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Gifford R, Molleman E, van der Vaart T. It's a jungle out there: Understanding physician payment and its role in group dynamics. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116945. [PMID: 38733732 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116945] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Although collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential for the delivery of effective, efficient, and high-quality care, it remains an ongoing and critical challenge across health systems. As a result, many countries are experimenting with innovative payment and employment models. The literature tends to focus on improving collaboration across organizational and sectoral boundaries, and largely ignores potential barriers to collaborative work between members of the same profession within a single organization. Despite intergroup dynamics and professional boundaries having been shown to restrict patient flow and collaboration between specialties, studies have so far tended to overlook the potential effects of differentiated organizational and payment models on physicians' behaviors and intergroup dynamics. In the present study, we seek to unpack the influence of physicians' payment and employment models on their collaborative behaviors and on intergroup dynamics between specialties, adding to the current scholarship on physician payment and employment by considering how physicians' view and act in response to different structural arrangements. The findings suggest that adopting hybrid models, in which physicians are employed or paid differently within the same organization or practice, creates a bifurcation of the profession whereby physicians across different models are perceived to behave differently and have conflicting professional values. These models are perceived to inhibit collaboration between physicians and complicate hospital governance, restricting the ability to move towards new models of care delivery. These findings can be used as a basis for future work that aims to unpack the reality of physician payment and offer important insights for policies surrounding physician employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gifford
- Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Eric Molleman
- Department of Organizational Behavior, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Taco van der Vaart
- Department of Operations, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Rao P, Wilson H, Mahfouda S, Wong JWY, Morandini HAE, Zepf FD. Atypical Antipsychotic Prescribing in Australian Children and Adolescents: A Survey of Medical Practitioners. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:227-233. [PMID: 38819247 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000785] [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: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prescriptions for atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents are increasing globally. However, a precise understanding of the clinical variables and evidence that prescribers consider before using these agents is lacking. While empirical literature on the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications is available, the literature concerning their use in these younger age groups is relatively sparse. In this study, we examined the current prescribing patterns of medical professionals employed by a public health service in Australia. METHODS A survey examining their current practice when prescribing atypical antipsychotics to children and adolescents was completed by 103 physicians. Questions were asked about commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics, indications, dose ranges, target symptoms, duration of treatment, and the evidence base(s) used when making treatment decisions. RESULTS Physicians prescribed atypical antipsychotics for a wide range of indications in this age group, with the most common agents being risperidone, quetiapine, and olanzapine. Adverse effects were reported as the main reason for treatment discontinuation. More than half of the respondents indicated that the most common source of guidance/evidence they referred to when initiating prescriptions were peers or expert opinion. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents were prescribed a number of atypical antipsychotics for a variety of indications, with variable perceived confidence and a relatively heavy reliance on "own or peer experience" as opposed to good quality evidence. Challenges exist for both prescribers and policymakers, and further "head-to-head" studies are needed in this age group to ensure that a balance is maintained between therapeutic benefit and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Rao
- Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia; Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services; and Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Hayden Wilson
- Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Director of Psychiatry, WA Country Health Service, and Swiss Family Clinic, Medical Director/Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Perth, Australia
| | - Simone Mahfouda
- Acute Adult Inpatient Services, Graylands Hospital, and Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Hugo A E Morandini
- Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, Australia
| | - Florian D Zepf
- Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Wilk AS, Drewry KM, Escoffery C, Lea JP, Pastan SO, Patzer RE. Kidney Transplantation Contraindications: Variation in Nephrologist Practice and Training Vintage. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:888-897. [PMID: 38765582 PMCID: PMC11101805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.021] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health system leaders aim to increase access to kidney transplantation in part by encouraging nephrologists to refer more patients for transplant evaluation. Little is known about nephrologists' referral decisions and whether nephrologists with older training vintage weigh patient criteria differently (e.g., more restrictively). Methods Using a novel, iteratively validated survey of US-based nephrologists, we examined how nephrologists assess adult patients' suitability for transplant, focusing on established, important criteria: 7 clinical (e.g., overweight) and 7 psychosocial (e.g., insurance). We quantified variation in nephrologist restrictiveness-proportion of criteria interpreted as absolute or partial contraindications versus minor or negligible concerns-and tested associations between restrictiveness and nephrologist age (proxy for training vintage) in logistic regression models, controlling for nephrologist-level and practice-level factors. Results Of 144 nephrologists invited, 42 survey respondents (29% response rate) were 85% male and 54% non-Hispanic White, with mean age 52 years, and 67% spent ≥1 day/wk in outpatient dialysis facilities. Nephrologists interpreted patient criteria inconsistently; consistency was lower for psychosocial criteria (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.28) than for clinical criteria (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.43; P < 0.01). With each additional 10 years of age, nephrologists' odds of interpreting criteria restrictively (top tertile) doubled (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-4.07), with marginal statistical significance. This relationship was significant when interpreting psychosocial criteria (aOR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.16-8.71) but not when interpreting clinical criteria (aOR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.52-2.38). Conclusion Nephrologists interpret evaluation criteria variably when assessing patient suitability for transplant. Guideline-based educational interventions could influence nephrologists' referral decision-making differentially by age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Wilk
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Drewry
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Behavioral Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Janice P. Lea
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen O. Pastan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory University Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Cupler ZA, Gliedt JA, Perle SM, Puhl AA, Schneider MJ. Associations between demographics and clinical ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns: a secondary analysis of a survey of randomly sampled United States chiropractors. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:404. [PMID: 37946159 PMCID: PMC10634061 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04225-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] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chiropractic profession in the United States (US) has a long history of intra-professional discourse surrounding ideology and beliefs. Large-scale efforts have evaluated 3 distinctive subgroups of US chiropractors focused on these areas of practice: spine/neuromusculoskeletal, primary care, and vertebral subluxation. To our knowledge, there have not been any prior studies exploring the factors associated with these ideology and belief characteristics of these subgroups. The purpose of this study was to explore, describe, and characterize the association of US chiropractors' ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns with: 1) chiropractic degree program of graduation, 2) years since completion of chiropractic degree, and 3) US geographic region of primary practice. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of US licensed chiropractors (n = 8975). A 10% random sample was extracted from each of the 50 states and District of Columbia chiropractic regulatory board lists. The survey was conducted between March 2018-January 2020. The survey instrument consisted of 7 items that were developed to elicit these differentiating ideologies, beliefs, and practice patterns: 1) clinical examination/assessment, 2) health conditions treated, 3) role of chiropractors in the healthcare system, 4) the impact of chiropractic adjustments [spinal manipulation] in treating patients with cancer, 5) vaccination attitudes, 6) detection of subluxation on x-ray, and 7) x-ray utilization rates. Multinomial regression was used to analyze associations between these 7 ideology and practice characteristic items from the survey (dependent variables) and the 3 demographic items listed above (independent variables). RESULTS Data from 3538 respondents (74.6% male) were collected with an overall response rate of 39.4%. Patterns of responses to the 7 survey items for ideologies, beliefs, and practice characteristics were significantly different based on chiropractic degree program of graduation, years since completion of chiropractic degree, and geographic region of primary practice. CONCLUSIONS Among US chiropractors, chiropractic program of graduation, years since completion of chiropractic degree, and geographic region of primary practice are associated with variations in clinical ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns. The wide variation and inconsistent beliefs of US chiropractors could result in public confusion and impede interprofessional integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Cupler
- Butler VA Health Care System, Butler, PA, USA.
