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Savage RD, Hardacre K, Bashi AM, Bronskill SE, Faulkner C, Grieve J, Gruneir A, McCarthy LM, Chamberlain SA, Lam K, Stall NM, Zhu L, Rochon PA. Perspectives on ageing: a qualitative study of the expectations, priorities, needs and values of older people from two Canadian provinces. Age Ageing 2021; 50:1811-1819. [PMID: 34228777 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the needs and values of older people is vital to build responsive policies, services and research agendas in this time of demographic transition. Older peoples' expectations and priorities for ageing, as well as their beliefs regarding challenges facing ageing societies, are multi-faceted and require regular updates as populations' age. OBJECTIVE To develop an understanding of self-perceptions of ageing and societal ageing among Canadian retirees of the education sector to define a meaningful health research agenda. METHODS We conducted four qualitative focus groups among 27 members of a Canadian retired educators' organisation. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS We identified four overarching themes: (1) vulnerability to health challenges despite a healthier generation, (2) maintaining health and social connection for optimal ageing, (3) strengthening person-centred healthcare for ageing societies and (4) mobilising a critical mass to enact change. Participants' preconceptions of ageing differed from their personal experiences. They prioritised maintaining health and social connections and felt that current healthcare practices disempowered them to manage and optimise their health. Although the sheer size of their demographic instilled optimism of their potential to garner positive change, participants felt they lacked mechanisms to contribute to developing solutions to address this transition. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a need for health research that improves perceptions of ageing and supports health system transformations to deliver person-centred care. Opportunities exist to harness their activism to engage older people as partners in shaping solution-oriented research that can support planning for an ageing society.
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Kim D, Wang R, Kiss A, Bronskill SE, Lanctot KL, Herrmann N, Gallagher D. Depression and Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Dementia: Longitudinal Analyses of Modifiable Risk and Sex-Related Factors. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:917-926. [PMID: 33455858 PMCID: PMC8257760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our understanding of why older adults with depression are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains incomplete. Most adults living with AD are women, and women have a near twofold lifetime risk of depression. We examined the risk of depression upon incident AD, and how sex influences this risk. METHODS Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database, older adults (age 50+) with normal cognition, who visited memory clinics across the United States between September 2005 and December 2019, were followed until first diagnosis of AD or loss to follow up. Multivariable survival analyses were performed to determine if recent and/or remote depression were independent risk factors for AD, if this depression-related risk exists for each sex or was moderated by sex. RESULTS Six hundred and fifty-two of 10,739 enrolled participants developed AD over a median follow-up of 55.3 months. Recent depression (active within the last 2 years) was independently associated with increased risk of AD (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95%CI, 1.5-2.6) while a remote history of depression was not (HR = 1.0; 95%CI, 0.7-1.5). After stratification by sex, recent depression was an independent predictor in females (HR = 2.3; 95%CI, 1.7-3.1) but not in males (HR = 1.4; 95%CI, 0.8-2.6). No interaction between recent depression and sex was observed. CONCLUSION Only a recent history of depression was associated with higher risk of AD. This association was significant among women only, but was not moderated by sex. Future analyses should determine if these findings extend to other populations and may be explained by variable distribution of neurobiological or other modifiable risk factors between the sexes.
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Harris DA, Bouck Z, Tricco AC, Cadarette SM, Iaboni A, Bronskill SE. Strategies for measuring prescription medication switching with pharmacy claims data: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 19:2441-2456. [PMID: 33720110 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-20-00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review will aim to compare strategies for measuring prescription medication switching with pharmacy claims data, with a focus on psychotropic vs non-psychotropic medications. INTRODUCTION Medication switching (ie, the replacement of one medication for another) is common and occurs due to several factors (such as adverse effects to a specific medication). In pharmacoepidemiology studies that use pharmacy claims data, it is important to identify and account for switches; however, due to data limitations and lack of a methodological standard, this can be challenging. The aim of this scoping review is to describe how studies have previously measured medication switching with pharmacy claims data in order to create a repository of common strategies and highlight areas for future research. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will include studies that have used pharmacy claims data to measure medication switching as their primary independent or dependent variable. Studies conducted at the individual level (ie, not ecological), published between January 1, 1980, and October 31, 2020, and investigating orally administered, non-anti-infective medications will be considered. No age, population, or context restrictions are specified as inclusion criteria. METHODS JBI methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews were used for this protocol. MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Central (Cochrane Library), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Google Scholar will be searched with the assistance of a health sciences research librarian. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Strategies for measuring medication switching will be narratively described and summarized overall and by broad medication class.
