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Huang J, Qian Y, Yan Y, Liang H, Zhao L. Addressing Hospital Overwhelm During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Using a Primary Health Care-Based Integrated Health System: Modeling Study. JMIR Med Inform 2024; 12:e54355. [PMID: 38832581 PMCID: PMC11185287 DOI: 10.2196/54355] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background After strict COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted, health systems globally were overwhelmed. Much has been discussed about how health systems could better prepare for future pandemics; however, primary health care (PHC) has been largely ignored. Objective We aimed to investigate what combined policies PHC could apply to strengthen the health care system via a bottom-up approach, so as to better respond to a public health emergency. Methods We developed a system dynamics model to replicate Shanghai's response when COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted. We then simulated an alternative PHC-based integrated health system and tested the following three interventions: first contact in PHC with telemedicine services, recommendation to secondary care, and return to PHC for recovery. Results The simulation results showed that each selected intervention could alleviate hospital overwhelm. Increasing the rate of first contact in PHC with telemedicine increased hospital bed availability by 6% to 12% and reduced the cumulative number of deaths by 35%. More precise recommendations had a limited impact on hospital overwhelm (<1%), but the simulation results showed that underrecommendation (rate: 80%) would result in a 19% increase in cumulative deaths. Increasing the rate of return to PHC from 5% to 20% improved hospital bed availability by 6% to 16% and reduced the cumulative number of deaths by 46%. Moreover, combining all 3 interventions had a multiplier effect; bed availability increased by 683%, and the cumulative number of deaths dropped by 75%. Conclusions Rather than focusing on the allocation of medical resources in secondary care, we determined that an optimal PHC-based integrated strategy would be to have a 60% rate of first contact in PHC, a 110% recommendation rate, and a 20% rate of return to PHC. This could increase health system resilience during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoling Huang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qian
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Intelligent Emergency Management, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuge Yan
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Laijun Zhao
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Intelligent Emergency Management, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Liss DT, Yang TY, Hamielec M, McAuliff K, Rusie LK, Mohanty N. Checkup Visits in Adult Federally Qualified Health Center Patients: a Retrospective Cohort Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1378-1385. [PMID: 38100007 PMCID: PMC11169303 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Checkup visits (i.e., general health checks) can increase preventive service completion and lead to improved treatment of new chronic illnesses. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive service completion decreased in many groups that receive care in safety net settings. OBJECTIVE To examine potential benefits associated with checkups in federally qualified health center (FQHC) patients. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study, from March 2018 to February 2022. PATIENTS Adults at seven FQHCs in Illinois. INTERVENTIONS Checkups during a two-year Baseline (i.e., pre-COVID-19) period and two-year COVID-19 period. MAIN MEASURES The primary outcome was COVID-19 period checkup completion. Secondary outcomes were: mammography completion; new diagnoses of four common chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, depression, or high cholesterol), and; initiation of chronic illness medications. KEY RESULTS Among 106,114 included patients, race/ethnicity was most commonly Latino/Hispanic (42.1%) or non-Hispanic Black (30.2%). Most patients had Medicaid coverage (40.4%) or were uninsured (33.9%). While 21.0% of patients completed a checkup during Baseline, only 15.3% did so during the COVID-19 period. In multivariable regression analysis, private insurance (versus Medicaid) was positively associated with COVID-19 period checkup completion (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval, [CI], 1.10-1.19), while non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (versus Latino/Hispanic) was inversely associated with checkup completion (aRR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93). In secondary outcome analysis, COVID-19 period checkup completion was associated with 61% greater probability of mammography (aRR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.52-1.71), and significantly higher probability of diagnosis, and treatment initiation, for all four chronic illnesses. In exploratory interaction analysis, checkup completion was more modestly associated with diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and high cholesterol in some younger age groups (versus age ≥ 65). CONCLUSIONS In this large FQHC cohort, checkup completion markedly decreased during the pandemic. Checkup completion was associated with preventive service completion, chronic illness detection, and initiation of chronic illness treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Liss
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Ta-Yun Yang
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
| | - Magdalena Hamielec
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
| | | | | | - Nivedita Mohanty
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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George PE, Kc D, Greenleaf M, Shah J, Lam WA, Hawkins CM. Bridging the Divide: Unintended Consequences of the Shift to Home-Based Telemedicine. J Pediatr 2024; 269:113719. [PMID: 37660973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact on health care access of the change in telemedicine delivery from a clinic-based model, in which patients connect with their healthcare provider from local telemedicine clinics, to a home-based model, in which patients independently connect from their homes. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective analysis, we compared relative uptake in telemedicine services in Period 1 (01/01/2019 to 03/15/2020, prepandemic, clinic-based model) vs Period 2 (03/16/2020 to 06/30/2022, home-based model) within a tertiary pediatric hospital system. Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated the influence of telemedicine delivery model on patient sociodemographic characteristics of completed telemedicine visits. RESULTS We analyzed 400 539 patients with 1 406 961 completed outpatient encounters (52% White, 35% Black), of which 62 920 (4.5%) were telemedicine. In the clinic-based model (Period 1), underserved populations had greater likelihoods of accessing telemedicine: Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.41, P = .028) vs reference group non-Hispanic, Medicaid (OR = 2.62, P < .001) vs private insurance, and low-income neighborhood (OR = 3.40, P < .001) vs medium-income. In aggregate, telemedicine utilization rapidly increased from Period 1 (1.5 encounters/day) to Period 2 (107.9 encounters/day). However, underserved populations saw less relative increase (Medicaid [OR = 0.28, P < .001], Hispanic [OR = 0.53, P < .001], low-income [OR = 0.23, P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS We observe that the clinic-based model offers more equitable access, while the home-based model offers more absolute access, suggesting that a hybrid model that offers both home-based and clinic-based services may result in more absolute and equitable access to telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E George
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Diwas Kc
- Emory University Goizueta Business School, Atlanta, GA
| | - Morgan Greenleaf
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jay Shah
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Georgia Institute of Technology, Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, GA
| | - C Matthew Hawkins
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
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Tajki AV, Miroševič Š, Gomezelj MC, Bunc KT, Van Poel E, Willems S, Klemenc-Ketiš Z. Well-being of family physicians during COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 24:289. [PMID: 38822251 PMCID: PMC11143559 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02416-2] [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] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, family physicians (FPs) served as the the initial point of contact for patients potentially infected with the virus, necessitating frequent updates to treatment protocols. However, practices also faced organizational challenges in providing care to other patients who also needed their medical attention. The pressure on FPs increased and affected their well-being. The international PRICOV-19 study, titled "Primary care in times of COVID-19 pandemic," investigated how FPs functioned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines the correlation between various organizational and structural COVID-19-related variables and the well-being of FPs in Slovenia. METHODS Between October 2020 and January 2021, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was distributed to 1040 Slovenian FPs and 218 family medicine (FM) trainees. Part of the questionnaire assessed the cooperation and well-being of FPs. The Mayo Clinic Well-being Index was used for the assessment. FP's well-being was also assessed descriptively by asking open-ended questions about maintaining mental health during the pandemic. Potential factors associated with FPs' well-being were identified using a multivariate linear regression method. RESULTS The final sample comprised 191 participants (response rate 14.1%). The mean value ± standard deviation of the Mayo Well-being Index was 3.3 ± 2.6 points. The FPs with the poorest well-being had 5-15 years of work experience and worked in a practice where work could not be distributed in the absence of a co-worker without compromising the well-being of colleagues. Physical activity was identified as the most common method of maintaining mental health among FPs. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study suggest that targeted interventions are needed to support FPs mid-career, increase resilience in practice, promote strong team dynamics, and prioritise physical activity in healthcare. Addressing these aspects can contribute to the well-being of individual FPs and the overall health of the healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Verdnik Tajki
- Maribor Community Health Centre, Maribor, Slovenia.
- Ljubljana Community Health Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Špela Miroševič
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cvetko Gomezelj
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Piran Community Health Centre, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Ksenija Tušek Bunc
- Maribor Community Health Centre, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Esther Van Poel
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, Ghent Univesity, Ghent, Belgium
- Quality and Safety Ghent, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, Ghent Univesity, Ghent, Belgium
- Quality and Safety Ghent, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš
- Ljubljana Community Health Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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Hafid S, Freeman K, Aubrey-Bassler K, Queenan J, Drummond N, Lawson J, Vanstone M, Nicholson K, Lussier MT, Mangin D, Howard M. Describing primary care patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic across Canada: a quasi-experimental pre-post design cohort study using national practice-based research network data. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084608. [PMID: 38772895 PMCID: PMC11110591 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to analyse how the pandemic affected primary care access and comprehensiveness in chronic disease management by comparing primary care patterns before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN We conducted a quasi-experimental pre-post design cohort study and reported indicators for the 21 months before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING We used electronic medical record data from primary care clinics enrolled in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. POPULATION The study population included patients (n=919 928) aged 18 years or older with at least one primary care contact from 12 March 2018 to 12 March 2020, in Canada. OUTCOME MEASURES The study indicators included three indicators measuring access to primary care (encounters, blood pressure measurements and lab tests) and three for comprehensiveness (diagnoses, non-COVID-19 vaccines administered and referrals). RESULTS 67.3% of the cohort was aged ≥40 years, 56.4% were female and 53.5% were from Ontario, Canada. Fewer patients received an encounter during the pandemic (91.5% to 81.5%), while the median (IQR) number of encounters remained the same (5 (2-1)) for those with access. Fewer patients received a blood pressure measurement (47.9% to 31.8%), and patients received fewer measurements during the pandemic (2 (1-4) to 1 (0-2)). CONCLUSIONS Encounters with primary care remained consistent during the pandemic, but in-person care, such as lab tests and blood pressure measurements, decreased. In-person care indicators followed temporally to national COVID-19 case counts during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaib Hafid
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karla Freeman
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kris Aubrey-Bassler
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - John Queenan
- Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil Drummond
- Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Vanstone
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn Nicholson
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Thérèse Lussier
- Médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Sudhinaraset M, Gipson JD, Nakphong MK, Soun B, Afulani PA, Upadhyay UD, Patil R. Person-centered abortion care scale: Validation for medication abortion in the United States. Contraception 2024:110485. [PMID: 38754758 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110485] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medication abortions now make up the majority of abortions in the US, with new service delivery models such as telehealth; however, it is unclear how this may impact patient experiences. The objective of the study is to adapt and validate a person-centered abortion care (PCAC) scale for medication abortions that was developed in a global South context (Kenya) for use in the United States. STUDY DESIGN This study includes medication abortion patients from a hospital-based clinic who had one of two modes of service delivery: (1) telemedicine with no physical exam or ultrasound; or (2) in-person with clinic-based exams and ultrasounds. We conducted a sequential approach to scale development including: (1) defining constructs and item generation; (2) expert reviews; (3) cognitive interviews (n = 12); (4) survey development and online survey data collection (N = 182, including 45 telemedicine patients and 137 in-person patients); and (5) psychometric analyses. RESULTS Exploratory factor analyses identified 29-items for the US-PCAC scale with three subscales: (1) Respect and Dignity (10 items), (2) Responsive and Supportive Care (nine items for the full scale, one additional mode-specific item each for in-person and telemedicine), and (3) Communication and Autonomy (10 items for the full scale, one additional item for telemedicine). The US-PCAC had high content, construct, and criterion validity. It also had high reliability, with a standardized alpha for the full 29-item US-PCAC scale of 0.95. The US-PCAC score was associated with overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION This study found high validity and reliability of a newly-developed person-centered abortion care scale for use in the US. As medication abortion provision expands, this scale can be used in quality improvement efforts. IMPLICATIONS This study found high validity and reliability of a newly-developed person-centered care scale for use in the United States for in-person and telemedicine medication abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Sudhinaraset