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jordan A Gliedt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Stephen M Perle
- Big Data Interrogation Group, AECC University College, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
- Discipline of Chiropractic, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Aaron A Puhl
- Private Practice, Able Body Health Clinic, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Michael J Schneider
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Shashar S, Ellen M, Codish S, Davidson E, Novack V. Unravelling the determinants of medical practice variation in referrals among primary care physicians: insights from a retrospective cohort study in Southern Israel. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072837. [PMID: 37586857 PMCID: PMC10432653 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072837] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reducing medical practice variation (MPV) is a central theme of system improvement because it is associated with poor health outcomes, increased costs and disparities in care. This study aimed to estimate the extent to which each determinant (patient, physician, clinic) explains MPV among primary care physicians and to identify the characteristics of health services with a greater explained variance. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of primary care physicians practising in non-private clinics of Clalit Health Services in Southern Israel, for longer than a year between 2011 and 2017 and with more than 100 adult patients per practice. We assessed the variation in referral rates among 17 health services and the proportion explained by each domain (patient, physician and clinic). We used generalised linear negative binomial mixed models and the Nakagawa's R2, computing the marginal r2. RESULTS The study included 243 physicians working in 295 practices and 139 clinics. The mean-explained variance was 28.5%±10.0%, where physician characteristics explained 4.5% of the variation. The intrapractice variation (within a single physician between the years) was explained better than the interphysician (between physicians). Health services with high explained variation were blood tests characterised by both low intrapractice variation (Rs=-0.65, p value=0.005) and high referral rates (Rs=0.46, p value=0.06). CONCLUSION Over 70% of MPV is not explained by the patient, clinic and physician demographic and professional characteristics. Future research should focus on the fraction of MPV that is explained by the physicians' psychological characteristics, and thus potentially identify psychological targets for behavioural modifications aimed at reducing MPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagi Shashar
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Moriah Ellen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shlomi Codish
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ehud Davidson
- General Management, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victor Novack
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Coyne L. Using qualitative methods to explore farmers' antimicrobial use decisions through a more detailed lens. Vet Rec 2023; 192:479-480. [PMID: 37326197 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Coyne
- National Office for Animal Health, Stevenage, UK
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Luth EA, Manful A, Weissman JS, Reich A, Ladin K, Semco R, Ganguli I. Practice Billing for Medicare Advance Care Planning Across the USA. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3869-3876. [PMID: 35083654 PMCID: PMC9640523 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicare introduced billing codes in 2016 to encourage clinicians to engage in advance care planning (ACP) and promote goal-concordantend-of-life care, but uptake has been modest. While prior research examined individual-level factors in ACP billing, organization-level factors associated with physician practices billing for ACP remain unknown. OBJECTIVE Examine the role of practices in ACP billing. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study analyzing 2016-2018 national Medicare data. PARTICIPANTS A total of 53,926 practices with at least 10 attributed Medicare beneficiaries. MAIN MEASURES Outcomes were practice-level ACP billing (any use by the practice) and ACP use rate by practice-attributed beneficiaries. Practice characteristics were number of beneficiaries attributed to the practice; percentage of beneficiaries by race, Medicare-Medicaid dual enrollment, sex, and age; practice size; and specialty mix. KEY RESULTS Fifteen percent of practices billed for ACP. In adjusted models, we found higher odds of ACP billing and higher ACP use rates among practices with more primary care physicians (billing AOR: 10.01, 95%CI: 8.81-11.38 for practices with 75-100% (vs 0) primary care physicians), and those serving more Medicare beneficiaries (billing AOR: 4.55, 95%CI 4.08-5.08 for practices with highest (vs lowest) quintile of beneficiaries), and larger shares of female beneficiaries (billing AOR: 3.06, 95% CI 2.01-4.67 for 75-100% (vs <25%) female ). CONCLUSIONS Several years after Medicare introduced ACP reimbursements for physicians, relatively few practices bill for ACP. ACP billing was more likely in large practices with a greater percentage of primary care physicians. To increase ACP billing uptake, policymakers and health system leaders might target interventions to larger practices where a small number of physicians already bill for ACP and to specialty practices that serve as the primary source of care for seriously ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adoma Manful
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joel S Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda Reich
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keren Ladin
- Departments of Occupational Therapy and Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Ishani Ganguli
- Harvard Medical School and Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding what drives fragmented ambulatory care (care spread across multiple providers without a dominant provider) can inform the design of future interventions to reduce unnecessary fragmentation. OBJECTIVES To identify the characteristics of beneficiaries, primary care physicians, primary care practice sites, and geographic markets that predict highly fragmented ambulatory care in the United States. RESEARCH DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of Medicare claims data for beneficiaries attributed to primary care physicians and practices in 2018. We used hierarchical linear models with random intercepts and an extensive list of explanatory variables to predict the likelihood of high fragmentation. SUBJECTS A total of 3,540,310 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries met the inclusion criteria, attributed to 26,344 primary care physicians in 9300 practice sites, and 788 geographic markets. MEASURES We defined high care fragmentation as a reversed Bice-Boxerman Index score above 0.85. RESULTS Explanatory variables explained only 6% of the variation in highly fragmented care. Unobserved differences between primary care physicians, between practice sites, and between markets together accounted for 4%. Instead, 90% of the variation in high fragmentation was unobserved residual variance. We identified the characteristics of beneficiaries (age, reason for original Medicare entitlement, and dually eligible for Medicaid insurance), physicians (comprehensiveness of care), and practices (size, being part of a system/hospital) that had small associations with high fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS Variation in fragmentation was not explained by observed beneficiary, primary care provider, practice site, or market characteristics. Instead, the aggregate behavior of diverse health care providers beyond primary care, along with unmeasured patient preferences and behaviors, seem to be important predictors.
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Educational considerations based on medical student use of polygenic risk information and apparent race in a simulated consultation. Genet Med 2022; 24:2389-2398. [PMID: 36053286 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.08.004] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To craft evidence-based educational approaches related to polygenic risk score (PRS) implementation, it is crucial to forecast issues and biases that may arise when PRS are introduced in clinical care. METHODS Medical students (N = 84) were randomized to a simulated primary care encounter with a Black or White virtual reality-based patient and received either a direct-to-consumer-style PRS report for 5 common complex conditions or control information. The virtual patient inquired about 2 health concerns and her genetic report in the encounter. Data sources included participants' verbalizations in the simulation, care plan recommendations, and self-report outcomes. RESULTS When medical students received PRSs, they rated the patient as less healthy and requiring more strict advice. Patterns suggest that PRSs influenced specific medical recommendations related to the patient's concerns, despite student reports that participants did not use it for that purpose. We observed complex patterns regarding the effect of patient race on recommendations and behaviors. CONCLUSION Educational approaches should consider potential unintentional influences of PRSs on decision-making and evaluate ways that they may be applied inconsistently across patients from different racial groups.
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Sohn S, Moon S, Prokop LJ, Montori VM, Fan JW. A scoping review of medical practice variation research within the informatics literature. Int J Med Inform 2022; 165:104833. [PMID: 35868231 PMCID: PMC10103076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104833] [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: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE We performed a scoping review of informatics core literature about medical practice variation (MPV) as an agile summary of the subject in our field. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Ovid integrated database was searched between 1946 and 2022 to identify MPV studies published in major informatics journals and conference proceedings. Two reviewers performed relevance screening, with assistance from another independent reviewer for adjudication. The included articles were then thematically analyzed and summarized through discussion among all three reviewers. RESULTS A total of 43 articles were included and went through the thematic analysis. About half (n = 21) of the included articles were published in conference proceedings. Five articles reported the effect of MPV on patient outcomes. The variation of interest was most frequently in treatment decisions. In terms of the role informatics played (multiple roles allowed), 39 (90.7%) articles pertained to detection of MPV, 5 were about prevention of MPV and 4 about learning from MPV. DISCUSSION MPV remains a critical issue in health care, yet most informatics research has been focused on simple tasks such as automating the detection of MPV and assessing compliance to decision-support systems, and less focused on addressing the causes of variation or supporting learning from variation. CONCLUSION Our scoping review found that informatics studies have focused on detecting of MPV, especially variability in treatments and deviation from practice guidelines. Technological advances should promote more informatics research focused on explaining and learning from MPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghwan Sohn
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Sungrim Moon
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Larry J Prokop
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Victor M Montori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - J Wilfred Fan
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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Miller-Rosales C, Lewis VA, Shortell SM, Rodriguez HP. Adoption of Patient Engagement Strategies by Physician Practices in the United States. Med Care 2022; 60:691-699. [PMID: 35833416 PMCID: PMC9378564 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001748] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient engagement strategies can equip patients with tools to navigate treatment decisions and improve patient-centered outcomes. Despite increased recognition about the importance of patient engagement, little is known about the extent of physician practice adoption of patient engagement strategies nationally. METHODS We analyzed data collected from the National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems (NSHOS) on physician practice adoption of patient engagement strategies. Stratified-cluster sampling was used to select physician practices operating under different organizational structures. Multivariable linear regression models estimated the association of practice ownership, health information technology functionality, use of screening activities, patient responsiveness, chronic care management processes, and the adoption of patient engagement strategies, including shared decision-making, motivational interviewing, and shared medical appointments. All regression models controlled for participation in payment reforms, practice size, Medicaid revenue percentage, and geographic region. RESULTS We found modest and varied adoption of patient engagement strategies by practices of different ownership types, with health system-owned practices having the lowest adoption of ownership types. Practice capabilities, including chronic care management processes, routine screening of medical and social risks, and patient care dissemination strategies were associated with greater practice-level adoption of patient engagement strategies. CONCLUSIONS This national study is the first to characterize the adoption of patient engagement strategies by US physician practices. We found modest adoption of shared decision-making and motivational interviewing, and low adoption of shared medical appointments. Risk-based payment reform has the potential to motivate greater practice-level patient engagement, but the extent to which it occurs may depend on internal practice capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie A Lewis