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Campitelli MA, Abrahao A, Maclagan LC, Fu L, Maxwell CJ, Swartz RH, Zinman L, Bronskill SE. Health services utilization prior to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis: A province-wide study of individuals treated with riluzole in Ontario, Canada. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:691-700. [PMID: 34437716 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms mimic those of other conditions and often require multiple physician and healthcare contacts for investigation and accurate diagnosis. We examined the type and frequency of healthcare service utilization prior to ALS diagnosis and tracheostomy-free survival by sex and rurality among individuals treated with riluzole in Ontario, Canada. METHODS This population-based cohort study used administrative databases to identify patients aged 18+ y diagnosed with ALS and started on riluzole between April 2002-March 2018. Using Poisson regression, rate ratios of healthcare utilization and atypical diagnostic tests and unnecessary therapeutic interventions 5 y prior to ALS diagnosis were compared by sex and rurality. Tracheostomy-free survival after diagnosis was compared between groups using Kaplan-Meier estimators and proportional hazards models. RESULTS A total of 1071 patients with ALS were identified with a mean age of 70 y; 563 (52.6%) were men and 134 (12.5%) were rural residents. The number of physician visits increased in the 18 mo prior to ALS diagnosis. We observed modest sex differences in healthcare utilization. Rural patients had lower neurologist visit rates (rate ratio [RR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.87) and were significantly more likely to receive an atypical diagnostic test or unnecessary therapeutic intervention (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.04-3.10). Tracheostomy-free survival did not differ by sex (log-rank P-value = .78) or rurality (log-rank P-value = .84). DISCUSSION Given disparities observed in healthcare of rural ALS patients, policy strategies are needed to ensure all patients have timely access to care along the pathway from symptom onset to ALS diagnosis, to enable access to new therapeutics and clinical trials.
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Manis DR, Rahim A, Poss JW, Bielska IA, Bronskill SE, Tarride JÉ, Abelson J, Costa AP. Do assisted living facilities that offer a dementia care program differ from those that do not? A population-level cross-sectional study in Ontario, Canada. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:463. [PMID: 34399694 PMCID: PMC8365888 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many residents of assisted living facilities live with dementia, but little is known about the characteristics of assisted living facilities that provide specialized care for older adults who live with dementia. In this study, we identify the characteristics of assisted living facilities that offer a dementia care program, compared to those that do not offer such a program. Methods We conducted a population-level cross-sectional study on all licensed assisted living facilities in Ontario, Canada in 2018 (n = 738). Facility-level characteristics (e.g., resident and suite capacities, etc.) and the provision of the other 12 provincially regulated care services (e.g., pharmacist and medical services, skin and wound care, etc.) attributed to assisted living facilities were examined. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to model the characteristics of assisted living facilities associated with the provision of a dementia care program. Results There were 123 assisted living facilities that offered a dementia care program (16.7% versus 83.3% no dementia care). Nearly half of these facilities had a resident capacity exceeding 140 older adults (44.7% versus 21.6% no dementia care) and more than 115 suites (46.3% versus 20.8% no dementia care). All assisted living facilities that offered a dementia care program also offered nursing services, meals, assistance with bathing and hygiene, and administered medications. After adjustment for facility characteristics and other provincially regulated care services, the prevalence of a dementia care program was nearly three times greater in assisted living facilities that offered assistance with feeding (Prevalence Ratio [PR] 2.91, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.98 to 4.29), and almost twice as great among assisted living facilities that offered medical services (PR 1.78, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.17), compared to those that did not. Conclusions A dementia care program was more prevalent in assisted living facilities that housed many older adults, had many suites, and offered at least five of the other 12 regulated care services. Our findings deepen the understanding of specialized care for dementia in assisted living facilities. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02400-w.
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Campitelli MA, Bronskill SE, Maclagan LC, Harris DA, Cotton CA, Tadrous M, Gruneir A, Hogan DB, Maxwell CJ. Comparison of Medication Prescribing Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Nursing Home Residents in Ontario, Canada. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2118441. [PMID: 34338794 PMCID: PMC8329744 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance COVID-19 has had devastating effects on the health and well-being of older adult residents and health care professionals in nursing homes. Uncertainty about the associated consequences of these adverse effects on the use of medications common to this care setting remains. Objective To examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and prescription medication changes among nursing home residents. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study with an interrupted time-series analysis used linked health administrative data bases for residents of all nursing homes (N = 630) in Ontario, Canada. During the observation period, residents were divided into consecutive weekly cohorts. The first observation week was March 5 to 11, 2017; the last observation week was September 20 to 26, 2020. Exposures Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 1, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Weekly proportion of residents dispensed antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, antibiotics, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Autoregressive integrated moving average models with step and ramp intervention functions tested for level and slope changes in weekly medication use after the onset of the pandemic and were fit on prepandemic data for projected trends. Results Across study years, the annual cohort size ranged from 75 850 to 76 549 residents (mean [SD] age, 83.4 [10.8] years; mean proportion of women, 68.9%). A significant increased slope change in the weekly proportion of residents who were dispensed antipsychotics (parameter estimate [β] = 0.051; standard error [SE] = 0.010; P < .001), benzodiazepines (β = 0.026; SE = 0.003; P < .001), antidepressants (β = 0.046; SE = 0.013; P < .001), trazodone hydrochloride (β = 0.033; SE = 0.010; P < .001), anticonvulsants (β = 0.014; SE = 0.006; P = .03), and opioids (β = 0.038; SE = 0.007; P < .001) was observed. The absolute difference in observed vs estimated use in the last week of the pandemic period ranged from 0.48% (for anticonvulsants) to 1.52% (for antipsychotics). No significant level or slope changes were found for antibiotics, ARBs, or ACE inhibitors. Conclusions and Relevance In this population-based cohort study, statistically significant increases in the use of antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids followed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, although absolute differences were small. There were no significant changes for antibiotics, ARBs, or ACE inhibitors. Studies are needed to monitor whether changes in pharmacotherapy persist, regress, or accelerate during the course of the pandemic and how these changes affect resident-level outcomes.