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Bixby Center to Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health Equity, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Jessica D Gipson
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Bixby Center to Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health Equity, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michelle K Nakphong
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Brenda Soun
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Patience A Afulani
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ushma D Upadhyay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rajita Patil
- UCLA Bixby Center to Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health Equity, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Rusk SA, DiBari J, Mason DM, Li M, Hong X, Wang G, Pearson C, Mirolli G, Cheng TL, Kogan MD, Zuckerman B, Wang X. The impact of COVID-19 on psychiatric clinical encounters among low-income racially-diverse children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:631-643. [PMID: 37088737 PMCID: PMC10590822 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of longitudinal data to examine the impact of COVID-19 on all types of clinical encounters among United States, underrepresented BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), children. This study aims to examine the changes in all the outpatient clinical encounters during the pandemic compared to the baseline, with particular attention to psychiatric encounters and diagnoses. METHOD This study analyzed 3-year (January 2019 to December 2021) longitudinal clinical encounter data from 3,394 children in the Boston Birth Cohort, a US urban, predominantly low-income, Black and Hispanic children. Outcomes of interest were completed outpatient clinical encounters and their modalities (telemedicine vs. in person), including psychiatric care and diagnoses, primary care, emergency department (ED), and developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP). RESULTS The study children's mean (SD) age is 13.9 (4.0) years. Compared to 2019, psychiatric encounters increased by 38% in 2020, most notably for diagnoses of adjustment disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). In contrast, primary care encounters decreased by 33%, ED encounters decreased by 55%, and DBP care decreased by 16% in 2020. Telemedicine was utilized the most for psychiatric and DBP encounters and the least for primary care encounters in 2020. A remarkable change in 2021 was the return of primary care encounters to the 2019 level, but psychiatric encounters fluctuated with spikes in COVID-19 case numbers. CONCLUSIONS Among this sample of US BIPOC children, compared to the 2019 baseline, psychiatric encounters increased by 38% during 2020, most notably for the new diagnoses of adjustment disorder, depression, and PTSD. The 2021 data showed a full recovery of primary care encounters to the baseline level but psychiatric encounters remained sensitive to the pandemic spikes. The long-term impact of the pandemic on children's mental health warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena A. Rusk
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Jessica DiBari
- Office of Epidemiology and Research, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
| | - Dana M. Mason
- Office of Epidemiology and Research, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Guoying Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Colleen Pearson
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
| | - Gabrielle Mirolli
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
| | - Tina L. Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and University of Cincinnati
| | - Michael D. Kogan
- Office of Epidemiology and Research, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
| | - Barry Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Fu R, Sutradhar R, Li Q, Eskander A. Virtual and in-person visits by Ontario physicians in the COVID-19 era. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:706-714. [PMID: 35296163 PMCID: PMC11027436 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221086447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impact on weekly trends in the billing of virtual and in-person physician visits in Ontario, Canada. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, physician billing records from Ontario were aggregated on a weekly basis for in-person and virtual visits from 3 January 2016 to 27 March 2021. For each type of visit, a segmented negative binomial regression analysis was performed to estimate the weekly pre-pandemic trend in billing volume per thousand adults (3 January 2016 to 14 March 2020), the immediate change in mean volume at the start of the pandemic, and additional change in weekly volume in the pandemic era (15 March 2020 to 27 March 2021). RESULTS Before the start of the pandemic, the weekly volume of virtual visits per thousand adults was low with a 0.5% increase per week (rate ratio [RR]: 1.0053, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0050-1.0056). A dramatic 65% reduction in in-person visits (RR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.32-0.39) occurred at the start of the pandemic while virtual visits grew by 21-fold (RR: 21.3, 95% CI: 19.6-23.0). In the pandemic era, in-person visits rose by 1.4% per week (RR: 1.014, 95% CI: 1.011-1.017) but no change was observed for virtual visits (p-value = 0.31). Overall, we noted a 57.6% increase in total weekly physician visits volume after the start of the pandemic. DISCUSSION These results are meaningful for virtual care reimbursement models. Future study needs to assess the quality of care and whether the increase in virtual care volume is cost-effective to society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fu
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Michael Garron Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qing Li
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Michael Garron Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Halas G, Baldwin A, LaBine L, MacKay K, Singer A, Katz A. A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Shift to Virtual Care Delivery: Insights from Front-Line Primary Care Providers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:861. [PMID: 38667623 PMCID: PMC11050693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid deployment of virtual primary care visits served as a first-line response to COVID-19 and can now be examined for insights, particularly as virtual care is playing an ongoing role in patient care and consultations. Input from primary care providers directly responsible for virtual care delivery is needed to inform policies and strategies for quality care and interactions. The overarching goal of this research study was to examine the use of virtual care as a mechanism for primary healthcare delivery. A phenomenological approach investigated the shift in primary care service delivery as experienced by primary care providers and initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were conducted with primary care providers (n = 21) recruited through email, advertisements, and professional organizations, exploring how virtual care was delivered, the benefits and challenges, workflow considerations, and recommendations for future use. Integrating virtual care was performed with a great deal of autonomy as well as responsibility, and overwhelmingly depended on the telephone. Technology, communication, and workflow flexibility are three key operational aspects of virtual care and its delivery. Providers highlighted cross-cutting themes related to the dynamics of virtual care including balancing risk for quality care, physician work/life balance, efficiency, and patient benefits. Primary care providers felt that virtual care options allowed increased flexibility to attend to the needs of patients and manage their practice workload, and a few scenarios were shared for when virtual care might be best suited. However, they also recognized the need to balance in-person and virtual visits, which may require guidelines that support navigating various levels of care. Overall, virtual care was considered a good addition to the whole 'care package' but continued development and refinement is an expectation for optimizing and sustaining future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alanna Baldwin
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Lisa LaBine
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Kerri MacKay
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Community Partner, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
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10
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Niemenoja O, Ämmälä AJ, Riihijärvi S, Lillrank P, Bono P, Taimela S. The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare booking and cancellation patterns: time series analysis of private healthcare service utilisation in Finland. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:483. [PMID: 38637794 PMCID: PMC11027366 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10987-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has had wide-reaching effects on healthcare services beyond the direct treatment of the pandemic. Most current studies have reported changes in realised service usage, but the dynamics of how patients engage with healthcare services are less well understood. We analysed the effects of COVID-19 on healthcare bookings and cancellations for various service channels between January 2020 and July 2021. METHODS Our data includes 7.3 million bookings, 11.0 million available appointments, and 405.1 thousand cancellations by 900.6 thousand individual patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The data were collected from electronic health record data, including laboratory and imaging services as well as inpatient stays, between January 2017 and July 2021. The patients were Finnish private and occupational healthcare customers in the capital region of Finland. We fitted an autoregressive moving average (ARIMA) model on data between 2017 and 2019 to predict the expected numbers of bookings, available appointments, and cancellations, which were compared to observed time series data between 2020 and 2021. RESULTS Utilisation of physical, in-person primary care physician appointments decreased by up to 50% during the first 18 months of the pandemic. At the same time, digital care channels experienced a rapid, multi-fold increase in service usage. Simultaneously, the number of bookings for laboratory and imaging services decreased by 50% below the pre-pandemic projections. The number of specialist and hospital service bookings remained at the predicted level during the study period. Cancellations for most health services increased sharply by up to three times the pre-COVID levels during the first weeks of the pandemic but returned to the pre-pandemic levels for the rest of the study period. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in in-person appointments and the increase in the utilisation of digital services was likely a contributing factor in the decrease of the utilisation of diagnostic and imaging services throughout the study period. Utilisation of specialist care and hospital services were not affected. Cancellations contributed to the changes in service utilisation only during the first weeks of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Niemenoja
- Terveystalo Plc, Helsinki, Finland.
- Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
| | | | | | | | - Petri Bono
- Terveystalo Plc, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simo Taimela
- Terveystalo Plc, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Choi Y, Hong N, Rhee Y, Park W. Dentists' Intention to Use Teleconsultation for the Treatment of Patients With Osteoporosis: An Online Survey Study. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1119-e1125. [PMID: 38016130 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To properly combine osteoporosis treatment with dental treatment and to prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJI), a system of communication between health providers can be smoothly made within a short time is required. With the recent increase in the possibility of telemedicine being introduced in Korea, it is expected that the introduction of teleconsultation between health providers treating osteoporosis will reduce the discomfort of patients and health providers and improve satisfaction. In this study, a survey was conducted on the knowledge and experience of MRONJ to find out the willingness of dentists treating osteoporosis patients for teleconsultation. Methods: An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted to investigate the intention for teleconsultation for MRONJ with a total of 516 dentists between September and October 2021. Results: Two-thirds of the respondents had experience of requesting consultation other dentists or doctors for the osteoporosis or MRONJ patients. They answered that the referral letter was the most used consultation request method and that it took a long time to get a reply. As for the intention of teleconsultation, 70% of the respondents answered that they were willing. The more experienced or the higher the educational level, the higher the intention for teleconsultation. Although the intention of dentists for teleconsultation was high, satisfaction with the cost of teleconsultation was low. Discussion: Although dentists' intention to use teleconsultation was high, satisfaction with the cost of medical care for teleconsultation was low, so it seems that this should be coordinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiseul Choi
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
| | - Namki Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wonse Park
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
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12
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De La Torre A, Diaz P, Perdomo R. Analysis of the virtual healthcare model in Latin America: a systematic review of current challenges and barriers. Mhealth 2024; 10:20. [PMID: 38689618 PMCID: PMC11058594 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-23-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The virtual care model can be used in all aspects of healthcare, such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of most medical and surgical conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the current barriers to implementing and consolidating the virtual healthcare model, of "telemedicine", in Latin American countries. Methods A systematic review was conducted through four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health, including articles in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. A combination of Boolean operators was used with the terms "telemedicine", "telehealth", "telecare", "home care services", "remote care" and the name of each Latin American country. Articles published from January 2020 to January 2023 that reported on the barriers and challenges of using the virtual care model were included. Results Nineteen articles were included. Brazil (n=5) and Argentina (n=4) were the countries where there was the greatest interest to explore barriers to virtual care. The barriers identified were categorized into five main themes: (I) technological and technical issues; (II) absence of a physical examination; (III) patient's negative perceptions; (IV) negative perceptions among healthcare professionals; and (V) structural obstacles and those associated with the healthcare system. The main obstacles reported were connectivity problems, lack of a complete physical examination, issues of privacy, high risk of medical malpractice, and absence of local regulation. Conclusions The virtual care model is a safe and cost-effective alternative for the delivery of health services, with multiple benefits for patients and their families. The indication for the use of virtual care should be based on a risk model for patient prioritization. Likewise, the analysis of the main barriers and benefits is fundamental to consolidating this model of care and ensuring its expansion in the region.