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Stephen M Shortell
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA
| | - Hector P Rodriguez
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA
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Mann AK, Khoury A, McCartt P, Smith MG, Hale N, Beatty K, Johnson L. Multilevel Influences on Providers' Delivery of Contraceptive Services: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS 2022; 3:491-499. [PMID: 35651999 PMCID: PMC9148650 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2021.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Access to a full range of contraceptive services is essential for quality health care. Contraceptive provision practices of primary care providers play an important role in patients' decision-making about their reproductive health care. Understanding the multilevel factors influencing contraceptive care delivery in primary care settings is critical for advancing quality care. This study offers an in-depth examination of influences on providers' delivery of contraceptive services across multiple primary care specialties and practice settings to identify issues and strategies to improve care. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2017 with primary care providers, including family physicians, gynecologists, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners from academic settings, private practices, and health centers. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Results: Providers described a complex set of influences on their provision of contraception across multiple ecological contexts. Seven major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis, including six types of influence on provision of contraception: organizational, individual provider-related, structural and policy, individual patient-related, community, and the lack of influences or barriers. Providers also discussed the sources they access for information about evidence-based contraception counseling. Conclusions: A diverse set of providers described a complex system in which multiple concentric ecological contexts both positively and negatively influence the ways in which they provide contraceptive services to their patients. To close the gaps in contraceptive service delivery, it is important to recognize that both barriers and facilitators to patient-centered contraceptive counseling exist simultaneously across multiple ecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey K. Mann
- Department of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, and College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amal Khoury
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paezha McCartt
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael G. Smith
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nathan Hale
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kate Beatty
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Leigh Johnson
- Department of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, and College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
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Schuttner L, Hockett Sherlock S, Simons C, Ralston JD, Rosland AM, Nelson K, Lee JR, Sayre G. Factors affecting primary care physician decision-making for patients with complex multimorbidity: a qualitative interview study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:25. [PMID: 35123398 PMCID: PMC8817776 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) and additional psychosocial complexity are at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Establishing treatment or care plans for these patients must account for their disease interactions, finite self-management abilities, and even conflicting treatment recommendations from clinical practice guidelines. Despite existing insight into how primary care physicians (PCPs) approach care decisions for their patients in general, less is known about how PCPs make care planning decisions for more complex populations particularly within a medical home setting. We therefore sought to describe factors affecting physician decision-making when care planning for complex patients with multimorbidity within the team-based, patient-centered medical home setting in the integrated healthcare system of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS This was a qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews with PCPs working > 40% time in VHA clinics. Interviews were conducted from April to July, 2020. Content was analyzed with deductive and inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS 23 physicians participated in interviews; most were MDs (n = 21) and worked in hospital-affiliated clinics (n = 14) across all regions of the VHA's national clinic network. We found internal, external, and relationship-based factors, with developed subthemes describing factors affecting decision-making for complex patients with multimorbidity. Physicians described tailoring decisions to individual patients; making decisions in keeping with an underlying internal style or habit; working towards an overarching goal for care; considering impacts from patient access and resources on care plans; deciding within boundaries provided by organizational structures; collaborating on care plans with their care team; and impacts on decisions from their own emotions and relationship with patient. CONCLUSIONS PCPs described internal, external, and relationship-based factors that affected their care planning for high-risk and complex patients with multimorbidity in the VHA. Findings offer useful strategies employed by physicians to effectively conduct care planning for complex patients in a medical home setting, such as delegation of follow-up within multidisciplinary care teams, optimizing visit time vs frequency, and deliberate investment in patient-centered relationship building to gain buy-in to care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnaea Schuttner
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington, 98108, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Stacey Hockett Sherlock
- Comprehensive Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, VA Iowa City Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Carol Simons
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington, 98108, USA
| | - James D Ralston
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ann-Marie Rosland
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Karin Nelson
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington, 98108, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Lee
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington, 98108, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Sayre
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington, 98108, USA.,Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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14
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Iltis AS, Mehta M, Sawinski D. Ignorance is Not Bliss: The Case for Comprehensive Reproductive Counseling for Women with Chronic Kidney Disease. HEC Forum 2021:10.1007/s10730-021-09463-7. [PMID: 34617168 DOI: 10.1007/s10730-021-09463-7] [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: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The bioethics literature has paid little attention to matters of informed reproductive decision-making among women of childbearing age who have chronic kidney disease (CKD), including women who are on dialysis or women who have had a kidney transplant. Women with CKD receive inconsistent and, sometimes, inadequate reproductive counseling, particularly with respect to information about pursuing pregnancy. We identify four factors that might contribute to inadequate and inconsistent reproductive counseling. We argue that women with CKD should receive comprehensive reproductive counseling, including information about the possibility of pursuing pregnancy, and that more rigorous research on pregnancy in women with CKD, including women on dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant, is warranted to improve informed reproductive decision making in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Iltis
- Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Maya Mehta
- Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Deirdre Sawinski
- Renal Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Egede LE, Walker RJ, Williams JS. Intersection of Structural Racism, Social Determinants of Health, and Implicit Bias With Emergency Physician Admission Tendencies. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126375. [PMID: 34546376 PMCID: PMC8594614 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard E Egede
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Rebekah J Walker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Joni S Williams
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
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16
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Lotfi F, Lohivash S, Kavosi Z, Owjimehr S, Bayati M. The impact of Health Transformation Plan on natural vaginal delivery and cesarean section frequency in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:257. [PMID: 34217368 PMCID: PMC8254991 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05677-7] [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: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the Iran’s Health Transformation Plan on the frequency of natural vaginal deliveries (NVDs), cesarean sections (CSs), and total deliveries in the Fars province of Iran. Results Average number of total deliveries before and after the reform were 3946 and 3810, respectively (p = 0.164). The ratio of CS to total deliveries in the first study month was 54%. This rate reached 47% in the last month (p < 0.01). However, it had much fluctuation trend. The ITSA results showed that in the short-run, the NVD rate increased (β = 492.79, p < 0.01), the rate of CS decreased (β = − 407.09, p < 0.01), and total deliveries increased (β = 85.75, p < 0.724). However, in the long-run, the NVD (β = 5.74, p < 0.423), CS (β = 10.21, p < 0.189), and total deliveries (β = 15.96, p < 0.256) had no significant changes after the reform. Encouraging the NVD package was influential in the short-run but not in the longrun in Iran. Pricing and supply-side policies could not reduce the rate of non-clinical CS on their own. Therefore, paying attention to demand-side policies and changes in consumer behaviors, such as educating the women at the age of pregnancy about the advantages and disadvantages of CS and NVD and correcting misconceptions, could be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Lotfi
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, P.O. code: 71336-54361, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Lohivash
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, P.O. code: 71336-54361, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Kavosi
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, P.O. code: 71336-54361, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Bayati
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, P.O. code: 71336-54361, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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17
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Elicitation of Rheumatologist Preferences for the Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis After the Failure of a First Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Agent. Rheumatol Ther 2021; 8:921-935. [PMID: 33939171 PMCID: PMC8217392 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical guidelines do not provide strong recommendations for the choice of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX), and only limited evidence is available on factors influencing rheumatologist treatment decisions. We aimed to describe therapeutic preferences after the failure of a first-line strategy of MTX in simulated cases of patients with RA. Methods Fictional but realistic case-vignettes (n = 64) of patients with RA and an inadequate response to MTX were developed with a combination of RA-poor prognostic factors and comorbidities. Physicians were presented with eight vignettes and chose the most and least appropriate therapeutic option from the following six options randomly proposed 3 by 3: (1) replacing MTX with another csDMARD; (2) combining MTX with one or more csDMARDs; (3) adding a bDMARD of either TNF inhibitors (TNFi), tocilizumab (TCZ), abatacept (ABA), or rituximab (RTZ). A total of 1605 complete case vignettes were produced and randomly assigned to a representative sample of French rheumatologists. For each vignette, whenever a treatment was preferred, one point was incremented for this treatment; if this treatment was the least desired, one point was removed. Preferences were elicited using a normalized best–worst score. Results Two hundred and four French rheumatologists participated in the study with each vignette being assessed 20–28 times for a completion rate of 94%. TNFi was the first-choice strategy (80% of vignettes), except in cases with a history of infection and pulmonary comorbidity, where ABA was the first preference (85%). TCZ came third in 83% of the cases. Other options were never preferred and repeatedly yielded negative scores. Conclusions We observed a conservative trend with TNFi as the main therapeutic choice for patients with RA and inadequate response to MTX. Preference for bDMARD-based strategies increased with the number of RA-poor prognosis factors, whereas an increase in the number of comorbidities resulted in an increased preference for ABA. Understanding clinical decision-making will be particularly important as the therapeutic landscape for RA continues to evolve. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-021-00311-1.