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Duchen R, Iskander C, Chung H, Paterson JM, Kwong JC, Bronskill SE, Rosella L, Guttmann A. The Role of a Resilient Information Infrastructure in COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Ontario. Healthc Q 2021; 24:7-11. [PMID: 34297657 DOI: 10.12927/hcq.2021.26553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust and nimble public health data infrastructure. ICES - a government-sponsored, independent, non-profit research institute in Ontario, Canada - functions as a key component of a resilient information infrastructure and an enabler of data co-production, contributing to Ontario's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a learning health system. Linked data on the cumulative incidence of infection and vaccination at the neighbourhood level revealed disparate uptake between areas with low versus high risk of COVID-19. These data were leveraged by the government, service providers, media and the public to inform a more efficient and equitable vaccination strategy.
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Sundaram M, Nasreen S, Calzavara A, He S, Chung H, Bronskill SE, Buchan SA, Tadrous M, Tanuseputro P, Wilson K, Wilson S, Kwong JC. Background rates of all-cause mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits among nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada to inform COVID-19 vaccine safety assessments. Vaccine 2021; 39:5265-5270. [PMID: 34373124 PMCID: PMC8299226 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Nursing home (NH) residents are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. We report monthly mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visit incidence rates (IRs) during 2010–2020 to provide context for COVID-19 vaccine safety assessments. Methods We observed outcomes among all NH residents in Ontario using administrative databases. IRs were calculated by month, sex, and age group. Comparisons between months were assessed using one-sample t-tests; comparisons by age and sex were assessed using chi-squared tests. Results From 2010 to 2019, there were 83,453 (SD: 652.4) NH residents per month, with an average of 2.3 (SD: 0.28) deaths, 3.1 (SD: 0.16) hospitalizations, and 3.6 (SD: 0.17) ED visits per 100 residents per month. From March to December 2020, mortality IRs were increased, but hospitalization and ED visit IRs were reduced (p < 0.05). Conclusion We identified consistent monthly mortality, hospitalization, and ED visit IRs during 2010–2019. Marked differences in these rates were observed during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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McGilton KS, Campitelli MA, Bethell J, Guan J, Vellani S, Krassikova A, Omar A, Maxwell CJ, Bronskill SE. Impact of Dementia on Patterns of Home Care After Inpatient Rehabilitation Discharge for Older Adults After Hip Fractures. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:1972-1981. [PMID: 34242626 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe differences in home care use in the 30 days after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation after a hip fracture among older adults with dementia compared with those without dementia. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of individually linked health administrative data. SETTING Community-dwelling older adults after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facilities in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS A total of 17,263 older adults (N=17,263), of whom 2489 had dementia (14.4%), who were treated for hip fracture in acute care and then admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2017. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The proportion receiving home care services and number of visits (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, personal/homemaking) in the 30 days after discharge were compared by dementia status with multivariate models, stratified by sex. RESULTS Compared with those without dementia, adults with dementia were older, had lower functional scores, and were more likely to receive home care services in the 30 days after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (87.0% vs 79.0%, P<.001), including personal/homemaking services (66.1% vs 46.4%, P<.001) and occupational therapy (45.3% vs 37.4, P<.001) but not physiotherapy (55.8% vs 56.2%, P=.677) or nursing (19.6% vs 18.7%, P=.268). After adjustment, older adults with dementia were more likely to receive home care in both men (odds ratio [OR] =2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-2.57) and women (OR=1.50; 95% CI, 1.30-1.74) as well as more services (rate ratio men=1.60; 95% CI, 1.44-1.79; rate ratio women=1.50; 95% CI, 1.41-1.60). CONCLUSIONS Among older adults discharged from inpatient rehabilitation, older adults with dementia received home care services more often than older adults without dementia. However, irrespective of sex and dementia status, almost half of this population (44%) did not receive physiotherapy. We recommend that, resources permitting, all older adults receive physiotherapy to facilitate recovery.
