1
|
Pfefferle A, Binder N, Sauer J, Sofroniou M, Metzner G, Farin E, Voigt-Radloff S, Maun A, Salm C. Association between continuity of care and inappropriate prescribing in outpatient care in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis conducted as part of the LoChro trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082245. [PMID: 39038858 PMCID: PMC11268059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082245] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) are common in multimorbid patients. This study aims to describe PIMs and PPOs in an open-access outpatient setting and to investigate any association between continuity of care (CoC) and PIMs and PPOs in multimorbid older patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using patient-confirmed outpatient medication plans to describe PIMs and PPOs using the 'Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescription/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment' version 2. Four Poisson regressions modelled the number of PIMs and PPOs using context-adapted versions of the Usual Provider of Care (UPC) and the Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI) as measures for CoC. SETTING Southern Germany, outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS 321 participants of the LoChro-trial at 12-month follow-up (both arms). The LoChro-trial compared healthcare involving an additional care manager with usual care. Inclusion criteria were age over 64, local residence and scoring over one in the Identification of Older patients at Risk Screening Tool. PRIMARY OUTCOMES Numbers of PIMs and PPOs. RESULTS The mean number of PIMs was 1.5 (SD 1.5), lower than the average number of PPOs at 2.9 (SD 1.7). CoC showed similar results for both indices with a mean of 0.548 (SD 0.279) for MMCI and 0.514 (SD 0.262) for UPC. Both models predicting PPOs indicated more PPOs with higher CoC; statistical significance was only demonstrated for MMCI (MMCI~PPO: Exp(B)=1.42, 95% CI (1.11; 1.81), p=0.004; UPC~PPO: Exp(B)=1.29, 95% CI (0.99; 1.67), p=0.056). No significant association between PIMs and CoC was found (MMCI~PIM: Exp(B)=0.72, 95% CI (0.50; 1.03), p=0.072; UPC~PIM: Exp(B)=0.83, 95% CI (0.57; 1.21), p=0.337). CONCLUSION The results did not show a significant association between higher CoC and lesser PIMs. Remarkably, an association between increased CoC, represented through MMCI, and more PPOs was found. Consultation of different care providers in open-access healthcare systems could possibly ameliorate under-prescribing in multimorbid older patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00013904.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pfefferle
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Binder
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Sauer
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mario Sofroniou
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Wyvern Health Partnership, NHS Bath Gloucestershire Swindon and Wiltshire Local Area Team, Swindon, UK
| | - Gloria Metzner
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erik Farin
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Voigt-Radloff
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andy Maun
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Salm
- Insitute of General Practice/Family Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pahlavanyali S, Hetlevik Ø, Baste V, Blinkenberg J, Hunskaar S. Continuity and breaches in GP care and their associations with mortality for patients with chronic disease: an observational study using Norwegian registry data. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e347-e354. [PMID: 38621803 PMCID: PMC11044022 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0211] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite many benefits of continuity of care with a named regular GP (RGP), continuity is deteriorating in many countries. AIM To investigate the association between RGP continuity and mortality, in a personal list system, in addition to examining how breaches in continuity affect this association for patients with chronic diseases. DESIGN AND SETTING A registry-based observational study using Norwegian primary care consultation data for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, or heart failure. METHOD The Usual Provider of Care (UPC, value 0-1) Index was used to measure both disease-related (UPCdisease) and overall (UPCall) continuity with the RGP at the time of consultation. In most analyses, patients who changed RGP during the study period were excluded. In the combined group of all four chronic conditions, the proportion of consultations with other GPs and out-of-hours services was calculated. Cox regression models calculated the associations between continuity during 2013-2016 and mortality in 2017-2018. RESULTS Patients with COPD with UPCdisease <0.25 had 47% increased risk of dying within 2 years (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.22 to 1.64) compared with those with UPCdisease ≥0.75. Mortality also increased with decreasing UPCdisease for patients with heart failure and decreasing UPCall for those with diabetes. In the combined group of chronic conditions, mortality increased with decreasing UPCall. This latter association was also found for patients who had changed RGP. CONCLUSION Higher disease-related and overall RGP UPC are both associated with lower mortality. However, changing RGP did not significantly affect mortality, indicating a compensatory benefit of informational and management continuity in a patient list system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Pahlavanyali