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13
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Gahungu N, Lan NSR, Gamalath S, Phan J, Bhat V, Spencer R, Hitchen SA, Rankin JM, Dwivedi G, Ihdayhid AR. Telehealth during COVID-19 restrictions in patients with cardiovascular disease: impact on medication prescriptions and patient satisfaction. Intern Med J 2024. [PMID: 38506546 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Telehealth plays an integral part in healthcare delivery. The impact of telehealth and the COVID-19 pandemic on medication prescribing and patient satisfaction with telehealth in cardiology clinics remains unknown. METHODS A retrospective study of cardiology clinic patients at an Australian tertiary hospital was conducted; 630 patients seen before the COVID-19 pandemic (0.6% telehealth) and 678 during the pandemic (91.2% telehealth) were included. Medication changes, new prescriptions and time to obtaining prescriptions after clinic were compared. To evaluate patients' experiences, cardiology clinic patients reviewed during the pandemic were prospectively invited to participate in an electronic survey sent to their mobile phones. RESULTS The overall rates of medication changes made in the clinic between the prepandemic and the pandemic periods did not differ significantly (26.9% vs 25.8%). Compared with prepandemic, new cardiac medication prescriptions during clinic were significantly less (9.3% vs 2.5%; P < 0.0001) and recommendations to general practitioners (GP) to initiate cardiac medications were significantly more (2.6% vs 9.1%; P < 0.0001). Time to obtaining new prescriptions was significantly longer in the pandemic cohort (median 0 days (range: 0-32) vs 10.5 days (range: 0-231); P < 0.0001). Two hundred forty-three (32.7%) patients participated in the survey; 50% reported that telehealth was at least as good as face-to-face consultations. Most patients (61.5%) were satisfied with telehealth and most (62.9%) wished to see telehealth continued postpandemic. CONCLUSION Telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with greater reliance on GP to prescribe cardiac medications and delays in obtaining prescriptions among cardiology clinic patients. Although most patients were satisfied with telehealth services, nearly half of the cardiac patients expressed preference towards traditional face-to-face consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Gahungu
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nick S R Lan
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sameera Gamalath
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Phan
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vikas Bhat
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhys Spencer
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Hitchen
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James M Rankin
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Abdul Rahman Ihdayhid
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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14
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Castillo-Rodenas M, Vicente Gómez JÁ, Fuster-Casanovas A, Miró Catalina Q, Vidal-Alaball J, López Seguí F. Impact of COVID-19 on the Pediatric Primary Care Model in Catalonia: Analysis of Changes in the Number and Type of Face-to-Face and Remote Visits. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e49943. [PMID: 38532544 PMCID: PMC11004613 DOI: 10.2196/49943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The outbreak of COVID-19 has turned the care model of health systems around the world upside down. The health care crisis has led to opportunities for digital health to deliver quality care, and the system has been redirected toward telemedicine. In Catalonia, Spain, as of March 2020, the pattern of visits in primary care pediatric consultations changed, such that face-to-face visits decreased in favor of non-face-to-face visits. Objective This study aimed to analyze variations in the types of pediatric visits in primary care centers in Catalonia before and after the onset of COVID-19. Methods This was a descriptive observational study based on administrative data. The number and type of visits to primary care pediatric services in Catalonia between January 2019 and December 2022 were studied. Results A drop of more than 80% in face-to-face visits and an increase of up to 15 times in remote visits were observed as of March 2020 compared to the previous year. Subsequently, the face-to-face attendance rate began to recover, although it did not reach the same rate as before COVID-19. Non-face-to-face visits were maintained, representing more than 20% of the total after more than 2 years of the pandemic. Conclusions COVID-19 has been the trigger for a transition in the types of visits to primary care pediatric services. The COVID-19 pandemic was a clear catalyst for the integration of telemedicine in Catalan pediatric health care. In this context, although face-to-face consultations have recovered in absolute numbers, after the pandemic period, the weight of telemedicine has increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castillo-Rodenas
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Cardona, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Cardona, Spain
| | | | - Aïna Fuster-Casanovas
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Queralt Miró Catalina
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Josep Vidal-Alaball
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Francesc López Seguí
- Chair in ICT and Health, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
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15
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Mackwood M, Pashchenko O, Leggett C, Fontanet C, Skinner J, Fisher E. Telehealth Trends and Hypertension Management Among Rural and Medicaid Patients After COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38457122 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Examine the associations between rurality and low income with primary care telehealth utilization and hypertension outcomes across multiple years pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methods: We compiled electronic health record data from the mixed rural/urban Dartmouth Health system in New Hampshire, United States, on patients with pre-existing hypertension or diabetes receiving primary care in the period before (January 2018-February 2020) and after the transition period to telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic (October 2020-December 2022). Stratifying by rurality and Medicaid enrollment, we examined changes in synchronous (office and telehealth visits, including audio/video use) and asynchronous (patient portal or telephone message) utilization, and control of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140. Results: Analysis included 46,520 patients, of whom 8.2% were Medicaid enrollees, 42.7% urban residents. Telehealth use rates were 12% for rural versus 6.4% for urban, and 15% for Medicaid versus 8.4% non-Medicaid. The overall postpandemic telehealth visit rate was 0.29 per patient per year. Rural patients had a larger increase in telehealth use (additional 0.21 per year, 95% CI, 0.19-0.23) compared with urban, as did Medicaid (0.32, 95% CI 0.29-0.36) compared with non-Medicaid. Among the 38,437 patients with hypertension, SBP control worsened from 83% to 79% of patients across periods. In multivariable analysis, rurality corresponded to worsened control rates compared with urban (additional 2.4% decrease, 95% CI 2.1-2.8%); Medicaid and telehealth use were not associated with worsened control. Conclusions: Telehealth expansion enabled a higher shift to telehealth for rural and low-income patients without impairing hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mackwood
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Oleksandra Pashchenko
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Full Circle Health Family Medicine Residency, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Christopher Leggett
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Skinner
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Elliott Fisher
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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16
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Duffy CM, Wall CS, Hagiwara N. Factors Associated with College Students' Attitudes Toward Telehealth for Primary Care. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38436593 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Establishing routine primary care visits helps to prevent serious health issues. College students are less likely than the general population to have a regular primary care provider and engage in routine health visits. Recent research provides evidence that telehealth is a convenient alternative to in-person primary care and that college students are comfortable using this technology, suggesting that telehealth has the potential to mitigate this disparity. As attitudes toward telehealth are one critical precursor to behavioral intention and actual utilization of telehealth, the goal of this study was to investigate which factors predict positive or negative attitudes toward telehealth. Methods: Data for this study were collected from a sample of 621 college students at a large southeastern university between September 19, 2022 and December 19, 2022. Results: The study found that college students who reported more trust in physicians, less medical mistrust, and less discrimination in health care settings reported more positive attitudes toward telehealth. Conclusions: These findings suggest that health care providers' skills in delivering patient-centered culturally informed care and building trust and rapport with patients might promote more positive attitudes toward telehealth and, potentially, greater overall utilization of health care services (including both telehealth and in-person services) among college students. This study lays the foundation for future research to examine psychological mechanisms underlying individuals' utilization of telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Mc Duffy
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Catherine Sj Wall
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nao Hagiwara
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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17
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Meador M, Sachdev N, Anderson E, Roy D, Bay RC, Becker LH, Lewis JH. Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Community Health Center Clinicians. J Healthc Qual 2024; 46:109-118. [PMID: 38150376 PMCID: PMC10901219 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The early period of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid increase in out-of-office care. To capture the impact from COVID-19 on care for patients with hypertension, a questionnaire was disseminated to community health center clinicians. The extent, types, and causes of care delays and disruptions were assessed along with adaptations and innovations used to address them. Clinician attitudinal changes and perspectives on future hypertension care were also assessed. Of the 65 respondents, most (90.8%) reported their patients with hypertension experienced care delays or disruptions, including lack of follow-up, lack of blood pressure assessment, and missed medication refills or orders. To address care delays and disruptions for patients with hypertension, respondents indicated that their health center increased the use of telehealth or other technology, made home blood pressure devices available to patients, expanded outreach and care coordination, provided medication refills for longer periods of time, and used new care delivery options. The use of self-measured blood pressure monitoring (58.5%) and telehealth (43.1%) was identified as the top adaptations that should be sustained to increase access to and patient engagement with hypertension care; however, barriers to both remain. Policy and system level changes are needed to support value-based care models that include self-measured blood pressure and telehealth.
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18
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Liu J, Cepeda M, Frangaj B, Shimbo D. The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the Post-COVID Era. Prim Care 2024; 51:1-11. [PMID: 38278564 DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the leading cause of death. Since 2020, the pandemic has had far-reaching effects on the landscape of health care including CVD prevention and management. Recent decreases in life expectancy in the United States could potentially be explained by issues related to disruptions in CVD prevention and control of CVD risk factors from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reviews the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the accompanying pandemic on CVD risk factor prevention and management in the United States. Potential solutions are also proposed for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 60 Haven Avenue (Tower 1), Level B2 (Lobby Level) - Office Suite B234, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Maria Cepeda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 60 Haven Avenue (Tower 1), Level B2 (Lobby Level) - Office Suite B234, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brulinda Frangaj
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 60 Haven Avenue (Tower 1), Level B2 (Lobby Level) - Office Suite B234, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Daichi Shimbo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 60 Haven Avenue (Tower 1), Level B2 (Lobby Level) - Office Suite B234, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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19
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Houben F, den Heijer CD, van Hensbergen M, Dukers-Muijrers NH, de Bont EG, Hoebe CJ. Behavioural determinants shaping infection prevention and control behaviour among healthcare workers in Dutch general practices: a qualitative study reflecting on pre-, during and post-COVID-19 pandemic. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:72. [PMID: 38418938 PMCID: PMC10900587 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02304-9] [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] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC) has increased in primary care settings. This study aimed to examine behavioural determinants shaping IPC behaviour pre-, during, and post-pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) in general practices, to inform optimised IPC in primary care. METHODS For this qualitative study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted during two study periods: (1) pre-COVID-19 pandemic: July 2019-February 2020, with 14 general practitioners (GPs) and medical assistants, and (2) during the COVID-19 pandemic: July 2022-February 2023, with 22 GPs and medical assistants. The design was informed by behaviour change theories. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Main themes were: (1) risk perception and IPC awareness, (2) attitudes towards IPC and professional responsibility, (3) decision-making process and risk considerations for IPC adherence, (4) social norm and social influence in GP practice team, and (5) environmental context and resource availability in GP practice. During the pandemic, risk perception and awareness of the importance of IPC increased compared to the pre-pandemic period. A consistent belief emerged that IPC is part of professional responsibility, while needing to be balanced with other aspects of patient care. Decision-making is dependent on the individual GP and mainly influenced by risk assessments and sustainability considerations. The social context in the practice team can reinforce IPC behaviours. GP practice building and layout, and limited IPC resource and material availability were reported as main barriers. CONCLUSIONS The theory-informed insights of this study can be used for targeted interventions to optimise IPC behaviour in general practices. Adopting multifaceted strategies to target the various determinants is recommended to sustain IPC, by implementing continuous education using tailored communication, integrating IPC in work routines and organisational workflows, refining existing IPC protocols by incorporating decision-making tools for HCWs, fostering a culture of IPC through knowledge-sharing and teamwork, and addressing GP practice physical environment and IPC resource barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Famke Houben
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, South Limburg Public Health Service, P.O. Box 33, Heerlen, 6400 AA, The Netherlands.
| | - Casper Dj den Heijer
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, South Limburg Public Health Service, P.O. Box 33, Heerlen, 6400 AA, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Mitch van Hensbergen
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, South Limburg Public Health Service, P.O. Box 33, Heerlen, 6400 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Htm Dukers-Muijrers
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, South Limburg Public Health Service, P.O. Box 33, Heerlen, 6400 AA, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Eefje Gpm de Bont
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Jpa Hoebe
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, South Limburg Public Health Service, P.O. Box 33, Heerlen, 6400 AA, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P.O. Box 5800, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, The Netherlands
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20
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Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Barone Gibbs B, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Commodore-Mensah Y, Currie ME, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Johansen MC, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Liu J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Perman SM, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge MP, Thacker EL, Tsao CW, Urbut SM, Van Spall HGC, Voeks JH, Wang NY, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Palaniappan LP. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2024; 149:e347-e913. [PMID: 38264914 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.
