMC10797565 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Seven knowledge domains were originally defined for the learning health system (LHS) scientist. To assess proficiency in each of these domains, we developed and published an assessment tool for use by emerging LHS scientists and training programs. (LHS, October 2022). In mid-2022, the AHRQ adopted an eighth LHS knowledge domain, Equity and Justice. The addition of this eighth domain emphasizes the importance and centrality of equity in the LHS and improvement science. To extend our prior LHS competency assessment, we developed a proficiency assessment for the new equity and justice domain. Content experts and trainees iteratively defined, reviewed, and edited the assessment criteria. The items were developed by trainees and experts at one LHS training center with experience conducting research focused on healthcare inequities among marginalized populations. The proficiency assessment criteria for the Equity domain apply the same four levels of mastery: "no exposure," "foundational awareness," "emerging," and "proficient" as were used for original competencies. LHS training programs can use these proficiency criteria to monitor skills among emerging scientists across the eight domains, with particular attention to equity and justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia D. Franklin
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Denise Drane
- Program Evaluation Core & Searle Center for Advancing Learning and TeachingNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Maganty A, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Faraj KS, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB, Hollenbeck BK. Value-based payment models and management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6810. [PMID: 38146905 PMCID: PMC10807592 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of urologist participation in value-based payment models on the initial management of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. METHODS Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2017 and 2019, with 1 year of follow-up, were assigned to their primary urologist, each of whom was then aligned to a value-based payment model (the merit-based incentive payment system [MIPS], accountable care organization [ACO] without financial risk, and ACO with risk). Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to measure the association between payment model participation and treatment of prostate cancer. Additional models estimated the effects of payment model participation on use of treatment in men with very high risk (i.e., >75%) of non-cancer mortality within 10 years of diagnosis (i.e., a group of men for whom treatment is generally not recommended) and price-standardized prostate cancer spending in the 12 months after diagnosis. RESULTS Treatment did not vary by payment model, both overall (MIPS-67% [95% CI 66%-68%], ACOs without risk-66% [95% CI 66%-68%], ACOs with risk-66% [95% CI 64%-68%]). Similarly, treatment did not vary among men with very high risk of non-cancer mortality by payment model (MIPS-52% [95% CI 50%-55%], ACOs without risk-52% [95% CI 50%-55%], ACOs with risk-51% [95% CI 45%-56%]). Adjusted spending was similar across payment models (MIPS-$16,501 [95% CI $16,222-$16,780], ACOs without risk-$16,140 [95% CI $15,852-$16,429], ACOs with risk-$16,117 [95% CI $15,585-$16,649]). CONCLUSIONS How urologists participate in value-based payment models is not associated with treatment, potential overtreatment, and prostate cancer spending in men with newly diagnosed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Maganty
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Samuel R. Kaufman
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Mary K. Oerline
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Kassem S. Faraj
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Megan E. V. Caram
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Vahakn B. Shahinian
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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James TG, Sullivan MK, McKee MM, Rotoli J, Maruca D, Stachowiak R, Cheong J, Varnes JR. Emergency department patient-centred care perspectives from deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Health Expect 2023; 26:2374-2386. [PMID: 37555478 PMCID: PMC10632638 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) patients are a priority population for emergency medicine health services research. DHH patients are at higher risk than non-DHH patients of using the emergency department (ED), have longer lengths of stay in the ED and report poor patient-provider communication. This qualitative study aimed to describe ED care-seeking and patient-centred care perspectives among DHH patients. METHODS This qualitative study is the second phase of a mixed-methods study. The goal of this study was to further explain quantitative findings related to ED outcomes among DHH and non-DHH patients. We conducted semistructured interviews with 4 DHH American Sign Language (ASL)-users and 6 DHH English speakers from North Central Florida. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a descriptive qualitative approach. RESULTS Two themes were developed: (1) DHH patients engage in a complex decision-making process to determine ED utilization and (2) patient-centred ED care differs between DHH ASL-users and DHH English speakers. The first theme describes the social-behavioural processes through which DHH patients assess their need to use the ED. The second theme focuses on the social environment within the ED: patients feeling stereotyped, involvement in the care process, pain communication, receipt of accommodations and discharge processes. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the importance of better understanding, and intervening in, DHH patient ED care-seeking and care delivery to improve patient outcomes. Like other studies, this study also finds that DHH patients are not a monolithic group and language status is an equity-relevant indicator. We also discuss recommendations for emergency medicine. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study convened a community advisory group made up of four DHH people to assist in developing research questions, data collection tools and validation of the analysis and interpretation of data. Community advisory group members who were interested in co-authorship are listed in the byline, with others in the acknowledgements. In addition, several academic-based co-authors are also deaf or hard of hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. James
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Michael M. McKee
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Jason Rotoli
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | - JeeWon Cheong
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Julia R. Varnes
- Department of Health Services Research, Management, and PolicyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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Evans EW, Darling KE, Egbert A, Hayes JF, Jelalian E, Warnick J, Topor LS, Goldschmidt AB. Leveraging seasonality and timing to optimize pediatric weight management interventions: Novel directions for future research. Obes Sci Pract 2023; 9:688-695. [PMID: 38090686 PMCID: PMC10712410 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
National estimates suggest that more than 35% of American children, ages 2-19 years, are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for weight-related comorbidities including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease risk factors, depression, and anxiety. While obesity prevention is most cost-effective, for youth with existing obesity, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends ≥26 h of comprehensive lifestyle intervention over 6-12 months. This include standard behavioral therapy, dietary counseling, and an emphasis on physical activity. Although such programs are effective in reducing weight status, there are many barriers to completing these programs. A novel consideration for both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity is the recognition that the timing of intervention, both duration and time of the year, can impact family engagement and intervention effectiveness. This paper discusses the potential of targeting high-risk periods for weight gain and offering brief behavioral intervention, in hopes of inspiring research on novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Whitney Evans
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research CenterThe Miriam HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Katherine E. Darling
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research CenterThe Miriam HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Amy Egbert
- Department of Psychological SciencesUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | - Jacqueline F. Hayes
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research CenterThe Miriam HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Elissa Jelalian
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research CenterThe Miriam HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Jennifer Warnick
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research CenterThe Miriam HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Lisa Swartz Topor
- Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes CenterHasbro Children's HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Andrea B. Goldschmidt
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Jindal M, Chaiyachati KH, Fung V, Manson SM, Mortensen K. Eliminating health care inequities through strengthening access to care. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 3:300-310. [PMID: 38015865 PMCID: PMC10684044 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a research agenda and recommendations to address inequities in access to health care. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) organized a Health Equity Summit in July 2022 to evaluate what equity in access to health care means in the context of AHRQ's mission and health care delivery implementation portfolio. The findings are a result of this Summit, and subsequent convenings of experts on access and equity from academia, industry, and the government. STUDY DESIGN Multi-stakeholder input from AHRQ's Health Equity Summit, author consensus on a framework and key knowledge gaps, and summary of evidence from the supporting literature in the context of the framework ensure comprehensive recommendations. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Through a stakeholder-engaged process, themes were developed to conceptualize access with a lens toward health equity. A working group researched the most appropriate framework for access to care to classify limitations identified during the Summit and develop recommendations supported by research in the context of the framework. This strategy was intentional, as the literature on inequities in access to care may itself be biased. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The Levesque et al. framework, which incorporates multiple dimensions of access (approachability, acceptability, availability, accommodation, affordability, and appropriateness), is the backdrop for framing research priorities for AHRQ. However, addressing inequities in access cannot be done without considering the roles of racism and intersectionality. Recommendations include funding research that not only measures racism within health care but also tests burgeoning anti-racist practices (e.g., co-production, provider training, holistic review, discrimination reporting, etc.), acting as a convener and thought leader in synthesizing best practices to mitigate racism, and forging the path forward for research on equity and access. CONCLUSIONS AHRQ is well-positioned to develop an action plan, strategically fund it, and convene stakeholders across the health care spectrum to employ these recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Jindal
- Department of Academic Internal MedicineUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Krisda H. Chaiyachati
- Verily, Inc.South San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Vicki Fung
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Mongan InstituteMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Spero M. Manson
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Karoline Mortensen
- Department of Health Management and PolicyMiami Herbert Business SchoolCoral GablesFloridaUSA
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Ong MK, Norris KC. Advancing equity research in the quality of and access to health care in a post-affirmative action era. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 3:281-283. [PMID: 38015864 PMCID: PMC10684033 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Ong
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public HealthUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Keith C. Norris