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | - Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | - Valborg Baste
- The National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen
| | - Jesper Blinkenberg
- The National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen
| | - Steinar Hunskaar
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen; head, The National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moger TA, Holte JH, Amundsen O, Haavaag SB, Edvardsen A, Bragstad LK, Hellesø R, Tjerbo T, Vøllestad NK. Associations between outpatient care and later hospital admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a registry study from Norway. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:500. [PMID: 38649963 PMCID: PMC11036724 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10975-4] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) admissions put a substantial burden on hospitals, most of the patients' contacts with health services are in outpatient care. Traditionally, outpatient care has been difficult to capture in population-based samples. In this study we describe outpatient service use in COPD patients and assess associations between outpatient care (contact frequency and specific factors) and next-year COPD hospital admissions or 90-day readmissions. METHODS Patients over 40 years of age residing in Oslo or Trondheim at the time of contact in the period 2009-2018 were identified from the Norwegian Patient Registry (in- and outpatient hospital contacts, rehabilitation) and the KUHR registry (contacts with GPs, contract specialists and physiotherapists). These were linked to the Regular General Practitioner registry (characteristics of the GP practice), long-term care data (home and institutional care, need for assistance), socioeconomic and-demographic data from Statistics Norway and the Cause of Death registry. Negative binomial models were applied to study associations between combinations of outpatient care, specific care factors and next-year COPD hospital admissions and 90-day readmissions. The sample consisted of 24,074 individuals. RESULTS A large variation in the frequency and combination of outpatient service use for respiratory diagnoses (GP, emergency room, physiotherapy, contract specialist and outpatient hospital contacts) was apparent. GP and outpatient hospital contact frequency were strongly associated to an increased number of next-year hospital admissions (1.2-3.2 times higher by increasing GP frequency when no outpatient hospital contacts, 2.4-5 times higher in combination with outpatient hospital contacts). Adjusted for healthcare use, comorbidities and sociodemographics, outpatient care factors associated with lower numbers of next-year hospitalisations were fees indicating interaction between providers (7% reduction), spirometry with GP or specialist (7%), continuity of care with GP (15%), and GP follow-up (8%) or rehabilitation (18%) within 30 days vs. later following any current year hospitalisations. For 90-day readmissions results were less evident, and most variables were non-significant. CONCLUSION As increased use of outpatient care was strongly associated with future hospitalisations, this further stresses the need for good communication between providers when coordinating care for COPD patients. The results indicated possible benefits of care continuity within and interaction between providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tron Anders Moger
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jon Helgheim Holte
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Amundsen
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Bjørnsen Haavaag
- Department of Public Health Science, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Edvardsen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Line Kildal Bragstad
- Department of Public Health Science, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Hellesø
- Department of Public Health Science, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Tjerbo
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Køpke Vøllestad
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ljungholm L, Årestedt K, Fagerström C, Djukanovic I, Ekstedt M. Measuring patients' experiences of continuity of care in a primary care context-Development and evaluation of a patient-reported experience measure. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:387-398. [PMID: 37485735 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care is viewed as a hallmark of high-quality care in the primary care context. Measures to evaluate the quality of provider performance are scarce, and it is unclear how the assessments correlate with patients' experiences of care as coherent and interconnected over time, consistent with their preferences and care needs. AIM To develop and evaluate a patient-reported experience measure of continuity of care in primary care for patients with complex care needs. METHOD The study was conducted in two stages: (1) development of the instrument based on theory and empirical studies and reviewed for content validity (16 patients with complex care needs and 8 experts) and (2) psychometric evaluation regarding factor structure, test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, and convergent validity. In all, 324 patients participated in the psychometric evaluation. RESULTS The Patient Experienced Continuity of care Questionnaire (PECQ) contains 20 items clustered in four dimensions of continuity of care measuring Information (four items), Relation (six items), Management (five items), and Knowledge (five items). Overall, the hypothesized factor structure was indicated. The PECQ also showed satisfactory convergent validity, internal consistency, and stability. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS The PECQ is a multidimensional patient experience instrument that can provide information on various dimensions useful for driving quality improvement strategies in the primary care context for patients with complex care needs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients have participated in the content validation of the items.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ljungholm