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21
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Alba C, Zheng Z, Wadhera RK. Changes in Health Care Access and Preventive Health Screenings by Race and Ethnicity. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2024; 5:e235058. [PMID: 38306093 PMCID: PMC10837752 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions in health care. Little is known about whether health care access and preventive health screenings among US adults have recovered to prepandemic levels, and how patterns varied by race and ethnicity. Objective To evaluate health care access and preventive health screenings among eligible US adults in 2021 and 2022 compared with prepandemic year 2019, overall and by race and ethnicity. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from US adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in 2021 and 2022. Survey weights provided by the National Health Interview Survey were used to generate nationally representative estimates. Data were analyzed from May 23 to November 13, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Measures of health care access included the proportion of adults with a usual place for care, those with a wellness visit, and those who delayed or did not receive medical care due to cost within the past year. Preventive health screening measures included eligible adults who received blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood glucose screening within the past year (2021), as well as colorectal, cervical, breast, and prostate cancer screenings based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Results The unweighted study population included 89 130 US adults. The weighted population included 51.6% females; 16.8% Hispanic, 5.9% non-Hispanic Asian (hereafter, Asian), 11.8% non-Hispanic Black (hereafter, Black), 62.8% non-Hispanic White (hereafter, White) individuals; and 2.9% individuals of other races and ethnicities (including American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or multiracial). After adjusting for age and sex, having a usual place for health care did not differ among adults in 2021 or 2022 vs 2019 (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] for each year, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01). However, fewer participants had wellness visits in 2022 compared with 2019 (ARR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), with the most pronounced decline among Asian adults (ARR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98). In addition, adults were less likely to delay medical care (ARR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87) or to not receive care (ARR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83) due to cost in 2022 vs 2019. Preventive health screenings in 2021 remained below 2019 levels (blood pressure: ARR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94-0.96]; blood glucose: ARR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.93-0.96]; and cholesterol: ARR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.92-0.94]). Eligible adults were also significantly less likely to receive colorectal cancer screening (ARR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94), cervical cancer screening (ARR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.89), breast cancer screening (ARR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97), and prostate cancer screening (ARR, 0.86 [0.78-0.94]) in 2021 vs 2019. Asian adults experienced the largest relative decreases across most preventive screenings, while Black and Hispanic adults experienced large declines in colorectal cancer screening (ARR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91) and breast cancer screening (ARR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75-0.91), respectively. Differences in preventive screening rates across years persisted after additional adjustment for socioeconomic factors (income, employment status, and insurance coverage). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this cohort study suggest that, in the US, wellness visits and preventive health screenings have not returned to prepandemic levels. These findings support the need for public health efforts to increase the use of preventive health screenings among eligible US adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Alba
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - ZhaoNian Zheng
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rishi K Wadhera
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Akinleye D, Wu M, Efferen LS, McCauley S, Allen A, Bennett H, Snitkoff LS, Cleary LM, Bliss K, Martiniano R, Wang S, McNutt LA, Osinaga A. Newly Acquired Burnout During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Experiences of New York State Primary Care Clinicians. J Community Health 2024; 49:34-45. [PMID: 37382837 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The well-being of primary care clinicians represents an area of increasing interest amid concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated already high prevalence rates of clinician burnout. This retrospective cohort study was designed to identify demographic, clinical, and work-specific factors that may have contributed to newly acquired burnout after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous web-based questionnaire distributed in August 2020 to New York State (NYS) primary care clinicians, via email outreach and newsletters, produced 1,499 NYS primary care clinician survey respondents. Burnout assessment was measured pre-pandemic and early in the pandemic using a validated single-item question with a 5-point scale ranging from (1) enjoy work to (5) completely burned out. Demographic and work factors were assessed via the self-reporting questionnaire. Thirty percent of 1,499 survey respondents reported newly acquired burnout during the early pandemic period. This was more often reported by clinicians who were women, were younger than 56 years old, had adult dependents, practiced in New York City, had dual roles (patient care and administration), and were employees. Lack of control in the workplace prior to the pandemic was predictive of burnout early in the pandemic, while work control changes experienced following the pandemic were associated with newly acquired burnout. Low response rate and potential recall bias represent limitations. These findings demonstrate that reporting of burnout increased among primary care clinicians during the pandemic, partially due to varied and numerous work environment and systemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Akinleye
- Bureau of Clinical Research and Evaluation, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Room 1955, Albany, NY, 12237, USA.
| | - Meng Wu
- Bureau of Clinical Research and Evaluation, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Room 1955, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Linda S Efferen
- Office of Quality and Patient Safety, New York State Department of Health, ESP Corning Tower, Room 2019, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Susan McCauley
- Office of Quality and Patient Safety, New York State Department of Health, ESP Corning Tower, Room 2019, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Amanda Allen
- Communications, New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians, PO Box 38237, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Heather Bennett
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force, New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians, PO Box 38237, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Louis S Snitkoff
- Albany Medical College, New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians, PO Box 38237, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Lynn M Cleary
- Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Kate Bliss
- Office of Health Insurance Programs, New York State Department of Health, ESP Corning Tower, Room, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Robert Martiniano
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, University at Albany School of Public Health, 1 University Plaza, Pl #220, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Shen Wang
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, University at Albany School of Public Health, 1 University Plaza, Pl #220, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Louise-Ann McNutt
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, State University of New York, 5 University Place, Room A217, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Alda Osinaga
- Office of Quality and Patient Safety, New York State Department of Health, ESP Corning Tower, Room 2019, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
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23
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Lee J, Manalew WS. Adoption of virtual prenatal visits linked to recurrent virtual or forgone visits for postpartum care. Midwifery 2024; 129:103904. [PMID: 38070218 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the association between prenatal and postpartum visits, with a specific focus on the modality of these visits, and to assess whether barriers to virtual visits experienced during the prenatal period are linked to types of postpartum visits. METHODS The repeated cross-sectional study used the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from 2020 through 2021. Women who had prenatal visits and who also reported their postpartum visits were included (n = 11,258). The outcome was the modality of postpartum visits, and the key independent variable was virtual prenatal visit experience. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of postpartum visits with virtual prenatal visit experience. RESULTS Among those who had virtual prenatal visits, about one-third used virtual visits again for postpartum care. Individuals who had virtual prenatal visits showed greater odds of utilizing virtual visits (OR 8.54, 95%CI 7.05-10.35, p=<0.001) or no office visits (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.25-2.07, p=<0.001) compared to in-person visits during the postpartum period. Women who reported a lack of virtual appointment availability (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.40-0.86, P = 0.006) or cellular data (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.05-0.68, p = 0.012) in their prenatal care had lower odds of virtual postpartum visits. CONCLUSIONS While virtual prenatal visits are linked to greater virtual visits for postpartum care, they are also associated with increased forgone care. The unavailability of virtual appointments and cellular data is a significant barrier to virtual visits. The findings provide practical implications for advancing equitable and sustainable care in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusung Lee
- Department of Public Health, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States.
| | - Wondimu Samuel Manalew
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
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24
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Manes MR, Burnfield JM, Boersma K, Peoples J, Davis A, Beneciuk JM, Bialosky J, Jordan K, Osborne R. Virtual Rehabilitation and COVID-19: Varied Adoption and Satisfaction Among Patients and Providers Participating in a Multi-Site Survey Study. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580231222334. [PMID: 38166514 PMCID: PMC10768633 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231222334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic compelled rapid healthcare adaptations including increased use of telehealth (TH) and virtual care (VC) to provide rehabilitation services. This multi-site cross-sectional survey study examined rehabilitation patients' and providers' experiences with service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the use of TH/VC. Patients and providers who received or provided rehabilitation services were recruited from 1 of 3 large, post-acute rehabilitation systems located in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants rated personal satisfaction with rehabilitation services received or rendered during the pandemic and willingness to use TH/VC in the future. Questions also addressed accessibility, ease of use, and perceived barriers to TH/VC use. The adoption and personal satisfaction of TH/VC for rehabilitation care varied between patients and providers. Patients reported higher levels of satisfaction compared to providers (P < .001). Patients who did not use TH/VC had higher satisfaction than those who did (P < .05). Patients were less willing than providers to use TH/VC (P < .001). Those who used TH/VC prior to the pandemic were more willing to use post-pandemic (P < .001). Patients reported TH/VC was useful in increasing health services accessibility yet were neutral as to the ability of TH/VC to improve outcomes. Patients and providers agreed that TH/VC was easy to learn and use. Medical providers found TH/VC more useful than therapy providers. Participants who used TH/VC during the pandemic are more willing to use the service again in the future. Understanding patient and provider preferences and perspectives is key to the continued use of TH/VC in rehabilitation care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindi R. Manes
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Center for Research Analytics and Outcomes, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Judith M. Burnfield
- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Kelsey Boersma
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jason Peoples
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Anita Davis
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Clinical Research Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jason M. Beneciuk
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Clinical Research Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- University of Florida, Department of Physical Therapy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joel Bialosky
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Clinical Research Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- University of Florida, Department of Physical Therapy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Katelyn Jordan
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Clinical Research Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Raine Osborne
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Brooks Clinical Research Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- University of North Florida, Department of Physical Therapy, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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25
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Choi SL, Hites L, Bolland AC, Lee J, Payne-Foster P, Bissell K. Telehealth uptake among middle-aged and older Americans during COVID-19: chronic conditions, social media communication, and race/ethnicity. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:160-168. [PMID: 36450359 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2149696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether and to what extent constructs of the protection motivation theory of health (PMT)-threat appraisal (perceived vulnerability/severity) and coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy)-are related to telehealth engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these associations differ by race/ethnicity among middle-aged and older Americans. METHODS Data were from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study. Multivariable ordinary least-squares regression analyses were computed adjusting for health and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Some PMT constructs are useful in understanding telehealth uptake. Perceived vulnerability/severity, particularly comorbidity (b = 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11, 0.15], p < 0.001), and response efficacy, particularly participation in communication via social media (b = 0.24, 95% CI [0.21, 0.27], p < 0.001), were significantly and positively associated with higher telehealth uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic among middle-aged and older Americans. Non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to engage in telehealth during the pandemic than their non-Hispanic White counterparts (b = 0.20, 95% CI [0.12, 0.28], p < 0.001). Multiple moderation analyses revealed the significant association between comorbidity and telehealth uptake was similar across racial/ethnic groups, whereas the significant association between social media communication and telehealth uptake varied by race/ethnicity. Specifically, the association was significantly less pronounced for Hispanic adults (b = -0.11, 95% CI [-0.19, -0.04], p < 0.01) and non-Hispanic Asian/other races adults (b = -0.13, 95% CI [-0.26, -0.01], p < 0.05) than it was for their non-Hispanic White counterparts. CONCLUSION Results suggest the potential of using social media and telehealth to narrow health disparities, particularly serving as a bridge for members of underserved communities to telehealth uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinae L Choi
- Department of Consumer Sciences, College of Human Environmental Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Center for Innovation in Social Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisle Hites
- Department of Community Medicine and Population Health, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Anneliese C Bolland
- Department of Communication Studies, College of Communication and Information Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Journalism and Creative Media, College of Communication and Information Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Pamela Payne-Foster
- Department of Community Medicine and Population Health, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Kimberly Bissell
- Department of Journalism and Creative Media, College of Communication and Information Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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26
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Gold R, Cook N, Dankovchik J, Larson AE, Sheppler CR, Boston D, O'Connor PJ, McGrath BM, Stange KC. Cardiovascular disease risk management during COVID-19: in-person vs virtual visits. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2024; 30:e11-e18. [PMID: 38271569 PMCID: PMC10926991 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2024.89489] [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: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited research has assessed how virtual care (VC) affects cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management, especially in community clinic settings. This study assessed change in community clinic patients' CVD risk management during the COVID-19 pandemic and CVD risk factor control among patients who had primarily in-person or primarily VC visits. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective interrupted time-series analysis. METHODS Data came from an electronic health record shared by 52 community clinics for index (March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020) and follow-up (July 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022) periods. Analyses compared follow-up period changes in slope and level of population monthly means of 10-year reversible CVD risk score, blood pressure (BP), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among patients whose completed follow-up period visits were primarily in person vs primarily VC. Propensity score weighting minimized confounding. RESULTS There were 10,028 in-person and 6593 VC patients in CVD risk analyses, 9874 in-person and 5390 VC patients in BP analyses, and 8221 in-person and 4937 VC patients in HbA1c analyses. The VC group was more commonly younger, female, White, and urban. Mean reversible CVD risk, mean systolic BP, and percentage of BP measurements that were 140/90 mm Hg or higher increased significantly from index to follow-up periods in both groups. Rate of change between these periods was the same for all outcomes in both groups, regardless of care modality. CONCLUSIONS Among community clinic patients with CVD risk, receiving a majority of care in person vs a majority of care via VC was not significantly associated with longitudinal trends in reversible CVD risk score or key CVD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gold
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227.