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Roemer M, Schaefer MB, Pickens GT, Barrett ML. Estimating state-specific population-based hospitalization rates from in-state hospital discharge data. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1314-1327. [PMID: 37602919 PMCID: PMC10622291 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop weights to estimate state population-based hospitalization rates for all residents of a state using only data from in-state hospitals which exclude residents treated in other states. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), State Inpatient Databases (SID), 2018-2019, 47 states+DC. STUDY DESIGN We identified characteristics for patients hospitalized in each state differentiating movers (discharges for patients hospitalized outside state of residence) from stayers (discharges for patients hospitalized in state of residence) and created weights based on 2018 data informed by these characteristics. We calculated standard errors using a sampling framework and compared weight-based estimates against complete observed values for 2019. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS SID are based on administrative billing records collected by hospitals, shared with statewide data organizations, and provided to HCUP. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of 34,186,766 discharged patients in 2018, 4.2% were movers. A higher share of movers (vs. stayers) lived in state border and rural counties; a lower share had discharges billed to Medicaid or were hospitalized for maternal/neonatal services. The difference between 2019 observed and estimated total discharges for all included states and DC was 9402 (mean absolute percentage error = 0.2%). We overestimated discharges with an expected payer of Medicaid, from the lowest income communities, and for maternal/neonatal care. We underestimated discharges with an expected payer of private insurance, from the highest income communities, and with injury diagnoses and surgical services. Estimates for most subsets were not within a 95% confidence interval, likely due to factors impossible to account for (e.g., hospital closures/openings, shifting consumer preferences). CONCLUSIONS The weights offer a practical solution for researchers with access to only a single state's data to account for movers when calculating population-based hospitalization rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Roemer
- Agency for Healthcare Research and QualityRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Mary Beth Schaefer
- Affiliation at time of study: IBMSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Present address:
American Society of Plastic SurgeonsArlington HeightsIllinoisUSA
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Peek ME, Gottlieb LM, Doubeni CA, Viswanathan M, Cartier Y, Aceves B, Fichtenberg C, Cené CW. Advancing health equity through social care interventions. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 3:318-326. [PMID: 38015863 PMCID: PMC10684037 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use evidence on addressing racism in social care intervention research to create a framework for advancing health equity for all populations with marginalized social identities (e.g., race, gender, and sexual orientation). Such groups have disproportionate social needs (e.g., food insecurity) and negative social determinants of health (SDOH; e.g., poverty). We recommend how the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) could advance health equity for marginalized populations through social care research and care delivery. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING This commentary is informed by a literature review of social care interventions that were affiliated with healthcare systems; input from health equity researchers, policymakers, and community leaders attending the AHRQ Health Equity Summit; and consensus of the authors. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We recommend that AHRQ: (1) create an ecosystem that values research on SDOH and the effectiveness and implementation of social care interventions in the healthcare sector; (2) work with other federal agencies to (a) develop position statements with actionable recommendations about racism and other systems that perpetuate marginalization based on social identity and (b) develop aligned, complementary approaches to research and care delivery that address social marginalization; (3) advance both inclusive care delivery and inclusive research teams; (4) advance understanding of racism as a social determinant of health and effective strategies to mitigate its adverse impact on health; (5) advance the creation and scaling of effective strategies for addressing SDOH in healthcare systems, particularly in co-creation with community partners; and (6) require social care intervention researchers to use methods that advance our understanding of social health equity. CONCLUSIONS AHRQ, as a federal agency, could help advance health equity using a range of strategies, including using the agency's levers to ensure AHRQ stakeholders examine and address the unique experiences of socially marginalized populations in SDOH and social care intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E. Peek
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Chicago Center for Diabetes Translation Research, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Center for the Study of Race, Politics and CultureThe University of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Laura M. Gottlieb
- Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network (SIREN), Center for Health and CommunityUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chyke A. Doubeni
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Family and Community MedicineThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOhioUSA
| | | | - Yuri Cartier
- Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network (SIREN), Center for Health and CommunityUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Benjamin Aceves
- School of Public HealthSan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Caroline Fichtenberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network (SIREN), Center for Health and Community ResearcherUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Crystal W. Cené
- Section of General Internal MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
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LOPEZ JUSTINM, WING HOLLY, ACKERMAN SARAL, HESSLER DANIELLE, GOTTLIEB LAURAM. Community Health Center Staff Perspectives on Financial Payments for Social Care. Milbank Q 2023; 101:1304-1326. [PMID: 37593794 PMCID: PMC10726824 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points State and federal payers are actively considering strategies to increase the adoption of social risk screening and interventions in health care settings, including through the use of financial incentives. Activities related to social care in Oregon community health centers (CHCs) provided a unique opportunity to explore whether and how fee-for-service payments for social risk screening and navigation influence CHC activities. CHC staff, clinicians, and administrative leaders were often unaware of existing financial payments for social risk screening and navigation services. As currently designed, fee-for-service payments are unlikely to strongly influence CHC social care practices. CONTEXT A growing crop of national policies has emerged to encourage health care delivery systems to ask about and try to address patients' social risks, e.g., food, housing, and transportation insecurity, in care delivery contexts. In this study, we explored how community health center (CHC) staff perceive the current and potential influence of fee-for-service payments on clinical teams' engagement in these activities. METHODS We interviewed 42 clinicians, frontline staff, and administrative leaders from 12 Oregon CHC clinical sites about their social care initiatives, including about the role of existing or anticipated financial payments intended to promote social risk screening and referrals to social services. Data were analyzed using both inductive and deductive thematic analysis approaches. FINDINGS We grouped findings into three categories: participants' awareness of existing or anticipated financial incentives, uses for incentive dollars, and perceived impact of financial incentives on social care activities in clinical practices. Lack of awareness of existing incentives meant these incentives were not perceived to influence the behaviors of staff responsible for conducting screening and providing referrals. Current or anticipated meaningful uses for incentive dollars included paying for social care staff, providing social services, and supporting additional fundraising efforts. Frontline staff reported that the strongest motivator for clinic social care practices was the ability to provide responsive social services. Clinic leaders/managers noted that for financial incentives to substantively change CHC practices would require payments sizable enough to expand the social care workforce as well. CONCLUSIONS Small fee-for-service payments to CHCs for social risk screening and navigation services are unlikely to markedly influence CHC social care practices. Refining the design of financial incentives-e.g., by increasing clinical teams' awareness of incentives, linking screening to well-funded social services, and changing incentive amounts to support social care staffing needs-may increase the uptake of social care practices in CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- JUSTIN M. LOPEZ
- University of California, Berkeley–University of California San Francisco Joint Medical Program
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Matthews LJ, Damberg CL, Zhang S, Escarce JJ, Gibson CB, Schuler M, Popescu I. Within-Physician Differences in Patient Sharing Between Primary Care Physicians and Cardiologists Who Treat White and Black Patients With Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e030653. [PMID: 37982233 PMCID: PMC10727292 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black-White disparities in heart disease treatment may be attributable to differences in physician referral networks. We mapped physician networks for Medicare patients and examined within-physician Black-White differences in patient sharing between primary care physicians and cardiologists. METHODS AND RESULTS Using Medicare fee-for-service files for 2016 to 2017, we identified a cohort of Black and White patients with heart disease and the primary care physicians and cardiologists treating them. To ensure the robustness of within-physician comparisons, we restricted the sample to regional health care markets (ie, hospital referral regions) with at least 10 physicians sharing ≥3 Black and White patients. We used claims to construct 2 race-specific physician network measures: degree (number of cardiologists with whom a primary care physician shares patients) and transitivity (network tightness). Measures were adjusted for Black-White differences in physician panel size and calculated for all settings (hospital and office) and for office settings only. Of 306 US hospital referral regions, 226 and 145 met study criteria for all settings and office setting analyses, respectively. Black patients had more cardiology encounters overall (6.9 versus 6.6; P<0.001) and with unique cardiologists (3.0 versus 2.6; P<0.001), but fewer office encounters (31.7% versus 41.1%; P<0.001). Primary care physicians shared Black patients with more cardiologists than White patients (mean differential degree 23.4 for all settings and 3.6 for office analyses; P<0.001 for both). Black patient-sharing networks were less tightly connected in all but office settings (mean differential transitivity -0.2 for all settings [P<0.001] and near 0 for office analyses [P=0.74]). CONCLUSIONS Within-physician Black-White differences in patient sharing exist and may contribute to disparities in cardiac care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ioana Popescu
- RAND CorporationSanta MonicaCA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCA
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22