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Hsu AT, Manuel DG, Spruin S, Bennett C, Taljaard M, Beach S, Sequeira Y, Talarico R, Chalifoux M, Kobewka D, Costa AP, Bronskill SE, Tanuseputro P. Predicting death in home care users: derivation and validation of the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool (RESPECT). CMAJ 2021; 193:E997-E1005. [PMID: 34226263 PMCID: PMC8248571 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prognostication tools that report personalized mortality risk and survival could improve discussions about end-of-life and advance care planning. We sought to develop and validate a mortality risk model for older adults with diverse care needs in home care using self-reportable information — the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool (RESPECT). METHODS: Using a derivation cohort that comprised adults living in Ontario, Canada, aged 50 years and older with at least 1 Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC) record between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2012, we developed a mortality risk model. The primary outcome was mortality 6 months after a RAI-HC assessment. We used proportional hazards regression with robust standard errors to account for clustering by the individual. We validated this algorithm for a second cohort of users of home care who were assessed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2013. We used Kaplan–Meier survival curves to estimate the observed risk of death at 6 months for assessment of calibration and median survival. We constructed 61 risk groups based on incremental increases in the estimated median survival of about 3 weeks among adults at high risk and 3 months among adults at lower risk. RESULTS: The derivation and validation cohorts included 435 009 and 139 388 adults, respectively. We identified a total of 122 823 deaths within 6 months of a RAI-HC assessment in the derivation cohort. The mean predicted 6-month mortality risk was 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7%–10.8%) and ranged from 1.54% (95% CI 1.53%–1.54%) in the lowest to 98.1% (95% CI 98.1%–98.2%) in the highest risk group. Estimated median survival spanned from 28 days (11 to 84 d at the 25th and 75th percentiles) in the highest risk group to over 8 years (1925 to 3420 d) in the lowest risk group. The algorithm had a c-statistic of 0.753 (95% CI 0.750–0.756) in our validation cohort. INTERPRETATION: The RESPECT mortality risk prediction tool that makes use of readily available information can improve the identification of palliative and end-of-life care needs in a diverse older adult population receiving home care.
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Yu AYX, Krahn M, Austin PC, Rashid M, Fang J, Porter J, Vyas MV, Bronskill SE, Smith EE, Swartz RH, Kapral MK. Sex differences in direct healthcare costs following stroke: a population-based cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:619. [PMID: 34187462 PMCID: PMC8240191 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The economic burden of stroke on the healthcare system has been previously described, but sex differences in healthcare costs have not been well characterized. We described the direct person-level healthcare cost in men and women as well as the various health settings in which costs were incurred following stroke. METHODS In this population-based cohort study of patients admitted to hospital with stroke between 2008 and 2017 in Ontario, Canada, we used linked administrative data to calculate direct person-level costs in Canadian dollars in the one-year following stroke. We used a generalized linear model with a gamma distribution and a log link function to compare costs in women and men with and without adjustment for baseline clinical differences. We also assessed for an interaction between age and sex using restricted cubic splines to model the association of age with costs. RESULTS We identified 101,252 patients (49% were women, median age [Q1-Q3] was 76 years [65-84]). Unadjusted costs following stroke were higher in women compared to men (mean ± standard deviation cost was $54,012 ± 54,766 for women versus $52,829 ± 59,955 for men, and median cost was $36,703 [$16,496-$72,227] for women versus $32,903 [$15,485-$66,007] for men). However, after adjustment, women had 3% lower costs compared to men (relative cost ratio and 95% confidence interval 0.97 [0.96,0.98]). The lower cost in women compared to men was most prominent among people aged over 85 years (p for interaction = 0.03). Women incurred lower costs than men in outpatient care and rehabilitation, but higher costs in complex continuing care, long-term care, and home care. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of resource utilization and direct medical costs were different between men and women after stroke. Our findings inform public payers of the drivers of costs following stroke and suggest the need for sex-based cost-effectiveness evaluation of stroke interventions with consideration of costs in all care settings.
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Read SH, Giannakeas V, Pop P, Bronskill SE, Herrmann N, Chen S, Luke MJ, Wu W, McCarthy LM, Austin PC, Normand SL, Gurwitz JH, Stall NM, Savage RD, Rochon P. Evidence of a gabapentinoid and diuretic prescribing cascade among older adults with lower back pain. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:2842-2850. [PMID: 34118076 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Gabapentinoids are commonly prescribed to relieve pain. The development of edema, an established adverse effect of gabapentinoids, may lead to a potentially harmful prescribing cascade whereby individuals are subsequently prescribed diuretics and exposed to diuretic-induced adverse events. The frequency of this prescribing cascade is unknown. Our objective was to measure the association between new dispensing of a gabapentinoid and the subsequent dispensing of a diuretic in older adults with new low back pain. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS A total of 260,344 community-dwelling adults aged 66 years or older, newly diagnosed with low back pain between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2019. MEASUREMENTS Exposure status was assigned using dispensed medications in the 1 week after low back pain diagnosis. Older adults newly dispensed a gabapentinoid (N = 7867) were compared with older adults who were not newly dispensed a gabapentinoid (N = 252,477). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dispensing of a diuretic within 90 days of follow-up among older adults prescribed gabapentin relative to those who were not. RESULTS Older adults newly dispensed a gabapentinoid had a higher risk of being subsequently dispensed a diuretic within 90 days compared with older adults who were not prescribed a gabapentinoid (2.0% vs. 1.3%). After covariate adjustment, new gabapentinoid users had a higher rate of being dispensed a diuretic compared with those not prescribed a gabapentinoid (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.70). The rate of diuretic prescription among new gabapentinoid users increased with increasing gabapentinoid dosages. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the presence of a potentially inappropriate and harmful prescribing cascade. Given the widespread use of gabapentinoids, the population-based scale of this problem may be substantial. Increased awareness of this prescribing cascade is required to reduce the unnecessary use of diuretics and the exposure of patients to additional adverse drug events.