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fagerström
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Djukanovic
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Mirjam Ekstedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Continuity of Care and Healthcare Costs among Patients with Chronic Disease: Evidence from Primary Care Settings in China. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:4. [PMID: 36310688 PMCID: PMC9562970 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.5994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Though critical to primary care, continuity of care has rarely been examined in China. This study aims to assess the relationship between continuity of care and healthcare costs among patients with chronic diseases within primary care settings in China. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used a social health insurance claims dataset of 1406 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in Yuhuan City, Zhejiang Province collected in 2017–2019. We measured continuity of care using the Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care (COC) Index, Herfindahl Index (HI), Sequential Continuity of Care (SECON) Index, Usual Provider of Care (UPC), and a binary variable indicating whether a patient’s UPC was a primary care provider. We examined the associations between continuity of care and healthcare costs in the same period and the subsequent year, using ordinary least squares regression for the outpatient costs and two-part regression for the inpatient costs. Based on the regression coefficients, we predicted costs saved if each continuity measure was set to 1 from the status quo. Results: When optimum continuity were to be achieved, 7.12–27.29% of total outpatient costs and 55.38–73.35% of total inpatient costs could be saved compared to the status quo during the two-year study period. If optimum continuity were to be achieved in the first year, 7.47%–21.78% of total outpatient costs and 8.84–40.22% of total inpatient costs could be saved in the second-year. Conclusions: Care continuity indicators were consistently associated with reduced outpatient costs and hospitalization risks. Future health reform in China should further enhance continuity of care in primary care.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sandelowsky H, Janson C, Wiklund F, Telg G, de Fine Licht S, Ställberg B. Lack of COPD-Related Follow-Up Visits and Pharmacological Treatment in Swedish Primary and Secondary Care. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2022; 17:1769-1780. [PMID: 35971390 PMCID: PMC9375582 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s372266] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The Swedish guidelines recommend that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on maintenance treatment are monitored annually, and within six weeks after an exacerbation. We describe the patterns of COPD-related visits in Sweden, both regular follow-up and post-exacerbation visits. Methods Patients (>40 years) with a first-time COPD diagnosis between 2006 and 2017 were identified in primary care medical records and linked to hospital contacts and administered drug data. The index date was defined as the first collection of inhaled COPD maintenance treatment after the diagnosis. Regular COPD visits within 15-months after the index, and post-exacerbation visits for COPD within six weeks and 15-months after an exacerbation were estimated using the cumulative incidence function adjusted for competing risk. Visits without a ICD code for COPD were not included in the analyses. Results A total of 19,857 patients (mean age 69 years, 57% females) were included. The overall probability of having a regular follow-up visit for COPD within 15 months post-index was 39.1%. In total, 15,095 (76%) patients experienced at least one COPD exacerbation during the observation period. Among them, the probability of having a post-exacerbation visit was 7.0% within six weeks and 29.7% within 15-months. Patients without a regular COPD follow-up visit claimed significantly more oral corticosteroids (25.6% vs 15.6%), more respiratory antibiotics (39.1% vs 23.1%), and less maintenance treatment (10.9% vs 16.5%). Conclusion Only 39% of COPD patients attended a regular follow-up visit within 15-months from the COPD diagnosis and one-third had a post-exacerbation visit. The adherence to guideline recommendations need to be improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Sandelowsky
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Björn Ställberg