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18
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Ariyo O, Khoury AJ, Smith MG, Leinaar E, Odebunmi OO, Slawson DL, Hale NL. From training to implementation: Improving contraceptive practices in South Carolina. Contraception 2021; 104:155-158. [PMID: 33894253 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Capacity building and training to improve contraceptive care is essential for patient-centered care and reproductive autonomy. This study assessed the feasibility of translating the knowledge and skills gained from contraception trainings into improvements in practice. STUDY DESIGN Participants completed surveys following contraceptive care trainings provided to family planning clinic and hospital obstetric providers and staff as a part of the Choose Well contraceptive access initiative in South Carolina. Surveys assessed participants' intent to change their practice post-training and anticipated barriers to implementing change. A mixed-methods approach was utilized including descriptive analysis of Likert scale responses and thematic content analysis to synthesize open-ended, qualitative responses. RESULTS Data were collected from 160 contraceptive training sessions provided to 4814 clinical and administrative staff between 2017 and 2019. Post-training surveys were completed by 3464 participants (72%), and of these, 2978 answered questions related to the study outcomes. Most respondents (n = 2390; 80.7%) indicated intent to change their practice and 35.5% (n = 1044) anticipated barriers to implementing intended changes. Across all training categories, organizational factors (time constraints, policies and practices, infrastructure/resources) were the most frequently perceived barrier to improving contraceptive services. Structural factors related to cost for patients were also identified as barriers to IUD and implant provision. CONCLUSION The trainings were successful in influencing family planning staff and providers' intent to improve their contraceptive practices, yet some anticipated barriers in translating training into practice. Improvements in organizational and structural policies are critical to realizing the benefits of trainings in advancing quality contraceptive care. IMPLICATIONS In addition to training, coordinated efforts to address organizational practices and resources, coupled with system-level policy changes are essential to facilitate the delivery and sustainability of patient-centered contraceptive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin Ariyo
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.
| | - Amal J Khoury
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Michael G Smith
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Edward Leinaar
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Olufeyisayo O Odebunmi
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Deborah L Slawson
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Nathan L Hale
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation in Women's Health, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
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19
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Suzuki K, Grillo V, Chen Y, Singh S, Ledesma DA. Understanding Treatment Strategies and Preferences in Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer From the Japanese Physician Perspective. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:302-310. [PMID: 33617305 PMCID: PMC8081502 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sixteen percent (16%) of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) show no bone metastasis at diagnosis. However, 33% will become metastatic within 2 years. The goal of treatment in patients with nonmetastatic CRPC (nmCRPC), therefore, is to delay symptomatic metastases without undue toxicity. With novel antiandrogen treatments of different strengths and limitations available, physician preferences for nmCRPC treatment in Japan should be understood. METHODS A discrete choice experiment was conducted. Physicians chose between two hypothetical treatments in nmCRPC defined by six attributes: risk of fatigue, falls or fracture, cognitive impairment, hypertension, rashes as side effects of treatment, and extension of time until cancer-related pain occurs. Relative preference weights and relative importance were estimated by hierarchical Bayesian logistic regression. Physicians were also asked to make treatment decisions based on four hypothetical patient profiles to understand the most important factors driving decision making. RESULTS A total of 151 physicians completed the survey. Extension of time until cancer-related pain occurs was the most important attribute (relative importance, 32.3%; CI, 31.3% to 33.3%). Based on summed preference weights across all attributes, preferences for hypothetical treatment profiles I, II, and III were compared. A hypothetical treatment profile with better safety though shorter extension time was preferred (I: mean [standard deviation] = 1.7 [1.6 to 2.1]) over treatment profiles with lower safety but longer extension time (II: -2.7 [-2.8 to -2.6] and III: -0.2 [-0.3 to -0.1]). Treatment characteristics were more important factors for physicians' decision making than patient characteristics in prescribing treatment. CONCLUSION Physicians preferred a treatment with better safety profile, and treatment characteristics were the most important factors for decision making. This might have implications in physicians' decision making for nmCRPC treatment in the future in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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20
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Machta RM, D. Reschovsky J, Jones DJ, Kimmey L, Furukawa MF, Rich EC. Health system integration with physician specialties varies across markets and system types. Health Serv Res 2020; 55 Suppl 3:1062-1072. [PMID: 33284522 PMCID: PMC7720709 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine system integration with physician specialties across markets and the association between local system characteristics and their patterns of physician integration. DATA SOURCES Data come from the AHRQ Compendium of US Health Systems and IQVIA OneKey database. STUDY DESIGN We examined the change from 2016 to 2018 in the percentage of physicians in systems, focusing on primary care and the 10 most numerous nonhospital-based specialties across the 382 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the US. We also categorized systems by ownership, mission, and payment program participation and examined how those characteristics were related to their patterns of physician integration in 2018. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We examined local healthcare markets (MSAs) and the hospitals and physicians that are part of integrated systems that operate in these markets. We characterized markets by hospital and insurer concentration and systems by type of ownership and by whether they have an academic medical center (AMC), a 340B hospital, or accountable care organization. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between 2016 and 2018, system participation increased for primary care and the 10 other physician specialties we examined. In 2018, physicians in specialties associated with lucrative hospital services were the most commonly integrated with systems including hematology-oncology (57%), cardiology (55%), and general surgery (44%); however, rates varied substantially across markets. For most specialties, high market concentration by insurers and hospital-systems was associated with lower rates of physician integration. In addition, systems with AMCs and publicly owned systems more commonly affiliated with specialties unrelated to the physicians' potential contribution to hospital revenue, and investor-owned systems demonstrated more limited physician integration. CONCLUSIONS Variation in physician integration across markets and system characteristics reflects physician and systems' motivations. These integration strategies are associated with the financial interests of systems and other strategic goals (eg, medical education, and serving low-income populations).
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21
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Delnord M, Tille F, Abboud LA, Ivankovic D, Van Oyen H. How can we monitor the impact of national health information systems? Results from a scoping review. Eur J Public Health 2020; 30:648-659. [PMID: 31647526 PMCID: PMC7445047 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background National health information (HI) systems provide data on population health, the determinants of health and health system performance within countries. The evaluation of these systems has traditionally focused on statistical practices and procedures, and not on data use or reuse for policy and practice. This limits the capacity to assess the impact of HI systems on healthcare provision, management and policy-making. On the other hand, the field of Knowledge Translation (KT) has developed frameworks to guide evidence into practice. Methods A scoping review of the KT literature to identify the essential mechanisms and determinants of KT that could help monitor the impact of HI systems. Results We examined 79 publications and we identified over 100 different KT frameworks but none of these were focused on HI systems per se. There were specific recommendations on disseminating evidence to stakeholders at the institutional and organizational level, and on sustaining the use of evidence in practice and the broader community setting. Conclusions We developed a new model, the HI-Impact framework, in which four domains are essential for mapping the impact of national HI systems: (i) HI Evidence Quality, (ii) HI System Responsiveness, (iii) Stakeholder Engagement and (iv) Knowledge Integration. A comprehensive impact assessment of HI systems requires addressing the use of HI in public health decision-making, health service delivery and in other sectors which might have not been considered previously. Monitoring Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Integration certifies that the use of HI in all policies is an explicit point of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Delnord
- Department of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Tille
- Department of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité Berlin University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - L A Abboud
- Department of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Ivankovic
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Health Informatics and Biostatistics, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - H Van Oyen
- Department of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Stern KWD, McCracken CE, Gillespie SE, Lang SM, Statile CJ, Lopez L, Verghese GR, Choueiter NF, Sachdeva R. Physician variation in ordering of transthoracic echocardiography in outpatient pediatric cardiac clinics. Echocardiography 2020; 37:1056-1064. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.14756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kenan W. D. Stern
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Children’s Heart Center Kravis Children’s Hospital New York New York USA
| | | | - Scott E. Gillespie
- Department of Pediatrics Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta GeorgiaUSA
| | - Sean M. Lang
- The Heart Institute Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Christopher J. Statile
- The Heart Institute Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Leo Lopez
- Stanford School of Medicine Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Palo Alto California USA
| | - George R. Verghese
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine The Heart Center Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Nadine F. Choueiter
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine Pediatric Heart Center The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Bronx New York USA
| | - Ritu Sachdeva
- Sibley Heart Center Cardiology Emory University School of Medicine Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta Georgia USA