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Lega IC, Campitelli MA, Austin PC, Na Y, Zahedi A, Leung F, Yu C, Bronskill SE, Rochon PA, Lipscombe LL. Potential diabetes overtreatment and risk of adverse events among older adults in Ontario: a population-based study. Diabetologia 2021; 64:1093-1102. [PMID: 33491105 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS More than 25% of older adults (age ≥75 years) have diabetes and may be at risk of adverse events related to treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intensive glycaemic control in this group, potential overtreatment among older adults and the impact of overtreatment on the risk of serious events. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of community-dwelling older adults in Ontario using administrative data. Participants were ≥75 years of age with diagnosed diabetes treated with at least one anti-hyperglycaemic agent between 2014 and 2015. Individuals were categorised as having intensive or conservative glycaemic control (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol [<7%] or 54-69 mmol/mol [7.1-8.5%], respectively), and as undergoing treatment with high-risk (i.e. insulin, sulfonylureas) or low-risk (other) agents. We measured the composite risk of emergency department visits, hospitalisations, or death within 30 days of reaching intensive glycaemic control with high-risk agents. RESULTS Among 108,620 older adults with diagnosed diabetes in Ontario, the mean (± SD) age was 80.6 (±4.5) years, 49.7% were female, and mean (± SD) diabetes duration was 13.7 (±6.3) years. Overall, 61% of individuals were treated to intensive glycaemic control and 21.6% were treated to intensive control using high-risk agents. Using inverse probability treatment weighting with propensity scores, intensive control with high-risk agents was associated with nearly 50% increased risk of the composite outcome compared with conservative glycaemic control with low-risk agents (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08, 2.05). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our findings underscore the need to re-evaluate glycaemic targets in older adults and to reconsider the use of anti-hyperglycaemic medications that may lead to hypoglycaemia, especially in setting of intensive glycaemic control.
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Campitelli MA, Bronskill SE, Huang A, Maclagan LC, Atzema CL, Hogan DB, Lapane KL, Harris DA, Maxwell CJ. Trends in Anticoagulant Use at Nursing Home Admission and Variation by Frailty and Chronic Kidney Disease Among Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:611-623. [PMID: 33880747 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is relatively common among nursing home residents, and decisions regarding anticoagulant therapy in this setting may be complicated by resident frailty and other factors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine trends and correlates of oral anticoagulant use among newly admitted nursing home residents with AF following the approval of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adults aged > 65 years with AF who were newly admitted to nursing homes in Ontario, Canada, between 2011 and 2018 (N = 36,466). Health administrative databases were linked with comprehensive clinical assessment data captured shortly after admission, to ascertain resident characteristics. Trends in prevalence of anticoagulant use (any, warfarin, DOAC) at admission were captured with prescription claims and examined by frailty and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Log-binomial regression models estimated crude percentage changes in use over time and modified Poisson regression models assessed factors associated with anticoagulant use and type. RESULTS The prevalence of anticoagulant use at admission increased from 41.1% in 2011/2012 to 58.0% in 2017/2018 (percentage increase = 41.1%, p < 0.001). Warfarin use declined (- 67.7%, p < 0.001), while DOAC use increased. Anticoagulant use was less likely among residents with a prior hospitalization for hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.70) or gastrointestinal bleed (aRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.78-0.83), liver disease (aRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.89), severe cognitive impairment (aRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.94), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (aRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.81) or antiplatelet (aRR 0.25, 95% CI 0.23-0.27) use, but more likely for those with a prior hospitalization for ischemic stroke or thromboembolism (aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.27-1.33). CKD was associated with a reduced likelihood of DOAC versus warfarin use in both the early (aRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.71) and later years (aRR 0.79, 95% CI 0.76-0.83) of our study period. Frail residents were significantly less likely to receive an anticoagulant at admission, although this association was modest (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98). Frailty was not associated with anticoagulant type. CONCLUSIONS While the proportion of residents with AF receiving oral anticoagulants at admission increased following the approval of DOACs, over 40% remained untreated. Among those treated, use of a DOAC increased, while warfarin use declined. The impact of these recent treatment patterns on the balance between benefit and harm among residents warrant further investigation.