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Graves JA, Lee D, Leszinsky L, Nshuti L, Nikpay S, Richards M, Buntin MB, Polsky D. Physician patient sharing relationships within insurance plan networks. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1056-1065. [PMID: 36734605 PMCID: PMC10480085 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify shared patient relationships between primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists and oncologists and the degree to which those relationships were captured within insurance networks. DATA SOURCES Secondary analysis of Vericred data on physician networks, CareSet data on physicians' shared Medicare patients, and insurance plan attributes from Health Insurance Compare. Data validation exercises used data from Physician Compare and IQVIA. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study of the PCP-to-specialist in-network shared patient percentage (primary outcome). We also categorized networks by insurance market segment (Medicare Advantage [MA], Medicaid managed care, small-group or individually purchased), insurance plan type, and network breadth. DATA EXTRACTION We analyzed data on 219,982 PCPs, 29,400 cardiologists, and 22,745 oncologists who, in 2021, accepted MA (n = 941 networks), Medicaid managed care (n = 293), and individually-purchased (n = 332) and small-group (n = 501) plans. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Networks captured, on average, 64.6% of PCP-cardiology shared patient ties, and 61.8% of PCP-oncologist ties. Less than half of in-network ties (44.5% and 38.9%, respectively) were among physicians with a common organizational affiliation. After adjustment for network breadth, we found no evidence of differences in the shared patient percentage across insurance market segments or networks of different types (p-value >0.05 for all comparisons). An exception was among national versus local and regional networks, where we found that national plans captured fewer shared patient ties, particularly among the narrowest networks (58.4% for national networksvs. 64.7% for local and regional networks for PCP-cardiology). CONCLUSIONS Given recent trends toward narrower networks, our findings underscore the importance of incorporating additional and nuanced measures of network composition to aid plan selection (for patients) and to guide regulatory oversight.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Graves
- Department of Health Policy, Department of MedicineVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Dennis Lee
- Department of Health PolicyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Lena Leszinsky
- Department of Health PolicyVanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Leonce Nshuti
- Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Sayeh Nikpay
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Michael Richards
- Department of EconomicsBaylor University Hankamer Business SchoolWacoTexasUSA
| | - Melinda B. Buntin
- Department of Health PolicyVanderbilt University School of Medicine, Peabody School of Education, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Daniel Polsky
- Bloomberg School of Public, Carey Business School, Department of Health Policy and ManagementJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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23
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Mellor JM, McInerney M, Garrow RC, Sabik LM. The impact of Medicaid expansion on spending and utilization by older low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1024-1034. [PMID: 37011907 PMCID: PMC10480074 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine indirect spillover effects of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansions to working-age adults on health care coverage, spending, and utilization by older low-income Medicare beneficiaries. DATA SOURCES 2010-2018 Health and Retirement Study survey data linked to annual Medicare beneficiary summary files. STUDY DESIGN We estimated individual-level difference-in-differences models of total spending for inpatient, institutional outpatient, physician/professional provider services; inpatient stays, outpatient visits, physician visits; and Medicaid and Part A and B Medicare coverage. We compared changes in outcomes before and after Medicaid expansion in expansion versus nonexpansion states. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The sample included low-income respondents aged 69 and older with linked Medicare data, enrolled in full-year traditional Medicare, and residing in the community. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with a 9.8 percentage point increase in Medicaid coverage (95% CI: 0.020-0.176), a 4.4 percentage point increase in having any institutional outpatient spending (95% CI: 0.005-0.083), and a positive but statistically insignificant 2.4 percentage point change in Part B enrollment (95% CI: -0.003 to 0.050, p = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with more institutional outpatient spending among older low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Increased care costs should be weighed against potential benefits from increased realized access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Mellor
- Department of EconomicsWilliam & MaryChancellors Hall, 300 James Blair DriveWilliamsburgVirginia23185USA
| | - Melissa McInerney
- Department of EconomicsTufts University, Joyce Cummings Center177 College AvenueMedfordMassachusetts02155USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research1050 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMassachusetts02138USA
| | - Renee C. Garrow
- Federal Reserve Board20th Street and Constitution Ave NWWashingtonDC20551USA
| | - Lindsay M. Sabik
- Department of Health Policy & ManagementUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Public Health130 DeSoto St., A610PittsburghPennsylvania15261USA
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24
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Smith K, Padmanabhan P, Chen A, Glied S, Desai S. The impacts of the 340B Program on health care quality for low-income patients. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1089-1097. [PMID: 37475113 PMCID: PMC10480080 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of hospital 340B eligibility on quality of inpatient care provided to Medicaid and uninsured patients and for all patients. DATA Agency for Health Care Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Data, Hospital Cost Reporting Information System Data, Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System Data, and American Hospital Association Annual Survey. DESIGN Regression discontinuity design comparing hospitals just above the DSH percentage program eligibility threshold to those just below. Quality measures include all-cause mortality and 30-day readmission rates as well as condition-specific measures. DATA EXTRACTION Inpatient data from general acute care hospitals from 2008 to 2014 in 15 states. Data linked on hospital 340B eligibility and participation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We did not find discontinuities in inpatient care quality across the Program eligibility threshold for Medicaid and uninsured patients; specifically, on all-cause mortality (beta = -0.04 percentage points, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.08), 30-day readmission rates (beta = -0.16 percentage points, 95% CI: -0.81, 0.5), or other measures. Among insured and non-Medicaid patients, we found discontinuities for acute myocardial infarction (beta = -0.87 percentage points, 95% CI: -1.55, -0.2) and postoperative sepsis (beta = -0.15 percentage points, 95% CI: -0.23, -0.07) mortality. CONCLUSIONS 340B Program participation has not demonstrated improved quality of inpatient care among Medicaid or uninsured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Smith
- Department of Population HealthNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Prianca Padmanabhan
- Department of Population HealthNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Alan Chen
- Department of Population HealthNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Sherry Glied
- New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public ServiceNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- National Bureau of Economic ResearchCambridgeMassachusettesUSA
| | - Sunita Desai
- Department of Population HealthNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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25
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Yu J, Huckfeldt PJ, Mink PJ, Mehrotra A, Abraham JM. Evaluating the association between expanded coverage of direct-to-consumer telemedicine and downstream utilization and quality of care for urinary tract infections and sinusitis. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:976-987. [PMID: 36622637 PMCID: PMC10480089 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine and in-person visits in rates of testing, follow-up health care use, and quality for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sinusitis. DATA SOURCE The Minnesota All Payer Claims Data provided 2008-2015 administrative claims data. STUDY DESIGN Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compared episodes of care for UTIs and sinusitis among enrollees of health plans introducing coverage for DTC telemedicine relative to those without DTC telemedicine coverage. Primary outcomes included number of laboratory tests, antibiotics filled, office and outpatient visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and standardized spending, based on standardized prices of health services. DATA COLLECTION The study sample included non-elderly enrollees of commercial health insurance plans. We constructed 30-day episodes of care initiated by a DTC telemedicine or in-person visit. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The UTI and sinusitis samples were comprised of 215,134 and 624,630 episodes of care, respectively. Following the introduction of coverage for DTC telemedicine, 15.7% of UTI episodes and 8.9% of sinusitis episodes were initiated with DTC telemedicine. Compared to episodes without coverage for DTC telemedicine, UTI episodes with coverage had 0.25 fewer lab tests (95% CI: -0.33, -0.18; p < 0.001), lower standardized spending for the first UTI visit (-$11.18 [95% CI: -$21.62, -$0.75]; p < 0.05), and no change in office and outpatient visits, ED visits, antibiotics filled, or standardized medical spending. Sinusitis episodes with coverage for DTC telemedicine had fewer antibiotics filled (-0.08 [95% CI: -0.14, -0.01]; p < 0.05) and a very small increase in ED visits (0.001 [95% CI: 0.001, 0.010]; p < 0.05), but no change in lab tests, office and outpatient visits, or standardized medical spending. CONCLUSIONS Among commercially insured patients, coverage of DTC telemedicine was associated with reductions in antibiotics for sinusitis and laboratory tests for UTI without changes in downstream total office and outpatient visits or changes in ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yu
- Department of Population Health SciencesWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Peter J. Huckfeldt
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care PolicyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jean M. Abraham
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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26
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Chen Z, Gleason LJ, Konetzka RT, Sanghavi P. Accuracy of infection reporting in US nursing home ratings. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:1109-1118. [PMID: 37348846 PMCID: PMC10480086 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of nursing home-reported data on urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are publicly reported on Nursing Home Care Compare, and pneumonia, which are not publicly reported. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING We used secondary data for 100% of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in the United States between 2011 and 2017. STUDY DESIGN We identified Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who were nursing home residents between 2011 and 2017 and admitted to a hospital with a primary diagnosis of UTI or pneumonia. After linking these hospital claims to resident-level nursing home-reported assessment data in the Minimum Data Set, we calculated the percentages of infections that were appropriately reported and assessed variation by resident- and nursing home-level characteristics. We developed a claims-based nursing home-level measure of hospitalized infections and estimated correlations between this and publicly reported ratings. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who were nursing home residents and hospitalized for UTI or pneumonia during the study period were included. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Reporting rates were low for both infections (UTI: short-stay residents 29.1% and long-stay residents 19.2%; pneumonia: short-stay residents 66.0% and long-stay residents 70.6%). UTI reporting rates increased when counting additional assessments, but it is unclear whether these reports are for the same versus a newly developed UTI. Black residents had slightly lower reporting rates, as did nursing homes with more Black residents. Correlations between our claims-based measure and publicly reported ratings were poor. CONCLUSIONS UTI and pneumonia were substantially underreported in data used for national public reporting. Alternative approaches are needed to improve surveillance of nursing home quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences DivisionUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Lauren J. Gleason
- Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics and Palliative MedicineUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - R. Tamara Konetzka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences DivisionUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics and Palliative MedicineUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Prachi Sanghavi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Sciences DivisionUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
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27
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Neylon J, Luximon DC, Ritter T, Lamb JM. Proof-of-concept study of artificial intelligence-assisted review of CBCT image guidance. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2023; 24:e14016. [PMID: 37165761 PMCID: PMC10476980 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Automation and computer assistance can support quality assurance tasks in radiotherapy. Retrospective image review requires significant human resources, and automation of image review remains a noteworthy missing element in previous work. Here, we present initial findings from a proof-of-concept clinical implementation of an AI-assisted review of CBCT registrations used for patient setup. METHODS An automated pipeline was developed and executed nightly, utilizing python scripts to interact with the clinical database through DICOM networking protocol and automate data retrieval and analysis. A previously developed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm scored CBCT setup registrations based on misalignment likelihood, using a scale from 0 (most unlikely) through 1 (most likely). Over a 45-day period, 1357 pre-treatment CBCT registrations from 197 patients were retrieved and analyzed by the pipeline. Daily summary reports of the previous day's registrations were produced. Initial action levels targeted 10% of cases to highlight for in-depth physics review. A validation subset of 100 cases was scored by three independent observers to characterize AI-model performance. RESULTS Following an ROC analysis, a global threshold for model predictions of 0.87 was determined, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82%. Inspecting the observer scores for the stratified validation dataset showed a statistically significant correlation between observer scores and model predictions. CONCLUSION In this work, we describe the implementation of an automated AI-analysis pipeline for daily quantitative analysis of CBCT-guided patient setup registrations. The AI-model was validated against independent expert observers, and appropriate action levels were determined to minimize false positives without sacrificing sensitivity. Case studies demonstrate the potential benefits of such a pipeline to bolster quality and safety programs in radiotherapy. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous works performing AI-assisted assessment of pre-treatment CBCT-based patient alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Neylon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Dishane C. Luximon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Timothy Ritter
- Department of Medical PhysicsVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - James M. Lamb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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28
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Mobley EM, Moke DJ, Milam J, Ochoa‐Dominguez CY, Stal J, Mitchell H, Aminzadeh N, Bolshakova M, Mailhot Vega RB, Dinalo J, Motala A, Hempel S. Disparities in pediatric cancer survivorship care: A systematic review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18281-18305. [PMID: 37551113 PMCID: PMC10524017 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) experience many long-term health problems that can be mitigated with recommended survivorship care. However, many CCS do not have access to survivorship care nor receive recommended survivorship care. We reviewed the empirical evidence of disparities in survivorship care for CCS. METHODS This systematic review searched PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for studies on survivorship care for CCS (PROSPERO: CRD42021227965) and abstracted the reported presence or absence of disparities in care. We screened 7945 citations, and of those, we reviewed 2760 publications at full text. RESULTS A total of 22 studies reported in 61 publications met inclusion criteria. Potential disparities by cancer treatment (N = 14), diagnosis (N = 13), sex (N = 13), and current age (N = 13) were frequently studied. There was high quality of evidence (QOE) of survivorship care disparities associated with non-White race, Hispanic ethnicity, and being uninsured. Moderate QOE demonstrated disparities among CCS who were unemployed and older. Lower QOE was found for disparities based on cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, age at diagnosis, time since diagnosis, sex, insurance type, income, educational attainment, and geographic area. CONCLUSIONS We found strong empirical evidence of disparities in survivorship care for CCS associated with race, ethnicity, and insurance status. Multiple other disparate groups, such as those by employment, income, insurance type, education, cancer diagnosis, age at diagnosis, time since diagnosis, cancer treatment, geographic area, sex, and self-identified gender warrant further investigation. Prospective, multilevel research is needed to examine the role of other patient characteristics as potential disparities hindering adequate survivorship care in CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Mobley
- Department of Surgery, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Diana J. Moke
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow TransplantationChildren's Hospital Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Southern California Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship ResearchLos Angeles and IrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joel Milam
- Southern California Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship ResearchLos Angeles and IrvineCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Program in Public HealthUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carol Y. Ochoa‐Dominguez
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Julia Stal
- Southern California Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship ResearchLos Angeles and IrvineCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Halle Mitchell
- Department of Surgery, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Naghmeh Aminzadeh
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maria Bolshakova
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Raymond B. Mailhot Vega
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Jennifer Dinalo
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Aneesa Motala
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Susanne Hempel
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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29
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Chen LW, Usinger DS, Katz AJ. Telehealth use and perceptions among prostate cancer survivors. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17308-17312. [PMID: 37455582 PMCID: PMC10501258 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reasons underlying disparities in telehealth use among cancer survivors are unknown. METHODS We surveyed a sociodemographically diverse population-based cohort of 487 prostate cancer survivors regarding their use and perceptions of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Overall, only 28.5% of survivors had used telehealth at the time of survey and just 10% felt care through telehealth is comparable to that of an in-person visit. Still, over 55% felt telehealth is a good option for initial consultations or basic care and 15% felt more likely to use telehealth since the pandemic. After adjusting for other socioeconomic factors, survivors with lower education (≤high school vs. any college) had marginally lower use of telehealth (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42-1.01]) and lower probability of feeling more likely to use telehealth since the pandemic (RR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.20-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS Differences in survivor perceptions of telehealth by education level highlight new insights underlying disparities in telehealth use and potential targets for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke W. Chen
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of Kansas Cancer CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Deborah S. Usinger
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Aaron J. Katz
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of Kansas Cancer CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Department of Population HealthUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
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30
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Ong T, Albon D, Amin RS, Bailey J, Bandla S, Britto MT, Flath J, Gamel B, Powers M, Sabadosa KA, Saulitis AK, Thomas LK, Thurmond S, Seid M. Establishing a Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network: Interventions to promote collaboration and data-driven improvement at scale. Learn Health Syst 2023; 7:e10354. [PMID: 37448461 PMCID: PMC10336485 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A learning health network is a type of learning health system in which stakeholders use network organization to improve health and health care. Building on existing resources in the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, the Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network (CFLN) was designed to improve medical outcomes and quality of life through an intentional focus on achieving reliable evidence-based chronic care delivery and creating a system for data-driven collaborative learning. Methods We describe the development and growth of the CFLN considering six domains of a Network Maturity Grid: system leadership; governance and policy management; quality improvement (QI); engagement and community building; data and analytics; and research. We illustrate the impact of the CFLN experience on chronic care processes and indicators of collaborative infrastructure. Results The CFLN represents 36 accredited care centers in the CF Foundation Care Center Network caring for over 6300 patients. Of 6779 patient clinical care visits/quarter, 77% are entered into the CF Foundation Patient Registry within 30 days, providing timely means to track outcomes. Collaborative visit planning is occurring in 93% of clinical care visits to share agenda setting with patients and families. Almost all CFLN teams (94%, n = 34) have a patient/family partner (PFP), and 74% of PFPs indicate they are actively participating, taking ownership of, or leading QI initiatives with the interdisciplinary care team. In 2022, 97% of centers reported completing 1-13 improvement cycles per month, and 82% contributed to monthly QI progress reports to share learning. Conclusion The CFLN is a maturing, collaborative infrastructure. CFLN centers practice at an advanced level of coproduction. The CFLN fosters interdisciplinary and PFP leadership and the performance of consistent data-driven improvement cycles. CFLN centers are positioned to respond to rapid changes in evidence-based care and advance the practice of QI and implementation science on a broader scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thida Ong
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of PediatricsUniversity of Washington, Seattle Children's HospitalSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Dana Albon
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal MedicineUVACharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Raouf S. Amin
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics CincinnatiChildren's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Julianna Bailey
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Srujana Bandla
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Maria T. Britto
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Jonathan Flath
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Breck Gamel
- Children's Health Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center DallasUTSWDallasTexasUSA
| | - Michael Powers
- Pediatrics Doernbecher Children's HospitalOHSUPortlandOregonUSA
| | | | - Anna K. Saulitis
- Adult and Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Care CentersRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Lacrecia K. Thomas
- Cystic Fibrosis Center Children's of AlabamaChildren's of AlabamaBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Sophia Thurmond