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Seijmonsbergen-Schermers AE, van den Akker T, Rydahl E, Beeckman K, Bogaerts A, Binfa L, Frith L, Gross MM, Misselwitz B, Hálfdánsdóttir B, Daly D, Corcoran P, Calleja-Agius J, Calleja N, Gatt M, Vika Nilsen AB, Declercq E, Gissler M, Heino A, Lindgren H, de Jonge A. Variations in use of childbirth interventions in 13 high-income countries: A multinational cross-sectional study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003103. [PMID: 32442207 PMCID: PMC7244098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in intervention rates, without subsequent reductions in adverse outcomes, can indicate overuse. We studied variations in and associations between commonly used childbirth interventions and adverse outcomes, adjusted for population characteristics. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this multinational cross-sectional study, existing data on 4,729,307 singleton births at ≥37 weeks in 2013 from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany (Hesse), Malta, the United States, and Chile were used to describe variations in childbirth interventions and outcomes. Numbers of births ranged from 3,987 for Iceland to 3,500,397 for the USA. Crude data were analysed in the Netherlands, or analysed data were shared with the principal investigator. Strict variable definitions were used and information on data quality was collected. Intervention rates were described for each country and stratified by parity. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed, adjusted for population characteristics, and associations between rates of interventions, population characteristics, and outcomes were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Considerable intercountry variations were found for all interventions, despite adjustments for population characteristics. Adjustments for ethnicity and body mass index changed odds ratios for augmentation of labour and episiotomy. Largest variations were found for augmentation of labour, pain relief, episiotomy, instrumental birth, and cesarean section (CS). Percentages of births at ≥42 weeks varied from 0.1% to 6.7%. Rates among nulliparous versus multiparous women varied from 56% to 80% versus 51% to 82% for spontaneous onset of labour; 14% to 36% versus 8% to 28% for induction of labour; 3% to 13% versus 7% to 26% for prelabour CS; 16% to 48% versus 12% to 50% for overall CS; 22% to 71% versus 7% to 38% for augmentation of labour; 50% to 93% versus 25% to 86% for any intrapartum pain relief, 19% to 83% versus 10% to 64% for epidural anaesthesia; 6% to 68% versus 2% to 30% for episiotomy in vaginal births; 3% to 30% versus 1% to 7% for instrumental vaginal births; and 42% to 70% versus 50% to 84% for spontaneous vaginal births. Countries with higher rates of births at ≥42 weeks had higher rates of births with a spontaneous onset (rho = 0.82 for nulliparous/rho = 0.83 for multiparous women) and instrumental (rho = 0.67) and spontaneous (rho = 0.66) vaginal births among multiparous women and lower rates of induction of labour (rho = -0.71/-0.66), prelabour CS (rho = -0.61/-0.65), overall CS (rho = -0.61/-0.67), and episiotomy (multiparous: rho = -0.67). Variation in CS rates was mainly due to prelabour CS (rho = 0.96). Countries with higher rates of births with a spontaneous onset had lower rates of emergency CS (nulliparous: rho = -0.62) and higher rates of spontaneous vaginal births (multiparous: rho = 0.70). Prelabour and emergency CS were positively correlated (nulliparous: rho = 0.74). Higher rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury following vaginal birth were found in countries with higher rates of spontaneous birth (nulliparous: rho = 0.65). In countries with higher rates of epidural anaesthesia (nulliparous) and spontaneous births (multiparous), higher rates of Apgar score < 7 were found (rhos = 0.64). No statistically significant variation was found for perinatal mortality. Main limitations were varying quality of data and missing information. CONCLUSIONS Considerable intercountry variations were found for all interventions, even after adjusting for population characteristics, indicating overuse of interventions in some countries. Multivariable analyses are essential when comparing intercountry rates. Implementation of evidence-based guidelines is crucial in optimising intervention use and improving quality of maternity care worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Seijmonsbergen-Schermers
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Rydahl
- University College Copenhagen, Department of Midwifery, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Katrien Beeckman
- Nursing and Midwifery Research unit, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- Department of Development and Regeneration KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lorena Binfa
- Department of Women´s and Newborn Health Promotion-School of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lucy Frith
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild M. Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Berglind Hálfdánsdóttir
- Midwifery Programme, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, Malta
| | - Neville Calleja
- Directorate for Health Information and Research, Gwardamangia, Malta
- Department of Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, Malta
| | - Miriam Gatt
- Directorate for Health Information and Research, Gwardamangia, Malta
| | - Anne Britt Vika Nilsen
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eugene Declercq
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Information Services Department, Helsinki, Finland
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Heino
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Information Services Department, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helena Lindgren
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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STEENHUIS SANDER, STRUIJS JEROEN, KOOLMAN XANDER, KET JOHANNES, VAN DER HIJDEN ERIC. Unraveling the Complexity in the Design and Implementation of Bundled Payments: A Scoping Review of Key Elements From a Payer's Perspective. Milbank Q 2020; 98:197-222. [PMID: 31909852 PMCID: PMC7077767 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Because bundled payments are relatively new and require a different type of collaboration among payers, providers, and other actors, their design and implementation process is complex. By sorting the 53 key elements that contribute to this complexity into specific pre- and postcontractual phases as well as the actors involved in the health system, this framework provides a comprehensive overview of this complexity from a payer's perspective. Strategically, the design and implementation of bundled payments should not be approached by payers as merely the introduction of a new contracting model, but as part of a broader transformation into a more sustainable, value-based health care system. CONTEXT Traditional fee-for-service (FFS) payment models in health care stimulate volume-driven care rather than value-driven care. To address this issue, increasing numbers of payers are adopting contracts based on bundled payments. Because their design and implementation are complex, understanding the elements that contribute to this complexity from a payer's perspective might facilitate their adoption. Consequently, the objective of our study was to identify and structure the key elements in the design and implementation of bundled payment contracts. METHODS Two of us independently and systematically examined the literature to identify all the elements considered relevant to our objective. We then developed a framework in which these elements were arranged according to the specific phases of a care procurement process and actors' interactions at various levels of the health system. FINDINGS The final study sample consisted of 147 articles in which we identified the 53 elements included in the framework. These elements were found in all phases of the pre- and postcontractual procurement process and involved actors at different levels of the health care system. Examples of elements that were cited frequently and are typical of bundled payment procurement, as opposed to FFS procurement, are (1) specification of care services, patients' characteristics, and corresponding costs, (2) small and heterogeneous patient populations, (3) allocation of payment and savings/losses among providers, (4) identification of patients in the bundle, (5) alignment of the existing care delivery model with the new payment model, and (6) limited effects on quality and costs in the first pilots and demonstrations. CONCLUSIONS Compared with traditional FFS payment models, bundled payment contracts tend to introduce an alternative set of (financial) incentives, touch on almost all aspects of governance within organizations, and demand a different type of collaboration among organizations. Accordingly, payers should not strategically approach their design and implementation as merely the adoption of a new contracting model, but rather as part of a broader transformation toward a more sustainable value-based health care system, based less on short-term transactional negotiations and more on long-term collaborative relationships between payers and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - JEROEN STRUIJS
- National Institute for Public Health and the EnvironmentBilthoven
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Alhajji S, Mojiminiyi S. Adherence to Current Lipid Guidelines by Physicians in Kuwait. Med Princ Pract 2020; 29:436-443. [PMID: 31805555 PMCID: PMC7511683 DOI: 10.1159/000505244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alarmingly high rates of dyslipidemia have been found in the Gulf region in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, with the highest being found in Kuwait (37%). Therefore, it is of utmost importance to treat dyslipidemia promptly and effectively. In an effort to understand the practices of local physicians, the use of evidence-based medicine, and adherence to lipid treatment guidelines, the objective of this study was to survey and assess the current standards of care. METHODS A survey questionnaire, designed to assess physicians' attitudes and practice towards lipid guidelines, was completed by 279 participants and returned between October 2015 and June 2016. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. RESULTS Over 90% of physicians claimed to use lipid guidelines, with the majority rating themselves as knowledgeable. Younger physicians were found to be less knowledgeable and consequently used guidelines less frequently. The most important factor influencing clinical decision-making was the availability of clinical guidelines. The majority (72.4%) of physicians identified time limitation as a key barrier. The most commonly selected lipid guideline in daily practice was a guideline on the treatment of blood cholesterol published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2013. The most common risk assessment tool used was the Framingham risk score. CONCLUSIONS Multiple interventions to improve guideline adherence are proposed in this study. We have taken into account the barriers to adherence, i.e., attitude, behavior, and (most importantly) knowledge, all 3 of which were reaffirmed in our investigation in Kuwait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Alhajji
- Clinical Biochemistry, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait,
| | - Segun Mojiminiyi
- Clinical Biochemistry, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait
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Tortolero-Luna G, Torres-Cintrón CR, Alvarado-Ortiz M, Ortiz-Ortiz KJ, Zavala-Zegarra DE, Mora-Piñero E. Incidence of thyroid cancer in Puerto Rico and the US by racial/ethnic group, 2011-2015. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:637. [PMID: 31253133 PMCID: PMC6599344 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Puerto Rico has the highest incidence rate of thyroid cancer (TC) in the Americas and the third highest rate worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare the burden of TC between the population of PR and United States (US) non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), and US Hispanics (USH) during the period 2011-2015. METHODS TC data for the period 2011-2015 was obtained from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR) and the Surveillance Epidemiology and Ends Results Program (SEER) 18 Registries Research Data. TC was categorized in: papillary carcinoma (PTC), and other TC histologic types. Data was analyzed by sex, age groups, and histologic type. Racial/ethnic differences by sex, age, and histologic types were assessed using the Standardized Rate Ratio (SRR) and its 95% CI. RESULTS During the period 2011-2015 there were 5175 and 65,528 cases of TC diagnosed in PR and the US, respectively. The overall age-adjusted incidence rate of PTC was almost two-fold higher in PR than in the US (25.8/100,000 vs. 12.9/100,000). Among PR women, the incidence rate of PTC was 40.0/100,000 compared to 19.4/100,000 in US. PR women had 83% increased risk of being diagnosed with PTC than NHW women, a 2.25-fold increased risk than USH, and 3.45-fold increased risk than NHB women. For men, PR had 34% increased risk of being diagnosed with PTC than NHW men, 2.2-fold increased risk than USH men, and 3.2-fold higher risk than in NHB men. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to understand this disparity in the island. This research should address the extent of overdiagnosis in PR, the role of health insurance status and insurance type, characteristics of the healthcare delivery system as well as the role of patient and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 70344, San Juan, PR 00936-8344 Puerto Rico