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27
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Rifkin DE. Lost in Translation: Why Are Rates of Hypertension Control Getting Worse Over Time? Am J Kidney Dis 2024; 83:101-107. [PMID: 37714284 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of hypertension to decrease rates of cardiovascular disease is the most well studied and most broadly applicable treatment in cardiovascular prevention. Blood pressure can be measured anywhere, not just in a physician's office; medications are readily available, inexpensive, and have highly favorable benefit/harm ratios with relatively minimal side effects; and stepped medication regimens can be prescribed in algorithmic fashion by a variety of practitioners. Yet overall hypertension control rates in the United States have never exceeded 60%, and the last 5-10 years have seen decreased, rather than increased, rates of control. Here, I describe the scale of this massive failure to deliver on the promise of preventive hypertension care; outline the populations most affected and the contemporaneous events that have impacted hypertension control; discuss the disparate paths of hypertension science and health care delivery; and highlight novel interventions, approaches, and future opportunities to bend the curve back toward improvements in hypertension control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena E Rifkin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, VA Healthcare System, and University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.
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28
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Halas G, Baldwin A, Mackay K, Cardenas E, LaBine L, Cherrett P, Abraham L, Fogarty V, Singer A, Katz A, Kirby S. Patients' and caregivers' experiences of virtual care in a primary care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic: A patient-oriented research study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241232949. [PMID: 38410792 PMCID: PMC10896066 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241232949] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored patient and caregiver expectations and experiences of virtual primary care in Manitoba, Canada. This study focused on accessibility of care, acceptability and perceptions of quality from 'users' of primary healthcare services. Due to the rapid implementation of virtual primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, patient/public input was largely bypassed. Methods A mixed method was conducted in collaboration with Patient and Caregiver Community Advisors. Data was obtained from 696 surveys and 9 focus groups (n = 41 patients and caregivers). Results Data suggest good acceptance of virtual visits, although considered a new experience despite almost exclusive use of the telephone. Participants preferred more input for choosing the type of visit but experienced less stress, time and inconvenience by using virtual care. There were mixed opinions of quality. More complex visits were associated with incomplete consultations and serve as one exemplar of the limitations due to lack of physical presence or contact. Unique communication skills were required to convey health concerns adequately and accurately. A more transactional approach was perceived from the lack of visual cues and the awkwardness associated with pauses during the phone conversation. Virtual care may be better used for certain circumstances but should encompass patient-centred decision making for when and how. Many expressed interests in video options; technology access and user ability are additional considerations for advancing virtual care. Conclusions The experiences and recommendations from patients and caregivers provide an important contribution to decision-making and integrating and sustaining quality virtual care for patient-centered healthcare service delivery. Keywords: Virtual care experiences, primary care, patient-oriented research, mixed methods, COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alanna Baldwin
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Ernesto Cardenas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisa LaBine
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Singer
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sarah Kirby
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Canada
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Cruz-Panesso I, Tanoubi I, Drolet P. Telehealth Competencies: Training Physicians for a New Reality? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:93. [PMID: 38200999 PMCID: PMC10779292 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010093] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In North America, telehealth increased by 40% between 2019 and 2020 and stabilized at 40% in 2021. As telehealth becomes more common, it is essential to ensure that healthcare providers have the required skills to overcome the challenges and barriers of this new modality of care. While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the design and implementation of telehealth curricula in healthcare education programs, its general adoption is still a major gap and an important barrier to ensuring scaling up and sustainability of the telesshealth practice. Lack of experienced faculty and limited curricular time are two of the most common barriers to expanding telehealth education. Overcoming the barriers of telehealth curricula implementation may require moving away from the classic expert model of learning in which novices learn from experts. As the adoption of telehealth curricula is still in its early stages, institutions may need to plan for faculty development and trainee education at the same time. Questions regarding the timing and content of telehealth education, the interprofessional development of curricula, and the identification of optimal pedagogical methods remain open and crucial. This article reflects on these questions and presents telesimulation as an ideal instructional method for the training of telehealth competencies. Telesimulation can provide opportunities for practical training across a range of telehealth competencies, fostering not only technical proficiency but also communication skills and interprofessional collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilian Cruz-Panesso
- Medical Simulation Centre, Centre d’Apprentissage des Attitudes et Habiletés Cliniques (CAAHC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; (I.T.); (P.D.)
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30
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Siu C, Stephenson E, Christie CD, Selby P, Tu K. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of primary care visits for substance use among patients in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288503. [PMID: 38127861 PMCID: PMC10734921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the prevalence of substance use presentations. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of primary care visits for substance use including tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use among primary care patients in Ontario, Canada. Diagnostic and service fee code data were collected from a longitudinal cohort of family medicine patients during pre-pandemic (March 14, 2019-March 13, 2020) and pandemic periods (March 14, 2020-March 13, 2021). Generalized linear models were used to compare the rate of substance-use related visits pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. The effects of demographic characteristics including age, sex, and income quintile were also assessed. Relative to the pre-pandemic period, patients were less likely to have a primary care visit during the pandemic for tobacco-use related reasons (OR = 0.288, 95% CI [0.270-0.308]), and for alcohol-use related reasons (OR = 0.851, 95% CI [0.780-0.929]). In contrast, patients were more likely to have a primary care visit for other drug-use related reasons (OR = 1.150, 95% CI [1.080-1.225]). In the face of a known increase in substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in substance use-related primary care visits likely represents an unmet need for this patient population. This study highlights the importance of continued research in the field of substance use, especially in periods of heightened vulnerability such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Siu
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ellen Stephenson
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea D. Christie
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Selby
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Research Institute and Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Western Family Health Team, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Tanev KS, Camprodon JA, Caplan DN, Dickerson BC, Chemali Z, Eldaief MC, Kim DD, Josephy-Hernandez SE, Kritzer MD, Moo LR, Newhouse A, Perez DL, Ramirez Gomez LA, Razafsha M, Rivas-Grajales AM, Scharf JM, Schmahmann JD, Sherman JC. Telemedicine-Based Cognitive Examinations During COVID-19 and Beyond: Perspective of the Massachusetts General Hospital Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry Group. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 36:87-100. [PMID: 38111331 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth and telemedicine have encountered explosive growth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased access to care for patients located far from medical centers and clinics. Subspecialty clinicians in behavioral neurology & neuropsychiatry (BNNP) have implemented the use of telemedicine platforms to perform cognitive examinations that were previously office based. In this perspective article, BNNP clinicians at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) describe their experience performing cognitive examinations via telemedicine. The article reviews the goals, prerequisites, advantages, and potential limitations of performing a video- or telephone-based telemedicine cognitive examination. The article shares the approaches used by MGH BNNP clinicians to examine cognitive and behavioral areas, such as orientation, attention and executive functions, language, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, visuospatial function, praxis, and abstract abilities, as well as to survey for neuropsychiatric symptoms and assess activities of daily living. Limitations of telemedicine-based cognitive examinations include limited access to and familiarity with telecommunication technologies on the patient side, limitations of the technology itself on the clinician side, and the limited psychometric validation of virtual assessments. Therefore, an in-person examination with a BNNP clinician or a formal in-person neuropsychological examination with a neuropsychologist may be recommended. Overall, this article emphasizes the use of standardized cognitive and behavioral assessment instruments that are either in the public domain or, if copyrighted, are nonproprietary and do not require a fee to be used by the practicing BNNP clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaloyan S Tanev
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Joan A Camprodon
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - David N Caplan
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Bradford C Dickerson
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Zeina Chemali
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Mark C Eldaief
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - David Dongkyung Kim
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Sylvia E Josephy-Hernandez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Michael D Kritzer
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Lauren R Moo
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Amy Newhouse
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - David L Perez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Liliana A Ramirez Gomez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Mahdi Razafsha
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Ana Maria Rivas-Grajales
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Jeremiah M Scharf
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
| | - Janet C Sherman
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tanev, Camprodon, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Kritzer, Newhouse, Perez, Razafsha, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Sherman); Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology (Camprodon, Caplan, Dickerson, Chemali, Eldaief, Josephy-Hernandez, Moo, Perez, Ramirez Gomez, Rivas-Grajales, Scharf, Schmahmann, Sherman) and Division of Movement Disorders (Scharf), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Kim); Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Newhouse); Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston (Rivas-Grajales); Psychology Assessment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Sherman)
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Marinacci LX, Bartlett V, Zheng Z, Mein S, Wadhera RK. Health Care Access and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management Among Working-Age US Adults During the Pandemic. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2023; 16:e010516. [PMID: 37929572 PMCID: PMC10872901 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.123.010516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-income working-age US adults disproportionately experienced health care disruptions at the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Little is known about how health care access and cardiovascular risk factor management changed as the pandemic went on or if patterns differed by state Medicaid expansion status. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system were used to compare self-reported measures of health care access and cardiovascular risk factor management among US adults aged 18 to 64 years in 2021 (pandemic) to 2019 (prepandemic) using multivariable Poisson regression models. We assessed differential changes between low-income (<138% federal poverty level) and high-income (>400% federal poverty level) working-age adults by including an interaction term for income group and year. We then evaluated changes among low-income adults in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states using a similar approach. RESULTS The unweighted study population included 80 767 low-income and 184 136 high-income adults. Low-income adults experienced improvements in insurance coverage (relative risk [RR], 1.10 [95% CI, 1.08-1.12]), access to a provider (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.09-1.14]), and ability to afford care (RR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.05-1.09]) in 2021 compared with 2019. While these measures also improved for high-income adults, gains in coverage and ability to afford care were more pronounced among low-income adults. However, routine visits (RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.94-0.98]) and cholesterol testing (RR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.91-0.96]) decreased for low-income adults, while diabetes screening (RR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.95-1.08]) remained stable. Treatment for hypertension (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]) increased, and diabetes-focused visits and insulin use remained stable. These patterns were similar for high-income adults. Across most outcomes, there were no differential changes between low-income adults residing in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states. CONCLUSIONS In this national study of working-age adults in the United States, measures of health care access improved for low- and high-income adults in 2021. However, routine outpatient visits and cardiovascular risk factor screening did not return to prepandemic levels, while risk factor treatment remained stable. As many coronavirus disease-era safety net policies come to an end, targeted strategies are needed to protect health care access and improve cardiovascular risk factor screening for working-age adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas X. Marinacci
- Section of Health Policy and Equity at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victoria Bartlett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - ZhaoNian Zheng
- Section of Health Policy and Equity at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen Mein
- Section of Health Policy and Equity at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rishi K. Wadhera