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics CincinnatiChildren's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Michael Seid
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics CincinnatiChildren's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
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Khodneva Y, Levitan EB, Arora P, Presley CA, Oparil S, Cherrington AL. Disparities in Postdischarge Ambulatory Care Follow-Up Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Diabetes, Hospitalized for Heart Failure. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029094. [PMID: 37284763 PMCID: PMC10356027 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Ambulatory follow-up for all patients with heart failure (HF) is recommended within 7 to 14 days after hospital discharge to improve HF outcomes. We examined postdischarge ambulatory follow-up of patients with comorbid diabetes and HF from a low-income population in primary and specialty care. Methods and Results Adults with diabetes and first hospitalizations for HF, covered by Alabama Medicaid in 2010 to 2019, were included and the claims analyzed for ambulatory care use (any, primary care, cardiology, or endocrinology) within 60 days after discharge using restricted mean survival time regression and negative binomial regression. Among 9859 Medicaid-covered adults with diabetes and first hospitalization for HF (mean age, 53.7 years; SD, 9.2 years; 47.3% Black; 41.8% non-Hispanic White; 10.9% Hispanic/Other [Other included non-White Hispanic, American Indian, Pacific Islander and Asian adults]; 65.4% women, 34.6% men), 26.7% had an ambulatory visit within 0 to 7 days, 15.2% within 8 to 14 days, 31.3% within 15 to 60 days, and 26.8% had no visit; 71% saw a primary care physician and 12% a cardiology physician. Black and Hispanic/Other adults were less likely to have any postdischarge ambulatory visit (P<0.0001) or the visit was delayed (by 1.8 days, P=0.0006 and by 2.8 days, P=0.0016, respectively) and were less likely to see a primary care physician than non-Hispanic White adults (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.91-1.00] and 0.91 [95% CI, 0.89-0.98]; respectively). Conclusions More than half of Medicaid-covered adults with diabetes and HF in Alabama did not receive guideline-concordant postdischarge care. Black and Hispanic/Other adults were less likely to receive recommended postdischarge care for comorbid diabetes and HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Khodneva
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Emily B. Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Pankaj Arora
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Caroline A. Presley
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Suzanne Oparil
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Andrea L. Cherrington
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze how physician clinical note length and composition relate to electronic health record (EHR)-based measures of burden and efficiency that have been tied to burnout. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Secondary EHR use metadata capturing physician-level measures from 203,728 US-based ambulatory physicians using the Epic Systems EHR between September 2020 and May 2021. STUDY DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed physician clinical note length and note composition (e.g., content from manual or templated text). Our primary outcomes were three time-based measures of EHR burden (time writing EHR notes, time in the EHR after-hours, and EHR time on unscheduled days), and one measure of efficiency (percent of visits closed in the same day). We used multivariate regression to estimate the relationship between our outcomes and note length and composition. DATA EXTRACTION Physician-week measures of EHR usage were extracted from Epic's Signal platform used for measuring provider EHR efficiency. We calculated physician-level averages for our measures of interest and assigned physicians to overall note length deciles and note composition deciles from six sources, including templated text, manual text, and copy/paste text. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Physicians in the top decile of note length demonstrated greater burden and lower efficiency than the median physician, spending 39% more time in the EHR after hours (p < 0.001) and closing 5.6 percentage points fewer visits on the same day (p < 0.001). Copy/paste demonstrated a similar dose/response relationship, with top-decile copy/paste users closing 6.8 percentage points fewer visits on the same day (p < 0.001) and spending more time in the EHR after hours and on days off (both p < 0.001). Templated text (e.g., Epic's SmartTools) demonstrated a non-linear relationship with burden and efficiency, with very low and very high levels of use associated with increased EHR burden and decreased efficiency. CONCLUSIONS "Efficiency tools" like copy/paste and templated text meant to reduce documentation burden and increase provider efficiency may have limited efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nate C. Apathy
- National Center for Human Factors in HealthcareMedStar Health Research InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
- Center for Biomedical InformaticsRegenstrief InstituteIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Lisa Rotenstein
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Population Health Brigham & Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - David W. Bates
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of General Internal MedicineBrigham & Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
Department of Health Policy and ManagementHarvard School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - A. Jay Holmgren
- Center for Clinical Informatics and Improvement Research, University of California – San Francisco School of MedicineSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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Barron RJ, Faynshtayn NG, Jessen E, Girardin AL, Kamine TH, Schoenfeld EM, Hardy EJ, Baird J, Siero AA, McGregor AJ. Characteristics of acute sexual assault care in New England emergency departments. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12955. [PMID: 37193060 PMCID: PMC10182368 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Interventions such as written protocols and sexual assault nurse examiner programs improve outcomes for patients who have experienced acute sexual assault. How widely and in what ways such interventions have been implemented is largely unknown. We sought to characterize the current state of acute sexual assault care in New England. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals acute with knowledge of emergency department (ED) operations in relation to sexual assault care at New England adult EDs. Our primary outcomes included the availability and coverage of dedicated and non-dedicated sexual assault forensic examiners in EDs. Secondary outcomes included frequency of and reasons for patient transfer; treatment before transfer; availability of written sexual assault protocols; characteristics and scope of practice of dedicated and non-dedicated sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFEs), provision of care in SAFEs' absence; availability, coverage, and characteristics of victim advocacy and follow-up resources; and barriers to and facilitators of care. Results We approached all 186 distinct adult EDs in New England to recruit participants; 92 (49.5%) individuals participated, most commonly physician medical directors (n = 34, 44.1%). Two thirds of participants reported they at times have access to a dedicated (n = 52, 65%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 54.5%-75.5%) or non-dedicated (n = 50, 64.1%; 95% CI, 53.5%-74.7%) SAFE, but fewer reported always having this access (n = 9, 17.3%; 95% CI, 7%-27.6%; n = 13, 26%; 95% CI, 13.8%-38.2%). We describe in detail findings related to our secondary outcomes. Conclusions Although SAFEs are recognized as a strategy to provide high-quality acute sexual assault care, their availability and coverage is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Barron
- Department of Emergency MedicineUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Erica Jessen
- Baystate Medical CenterSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Abigail L. Girardin
- Department of Emergency MedicineUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Tovy Haber Kamine
- Department of SurgeryUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Health Care Delivery and Population ScienceUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elizabeth M. Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency MedicineUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Health Care Delivery and Population ScienceUMass Chan Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Erica J. Hardy
- Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics and GynecologyAlpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Janette Baird
- Department of Emergency MedicineAlpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Alan A. Siero
- University of California at RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alyson J. McGregor
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine GreenvilleGreenvilleSouth CarolinaUSA
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ANDERSON NATHANIELW, HALFON NEAL, EISENBERG DANIEL, MARKOWITZ ANNAJ, MOORE KRISTINANDERSON, ZIMMERMAN FREDERICKJ. Mixed Signals in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being Indicators in the United States: A Call for Improvements to Population Health Monitoring. Milbank Q 2023; 101:259-286. [PMID: 37052602 PMCID: PMC10262392 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Social indicators of young peoples' conditions and circumstances, such as high school graduation, food insecurity, and smoking, are improving even as subjective indicators of mental health and well-being have been worsening. This divergence suggests policies targeting the social indicators may not have improved overall mental health and well-being. There are several plausible reasons for this seeming contradiction. Available data suggest the culpability of one or several common exposures poorly captured by existing social indicators. Resolving this disconnect requires significant investments in population-level data systems to support a more holistic, child-centric, and up-to-date understanding of young people's lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - NEAL HALFON
- University of California Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
- University of California Los Angeles Meyer and Renee Luskin School of Public Affairs
| | - DANIEL EISENBERG
- University of California Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public
| | - ANNA J. MARKOWITZ
- University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
| | | | - FREDERICK J. ZIMMERMAN
- University of California Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public
- University of California Los Angeles Meyer and Renee Luskin School of Public Affairs
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Weekes AJ, Raper JD, Esener D, Davison J, Boyd JS, Kelly C, Nomura JT, Thomas AM, Lupez K, Cox CA, Ockerse PM, Leech S, Johnson J, Abrams E, Murphy K, O'Connell NS. Comparing predictive performance of pulmonary embolism risk stratification tools for acute clinical deterioration. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12983. [PMID: 37251351 PMCID: PMC10214857 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Existing pulmonary embolism (PE) risk scores were developed to predict death within weeks, but not more proximate adverse events. We determined the ability of 3 PE risk stratification tools (simplified pulmonary embolism severity index [sPESI], 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines [ESC], and PE short-term clinical outcomes risk estimation [PE-SCORE]) to predict 5-day clinical deterioration after emergency department (ED) diagnosis of PE. Methods We analyzed data from six EDs on ED patients with confirmed PE. Clinical deterioration was defined as death, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, new dysrhythmia, sustained hypotension requiring vasopressors or volume resuscitation, or escalated intervention within 5 days of PE diagnosis. We determined sensitivity and specificity of sPESI, ESC, and PE-SCORE for predicting clinical deterioration. Results Of 1569 patients, 24.5% had clinical deterioration within 5 days. sPESI, ESC, and PE-SCORE classifications were low-risk in 558 (35.6%), 167 (10.6%), and 309 (19.6%), respectively. Sensitivities of sPESI, ESC, and PE-SCORE for clinical deterioration were 81.8 (78, 85.7), 98.7 (97.6, 99.8), and 96.1 (94.2, 98), respectively. Specificities of sPESI, ESC, and PE-SCORE for clinical deterioration were 41.2 (38.4, 44), 13.7 (11.7, 15.6), and 24.8 (22.4, 27.3). Areas under the curve were 61.5 (59.1, 63.9), 56.2 (55.1, 57.3), and 60.5 (58.9, 62.0). Negative predictive values were 87.5 (84.7, 90.2), 97 (94.4, 99.6), and 95.1 (92.7, 97.5). Conclusions ESC and PE-SCORE were better than sPESI for detecting clinical deterioration within 5 days after PE diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Weekes