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pahlavanyali S, Hetlevik Ø, Blinkenberg J, Hunskaar S. Continuity of care for patients with chronic disease: a registry-based observational study from Norway. Fam Pract 2022; 39:570-578. [PMID: 34536072 PMCID: PMC9295609 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care (CoC) is accepted as a core value of primary care and is especially appreciated by patients with chronic conditions. Nevertheless, there are few studies investigating CoC for these patients across levels of healthcare. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate CoC for patients with somatic chronic diseases, both with regular general practitioners (RGPs) and across care levels. METHODS We conducted a registry-based observational study by using nationwide consultation data from Norwegian general practices, out-of-hours services, hospital outpatient care, and private specialists with public contracts. Patients with diabetes mellitus (type I or II), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart failure in 2012, who had ≥2 consultations with these diagnoses during 2014 were included. CoC was measured during 2014 by using the usual provider of care (UPC) index and Bice-Boxerman continuity of care score (COCI). Both indices have a value between 0 and 1. RESULTS Patients with diabetes mellitus comprised the largest study population (N = 79,165) and heart failure the smallest (N = 4,122). The highest mean UPC and COCI were measured for patients with heart failure, 0.75 and 0.77, respectively. UPC increased gradually with age for all diagnoses, while COCI showed this trend only for asthma. Both indices had higher values in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CoC in Norwegian healthcare system is achieved for a majority of patients with chronic diseases. Patients with heart failure had the highest continuity with their RGP. Higher CoC was associated with older age and living in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Pahlavanyali
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jesper Blinkenberg
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Steinar Hunskaar
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Observation of the Effect of TTM-Based Health Information Behavior Combined with Continuous Nursing on Cognitive and Motor Function, Living Ability, and the Quality of Life of Cerebral Stroke Patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1850033. [PMID: 35815285 PMCID: PMC9270116 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1850033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To discuss the effect of the transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavior-based health information behavior combined with continuous nursing on cognitive function, motor function, living ability, and quality of life of cerebral stroke (CS) patients. Methods 540 cases of CS patients hospitalized in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2021 were selected. All the subjects were divided into the control group (270 cases) and study group (270 cases) according to the random number table. The control group was given routine nursing intervention and the study group was given TTM-based health information behavior combined with continuous nursing. The patients were paid a return visit 6 months after discharge, and their cognitive function, motor function, living ability, and quality of life were observed before and after intervention. Results After intervention, the Montreal cognitive assessment scale score, Fugl-Meyer assessment of motor function score, Barthel index score, and short health scale score of both groups were higher than before intervention, and the study group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion TTM-based health information behavior combined with continuous nursing has a significant positive impact on cognitive function, motor function, living ability, and quality of life of CS patients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lytsy P, Engström S, Ekstedt M, Engström I, Hansson L, Ali L, Fredriksson MK, Liliemark J, Berg J. Outcomes associated with higher relational continuity in the treatment of persons with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 49:101492. [PMID: 35747174 PMCID: PMC9167848 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic conditions where relational continuity of care, as in regularly meeting the same health care provider, creates opportunities for monitoring and adjustment of treatment based on an individual's changing needs, potentially affecting quality of delivered care. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of relational continuity in the treatment of persons with asthma or COPD. Methods Eleven databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Database of Systematic Review of Effects, DARE, Epistemonikos, NICE Evidence Search, KSR Evidence and AHRQ) were searched between January 1, 2000, and February 1 - 4, 2021, for controlled and observational studies about relational continuity and health outcomes for persons with asthma and/or COPD. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating an index or aspect relevant to relational continuity between a health professional/team of health professionals and patients. After screening, and assessment of study relevance and quality by at least two independent reviewers, studies with acceptable risk of bias were included and summary data was extracted from the publications. Main outcomes were mortality, morbidity (including health care utilization) and cost measures. Syntheses without metanalyses were performed due to considerable study heterogeneity. The certainty of the summarized result was assessed using GRADE (the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). PROSPERO study registration number: CRD42020196518. Findings We identified 2824 unique references and included 15 studies (14 observational and 1 randomized controlled trial) in the review, from which results were derived for six outcomes. For persons with asthma or COPD we found that higher compared to lower relational continuity of care prevents premature mortality (low certainty; 2 studies, 111 545 participants), lowers risk of emergency department visits (low certainty, 5 studies, 362 305 participates) and risk of hospitalization (moderate certainty, 9 studies, 525 716 participants), and lowers health care costs (low certainty; 4 studies, 390 682 participants). Results regarding treatment adherence (1 study, 971 participants) and patient perceptions (3 studies, 2026 participants) were assessed as having very low certainty. Interpretation Low to moderate certainty evidence suggests that higher versus lower relational continuity of care for persons with asthma or COPD prevents premature mortality, lowers risks of unplanned health care utilization and reduces health care costs. The results may be of value when planning care for individuals and for policymakers in organizing health care and developing guidelines for treatment and follow-up routines. Funding None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per Lytsy
- SBU – Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | - Mirjam Ekstedt
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Engström
- University Health Care Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Lars Hansson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Lilas Ali
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Liliemark
- SBU – Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services
| | - Jenny Berg
- SBU – Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Predictors of Frequent Emergency Department Use and Hospitalization among Patients with Substance-Related Disorders Recruited in Addiction Treatment Centers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116607. [PMID: 35682194 PMCID: PMC9180458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have assessed the overall impact of outpatient service use on acute care use, comparing patients with different types of substance-related disorders (SRD) and multimorbidity. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and outpatient service use that predicted both frequent ED use (3+ visits/year) and hospitalization among patients with SRD. Data emanated from 14 Quebec (Canada) addiction treatment centers. Quebec administrative health databases were analyzed for a cohort of 17,819 patients over a 7-year period. Multivariable logistic regression models were produced. Patients with polysubstance-related disorders, co-occurring SRD-mental disorders, severe chronic physical illnesses, and suicidal behaviors were at highest risk of both frequent ED use and hospitalization. Having a history of homelessness, residing in rural areas, and using more outpatient services also increased the risk of acute care use, whereas high continuity of physician care protected against acute care use. Serious health problems were the main predictor for increased risk of both frequent ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRD, whereas high continuity of care was a protective factor. Improved quality of care, motivational, outreach and crisis interventions, and more integrated and collaborative care are suggested for reducing acute care use.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nicolet A, Al-Gobari M, Perraudin C, Wagner J, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, Marti J. Association between continuity of care (COC), healthcare use and costs: what can we learn from claims data? A rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:658. [PMID: 35578226 PMCID: PMC9112559 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe how longitudinal continuity of care (COC) is measured using claims-based data and to review its association with healthcare use and costs. Research design Rapid review of the literature. Methods We searched Medline (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Central, manually checked the references of included studies, and hand-searched websites for potentially additional eligible studies. Results We included 46 studies conducted in North America, East Asia and Europe, which used 14 COC indicators. Most reported studies (39/46) showed that higher COC was associated with lower healthcare use and costs. Most studies (37/46) adjusted for possible time bias and discussed causality between the outcomes and COC, or at least acknowledged the lack of it as a limitation. Conclusions Whereas a wide range of indicators is used to measure COC in claims-based data, associations between COC and healthcare use and costs were consistent, showing lower healthcare use and costs with higher COC. Results were observed in various population groups from multiple countries and settings. Further research is needed to make stronger causal claims. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07953-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nicolet
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2 SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, CH-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Muaamar Al-Gobari
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2 SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, CH-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clémence Perraudin
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2 SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, CH-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joël Wagner