- Section of Health Policy and Equity at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Mao L, Mohan G, Normand C. Use of information communication technologies by older people and telemedicine adoption during COVID-19: a longitudinal study. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:2012-2020. [PMID: 37572310 PMCID: PMC10654849 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate how information communication technology (ICT) factors relate to the use of telemedicine by older people in Ireland during the pandemic in 2020. Furthermore, the paper tested whether the supply of primary care, measured by General Practitioner's (GP) accessibility, influenced people's telemedicine options. METHOD Based on 2 waves from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a nationally representative sample, multivariate logistic models were applied to examine the association between pre-pandemic use of ICTs and telemedicine usage (GP, pharmacist, hospital doctor), controlling for a series of demographic, health, and socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS Previously reported having Internet access was a statistically positive predictor for telemedicine usage. The availability of high-speed broadband Internet did not exhibit a statistical association. The association was more prominent among those under 70 years old and non-Dublin urban areas. People with more chronic conditions, poorer mental health, and private health insurance had higher odds of using telemedicine during the period of study. No clear pattern between telemedicine use and differential geographic access to GP was found. DISCUSSION The important role of ICT access and frequent engagement with the Internet in encouraging telemedicine usage among older adults was evidenced. CONCLUSION Internet access was a strong predictor for telemedicine usage. We found no evidence of a substitution or complementary relationship between telemedicine and in-person primary care access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likun Mao
- Department of Economics, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, United Kingdom
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Central, Dublin D02 R590, Republic of Ireland
| | - Gretta Mohan
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin 2 D02 K138, Republic of Ireland
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom
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McLeod SL, Tarride JE, Mondoux S, Paterson JM, Plumptre L, Borgundvaag E, Dainty KN, McCarron J, Ovens H, Hall JN. Health care utilization and outcomes of patients seen by virtual urgent care versus in-person emergency department care. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1463-E1474. [PMID: 37931947 PMCID: PMC10627570 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual urgent care (VUC) is intended to support diversion of patients with low-acuity complaints and reduce the need for in-person emergency department visits. We aimed to describe subsequent health care utilization and outcomes of patients who used VUC compared with similar patients who had an in-person emergency department visit. METHODS We used patient-level encounter data that were prospectively collected for patients using VUC services provided by 14 pilot programs in Ontario, Canada. We linked the data to provincial administrative databases to identify subsequent 30-day health care utilization and outcomes. We defined 2 subgroups of VUC users; those with a documented prompt referral to an emergency department by a VUC provider, and those without. We matched patients in each cohort to an equal number of patients presenting to an emergency department in person, based on encounter date, medical concern and the logit of a propensity score. For the subgroup of patients not promptly referred to an emergency department, we matched patients to those who were seen in an emergency department and then discharged home. RESULTS Of the 19 595 patient VUC visits linked to administrative data, we matched 2129 patients promptly referred to the emergency department by a VUC provider to patients presenting to the emergency department in person. Index visit hospital admissions (9.4% v. 8.7%), 30-day emergency department visits (17.0% v. 17.5%), and hospital admissions (12.9% v. 11.0%) were similar between the groups. We matched 14 179 patients who were seen by a VUC provider with no documented referral to the emergency department. Patients seen by VUC were more likely to have a subsequent in-person emergency department visit within 72 hours (13.7% v. 7.0%), 7 days (16.5% v. 10.3%) and 30 days (21.9% v. 17.9%), but hospital admissions were similar within 72 hours (1.1% v. 1.3%), and higher within 30 days for patients who were discharged home from the emergency department (2.6% v. 3.4%). INTERPRETATION The impact of the provincial VUC pilot program on subsequent health care utilization was limited. There is a need to better understand the inherent limitations of virtual care and ensure future virtual providers have timely access to in-person outpatient resources, to prevent subsequent emergency department visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Shawn Mondoux
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - J Michael Paterson
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Lesley Plumptre
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Emily Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Katie N Dainty
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Joy McCarron
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Justin N Hall
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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Foster M, Etchin A, Pope C, Hartmann CW, Emidio O, Bosworth HB. The Impact of COVID-19 on Hypertension and Hypertension Medication Adherence Among Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups: A Scoping Review. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:385-394. [PMID: 37624472 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To conduct a scoping review of articles which examined the impact of COVID-19 on HTN and HTN medication adherence among underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities. RECENT FINDINGS Seven studies were included in this review and impact of COVID-19 was examined at 4 levels: patient, provider, health system and society. The results indicated that patient level factors, such as high unemployment and inequitable access to telemedicine due to society factors- lack of access to high-speed Internet and variation in the offering of telehealth by health systems, were most impactful on adherence. Additionally, provider level clinical inertia may have further impacted adherence to HTN medication. Our review showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not introduce new barriers but exacerbated preexisting barriers. Ongoing efforts are needed to change policies at the state and local levels to dismantle inequities in underrepresented communities to ensure access to health care with telemedicine to promote health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marva Foster
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Quality Management, 150 S. Huntington Ave., 02130, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Anna Etchin
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Quality Management, 150 S. Huntington Ave., 02130, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlene Pope
- Health Equity & Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC)/COIN, Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christine W Hartmann
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Oluwabunmi Emidio
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
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De Sarro C, Papadopoli R, Morgante MC, Pileggi C. A new emergency during the latest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: access to healthcare services by patients with non-communicable diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1261063. [PMID: 37901416 PMCID: PMC10602673 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1261063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare and the disease management of patients affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), by exploring, specifically, the obstacles encountered in the access to healthcare services during the latest phase of the pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects attending the anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination clinic in a Teaching Hospital of Southern Italy. To be included in the study, subjects had to be affected by at least one NCD, such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and heart diseases, renal and liver chronic conditions, immunodeficiency disorders due to cancer, or being kidney or liver transplant recipients. Results Among the 553 subjects who completed the questionnaire, the 39.4% (95% IC = 35.3-43.6) experienced obstacles in the access to healthcare services in the six months prior to the enrollment. The most frequent canceled/postponed healthcare services were the visits for routine checks for NCDs (60.6, 95% IC = 53.9-67), control visits of more complex diseases as cancer or transplantation (17.3, 95% IC = 12.6-22.8), and scheduled surgery (11.5, 95% IC = 7.7-16.4). The patients who experienced canceled/postponed healthcare services were significantly more likely to suffer from 3 or more NCDs (p = 0.042), to be diabetics (p = 0.038), to have immunodeficiency disorders (p = 0.028) and to have consulted GP at least once (p = 0.004). Conclusion Our results appear to be fundamental for guiding the choices of providers in order to concentrate organizational efforts to recover and reschedule missed appointments, where applicable, of the most fragile patients by virtue of age and chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Papadopoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Pileggi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
- FAS@UMG Research Center, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Barzegari J, Raeissi P, Hashemi SM, Aryan Khesal A, Reisi N. Delivering Primary Health Care (PHC) Services for Controlling NCDs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2023; 44:579-601. [PMID: 37495870 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. NCDs also increase mortality from COVID-19 and primary health care (PHC) services are an important component in the prevention and control of long-term NCDs. The main goal of the present study was to review primary healthcare services for the NCDs patients via primary healthcare network during COVID-19 pandemic. In this scoping review, Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, and Science-direct up to 1st February 2022 were searched to identify studies regarding primary care services for NCDs patients via primary health care during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. 24 studies were about the status and changes of primary health services for NCDs patients in PHC settings, while 18 studies focused on adaptive strategies used during COVID-19 in different countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Portugal, Georgia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, India, Kenya, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. These strategies included remote monitoring, follow up, consultation, empowerment and educational services as well as home visiting Disruption of NCDs services in PHC during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed in different countries, which highlights the urgency of attention of researchers and policy-makers to development of appropriate and adaptive policies to improve PHC service coverage and its quality during the pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Barzegari
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, No. 6, Rashid Yasemi St. Vali -e Asr Ave, P.O Box: 1996713883, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouran Raeissi
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, No. 6, Rashid Yasemi St. Vali -e Asr Ave, P.O Box: 1996713883, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed- Masoud Hashemi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryan Khesal
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, No. 6, Rashid Yasemi St. Vali -e Asr Ave, P.O Box: 1996713883, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Reisi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Child Growth and Development Research Center and Isfahan Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Lee J, Manalew WS. Reasons for Not Pursuing Virtual Prenatal Care in 2020 Through 2021 and Policy Implications. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1492-1503. [PMID: 36787485 PMCID: PMC10589501 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate patterns of virtual prenatal visits and examine reasons for not pursuing virtual visits for prenatal care. Methods: A pooled cross-sectional study used Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from October 2020 through June 2021, a nationally representative surveillance system targeted at women who recently gave live birth. Individuals (n = 11,829) who reported their prenatal care experiences were included. A modified poison regression estimated prevalence ratios for virtual prenatal visits and reasons for not using virtual services. Results: One-third of participants used virtual prenatal care. Hispanics were more likely to use virtual prenatal care than whites. Compared with college graduates, those with high school graduation (Prevalence Ratios [PR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.99; p = 0.033) or some college education (PR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96; p = 0.009) were less likely to use virtual visits. A preference for in-person was the most common reason for not pursuing virtual visits (77.1%), followed by no available virtual appointments (29.5%), technology barriers (6.1%), and no private space (1.7%). Individuals with less than or with high school graduation had 4.16 times (95% CI 2.32-7.46; p ≤ 0.001) and 2.72 times (95% CI 1.67-4.43; p ≤ 0.001) greater technology barriers, and 10.03 times (95% CI 3.42-29.46; p ≤ 0.001) and 4.29 times (95% CI 1.56-11.80; p = 0.005) greater likelihood of lacking private space, respectively, while they had a lesser in-person preference. Conclusions: In a disrupted health care landscape, barriers to accessing virtual prenatal care may have further exacerbated access to care and effective management of pregnancy among those underserved. The findings provide practical implications for safe and effective prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusung Lee
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - W. Samuel Manalew
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
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Nardolillo JA, Rosario N, Cheng V, Lobkovich AM. Initiating Primary Care Services when the World Is Paused: Lessons for Pharmacists in the Post-COVID-19 Era. J Pharm Pract 2023; 36:1052-1055. [PMID: 35440223 PMCID: PMC9024150 DOI: 10.1177/08971900221087934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted primary care and required pharmacists to adapt when implementing primary care services. Many lessons learned through this process are applicable in the post-pandemic era. First, primary care pharmacists must prepare for an ever-changing role and communicate with stakeholders to align with shifting institutional priorities. Additionally, designing a workflow given limited staffing and in-person communication require flexibility for scheduling and referral processes. Proactive outreach and communication via virtual platforms may be used to build trust in place of in-office interactions with providers. Lastly, fostering relationships with patients is essential to the success of the service and often requires creation of patient-centered goals to account for personal barriers. Many pandemic obstacles are transient; however, telehealth, virtual communication, and the subsequent lessons learned in adaptability, creativity, and flexibility when building a clinic practice are everlasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Nardolillo
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Vivian Cheng
- University of Washington Medicine Valley Family Medicine Clinic, Renton, WA
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Abdalla M, Bolen SD, Brettler J, Egan BM, Ferdinand KC, Ford CD, Lackland DT, Wall HK, Shimbo D. Implementation Strategies to Improve Blood Pressure Control in the United States: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American Medical Association. Hypertension 2023; 80:e143-e157. [PMID: 37650292 PMCID: PMC10578150 DOI: 10.1161/hyp.0000000000000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors that contribute to incident cardiovascular events. A multitude of US and international hypertension guidelines, scientific statements, and policy statements have recommended evidence-based approaches for hypertension management and improved blood pressure (BP) control. These recommendations are based largely on high-quality observational and randomized controlled trial data. However, recent published data demonstrate troubling temporal trends with declining BP control in the United States after decades of steady improvements. Therefore, there is a widening disconnect between what hypertension experts recommend and actual BP control in practice. This scientific statement provides information on the implementation strategies to optimize hypertension management and to improve BP control among adults in the United States. Key approaches include antiracism efforts, accurate BP measurement and increased use of self-measured BP monitoring, team-based care, implementation of policies and programs to facilitate lifestyle change, standardized treatment protocols using team-based care, improvement of medication acceptance and adherence, continuous quality improvement, financial strategies, and large-scale dissemination and implementation. Closing the gap between scientific evidence, expert recommendations, and achieving BP control, particularly among disproportionately affected populations, is urgently needed to improve cardiovascular health.