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health's Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jaron D. Raper
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health's Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabama
| | - Dasia Esener
- Department of Emergency MedicineKaiser PermanenteSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jillian Davison
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando HealthOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Jeremy S. Boyd
- Department of Emergency MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Christopher Kelly
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Jason T. Nomura
- Department of Emergency MedicineChristiana CareNewarkDelawareUSA
| | - Alyssa M. Thomas
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health's Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Emergency DepartmentHouston Methodist Baytown HospitalHoustonTexas
| | - Kathryn Lupez
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health's Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Emergency MedicineTufts Medical CenterBostonMassachusetts
| | - Carly A. Cox
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health's Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Emergency Medicine of IdahoMeridianIdaho
| | - Patrick M. Ockerse
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Stephen Leech
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando HealthOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Jakea Johnson
- Department of Emergency MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Eric Abrams
- Department of Emergency MedicineKaiser PermanenteSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kathleen Murphy
- Department of Emergency MedicineChristiana CareNewarkDelawareUSA
| | - Nathaniel S. O'Connell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data ScienceWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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Ordonez E, Bradby C, Carey J, Gupta S, Hiller KM, Miller D, Pierce A, Wiesendanger K, Moffett S. Beyond diversity and inclusion: Developing a research agenda for anti-racism in emergency medicine education. AEM Educ Train 2023; 7:S68-S77. [PMID: 37383834 PMCID: PMC10294218 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Addressing racism in emergency medicine education is vital for providing optimal training and assessment of physicians in the specialty, developing physicians with the skills necessary to advocate for their patients, and recruiting and retaining a diverse group of physicians. To form a prioritized research agenda, the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) conducted a consensus conference at the annual meeting in May 2022 on addressing racism in emergency medicine, which included a subgroup on education. Methods The education workgroup worked on summarizing the current literature on addressing racism in emergency medicine education, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and creating a consensus-driven research agenda for addressing racism in emergency medicine education. We used a nominal group technique and modified Delphi to develop priority questions for research. We then distributed a pre-conference survey to conference registrants to rate priority areas for research. During the consensus conference, group leaders provided an overview and background describing the rationale for the preliminary research question list. Attendees were then involved in discussions to help modify and develop research questions. Results Nineteen questions were initially selected by the education workgroup as potential areas for research. The education workgroup's next round of consensus building resulted in a consensus of ten questions to be included in the pre-conference survey. No questions in the pre-conference survey reached consensus. After robust discussion and voting by workgroup members and attendees at the consensus conference, six questions were determined to be priority research areas. Conclusions We believe recognizing and addressing racism in emergency medicine education is imperative. Critical gaps in curriculum design, assessment, bias training, allyship, and the learning environment negatively impact training programs. These gaps must be prioritized for research as they can have adverse effects on recruitment, the ability to promote a safe learning environment, patient care, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Ordonez
- Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Cassandra Bradby
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jennifer Carey
- Department of Emergency MedicineUMass Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sanjey Gupta
- Department of Emergency MedicineZucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/NorthwellBayshoreNew YorkUSA
| | - Katherine M. Hiller
- Department of Emergency MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Danielle Miller
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Ava Pierce
- Division of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Kathryn Wiesendanger
- Department of Emergency MedicineStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shannon Moffett
- Department of Emergency MedicineRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNew JerseyUSA
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Nugent JT, Ghazi L, Yamamoto Y, Bakhoum C, Wilson FP, Greenberg JH. Hypertension, Blood Pressure Variability, and Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Children. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029059. [PMID: 37119062 PMCID: PMC10227226 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Although hypertensive blood pressure measurements are common in hospitalized children, the degree of inpatient hypertension and blood pressure variability (BPV) associated with end organ complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. Methods and Results All analyses are based on a retrospective cohort of children aged 1 to 17 years with ≥2 creatinine measurements during admission from 2014 to 2018. We used time-updated Cox models to evaluate the association between BPV and hypertension with AKI. Time-varying BPV and hypertension were based on blood pressure in the preceding 72 hours. For the analysis of hypertension and AKI, we excluded patients on vasopressors to ensure comparison between hypertensive and normotensive patients. During 5425 pediatric encounters, 258 430 blood pressure measurements were recorded (median [interquartile range] 22 [11-47] readings per encounter). Among all measurements, 32.7% were ≥95th percentile and 18.9% were ≥99th percentile for age, sex, and height. AKI occurred in 389 (7.2%) encounters. We observed a U-shaped relationship between mean blood pressure and incident AKI. BPV was associated with AKI, with the largest effect sizes in the systolic and mean arterial pressure variability measures. Multiple hypertension thresholds were associated with AKI after controlling for confounders. In an additional multivariable model adjusted for BPV, the association between hypertension and AKI was attenuated but remained significant for hypertension defined as three stage 2 measurements in 1 day (hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.01-2.01]). Conclusions Hypertension and BPV are associated with AKI in hospitalized children. Future studies are needed to determine how pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions modify AKI risk in pediatric inpatients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T. Nugent
- Section of Nephrology, Department of PediatricsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Lama Ghazi
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Yu Yamamoto
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Christine Bakhoum
- Section of Nephrology, Department of PediatricsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - F. Perry Wilson
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Section of Nephrology, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Jason H. Greenberg
- Section of Nephrology, Department of PediatricsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
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Rao BR, Akrobetu DJ, Dickert NW, Nguyen T, Davis JK, Campagna A, Mitchell AR, Sharma A, Speight CD, Barks MC, Farley S, Gutterman S, Santanam T, Ubel PA. Deciding Whether to Take Sacubitril/Valsartan: How Cardiologists and Patients Discuss Out-of-Pocket Costs. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028278. [PMID: 36974764 PMCID: PMC10122884 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Out-of-pocket costs have significant implications for patients with heart failure and should ideally be incorporated into shared decision-making for clinical care. High out-of-pocket cost is one potential reason for the slow uptake of newer guideline-directed medical therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This study aims to characterize patient-cardiologist discussions involving out-of-pocket costs associated with sacubitril/valsartan during the early postapproval period. Methods and Results We conducted content analysis on 222 deidentified transcripts of audio-recorded outpatient encounters taking place between 2015 and 2018 in which cardiologists (n=16) and their patients discussed whether to initiate, continue, or discontinue sacubitril/valsartan. In the 222 included encounters, 100 (45%) contained discussions about cost. Cost was discussed in a variety of contexts: when sacubitril/valsartan was initiated, not initiated, continued, and discontinued. Of the 97 cost conversations analyzed, the majority involved isolated discussions about insurance coverage (64/97 encounters; 66%) and few addressed specific out-of-pocket costs or affordability (28/97 encounters; 29%). Discussion of free samples of sacubitril/valsartan was common (52/97 encounters; 54%), often with no discussion of a longer-term plan for addressing cost. Conclusions Although cost conversations were somewhat common in patient-cardiologist encounters in which sacubitril/valsartan was discussed, these conversations were generally superficial, rarely addressing affordability or cost-value judgments. Cardiologists frequently provided patients with a course of free sacubitril/valsartan samples without a plan to address the cost after the samples ran out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birju R. Rao
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | - Neal W. Dickert
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | | | - Ada Campagna
- Duke‐Margolis Center for Health PolicyDurhamNCUSA
| | - Andrea R. Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Anu Sharma
- Duke‐Margolis Center for Health PolicyDurhamNCUSA
| | - Candace D. Speight
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter A. Ubel
- Duke University School of MedicineDurhamNCUSA
- Duke‐Margolis Center for Health PolicyDurhamNCUSA
- Duke University’s Fuqua School of BusinessDurhamNCUSA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the predictors and outcomes of empathy by health care personnel, methods used to study their empathy, and the effectiveness of interventions targeting their empathy, in order to advance understanding of the role of empathy in health care and facilitate additional research aimed at increasing positive patient care experiences and outcomes. DATA SOURCE We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, PsycInfo, and Business Source Complete to identify empirical studies of empathy involving health care personnel in English-language publications up until April 20, 2021, covering the first five decades of research on empathy in health care (1971-2021). STUDY DESIGN We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Title and abstract screening for study eligibility was followed by full-text screening of relevant citations to extract study information (e.g., study design, sample size, empathy measure used, empathy assessor, intervention type if applicable, other variables evaluated, results, and significance). We classified study predictors and outcomes into categories, calculated descriptive statistics, and produced tables to summarize findings. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of the 2270 articles screened, 455 reporting on 470 analyses satisfied the inclusion criteria. We found that most studies have been survey-based, cross-sectional examinations; greater empathy is associated with better clinical outcomes and patient care experiences; and empathy predictors are many and fall into five categories (provider demographics, provider characteristics, provider behavior during interactions, target characteristics, and organizational context). Of the 128 intervention studies, 103 (80%) found a positive and significant effect. With four exceptions, interventions were educational programs focused on individual clinicians or trainees. No organizational-level interventions (e.g., empathy-specific processes or roles) were identified. CONCLUSIONS Empirical research provides evidence of the importance of empathy to health care outcomes and identifies multiple changeable predictors of empathy. Training can improve individuals' empathy; organizational-level interventions for systematic improvement are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M. Nembhard