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Savage RD, Wu W, Li J, Lawson A, Bronskill SE, Chamberlain SA, Grieve J, Gruneir A, Reppas-Rindlisbacher C, Stall NM, Rochon PA. Loneliness among older adults in the community during COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey in Canada. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044517. [PMID: 33811054 PMCID: PMC8023743 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical distancing and stay-at-home measures implemented to slow transmission of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may intensify feelings of loneliness in older adults, especially those living alone. Our aim was to characterise the extent of loneliness during the first wave in a sample of older adults living in the community and assess characteristics associated with loneliness. DESIGN Online cross-sectional survey between 6 May and 19 May 2020. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of members of a national retired educators' organisation. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported loneliness, including differences between women and men. RESULTS 4879 respondents (71.0% women; 67.4% 65-79 years) reported that in the preceding week, 43.1% felt lonely at least some of the time, including 8.3% who felt lonely always or often. Women had increased odds of loneliness compared with men, whether living alone (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.52, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.04) or with others (2.44, 95% CI 2.04 to 2.92). Increasing age group decreased the odds of loneliness (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.81) 65-79 years and 0.50 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.65) 80+ years compared with <65 years). Living alone was associated with loneliness, with a greater association in men (aOR 4.26, 95% CI 3.15 to 5.76) than women (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 2.26 to 3.11). Other factors associated with loneliness included: fair or poor health (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.41), being a caregiver (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37), receiving care (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.81), high concern for the pandemic (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.84), not experiencing positive effects of pandemic distancing measures (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.32) and changes to daily routine (aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.96 to 4.03). CONCLUSIONS While many older adults reported feeling lonely during COVID-19, several characteristics-such as being female and living alone-increased the odds of loneliness. These characteristics may help identify priorities for targeting interventions to reduce loneliness.
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Howard M, Hafid A, Isenberg SR, Hsu AT, Scott M, Conen K, Webber C, Bronskill SE, Downar J, Tanuseputro P. Intensity of outpatient physician care in the last year of life: a population-based retrospective descriptive study. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E613-E622. [PMID: 34088732 PMCID: PMC8191591 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many patients, health care needs increase toward the end of life, but little is known about the extent of outpatient physician care during that time. The objective of this study was to describe the volume and mix of outpatient physician care over the last 12 months of life among patients dying with different end-of-life trajectories. METHODS We conducted a retrospective descriptive study involving adults (aged ≥ 18 yr) who died in Ontario between 2013 and 2017, using linked provincial health administrative databases. Decedents were grouped into 5 mutually exclusive end-of-life trajectories (terminal illness, organ failure, frailty, sudden death and other). Over the last 12 months and 3 months of life, we examined the number of physician encounters, the number of unique physician specialties involved per patient and specialty of physician, the number of unique physicians involved per patient, the 5 most frequent types of specialties involved and the number of encounters that took place in the home; these patterns were examined by trajectory. RESULTS Decedents (n = 359 559) had a median age of 78 (interquartile range 66-86) years. The mean number of outpatient physician encounters over the last year of life was 16.8 (standard deviation [SD] 13.7), of which 9.0 (SD 9.2) encounters were with family physicians. The mean number of encounters ranged from 11.6 (SD 10.4) in the frailty trajectory to 24.2 (SD 15.0) in the terminal illness trajectory across 3.1 (SD 2.0) to 4.9 (SD 2.1) unique specialties, respectively. In the last 3 months of life, the mean number of physician encounters was 6.8 (SD 6.4); a mean of 4.1 (SD 5.4) of these were with family physicians. INTERPRETATION Multiple physicians are involved in outpatient care in the last 12 months of life for all end-of-life trajectories, with family physicians as the predominant specialty. Those who plan health care models of the end of life should consider support for family physicians as coordinators of patient care.
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Brooks JD, Arneja J, Fu L, Saxena FE, Tu K, Pinzaru VB, Anagnostou E, Nylen K, Saunders NR, Lu H, McLaughlin J, Bronskill SE. Assessing the validity of administrative health data for the identification of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder in Ontario. Autism Res 2021; 14:1037-1045. [PMID: 33694293 PMCID: PMC8252648 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Population‐level identification of children and youth with ASD is essential for surveillance and planning for required services. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm for the identification of children and youth with ASD using administrative health data. In this retrospective validation study, we linked an electronic medical record (EMR)‐based reference standard, consisting 10,000 individuals aged 1–24 years, including 112 confirmed ASD cases to Ontario administrative health data, for the testing of multiple case‐finding algorithms. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each algorithm. The optimal algorithm was validated in three external cohorts representing family practice, education, and specialized clinical settings. The optimal algorithm included an ASD diagnostic code for a single hospital discharge or emergency department visit or outpatient surgery, or three ASD physician billing codes in 3 years. This algorithm's sensitivity was 50.0% (95%CI 40.7–88.7%), specificity 99.6% (99.4–99.7), PPV 56.6% (46.8–66.3), and NPV 99.4% (99.3–99.6). The results of this study illustrate limitations and need for cautious interpretation when using administrative health data alone for the identification of children and youth with ASD. Lay Summary We tested algorithms (set of rules) to identify young people with ASD using routinely collected administrative health data. Even the best algorithm misses more than half of those in Ontario with ASD. To understand this better, we tested how well the algorithm worked in different settings (family practice, education, and specialized clinics). The identification of individuals with ASD at a population level is essential for planning for support services and the allocation of resources. Autism Res 2021, 14: 1037–1045. © 2021 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Liu M, Maxwell CJ, Armstrong P, Schwandt M, Moser A, McGregor MJ, Bronskill SE, Dhalla IA. La COVID-19 dans les foyers de soins de longue durée en Ontario et en Colombie-Britannique. CMAJ 2021; 193:E263-E269. [PMID: 33593958 PMCID: PMC8034325 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.201860-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Guttman MP, Tillmann BW, Nathens AB, Saskin R, Bronskill SE, Huang A, Haas B. Alive and at home: Five-year outcomes in older adults following emergency general surgery. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021; 90:287-295. [PMID: 33502146 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the short-term risks of emergency general surgery (EGS) admission among older adults have been studied, little is known about long-term functional outcomes in this population. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between EGS admission and the probability of an older adult being alive and residing in their own home 5 years later. We also examined the extent to which specific EGS diagnoses, need for surgery, and frailty modified this relationship. METHODS We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults (age, ≥65 years) admitted to hospital for one of eight EGS diagnoses (appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, strangulated hernia, bowel obstruction, peptic ulcer disease, intestinal ischemia, or perforated viscus) between 2006 and 2018 in Ontario, Canada. Cases were matched to controls from the general population. Time spent alive and at home (measured as time to nursing home admission or death) was compared between cases and controls using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox models. RESULTS A total of 90,245 older adults admitted with an EGS diagnosis were matched with controls. In the 5 years following an EGS admission, cases experienced significantly fewer months alive and at home compared with controls (mean time, 43 vs. 50 months; p < 0.001). Except for patients operated on for appendicitis and cholecystitis, all remaining patient subgroups experienced reduced time alive and at home compared with controls (p < 0.001). Cases remained at elevated risk of nursing home admission or death compared with controls for the entirety of the 5-year follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.17-5.11). CONCLUSION Older adults who required hospitalization for an EGS diagnosis were at higher risk for death or admission to a nursing home for at least 5 years following admission compared with controls. However, most patients (57%) remained alive and living in their own home at the end of this 5-year period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiological, level III.
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Watt JA, Campitelli MA, Maxwell CJ, Guan J, Maclagan LC, Gomes T, Bokhari M, Straus SE, Bronskill SE. Fall-Related Hospitalizations in Nursing Home Residents Co-Prescribed a Cholinesterase Inhibitor and Beta-Blocker. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 68:2516-2524. [PMID: 33460072 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To examine the association between hospitalization for a fall-related injury and the co-prescription of a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) among persons with dementia receiving a beta-blocker, and whether this potential drug-drug interaction is modified by frailty. DESIGN Nested case-control study using population-based administrative databases. SETTING All nursing homes in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Persons with dementia aged 66 and older who received at least one beta-blocker between April 2013 and March 2018 following nursing home admission (n = 19,060). MEASUREMENTS Cases were persons with dementia with a hospitalization (emergency department visit or acute care admission) for a fall-related injury with concurrent beta-blocker use. Each case (n = 3,038) was matched 1:1 to a control by age (±1 year), sex, cohort entry year, frailty, and history of fall-related injuries. The association between fall-related injury and exposure to a ChEI in the 90 days prior was examined using multivariable conditional logistic regression. Secondary exposures included ChEI type, daily dose, incident versus prevalent use, and use in the prior 30 days. Subgroup analyses considered frailty, age group, sex, and history of hospitalization for fall-related injuries. RESULTS Exposure to a ChEI in the prior 90 days occurred among 947 (31.2%) cases and 940 (30.9%) controls. In multivariable models, no association was found between hospitalization for a fall-related injury and prior exposure to a ChEI in persons with dementia dispensed beta-blockers (adjusted odds ratio = .96, 95% confidence interval = .85-1.08). Findings were consistent across secondary exposures and subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION Among nursing home residents with dementia receiving beta-blockers, co-prescription of a ChEI was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for a fall-related injury. However, we did not assess for its association with falls not leading to hospitalization. This finding could inform clinical guidelines and shared decision making between persons with dementia, caregivers, and clinicians concerning ChEI initiation and/or discontinuation.