| | - Carlos R. Torres-Cintrón
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Mariela Alvarado-Ortiz
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Department of Social Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 70344, San Juan, PR 00936-8344 Puerto Rico
| | - Diego E. Zavala-Zegarra
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Edna Mora-Piñero
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 70344, San Juan, PR 00936-8344 Puerto Rico
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Hong AS, Sadeghi N, Harvey V, Lee SC, Halm EA. Characteristics of Emergency Department Visits and Select Predictors of Hospitalization for Adults With Newly Diagnosed Cancer in a Safety-Net Health System. J Oncol Pract 2019; 15:e490-e500. [PMID: 30964735 DOI: 10.1200/jop.18.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is little description of emergency department (ED) visits and subsequent hospitalizations among a safety-net cancer population. We characterized patterns of ED visits and explored nonclinical predictors of subsequent hospitalization, including time of ED arrival. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cancer (excluding leukemia and nonmelanoma skin cancer) between 2012 and 2016 at a large county urban safety-net health system. We identified ED visits occurring within 180 days after a cancer diagnosis, along with subsequent hospitalizations (observation stay or inpatient admission). We used mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression to model hospitalization at ED disposition, accounting for variability across patients and emergency physicians. RESULTS The 9,050 adults with cancer were 77.2% nonwhite and 55.0% female. Nearly one-quarter (24.7%) of patients had advanced-stage cancer at diagnosis, and 9.7% died within 180 days of diagnosis. These patients accrued 11,282 ED visits within 180 days of diagnosis. Most patients had at least one ED visit (57.7%); half (49.9%) occurred during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:59 pm), and half (50.4%) resulted in hospitalization. More than half (57.5%) of ED visits were for complaints that included: pain/headache, nausea/vomiting/dehydration, fever, swelling, shortness of breath/cough, and medication refill. Patients were most often discharged home when they arrived between 8:00 am and 11:59 am (adjusted odds ratio for hospitalization, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.84). CONCLUSION ED visits are common among safety-net patients with newly diagnosed cancer, and hospitalizations may be influenced by nonclinical factors. The majority of ED visits made by adults with newly diagnosed cancer in a safety-net health system could potentially be routed to an alternate site of care, such as a cancer urgent care clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur S Hong
- 1 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Navid Sadeghi
- 1 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.,2 Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Simon Craddock Lee
- 1 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.,3 Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ethan A Halm
- 1 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.,3 Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX
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Huang MZ, Rhee KE, Gist L, Fisher ES. Barriers to Minimizing Respiratory Viral Testing in Bronchiolitis: Physician Perceptions on Testing Practices. Hosp Pediatr 2019; 9:79-86. [PMID: 30647087 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2018-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess pediatric providers' perceptions on viral testing and to determine barriers to minimizing respiratory viral testing (RVT) in bronchiolitis. METHODS A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted and included 6 focus group discussions with pediatric providers. Questions were focused on identifying factors associated with obtaining RVT. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded for emergent themes. RESULTS Clinicians report that they themselves do not typically obtain RVT in otherwise healthy patients with bronchiolitis. The most commonly cited reasons for not obtaining RVT is that it does not aid medical decision-making and that it is used as an educational opportunity for trainees. However, clinicians tend to obtain RVT when they are directed by another clinician, when they desire reassurance, when RVT is perceived as "doing something," and when there are knowledge gaps on institutional cohorting policies. CONCLUSIONS Clinician medical decision-making is influenced by multiple internal and external factors. Intended behaviors do not always correlate with actual actions because of these influences. Developing interventions in which some of these factors are addressed may help reduce unnecessary RVT among healthy patients with bronchiolitis and could be considered for broader application beyond this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lauren Gist
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
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Radhakrishnan A, Nowak SA, Parker AM, Visvanathan K, Pollack CE. Linking physician attitudes to their breast cancer screening practices: A survey of US primary care providers and gynecologists. Prev Med 2018; 107:90-102. [PMID: 29155227 PMCID: PMC5846094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite changes to breast cancer screening guidelines intended to decrease screening in younger and older women, mammography rates remain high. We investigated physician attitudes towards screening younger and older women. Surveys were mailed to US primary care providers and gynecologists between May and September 2016 (871/1665, 52.3% adjusted response rate). We assessed physician (1) attitudes towards screening younger (45-49years) and older (75+ years) women and (2) recommendations for routine mammography. We used exploratory factor analysis to identify underlying themes among physician attitudes and created measures standardized to a 5-point scale. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we examined associations between physician attitudes and screening recommendations. Attitudes identified with factor analysis included: potential regret, expectations, and discordant guidelines (referred to as potential regret), patient-related hazards due to screening, physician limitations and uncertainty, and concerns about rationing care. Gynecologists had higher levels of potential regret compared to internists. In adjusted analyses, physicians with increasing potential regret (1-point increment on 5-point scale) had higher odds of recommending mammography to younger (OR 8.68; 95% CI 5.25-14.36) and older women (OR 4.62; 95% CI 3.50-6.11). Increasing concern for patient-related hazards was associated with decreased odds of recommending screening to older women (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.56-0.83). Physicians were more motivated by potential regret in recommending screening for younger and older women than by concerns for patient-related hazards in screening. Addressing physicians' most salient concerns, such as fear of missing cancer diagnoses and malpractice, may present an important opportunity to improving delivery of guideline-concordant cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kala Visvanathan
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Craig E Pollack
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Schorn MN, Dietrich MS, Donaghey B, Minnick AF. Variables That Influence US Midwife and Physician Management of the Third Stage of Labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2018; 63:446-454. [PMID: 29384593 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Midwives and physicians incorporate their knowledge, experiences, and other variables in making clinical decisions. Variations in the management of the third stage of labor may be a result of variables that influence providers' decision making. The purpose of this study was to describe variables that influence US midwives' and physicians' management of the third stage of labor. METHODS A randomly selected national sample of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, certified professional midwives, obstetricians, and family physicians was surveyed about the extent to which maternal characteristics, maternal history, and current birth characteristics influence their third-stage management. The extent of influence was defined in terms of always to never altering management. Descriptive summaries, group comparisons, and partial correlations were used to determine differences in influences between midwives and physicians. One free-text question was analyzed using qualitative methods. RESULTS A total of 1243 clinicians responded. There was considerable variability in the response patterns in that the same variable was reported to always alter management during the third stage of labor for some participants yet did not influence the management practices of others at all. Differences between responses from midwives and physicians were explored as a possible explanation for some of the variability. In response to the free-text inquiry about variables that most influenced changes in participants' usual management of the third stage, the participants most often included active bleeding, current recommendations or guidelines, and maternal or family preferences. DISCUSSION This study identifies variables reported as influencing clinical decision making during the third stage of labor. Therefore, these variables are important to consider when evaluating interventions and outcomes related to management of the third stage of labor and any attempts to design new interventions. The findings are descriptive of practice; they are not intended to guide changes in practice.
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Practice variation and practice guidelines: Attitudes of generalist and specialist physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191943. [PMID: 29385203 PMCID: PMC5792011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand clinicians' beliefs about practice variation and how variation might be reduced. Methods We surveyed board-certified physicians (N = 178), nurse practitioners (N = 60), and physician assistants (N = 12) at an academic medical center and two community clinics, representing family medicine, general internal medicine, and cardiology, from February—April 2016. The Internet-based questionnaire ascertained clinicians' beliefs regarding practice variation, clinical practice guidelines, and costs. Results Respondents agreed that practice variation should be reduced (mean [SD] 4.5 [1.1]; 1 = strongly disagree, 6 = strongly agree), but agreed less strongly (4.1 [1.0]) that it can realistically be reduced. They moderately agreed that variation is justified by situational differences (3.9 [1.2]). They strongly agreed (5.2 [0.8]) that clinicians should help reduce healthcare costs, but agreed less strongly (4.4 [1.1]) that reducing practice variation would reduce costs. Nearly all respondents (234/249 [94%]) currently depend on practice guidelines. Clinicians rated differences in clinician style and experience as most influencing practice variation, and inaccessibility of guidelines as least influential. Time to apply standards, and patient decision aids, were rated most likely to help standardize practice. Nurse practitioners and physicians assistants (vs physicians) and less experienced (vs senior) clinicians rated more favorably several factors that might help to standardize practice. Differences by specialty and academic vs community practice were small. Conclusions Clinicians believe that practice variation should be reduced, but are less certain that this can be achieved. Accessibility of guidelines is not a significant barrier to practice standardization, whereas more time to apply standards is viewed as potentially helpful.
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Jorm C, Bleasel J, Haq I. Time to establish comprehensive long-term monitoring of Australian medical graduates? AUST HEALTH REV 2018; 42:635-639. [DOI: 10.1071/ah16292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We believe that the well being of our medical students (and medical staff throughout the continuum of practice) matters too much not to ask, ‘How do they feel?’ Society, and students themselves, have invested too much in their education not to query ‘How well are they performing in the workplace?’. Our accountability to the community demands we ask, ‘How are their patients going?’ This article presents a schema for building long-term monitoring in Australia, using linked and reliable data, that will enable these questions to be answered. Although the answers will be of interest to many, medical schools will then be well placed to alter their programs and processes based on these three domains of graduate well being, workplace performance and patient outcomes.