- Health Care Management DepartmentThe Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health EconomicsUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Guy David
- Health Care Management DepartmentThe Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health EconomicsUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Iman Ezzeddine
- Health Care Management DepartmentThe Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David Betts
- Life Sciences and Health Care PracticeDeloitte Consulting, LLPNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jennifer Radin
- Life Sciences and Health Care PracticeDeloitte Consulting, LLPNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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STANGE KURTC, MILLER WILLIAML, ETZ REBECCAS. The Role of Primary Care in Improving Population Health. Milbank Q 2023; 101:795-840. [PMID: 37096603 PMCID: PMC10126984 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Systems based on primary care have better population health, health equity, and health care quality, and lower health care expenditure. Primary care can be a boundary-spanning force to integrate and personalize the many factors from which population health emerges. Equitably advancing population health requires understanding and supporting the complexly interacting mechanisms by which primary care influences health, equity, and health costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- KURT C. STANGE
- Center for Community Health IntegrationCase Western Reserve University
| | - WILLIAM L. MILLER
- Lehigh Valley Health System and University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
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Denstaedt SJ, Cano J, Wang XQ, Donnelly JP, Seelye S, Prescott HC. Blood count derangements after sepsis and association with post-hospital outcomes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133351. [PMID: 36936903 PMCID: PMC10018394 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Predicting long-term outcomes in sepsis survivors remains a difficult task. Persistent inflammation post-sepsis is associated with increased risk for rehospitalization and death. As surrogate markers of inflammation, complete blood count parameters measured at hospital discharge may have prognostic value for sepsis survivors. Objective To determine the incremental value of complete blood count parameters over clinical characteristics for predicting 90-day outcomes in sepsis survivors. Methods Electronic health record data was used to identify sepsis hospitalizations at United States Veterans Affairs hospitals with live discharge and relevant laboratory data (2013 to 2018). We measured the association of eight complete blood count parameters with 90-day outcomes (mortality, rehospitalization, cause-specific rehospitalizations) using multivariable logistic regression models. Measurements and main results We identified 155,988 eligible hospitalizations for sepsis. Anemia (93.6%, N=142,162) and lymphopenia (28.1%, N=29,365) were the most common blood count abnormalities at discharge. In multivariable models, all parameters were associated with the primary outcome of 90-day mortality or rehospitalization and improved model discrimination above clinical characteristics alone (likelihood ratio test, p<0.02 for all). A model including all eight parameters significantly improved discrimination (AUROC, 0.6929 v. 0.6756) and reduced calibration error for the primary outcome. Hemoglobin had the greatest prognostic separation with a 1.5 fold increased incidence of the primary outcome in the lowest quintile (7.2-8.9 g/dL) versus highest quintile (12.70-15.80 g/dL). Hemoglobin and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio provided the most added value in predicting the primary outcome and 90-day mortality alone, respectively. Absolute lymphocyte count added little value in predicting 90-day outcomes. Conclusions The incorporation of discharge complete blood count parameters into prognostic scoring systems could improve prediction of 90-day outcomes. Hemoglobin had the greatest prognostic value for the primary composite outcome of 90-day rehospitalization or mortality. Absolute lymphocyte count provided little added value in multivariable model comparisons, including for infection- or sepsis-related rehospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Denstaedt
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer Cano
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Xiao Qing Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John P. Donnelly
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sarah Seelye
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hallie C. Prescott
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Martin P, Gupta D, Pruett T. Predicting older-donor kidneys' post-transplant renal function using pre-transplant data. Nav Res Logist 2023; 70:21-33. [PMID: 37082424 PMCID: PMC10108525 DOI: 10.1002/nav.22083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a methodology for predicting post-transplant kidney function, that is, the 1-year post-transplant estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR-1) for each donor-candidate pair. We apply customized machine-learning algorithms to pre-transplant donor and recipient data to determine the probability of achieving an eGFR-1 of at least 30 ml/min. This threshold was chosen because there is insufficient survival benefit if the kidney fails to generate an eGFR-1 ≥ 30 ml/min. For some donor-candidate pairs, the developed algorithm provides highly accurate predictions. For others, limitations of previous transplants' data results in noisier predictions. However, because the same kidney is offered to many candidates, we identify those pairs for whom the predictions are highly accurate. Out of 6977 discarded older-donor kidneys that were a match with at least one transplanted kidney, 5282 had one or more identified candidate, who were offered that kidney, did not accept any other offer, and would have had ≥80% chance of achieving eGFR-1 ≥ 30 ml/min, had the kidney been transplanted. We also show that transplants with ≥80% chance of achieving eGFR-1 ≥ 30 ml/min and that survive 1 year have higher 10-year death-censored graft survival probabilities than all older-donor transplants that survive 1 year (73.61% vs. 70.48%, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Martin
- Kelley School of BusinessIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Diwakar Gupta
- McCombs School of BusinessUniversity of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | - Timothy Pruett
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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Aswani MS, Roberts ET. Social risk adjustment in the hospital readmission reduction program: Pitfalls of peer grouping, measurement challenges, and potential solutions. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:51-59. [PMID: 35249227 PMCID: PMC9836940 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the limitations of peer grouping and associated challenges measuring social risk in Medicare's Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP). Under peer grouping, hospitals are divided into quintiles based on the proportion of a hospital's Medicare inpatients with Medicaid ("dual share"). This approach was implemented to address concerns that the HRRP unfairly penalized hospitals that disproportionately serve disadvantaged patients. DATA Public data on hospitals in the HRRP. DESIGN We examined the relationship between hospital dual share and readmission rates within peer groups; changes in hospitals' peer group assignments, readmission rates, and penalties; and the relationship between state Medicaid eligibility rules and peer groups. DATA COLLECTION Public data on hospital characteristics and readmission rates for 3119 hospitals from 2019 to 2020. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The proportion of dual inpatients among hospitals of the same peer group varied by as much as 69 percentage points (ppt). Within peer groups, a one ppt increase in dual share was associated with a 0.01 ppt increase in the difference from the median readmission rate (p < 0.001). From 2019 to 2020, 8.8% of hospitals switched peer groups. Compared to hospitals that did not switch, those moving to a lower peer group had a higher mean penalty in 2020 (0.096 ppt; p = 0.006); those moving to a higher group had a lower mean penalty (-0.06 ppt; p = 0.079). However, changes in penalties did not correspond to changes in readmission rates. Hospitals in states with higher Medicaid income eligibility limits were more likely to be in higher peer groups. CONCLUSIONS Peer grouping is limited in the extent to which it accounts for differences in hospitals' patient populations, and it may not fully insulate hospitals from penalties linked to changes in patient mix. These problems arise from the construction of peer groups and the measure of social risk used to define them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica S. Aswani
- Department of Health Services AdministrationUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health ProfessionsBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Eric T. Roberts
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Carey K, Lin M. Safety-net hospital performance under Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:101-106. [PMID: 35904218 PMCID: PMC9836942 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relative progress of safety-net hospitals (SNHs) under Medicare's Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) mandatory bundled payment model over 2016-2020 and to identify the contributors to SNHs' realization of success under the program. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Secondary data on all CJR hospitals were collected from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files and from the American Hospital Association. STUDY DESIGN We addressed whether SNHs can achieve progress in financial performance under CJR by focusing on the relative change in reconciliation payments or the difference between episode spending and target prices. We applied the method of dominance analysis to ordinary least squares regression to determine the relative importance of predictors of change in reconciliation payments over time. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Compared to CJR hospitals overall, SNHs were less successful in meeting episode spending targets. Hospital factors dominated socioeconomic factors in explaining progress among SNHs, but not among non-SNHs. The contribution of nurse staffing was negligible across all CJR hospitals. CONCLUSIONS The formula used by CMS to determine spending targets may not be sufficient to address disparities in SNH financial performance under mandatory bundled payment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Carey
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Meng‐Yun Lin
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Medical Center BoulevardWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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Thomson J, Richardson T, Auger KA, Brady PW, Hall M, Hartley D, Schondelmeyer AC, Shah SS. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalizations of children with neurologic impairment. J Hosp Med 2023; 18:33-42. [PMID: 36504483 PMCID: PMC9877577 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with neurologic impairment (NI) are frequently hospitalized for infectious and noninfectious illnesses. The early period of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with overall lower pediatric hospitalization rates, particularly for respiratory infections, but the effect on utilization for children with NI is unknown. METHOD This multicenter retrospective cohort study included hospitalizations of children 1-18 years of age with NI diagnosis codes from 49 children's hospitals. We calculated the percent change in the median weekly hospitalization volumes and the hospitalization resource intensity score (H-RISK), comparing the early-COVID era (March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020) with the pre-COVID era (same timeframe of 2017-2019). Percent change was calculated over the entire study period as well as within three seasonal time periods (spring, summer, and fall/winter). Differences between infectious and noninfectious admission diagnoses were also examined. RESULTS Compared with the pre-COVID era, there was a 14.4% decrease (interquartile range [IQR]: -33.8, -11.7) in the weekly median number of hospitalizations in the early-COVID era; the weekly median H-RISK score was 11.7% greater (IQR: 8.9, 14.9). Hospitalizations decreased for both noninfectious (-11.6%, IQR: -30.0, -8.0) and infectious (-35.5%, IQR: -51.1, -31.3) illnesses in the early-COVID era. This decrease was the largest in spring 2020 and continued throughout 2020. CONCLUSIONS For children with NI, there was a substantial and significant decrease in hospitalizations for infectious and noninfectious diagnoses but an increase in illness severity during the early-COVID era compared with the pre-COVID era. Our data suggest a need to reconsider current thresholds for hospitalization and identify opportunities to support and guide families through certain illnesses without hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Thomson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Hospital MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | - Katherine A. Auger