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Huyer G, Brown CRL, Spruin S, Hsu AT, Fisher S, Manuel DG, Bronskill SE, Qureshi D, Tanuseputro P. Five-year risk of admission to long-term care home and death for older adults given a new diagnosis of dementia: a population-based retrospective cohort study. CMAJ 2021; 192:E422-E430. [PMID: 32312824 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.190999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After diagnosis of a health condition, information about survival and potential transition from community into institutional care can be helpful for patients and care providers. We sought to describe the association between a new diagnosis of dementia and risk of admission to a long-term care home and death at 5 years. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative databases. We identified individuals aged 65 years or older, living in the community, with a first documented diagnosis of dementia between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2012, in Ontario, Canada. Dementia diagnosis was captured using diagnostic codes from hospital discharges, physician billings, assessments conducted for home care and long-term care, and dispensed prescriptions for cholinesterase inhibitors. Our primary outcome measures were 5-year risk of death and placement in a long-term care home, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors. RESULTS We identified 108 757 individuals in our study cohort. By the end of 5 years, 24.4% remained alive in the community and 20.5% were living in a long-term care home. Of the 55.1% who died, about half (27.9%) were admitted to a long-term care home before death. Three risk factors were associated with increased odds of death: older age (age ≥ 90 yr; odds ratio [OR] 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.8-10.2 [reference: age 65-69 yr]), male sex (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.6-1.7), and the presence of organ failure, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.7-1.8), congestive heart failure (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.9-2.0) and renal failure (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.6-1.8). Groups formed by combinations of these 3 factors had an observed 5-year risk of death varying between 22% and 91%. INTERPRETATION Among community-dwelling older adults with newly identified dementia in Ontario, the majority died or were admitted to a long-term care home within 5 years. This information may be helpful for discussions on prognosis and need for admission to long-term care.
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Kim D, Wang R, Kiss A, Bronskill SE, Lanctot KL, Herrmann N, Gallagher D. Depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia: Longitudinal analyses of modifiable risk and sex‐related factors. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.047436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Maclagan LC, Bronskill SE, Campitelli MA, Yao S, Dharma C, Hogan DB, Herrmann N, Amuah JE, Maxwell CJ. Resident-Level Predictors of Dementia Pharmacotherapy at Long-Term Care Admission: The Impact of Different Drug Reimbursement Policies in Ontario and Saskatchewan: Prédicteurs de la pharmacothérapie de la démence au niveau des résidents lors de l'hospitalisation dans des soins de longue durée : l'impact de différentes politiques de remboursement des médicaments en Ontario et en Saskatchewan. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 65:790-801. [PMID: 32274934 PMCID: PMC7564697 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720909293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are approved for Alzheimer disease in Canada. Regional drug reimbursement policies are associated with cross-provincial variation in ChEI use, but it is unclear how these policies influence predictors of use. Using standardized data from two provinces with differing policies, we compared resident-level characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy at long-term care (LTC) admission. METHODS Using linked clinical and administrative databases, we examined characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy use among residents with dementia and/or significant cognitive impairment admitted to LTC facilities in Saskatchewan (more restrictive reimbursement policies; n = 10,599) and Ontario (less restrictive; n = 93,331) between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2015. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to assess resident demographic, functional, and clinical characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy. RESULTS On admission, 8.1% of Saskatchewan residents were receiving dementia pharmacotherapy compared to 33.2% in Ontario. In both provinces, residents with severe cognitive impairment, aggressive behaviors, and recent antipsychotic use were more likely to receive dementia pharmacotherapy; while those who were unmarried, admitted in later years, had a greater degree of frailty, and recent hospitalizations were less likely. The direction of the association for older age, rural residency, medication number, and anticholinergic therapy differed between provinces. CONCLUSIONS While more restrictive criteria for dementia pharmacotherapy coverage in Saskatchewan resulted in fewer residents entering LTC on dementia pharmacotherapy, there were relatively few differences in the factors associated with use across provinces. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess how differences in prevalence and characteristics associated with use impact patient outcomes.
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Brooks JD, Bronskill SE, Fu L, Saxena FE, Arneja J, Pinzaru VB, Anagnostou E, Nylen K, McLaughlin J, Tu K. Identifying Children and Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Electronic Medical Records: Examining Health System Utilization and Comorbidities. Autism Res 2020; 14:400-410. [PMID: 33098262 PMCID: PMC7894325 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder requiring significant health and educational resources for affected individuals. A reference standard for ASD was generated from an existing population‐based cohort of 10,000 children and youth aged 1–24 years who were randomly selected for chart abstraction from 29,256 patients from 119 family physicians. We developed and validated an algorithm to identify children and youth with ASD within an electronic medical record system (N = 80,237, aged 1–24 years) in order to examine the prevalence of comorbidities and quantify health system utilization within the cohort. We identified 1,062 children and youth with ASD representing a prevalence of 1.32%. Compared to individuals without ASD, those with ASD had a higher prevalence of asthma, were more likely to visit a specialist, undergo surgery, and be hospitalized for psychiatric reasons. Children and youth with ASD in Ontario have complex health system needs, illustrated through a significant burden of comorbidities and increased health system utilization. Lay Summary Our paper generates population‐based estimates of health system use by children and youth with ASD, who have a higher burden of comorbidities than the general population. We developed a case‐finding algorithm and applied it in electronic medical records to create a cohort of children and youth with ASD, thereby generating an important resource to further study the health care needs of individuals with ASD.
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Liu M, Maxwell CJ, Armstrong P, Schwandt M, Moser A, McGregor MJ, Bronskill SE, Dhalla IA. COVID-19 in long-term care homes in Ontario and British Columbia. CMAJ 2020; 192:E1540-E1546. [PMID: 32998943 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.201860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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