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Fang JL, Umoren R, Whyte H, Limjoco J, Makkar A, Yankanah R, McCoy M, Lo MD, Colby CE, Herrin J, Jacobson RM, Demaerschalk BM. Provider Perspectives on the Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of Teleneonatology. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:1521-1528. [PMID: 34583392 DOI: 10.1055/a-1656-6363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to measure provider perspectives on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and community hospitals. STUDY DESIGN Providers from five academic tertiary NICUs and 27 community hospitals were surveyed using validated implementation measures to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology. For each of the 12 statements, scale values ranged from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater positive perceptions. Survey results were summarized, and differences across respondents assessed using generalized linear models. RESULTS The survey response rate was 56% (203/365). Respondents found teleneonatology to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. The percent of respondents who agreed with each of the twelve statements ranged from 88.6 to 99.0%, with mean scores of 4.4 to 4.7 and median scores of 4.0 to 5.0. There was no difference in the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology when analyzed by professional role, years of experience in neonatal care, or years of teleneonatology experience. Respondents from Level I well newborn nurseries had greater positive perceptions of teleneonatology than those from Level II special care nurseries. CONCLUSION Providers in tertiary NICUs and community hospitals perceive teleneonatology to be highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for their practices. The wide acceptance by providers of all roles and levels of experience likely demonstrates a broad receptiveness to telemedicine as a tool to deliver neonatal care, particularly in rural communities where specialists are unavailable. KEY POINTS · Neonatal care providers perceive teleneonatology to be highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible.. · Perceptions of teleneonatology do not differ based on professional role or years of experience.. · Perceptions of teleneonatology are especially high in smaller hospitals with well newborn nurseries..
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Fang
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rachel Umoren
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington & Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hilary Whyte
- Division of Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie Limjoco
- Division of Neonatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Abhishek Makkar
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Rosanna Yankanah
- Division of Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mike McCoy
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mark D Lo
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington & Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christopher E Colby
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jeph Herrin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert M Jacobson
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bart M Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology and Center for Connected Care, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona
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McAlister FA, Hsu Z, Dong Y, Youngson E. The COVID-19 pandemic did not negatively impact frequency or continuity of outpatient care in Alberta, Canada. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15691. [PMID: 37735245 PMCID: PMC10514193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Outpatient care patterns have changed markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we compared the frequency of outpatient care (whether in-person or virtual) and continuity of care for all community-dwelling adults in Alberta between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 (pre-pandemic) versus March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 (pandemic). We calculated provider continuity using Breslau's Usual Provider Continuity (UPC) for patients with at least 2 outpatient encounters. In 2019-20, 594,350 (98.4%) of 603,877 community-dwelling adults with ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) had [Formula: see text] 1 outpatient visit (median 8 visits, mean UPC score 0.61, SD 0.23), compared to 566,569 (98.6%) of 574,613 (median 8 visits, mean UPC score 0.67, SD 0.23) during the first year of the pandemic. Similar patterns were seen for adults without ACSC: 2,207,710 (93.9%) of 2,350,147 had [Formula: see text] 1 outpatient visit (median 3 visits, mean UPC score 0.61, SD 0.24) pre-pandemic compared to 2,113,239 (93.5%, median 4 visits, mean UPC 0.67, SD 0.24) in the first year of the pandemic. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact frequency of follow-up while continuity of care improved both for patients with or without ACSC in Alberta, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finlay A McAlister
- The Division of General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 5-134C Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
- The Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit, Edmonton, Canada.
| | - Zoe Hsu
- The Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit, Edmonton, Canada
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yuan Dong
- The Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit, Edmonton, Canada
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Erik Youngson
- The Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit, Edmonton, Canada
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
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Bhatia HS, Hurst S, Desai P, Zhu W, Yeang C. Lipoprotein(a) Testing Trends in a Large Academic Health System in the United States. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031255. [PMID: 37702041 PMCID: PMC10547299 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite its high prevalence and clinical significance, clinical measurement of lipoprotein(a) is rare but has not been systematically quantified. We assessed the prevalence of lipoprotein(a) testing overall, in those with various cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions and in those undergoing cardiac testing across 6 academic medical centers associated with the University of California, in total and by year from 2012 to 2021. Methods and Results In this observational study, data from the University of California Health Data Warehouse on the number of individuals with unique lipoprotein(a) testing, unique CVD diagnoses (using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision [ICD-10], codes), and other unique cardiac testing were collected. The proportion of total individuals, the proportion of individuals with a given CVD diagnosis, and the proportion of individuals with a given cardiac test and lipoprotein(a) testing any time during the study period were calculated. From 2012 to 2021, there were 5 553 654 unique adults evaluated in the University of California health system, of whom 18 972 (0.3%) had lipoprotein(a) testing. In general, those with lipoprotein(a) testing were more likely to be older, men, and White race, with a greater burden of CVD. Lipoprotein(a) testing was performed in 6469 individuals with ischemic heart disease (2.9%), 836 with aortic stenosis (3.1%), 4623 with family history of CVD (3.3%), 1202 with stroke (1.7%), and 612 with coronary artery calcification (6.1%). For most conditions, the prevalence of testing in the same year as the diagnosis of CVD was relatively stable, with a small upward trend over time. Lipoprotein(a) testing was performed in 10 753 individuals (1.8%) who had lipid panels, with higher rates with more specialized testing, including coronary computed tomography angiography (6.8%) and apolipoprotein B (63.0%). Conclusions Lipoprotein(a) testing persists at low rates, even among those with diagnosed CVD, and remained relatively stable over the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet S. Bhatia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Samantha Hurst
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity ScienceUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Paresh Desai
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Wenhong Zhu
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Calvin Yeang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCA
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Dinh T, Staab EM, Nuñez D, Zhu M, Wan W, Schaefer CT, Campbell A, Quinn M, Baig AA. Evaluating Effects of Virtual Diabetes Group Visits in Community Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Patient Exp 2023; 10:23743735231199822. [PMID: 37693188 PMCID: PMC10492483 DOI: 10.1177/23743735231199822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US. Diabetes group visits (GVs), which include group education and individual medical visits have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated virtual GVs. We conducted a single-arm pilot study to test the impact of virtual diabetes GVs in Midwestern community health centers (CHCs). Adult patients with diabetes participated in monthly virtual GVs for 6 months. Surveys and chart abstraction were used to assess patient-reported and clinical outcomes. Five CHCs implemented virtual GVs with 34 patients attending at least one session. Virtual GVs show promise as evidenced by these findings: (1) Patients had a nonsignificant decrease in A1C. (2) In the subgroup of patients with baseline A1C ≥ 9%, there was a significant decrease in A1C. (3) Patients had significant increases in diabetes knowledge and support as well as a decrease in diabetes distress. Future studies with a larger sample size and a control comparison group are needed to assess the impact of virtual GVs on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Dinh
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin M Staab
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daisy Nuñez
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wen Wan
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Arshiya A Baig
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Dugani SB, Kiliaki SA, Nielsen ML, Fischer KM, Lunde M, Kesselring GM, Lawson DK, Coons TJ, Schenzel HA, Parikh RS, Pagali SR, Liwonjo A, Croghan IT, Schroeder DR, Burton MC. Postdischarge Video Visits for Adherence to Hospital Discharge Recommendations: A Randomized Clinical Trial. MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS. DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 1:368-378. [PMID: 37641718 PMCID: PMC10460477 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpdig.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine whether a postdischarge video visit with patients, conducted by hospital medicine advanced practice providers, improves adherence to hospital discharge recommendations. Patients and Methods We conducted a single-institution 2-site randomized clinical trial with 1:1 assignment to intervention vs control, with enrollment from August 10, 2020, to June 23, 2022. Hospital medicine patients discharged home or to an assisted living facility were randomized to a video visit 2-5 days postdischarge in addition to usual care (intervention) vs usual care (control). During the video visit, advanced practice providers reviewed discharge recommendations. Both intervention and control groups received telephone follow-up 3-6 days postdischarge to ascertain the primary outcome of adherence to all discharge recommendations for new and chronic medication management, self-management and action plan, and home support. Results Among 1190 participants (594 intervention; 596 control), the primary outcome was ascertained in 768 participants (314 intervention; 454 control). In intervention vs control, there was no difference in the proportion of participants with the primary outcome (76.7% vs 72.5%; P=.19) or in the individual domains of the primary outcome: new and chronic medication management (94.1% vs 92.8%; P=.50), self-management and action plan (76.5% vs 71.5%; P=.18), and home support (94.1% vs 94.3%; P=.94). Women receiving intervention vs control had higher adherence to recommendations (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.08-2.91). Conclusion In hospital medicine patients, a postdischarge video visit did not improve adherence to discharge recommendations. Potential gender differences in adherence require further investigation.Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT04547803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar B Dugani
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Shangwe A Kiliaki
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Megan L Nielsen
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Karen M Fischer
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Megan Lunde
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gina M Kesselring
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Donna K Lawson
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Trevor J Coons
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Holly A Schenzel
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Riddhi S Parikh
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Sandeep R Pagali
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Anne Liwonjo
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Lake City, MN
| | - Ivana T Croghan
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of General Internal Medicine; Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Office; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - M Caroline Burton