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Hospital MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Patrick W. Brady
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Hospital MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital AssociationLenexaKansasUSA
| | - David Hartley
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Amanda C. Schondelmeyer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Hospital MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems ExcellenceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Samir S. Shah
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Hospital MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Infectious DiseasesCincinnatiOhioUSA
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Eliason EL, Daw JR. Presumptive eligibility for pregnancy Medicaid and timely prenatal care access. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:1288-1294. [PMID: 35808941 PMCID: PMC9643081 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between the adoption of presumptive eligibility for pregnancy Medicaid in Kansas in 2016 and timely prenatal care access. DATA SOURCE 2012-2019 National Center for Health Statistics natality files. STUDY DESIGN We used difference-in-differences to compare outcomes before (2012-2015) and after (2017-2019) presumptive eligibility in Kansas relative to seven control group states overall and stratified by maternal education. Outcomes included first-trimester prenatal care, the month of first prenatal visit, and adequate prenatal care. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS All live births among adults aged 20 or older in Kansas, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Among all births, we found no evidence that presumptive eligibility in Kansas resulted in changes in prenatal care use. Among individuals with high school education or less, presumptive eligibility was associated with a 1.92 percentage-point increase (95% CI: 0.64, 4.35) in first-trimester prenatal care, driven by earlier month of first prenatal care visit. CONCLUSIONS Presumptive eligibility in Medicaid non-expansion states may lead to small improvements in early prenatal care among individuals with lower education, but other interventions may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Eliason
- Department of Health Services, Policy, & PracticeBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Jamie R. Daw
- Department of Health Policy & ManagementColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Cleary PD. 2022 Reinhardt lecture: The patient's voice as signal. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:1209-1213. [PMID: 36184968 PMCID: PMC9643083 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. Cleary
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementYale School of Public HealthGuilfordConnecticutUSA
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Chu J, Roby DH, Boudreaux MH. Effects of the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act on immigrant children's healthcare access. Health Serv Res 2022; 57 Suppl 2:315-325. [PMID: 36053731 PMCID: PMC9660422 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the effects of Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), a policy that provided states the option to extend Medicaid/CHIP eligibility to immigrant children who have not been legal residents for five years or more, on insurance coverage, access, utilization, and health outcomes among immigrant children. DATA SOURCES Restricted use 2000-2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). STUDY DESIGN We used a difference-in-differences design that compared changes in CHIPRA expansion states to changes in non-expansion states. DATA COLLECTION Our sample included immigrant children who were born outside the US, aged 0-18 with family income below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Subgroup analyses were conducted across states that did and did not have a similar state-funded option prior to CHIPRA (state-funded vs. not state-funded), by the length of time in the US (5 years vs. 5-14 years), and global region of birth (Latin American vs. Asian countries). PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We found that CHIPRA was associated with a significant 6.35 percentage point decrease in uninsured rates (95% CI: -11.25, -1.45) and an 8.1 percentage point increase in public insurance enrollment for immigrant children (95% CI: 1.26, 14.98). However, the effects of CHIPRA became small and statistically not significant 3 years after adoption. Effects on public insurance coverage were significant in states without state-funded programs prior to CHIPRA (15.50 percentage points; 95% CI:8.05, 22.95) and for children born in Asian countries (12.80 percentage points; 95% CI: 1.04, 24.56). We found no significant changes in health care access and utilization, and health outcomes, overall and across subgroups due to CHIPRA. CONCLUSIONS CHIPRA's eligibility expansion was associated with increases in public insurance coverage for low-income children, especially in states where CHIPRA represented a new source of coverage versus a substitute for state-funded coverage. However, we found evidence of crowd-out in certain subgroups and no effect of CHIPRA on access to care and health. Our results suggest that public coverage may be an important tool for promoting the well-being of immigrant children but other investments are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chu
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Public HealthThe University of MarylandBaltimore County
| | - Dylan H. Roby
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michel H. Boudreaux
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
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Clements KM, Kunte PS, Clark MA, Gurewich D, Greenwood BC, Sefton L, Pratt C, Person SD, Wessolossky MA. Uptake of hepatitis C virus treatment in a multi-state Medicaid population, 2013-2017. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:1312-1320. [PMID: 35466398 PMCID: PMC9643082 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine trends in the direct acting antiviral (DAA) uptake in a multi-state Medicaid population with hepatitis C virus (HCV) prior to and after ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) approval and changes in prior authorization (PA) requirements. DATA SOURCES Analyses utilized enrollment, medical, and pharmacy claims in four states, December 2013-December 2017. STUDY DESIGN An interrupted time series examined trends in uptake (1+ claim for a DAA) before and after two events: LDV/SOV approval (October 2014) and lifting of PA requirements for 40% of members (July 2016). Analyses were also performed in subgroups defined by the number and dates of change in PA requirements in members' Medicaid plans. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Members aged 18-64 years with an ICD code for HCV were included in the sample from diagnosis date until treatment initiation or Medicaid disenrollment. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The annual sample size ranged from 38,302 to 45,005 with approximately 30% ages 18-34 years and 40% female. In December 2013, 0.08% was treated, rising to 0.74% in December 2017 (p < 0.001). Uptake increased from 0.34%/month in October 2014 to 0.70%/month after LDV/SOF approval, (p < 0.001), and increased relative to the pre-LDV/SOV trend through June 2016 (p = 0.04). Uptake increased to 1.18%/month after PA change, (p < 0.001) and remained flat through 2017 (p = 0.64). Cumulatively, 20.1% were treated by December 2017. In plans with few/no requirements through 2017, uptake increased to 1.19%/month after LDV/SOF approval (p < 0.001) and remained flat through 2017 (p = 0.11), with 22.2% cumulatively treated. Among plans that lifted PA requirements from three to zero in mid-2016, uptake did not increase after LDV/SOF approval (p = 0.36) but did increase to 1.41%/month (p < 0.001) after PA change, with 18.1% cumulatively treated. CONCLUSIONS HCV Treatment increased through 2017. LDV/SOF approval and lifting PA requirements led to an increase in uptake followed by flat monthly utilization. Cumulative uptake was higher in plans with few/no PA requirements relative to those with three requirements through mid-2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Clements
- Commonwealth MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolShrewsburyMassachusettsUSA
| | - Parag S. Kunte
- Commonwealth MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolShrewsburyMassachusettsUSA
| | - Melissa A. Clark
- Quantitative Health SciencesUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Deborah Gurewich
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation ResearchVA Boston Health Care System Jamaica Plain CampusBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bonnie C. Greenwood
- Commonwealth MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolShrewsburyMassachusettsUSA
| | - Laura Sefton
- Commonwealth MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolShrewsburyMassachusettsUSA
| | - Carter Pratt
- Commonwealth MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolShrewsburyMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sharina D. Person
- Quantitative Health SciencesUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Miryea A. Wessolossky
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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Levinson Z, Cantor J, Williams MV, Whaley C. The association of strained ICU capacity with hospital patient racial and ethnic composition and federal relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Serv Res 2022; 57 Suppl 2:279-290. [PMID: 35808952 PMCID: PMC9349922 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the association between strained intensive care unit (ICU) capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and hospital racial and ethnic patient composition, federal pandemic relief, and other hospital characteristics. DATA SOURCES We used government data on hospital capacity during the pandemic and Provider Relief Fund (PRF) allocations, Medicare claims and enrollment data, hospital cost reports, and Social Vulnerability Index data. STUDY DESIGN We conducted cross-sectional bivariate analyses relating strained capacity and PRF award per hospital bed with hospital patient composition and other characteristics, with and without adjustment for hospital referral region (HRR). DATA COLLECTION We linked PRF data to CMS Certification Numbers based on hospital name and location. We used measures of racial and ethnic composition generated from Medicare claims and enrollment data. Our sample period includes the weeks of September 18, 2020 through November 5, 2021, and we restricted our analysis to short-term, general hospitals with at least one intensive care unit (ICU) bed. We defined "ICU strain share" as the proportion of ICU days occurring while a given hospital had an ICU occupancy rate ≥ 90%. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS After adjusting for HRR, hospitals in the top tercile of Black patient shares had higher ICU strain shares than did hospitals in the bottom tercile (30% vs. 22%, p < 0.05) and received greater PRF amounts per bed ($118,864 vs. $92,407, p < 0.05). Having high versus low ICU occupancy relative to pre-pandemic capacity was associated with a modest increase in PRF amounts per bed after adjusting for HRR ($107,319 vs. $96,627, p < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences when comparing hospitals with high versus low ICU occupancy relative to contemporaneous capacity. CONCLUSIONS Hospitals with large Black patient shares experienced greater strain during the pandemic. Although these hospitals received more federal relief, funding was not targeted overall toward hospitals with high ICU occupancy rates.
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