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Sinn CLJ, Jones A, McMullan JL, Ackerman N, Curtin-Telegdi N, Eckel L, Hirdes JP. Derivation and validation of the Personal Support Algorithm: an evidence-based framework to inform allocation of personal support services in home and community care. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:775. [PMID: 29178868 PMCID: PMC5702093 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Personal support services enable many individuals to stay in their homes, but there are no standard ways to classify need for functional support in home and community care settings. The goal of this project was to develop an evidence-based clinical tool to inform service planning while allowing for flexibility in care coordinator judgment in response to patient and family circumstances. Methods The sample included 128,169 Ontario home care patients assessed in 2013 and 25,800 Ontario community support clients assessed between 2014 and 2016. Independent variables were drawn from the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care and interRAI Community Health Assessment that are standardised, comprehensive, and fully compatible clinical assessments. Clinical expertise and regression analyses identified candidate variables that were entered into decision tree models. The primary dependent variable was the weekly hours of personal support calculated based on the record of billed services. Results The Personal Support Algorithm classified need for personal support into six groups with a 32-fold difference in average billed hours of personal support services between the highest and lowest group. The algorithm explained 30.8% of the variability in billed personal support services. Care coordinators and managers reported that the guidelines based on the algorithm classification were consistent with their clinical judgment and current practice. Conclusions The Personal Support Algorithm provides a structured yet flexible decision-support framework that may facilitate a more transparent and equitable approach to the allocation of personal support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ling Joanna Sinn
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Janet Legge McMullan
- Health Shared Services Ontario, (Formerly Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres), 130 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 1N5, Canada
| | - Nancy Ackerman
- Central Local Health Integration Network, (Formerly Central Community Care Access Centre), 45 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 700, North York, ON, M2N 5W9, Canada
| | - Nancy Curtin-Telegdi
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Leslie Eckel
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Clinicians who order unnecessary radiographic imaging may cause financial harm to patients who have increasing levels of cost sharing. Clinician predictors of low-value imaging are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To characterize clinician predictors of low-value imaging for acute uncomplicated back pain and headache, including clinicians who saw both conditions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Multivariate logistic regression modeling of imaging rates after acute uncomplicated back pain and headache visits as indicated by January 2010 to December 2014 commercial insurance claims and demographic data from a large US health insurer. Participants included 100 977 clinicians (primary care physicians, specialist physicians, and chiropractors). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Imaging after acute uncomplicated back pain and headache visits was recorded. We identified whether the clinician's prior patient received imaging, whether the clinician was an owner of imaging equipment, and the varying impact by clinician specialty. We then used high rates of low-value back imaging as a predictor for low-value headache imaging. RESULTS Clinicians conducted 1 007 392 visits for 878 720 adults ages 18 to 64 years with acute uncomplicated back pain; 52 876 primary care physicians conducted visits for 492 805 adults ages 18 to 64 years with acute uncomplicated headache; 34 190 primary care clinicians conducted 405 721 visits for 344 991 adults ages 18 to 64 years with headache and had also conducted at least 4 visits from patients with back pain. If a primary care physician's prior patient received low-value back imaging, the patient had 1.81 higher odds of low-value imaging (95% CI, 1.77-1.85). This practice effect was larger for chiropractors (odds ratio [OR], 2.80; 95% CI, 2.74-2.86) and specialists (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.88-3.07). For headache, a prior low-value head image predicted 2.00 higher odds of a subsequent head imaging order (95% CI, 1.95-2.06). Clinician ownership of imaging equipment was a consistent independent predictor of low-value imaging (OR, 1.65-7.76) across clinician type and imaging scenario. Primary care physicians with the highest rates of low-value back imaging also had 1.53 (95% CI, 1.45-1.61) higher odds of ordering low-value headache imaging. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Clinician characteristics such as ordering low-value imaging on a prior patient, high rates of low-value imaging in another clinical scenario, and ownership of imaging equipment are strong predictors of low-value back and headache imaging. Findings should inform policies that target potentially unnecessary and financially burdensome care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur S Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Dennis Ross-Degnan
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - J Frank Wharam
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ryskina KL, Holmboe ES, Bernabeo E, Werner RM, Shea JA, Long JA. US internists' awareness and use of overtreatment guidelines: a national survey. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2017; 23:420-427. [PMID: 28817780 PMCID: PMC5823021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess physician views and perceived adoption of overtreatment guidelines and measure whether adoption of these guidelines influenced the recommendation of a targeted service. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional survey mailed from July 2014 to January 2015 to 902 internists who completed residency between 2003 and 2013, randomly selected from the American Medical Association Masterfile. METHODS Poisson regression was used to model the rate of recommending a targeted service included in the guidelines, based on the level of guideline adoption. RESULTS A total of 456 physicians responded (51% response rate). Most expressed familiarity with overtreatment guidelines (88.5%), a comfort level with discussing these guidelines with patients (79.9%), and described overtreatment guidelines as a useful tool in their practice (81.6%). Physicians in the highest tertile of guideline adoption reported double-digit rates of recommending antibiotics for sinusitis (29.7%), mammogram at end of life (16.5%), and electrocardiogram testing for asymptomatic patients (11.0%). Physicians in the bottom tertile of guideline adoption reported lower rates of recommending x rays (-12.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -19.4% to -4.5%; P = .002), magnetic resonance imaging for lower back pain (-4.8%; 95% CI, -8.1% to -1.5%; P = .004), and cardiac testing for asymptomatic patients (-10.2%; 95% CI, -18.9% to -1.5%; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS US internal medicine physicians who completed residency between 2003 and 2013 reported high levels of adoption of overtreatment guidelines. Physicians who reported the highest levels of guideline adoption reported recommending services targeted by these guidelines in their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira L Ryskina
- 12-30 12th Fl, Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail:
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Chin MC, Sivasampu S, Khoo EM. Prescription of oral short-acting beta 2-agonist for asthma in non-resource poor settings: A national study in Malaysia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180443. [PMID: 28662193 PMCID: PMC5491245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Use of oral short-acting beta 2-agonist (SABA) persists in non-resource poor countries despite concerns for its lower efficacy and safety. Utilisation and reasons for such use is needed to support the effort to discourage the use of oral SABA in asthma. This study examined the frequency of oral short-acting Beta 2-agonist (SABA) usage in the management of asthma in primary care and determined correlates of its usage. METHODS Data used were from the 2014 National Medical Care Survey in Malaysia, a nationally representative survey of primary care encounters (weighted n = 325818). Using methods of analysis of data for complex surveys, we determined the frequency of asthma diagnosis in primary care and the rate of asthma medication prescription, which includes oral SABA. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to assess associations with the prescription of oral SABA. RESULTS A weighted estimate of 9241 encounters presented to primary care with asthma in 2014. The mean age of the patients was 39.1 years. The rate of oral SABA, oral steroids, inhaled SABA and inhaled corticosteroids prescriptions were 33, 33, 50 and 23 per 100 asthma encounters, respectively. It was most commonly used in patients with the age ranged between 20 to less than 40 years. Logistic regression models showed that there was a higher odds of oral SABA usage in the presence of respiratory infection, prescription of oral corticosteroids and in the private sector. CONCLUSION Oral SABA use in asthma is found to be common in a non- resource poor setting and its use could be attributed to a preference for oral medicines along undesirable clinical practices within a fragmented health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Chien Chin
- Healthcare Statistics Unit, National Clinical Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheamini Sivasampu
- Healthcare Statistics Unit, National Clinical Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ee Ming Khoo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mahr MA, Hayes SN, Shanafelt TD, Sloan JA, Erie JC. Gender Differences in Physician Service Provision Using Medicare Claims Data. Mayo Clin Proc 2017; 92:870-880. [PMID: 28501293 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine differences in the provision of Medicare services based on physician gender in the United States. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants included all 2013 Medicare fee-for-service physicians and their patients, a population that is predominantly older than 65 years. The 2013 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data for services rendered between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, were combined with the 2015 Physician Compare National Downloadable files and 2015 Berenson-Eggers Type of Service classification files. Total fee-for-service Medicare payments and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System procedure codes for all fee-for-service beneficiaries were aggregated according to physician gender, specialty, years since medical school graduation, and type of service classifications. RESULTS Excluding drug reimbursement, the mean total Medicare payments per female physician, compared with those for male physicians, were 41% in surgical specialties, 72% in hospital-based specialties, and 55% across all specialties (P<.001). The mean overall number of unique beneficiary visits per female physician was 59% of that for male physicians (P<.001). By using the Berenson-Eggers Type of Service classification, procedures and other services by female physicians were of 54% lower overall average intensity (allowed payments/number of unique patients) compared with those of male physicians. These differences persisted irrespective of years since medical school graduation (P<.001). CONCLUSION Female physicians had smaller average total Medicare payments and fewer unique beneficiary visits than male physicians in the care of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries in 2013. The differences persisted across specialty types and years in practice. These data can identify variation but cannot determine causation or explain the reasons behind gender differences. These findings suggest, but do not prove, that female physician Medicare payments are lower due to different practice patterns, consisting of fewer patients cared for and lower intensity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mahr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | | | | | - Jeff A Sloan
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jay C Erie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Morgan DJ, Leppin A, Smith CD, Korenstein D. A Practical Framework for Understanding and Reducing Medical Overuse: Conceptualizing Overuse Through the Patient-Clinician Interaction. J Hosp Med 2017; 12:346-351. [PMID: 28459906 PMCID: PMC5570540 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.2738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Overuse of medical services is an increasingly recognized driver of poor-quality care and high cost. A practical framework is needed to guide clinical decisions and facilitate concrete actions that can reduce overuse and improve care. We used an iterative, expert-informed, evidence-based process to develop a framework for conceptualizing interventions to reduce medical overuse. Given the complexity of defining and identifying overused care in nuanced clinical situations and the need to define care appropriateness in the context of an individual patient, this framework conceptualizes the patient-clinician interaction as the nexus of decisions regarding inappropriate care. This interaction is influenced by other utilization drivers, including healthcare system factors, the practice environment, the culture of professional medicine, the culture of healthcare consumption, and individual patient and clinician factors. The variable strength of the evidence supporting these domains highlights important areas for further investigation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2017;12:346-351.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Morgan
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Centers for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron Leppin
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA
| | | | - Deborah Korenstein
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Petrik ML, Betz ME, Olson-Madden JH, Davidson C, Allen MH. Identification, Assessment, and Management of Suicide Risk in Emergency Departments: Significant Updates in Research and Practice. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-017-0135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene C Rich
- Center on Health Care Effectiveness, Mathematica Policy Research, 1100 First Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA.