- Division of Hospital, Internal Medicine, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Chen K, Zhang C, Jackson HB. Relative billing complexity of in-person versus telehealth outpatient encounters. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:887-892. [PMID: 37515392 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Video visits became more widely available during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the ongoing role and value of video visits in care delivery and how these may have changed over time are not well understood. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Compare the relative complexity of in-person versus video visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and describe the complexity of video visits over time. METHODS We used billing data for in-person and video revisits from non-behavioural health specialities with the most video visit utilisation (≥50th percentile) at a large, urban, public healthcare system from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2022. We used current procedural terminology (CPT) codes as a proxy for information gathering and decision-making complexity and time spent on an encounter. We compared the distribution of CPT codes 99211-99215 between in-person and video visits using Fisher's exact tests. We used Spearman correlation to test for trends between proportions of CPT codes over time for video visits. RESULTS Ten specialities (adult primary care, paediatrics, adult dermatology, bariatric surgery, paediatric endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecologist, adult haematology/oncology, paediatric allergy/immunology, paediatric gastroenterology, and paediatric pulmonology) met inclusion criteria. For each speciality, proportions of each CPT code for in-person visits and for video visits varied significantly, and patterns of variation differed by speciality. For example, in adult primary care, video visits had smaller proportions of moderate/high complexity visits (99214 and 99215) and greater proportions of lower complexity visits (99211-99213) compared with in-person visits (p < 0.001), but in paediatric endocrinology, the opposite was seen (p < 0.001). Trends in CPT codes over time for video visits in each speciality were also mixed. CONCLUSION In-person and video visits had differing proportions of complexity codes (typically skewing towards lower complexity for video visits). The complexity of video visits changed over time in many specialities. Observed patterns for both phenomena varied by speciality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chen
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, New York City Health+Hospitals, New York, New York, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine Zhang
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, New York City Health+Hospitals, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hannah B Jackson
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, New York City Health+Hospitals, New York, New York, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Regragui S, Abou Malham S, Gaboury I, Bois C, Deville-Stoetzel N, Maillet L, Savoie A, Breton M. Nursing practice and teleconsultations in a pandemic context: A mixed-methods study. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6339-6353. [PMID: 37202866 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the use and implementation of teleconsultations by primary care nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND Teleconsultation use increased rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its implementation has been documented for physicians and specialists, but knowledge is still limited in nursing practice. DESIGN A sequential mixed-methods study. METHODS Phase 1: A cross-sectional e-survey with 98 nurses (64 nurse clinicians [NCs] and 34 nurse practitioners [NPs]) was conducted in 2020 in 48 teaching primary care clinics in Quebec (Canada). Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews with four NCs and six NPs were conducted in 2021 in three primary care clinics. This study adheres to STROBE and COREQ guidelines. RESULTS During the pandemic, telephone was the principal teleconsultation modality used by NPs and NCs compared to other teleconsultation modalities (text messages, email and video). The only variable associated with a higher likelihood of using teleconsultations was type of professional (NCs). Video consultation was almost absent from the modalities used. The majority of participants reported several facilitators to using teleconsultations in their work (e.g. web platforms and work-family balance) and for patients (e.g. rapid access). Some barriers to utilisation were identified (e.g. lack of physical resources) for successful integration of teleconsultations at the organisational, technological and systemic levels. Participants also reported positive (e.g. assessment of cognitive deficiency) and negative (e.g. rural population) impacts of using teleconsultations during a pandemic that made the use of teleconsultations complex. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential for nurses to use teleconsultations in primary care practice and suggests concrete solutions to encourage their implementation after the pandemic. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Findings emphasize the need for updated nursing education, easy-to-use technology and the strengthening of policies for the sustainable use of teleconsultations in primary health care. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION This study could promote the sustainable use of teleconsultations in nursing practice. REPORTING METHOD The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines; the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies and the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies were used for reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution, as the study focused on the use of teleconsultation among health professionals, specifically primary care nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Regragui
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabina Abou Malham
- École des sciences infirmières, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gaboury
- Département de médecine de famille, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Bois
- École des sciences infirmières, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Nadia Deville-Stoetzel
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Lara Maillet
- École nationale d'administration publique, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Annie Savoie
- École des sciences infirmières, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Mylaine Breton
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Oreskovic T, Percac-Lima S, Ashburner JM, Tiljak H, Rifel J, Klemenc Ketiš Z, Oreskovic S. Cytisine Versus Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in a Primary Care Setting: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1547-1555. [PMID: 37291049 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A smoking-cessation program was implemented as a randomized non-inferiority trial in primary care practices in Croatia and Slovenia to investigate whether a standard 4-week treatment with cytisine was at least as effective and feasible as a standard 12-week treatment with varenicline in helping smokers quit. AIMS AND METHODS Out of 982 surveyed smokers, 377 were recruited to the non-inferiority trial: 186 were randomly assigned to cytisine and 191 to varenicline treatment. The primary cessation outcome was 7-day abstinence after 24 weeks, while the primary feasibility outcome was defined by adherence to the treatment plan. We also compared the rates of adverse events between the two treatment groups. RESULTS The cessation rate after 24 weeks was 32.46% (62/191) in the varenicline group and 23.12% (43/186) in the cytisine group (odds ratio [OR]: 95%, credible interval [CI]: 0.39 to 0.98). Of 191 participants assigned to varenicline treatment 59.16% (113) were adherent, while 70.43% (131 of 186) were adherent in the cytisine group (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.56). Participants assigned to cytisine experienced fewer total (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.81) and fewer severe or more extreme adverse events (IRR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.47). CONCLUSIONS This randomized non-inferiority trial (n = 377) found the standard 4-week cytisine treatment to be less effective than the standard 12-week varenicline treatment for smoking cessation. However, adherence to the treatment plan, ie, feasibility, was higher, and the rate of adverse events was lower among participants assigned to cytisine treatment. IMPLICATIONS The present study found the standard 12 weeks of varenicline treatment to be more effective than the standard 4 weeks of cytisine treatment for smoking cessation in a primary care setting in Croatia and Slovenia. Participants assigned to cytisine, however, had a higher adherence to the treatment plan and a lower rate of adverse events. Estimates from the present study may be especially suitable for generalizations to high-smoking prevalence populations in Europe. Given the much lower cost of cytisine treatment, its lower rate of adverse events, and higher feasibility (but its likely lower effectiveness with the standard dosage regimen), future analyses should assess the cost-effectiveness of the two treatments for health policy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Oreskovic
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sanja Percac-Lima
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Chelsea HealthCare Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Ashburner
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hrvoje Tiljak
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Rifel
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zalika Klemenc Ketiš
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stjepan Oreskovic
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Alhmoud E, Barazi R, Saad M, Al Khiyami D, El Ajez R, Bakdach D, Omrani A, Ibrahim W, El Anany R, Al-Hail M. Characteristics and outcomes of adult patients with asthma presenting with COVID-19: A comparative cohort study. Qatar Med J 2023; 2023:15. [PMID: 37565045 PMCID: PMC10411356 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2023.15] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchial asthma affects about 20% of Qatar's population. The impact of asthma on COVID-19 outcomes is controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of asthma on COVID-19 outcomes and the predictors of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in a cohort of asthma patients infected by COVID-19. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with asthma infected with COVID-19, who were recruited from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the main healthcare system in Qatar. Patients were matched to a control group of non-asthmatic COVID-19 patients (1:2) based on sex, age, and other comorbidities. RESULTS Between March and August 2020, 616 patients with asthma met the inclusion criteria. The need for hospitalization among patients with asthma was independently associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for 10 years, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.54; p = 0.001) and hypertension (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.43-3.93; p = 0.001) but not with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting beta2 agonists, montelukast, or tiotropium. Patients with asthma required less hospitalization for COVID-19 than non-asthmatic patients (28.2% vs. 37.3%, respectively; aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.77-0.90; p < 0.001). However, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was comparable between both groups (3.3% vs. 2.2%; aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.78-3.43; p = 0.193). No difference in mortality rate was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In Qatar, adult patients with asthma do not appear to be at higher risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or ICU admission compared to the general adult COVID-19-infected population. Older age and hypertension were the only significant predictors of COVID-19-related hospitalization among patients with asthma. Further larger studies are required to confirm such an association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Alhmoud
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Raja Barazi
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Mohammed Saad
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Dania Al Khiyami
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Reem El Ajez
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Dana Bakdach
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Ali Omrani
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wanis Ibrahim
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar (WCM-Q), Qatar
| | - Rasha El Anany
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
| | - Moza Al-Hail
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. E-mail: ORCID: 0000-0002-3871-7088
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Bushnell G, Sun JW, dosReis S, Castillo WC, Czaja AS, Durrieu G, Gerhard T, Lee H, Kaguelidou F, Pudasainee-Kapri S, Raman S, Spence O, Horton DB. Geographic Trends in Pediatric Psychotropic Medication Dispensing Before and After the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:880-884. [PMID: 36751905 PMCID: PMC10403367 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined trends and geographic variability in dispensing of prescription psychotropic medications to U.S. youths before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using national data on prescription medication dispensing, the authors performed a cross-sectional study examining the monthly percent change in psychotropic medications dispensed (total N=95,639,975) to youths (ages 5-18 years) in 2020 versus 2019, across medication classes and geographic regions. RESULTS For many medications, more were dispensed in March 2020 than in March 2019 and fewer in April-May 2020 versus April-May 2019. Stimulants had the largest decline: -26.4% in May 2020 versus May 2019. The magnitude of the monthly percent change varied by region. CONCLUSIONS Fewer psychotropic medications were dispensed to U.S. youths after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 2019. Although some medication classes rebounded to prepandemic dispensing levels by September 2020, dispensing varied by class and region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Bushnell
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research; New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology; Rutgers School of Public Health; Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jenny W Sun
- Safety Surveillance Research, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan dosReis
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wendy Camelo Castillo
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Angela S. Czaja
- Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care section; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Geneviève Durrieu
- Department of Medical and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre of PharmacoVigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology; Faculty of Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital (CHU), Toulouse, France
| | - Tobias Gerhard
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research; New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University; New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Haeyoung Lee
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Florentia Kaguelidou
- Center of Clinical Investigations, INSERM CIC1426, Robert Debre Hospital, APHP.Nord, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | | | - Sudha Raman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Daniel B. Horton
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research; New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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