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Contreary K, Collins A, Rich EC. Barriers to evidence-based physician decision-making at the point of care: a narrative literature review. J Comp Eff Res 2016; 6:51-63. [PMID: 27935741 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2016-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We conduct a narrative literature review using four real-world cases of clinical decisions to show how barriers to the use of evidence-based medicine affect physician decision-making at the point of care, and where adjustments could be made in the healthcare system to address these barriers. Our four cases constitute decisions typical of the types physicians make on a regular basis: diagnostic testing, initial treatment and treatment monitoring. To shed light on opportunities to improve patient care while reducing costs, we focus on barriers that could be addressed through changes to policy and/or practice at a particular level of the healthcare system. We conclude by relating our findings to the passage of the Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act in April 2015.
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O'Malley AS, Collins A, Contreary K, Rich EC. Barriers to and Facilitators of Evidence-Based Decision Making at the Point of Care: Implications for Delivery Systems, Payers, and Policy Makers. MDM Policy Pract 2016; 1:2381468316660375. [PMID: 30288403 PMCID: PMC6125042 DOI: 10.1177/2381468316660375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Physicians vary widely in how they treat some health
conditions, despite strong evidence favoring certain treatments over others. We
examined physicians’ perspectives on factors that support or hinder
evidence-based decisions and the implications for delivery systems, payers, and
policymakers. Methods: We used Choosing Wisely® recommendations to create four clinical vignettes for common types of
decisions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 specialists to
identify factors that support or hinder evidence-based decisions. We examined
these factors using a conceptual framework that includes six levels: patients,
physicians, practice sites, organizations, networks and hospital affiliations,
and the local market. In this model, population characteristics and payer and
regulatory factors interact to influence decisions. Results:
Patient openness to behavior modification and expectations, facilitated and
hindered physicians in making evidence-based recommendations. Physicians’
communication skills were the most commonly mentioned facilitator. Practice
site, organization, and hospital system barriers included measures of emergency
department throughput, the order in which test options are listed in electronic
health records (EHR), lack of relevant decision support in EHRs, and payment
incentives that maximize billing and encourage procedures rather than medical
management or counseling patients on behavior change. Factors from different
levels interacted to undermine evidence-based care. Most physicians received
billing feedback, but quality metrics on evidence-based service use were
nonexistent for the four decisions in this study. Conclusions and
Implications: Additional research and quality improvement may help to
modify delivery systems to overcome barriers at multiple levels. Enhancing
provider communication skills, improving decision support in EHRs, modifying
workflows, and refining the design and interpretation of some quality metrics
would help, particularly if combined with concurrent payment reform to realign
financial incentives across stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Collins
- Mathematica Policy Research, Washington, DC, USA
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Tai-Seale M, Elwyn G, Wilson CJ, Stults C, Dillon EC, Li M, Chuang J, Meehan A, Frosch DL. Enhancing Shared Decision Making Through Carefully Designed Interventions That Target Patient And Provider Behavior. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 35:605-12. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tai-Seale
- Ming Tai-Seale is a senior scientist in health policy research at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, in Mountain View, California
| | - Glyn Elwyn
- Glyn Elwyn is a professor at the Dartmouth Center for Health Care Delivery Science, in Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Caroline J. Wilson
- Caroline J. Wilson is a consulting quantitative research analyst at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Cheryl Stults
- Cheryl Stults is a research sociologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Ellis C. Dillon
- Ellis C. Dillon is a research sociologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Martina Li
- Martina Li is a project manager at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Judith Chuang
- Judith Chuang is a research associate at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Amy Meehan
- Amy Meehan is a research associate at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute
| | - Dominick L. Frosch
- Dominick L. Frosch is a senior scientist and chief care delivery evaluation officer at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles
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Charlotte M, Schwartz E, Slade E, Medoff D, Li L, Dixon L, Kilbourne AM, Kreyenbuhl J. Gender differences in mood stabilizer medications prescribed to Veterans with serious mental illness. J Affect Disord 2015; 188:112-7. [PMID: 26361066 PMCID: PMC5909958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood stabilizer medications (MSMs) can induce significant weight gain and other metabolic side effects. Research suggests that women are more susceptible to psychotropic medication-induced metabolic side effects than men. We examined gender differences in the likelihood of receiving an MSM with a lower liability for weight gain using data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. METHODS We identified 3823 VA patients with a schizophrenia or bipolar disorder diagnosis who initiated treatment with a MSM between 10/2006 and 9/2011. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine gender differences in the likelihood of incident prescription of MSMs with low versus medium/high metabolic risk, adjusting for fiscal year of prescribing and demographic, mental health, and physical health characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 47% of women were prescribed a low metabolic risk MSM compared to 26% of men (p<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, women were 2.19 times as likely as men to be prescribed a low metabolic risk MSM (95% CI: 1.84-2.60, p<0.0001). Several demographic and clinical covariates were also independently related to prescribing of MSMs by level of metabolic risk. LIMITATIONS This study used retrospective administrative data collected from a VA healthcare system database, which does not allow us to understand the context in which MSM treatment decisions were made. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing choices for MSMs by VA mental health prescribers and female Veterans may reflect a growing awareness of the potential adverse health consequences of these treatments in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Charlotte
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Elana Schwartz
- VA Capitol Healthcare Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore MD
| | - Eric Slade
- VA Capitol Healthcare Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore MD and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Baltimore MD
| | - Deborah Medoff
- VA Capitol Healthcare Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore MD and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Baltimore MD
| | - Lan Li
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Baltimore MD
| | - Lisa Dixon
- Center for Practice Innovations, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amy M. Kilbourne
- Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, VA Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D Program), Washington DC and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Julie Kreyenbuhl
- VA Capitol Healthcare Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore MD and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Baltimore MD
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Fleming C, Rich E, DesRoches C, Reschovsky J, Kogan R. Measuring Changes in the Economics of Medical Practice. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30 Suppl 3:S562-7. [PMID: 26105674 PMCID: PMC4512969 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
For the latter third of the twentieth century, researchers have estimated production and cost functions for physician practices. Today, those attempting to measure the inputs and outputs of physician practice must account for many recent changes in models of care delivery. In this paper, we review practice inputs and outputs as typically described in research on the economics of medical practice, and consider the implications of the changing organization of medical practice and nature of physician work. This evolving environment has created conceptual challenges in what are the appropriate measures of output from physician work, as well as what inputs should be measured. Likewise, the increasing complexity of physician practice organizations has introduced challenges to finding the appropriate data sources for measuring these constructs. Both these conceptual and data challenges pose measurement issues that must be overcome to study the economics of modern medical practice. Despite these challenges, there are several promising initiatives involving data sharing at the organizational level that could provide a starting point for developing the needed new data sources and metrics for physician inputs and outputs. However, additional efforts will be required to establish data collection approaches and measurements applicable to smaller and single specialty practices. Overcoming these measurement and data challenges will be key to supporting policy-relevant research on the changing economics of medical practice.
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DesRoches CM, Wong HS, Rich EC, Majumdar SR. Making the Case for a New National Data Collection Effort on Physicians and Their Practices. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30 Suppl 3:S553-4. [PMID: 26105677 PMCID: PMC4512964 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M DesRoches
- Mathematica Policy Research, 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 801, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,
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