- Department of Actuarial Science, Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC), and Swiss Finance Institute, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Peytremann-Bridevaux
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2 SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, CH-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Marti
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2 SV-A, Route de la Corniche 10, CH-1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nicolet A, Peytremann-Bridevaux I, Wagner J, Perraudin C, Bagnoud C, Marti J. Continuity of care of Swiss residents aged 50+: a longitudinal study using claims data. INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/ihj-2021-000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundContinuity of care (COC) should be measured for healthcare quality monitoring and evaluation and is a key process indicator for integrated care. Measurement of COC using routinely collected data is widespread, but there is no consensus on which indicator to use and the relevant time horizon to apply. Information about COC is especially warranted in highly fragmented healthcare systems, such as in Switzerland. Our study aimed to compare COC measures in Swiss residents aged 50+ obtained with various indices and time horizons.MethodsUsing insurance claims data, we computed and compared several commonly used visit-based Continuity of Care Indices (COCIs): Bice-Boxerman Index, Usual Provider of Care, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Modified, Modified Continuity Index and Modified Continuity Index, based on all doctor visits and on primary care (PC) visits only. Indices were computed over short (1 year) and medium (4 years) terms.ResultsThe mean indices based on all visits varied between 0.51 and 0.77, while PC indices presented less variation with a median of 1.00 for all but one index. Indices focusing on a variety of individual providers decreased with time horizon, while indices focusing on the overall number of visits and providers showed the opposite trend. These findings suggest fundamental differences in the interpretation of COCIs.ConclusionsBroad COC appeared moderately low in Switzerland, although comparable to other countries, and PC COC was close to one. The choice of indices and time horizon influenced their interpretation. Understanding these differences is key to select the appropriate index for the monitoring of COC.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chiou LJ, Chen HM, Pan LF, Lee CC. Holiday ratio of hospitalization and 30-day readmission rates among cancer patients after major surgery. Cancer Med 2021; 11:743-752. [PMID: 34904394 PMCID: PMC8817097 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4482] [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: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the association of 30‐day readmission with weekend discharge and the number of holiday days during a hospital stay (holiday ratio). Methods This retrospective cohort study used the clinical research database and cancer registry data of our hospital from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. Patient characteristics, tumor factors, clinical laboratory data, and proxies of continuity of care, such as weekend discharge or holiday ratio (holiday days/total hospitalization days), received statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified the independent factors for 30‐day potentially avoidable readmission rate (PAR). Results Of 1433 patients receiving tumor resection, 520 (36.29%) had colon cancer; 440 (30.70%) had head and neck cancer (HNC), and 473 (33.01%) had other cancers (lung, liver, and prostate). The rate of 30‐day PAR was 6.3% for those with colon cancer, 8.6% for HNC, and 3.6% for other cancers. The 30‐day PAR did not significantly differ by discharge on a weekend versus weekday for those with colon cancer (8.33% vs. 5.90%; p = 0.379), HNC (7.06% vs. 9.01%; p = 0.566), or other cancers (0.00% vs. 4.28%; p = 0.960). Colon cancer patients with holiday ratio >0.3 had a higher readmission rate (9.58% vs. 4.82%, p = 0.041). In multivariate analysis, a holiday ratio >0.3 (adjusted odds ratio 2.16; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.05–4.39) in those with colon cancer was an independent predictor of 30‐day PAR. Conclusions Weekend discharge after major surgery did not affect 30‐day readmission rates in cancer patients, but the holiday ratio did affect 30‐day PAR for those with colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Jan Chiou
- Department of Health Business Administration, Department of Nursing, and Department of Oral Hygiene, Meiho University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Min Chen
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Fei Pan
- Department of Medical Affair Administration, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chih Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rohde J, Joseph A, Tambedou B, Jain NK, Khan SA, Surani S, Kashyap R, Koritala T. Reducing 30-Day All-Cause Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Readmission Rate With a Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Project. Cureus 2021; 13:e19917. [PMID: 34976520 PMCID: PMC8712235 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19917] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to implement a comprehensive quality improvement project to decrease the 30-day readmission rate for all-cause acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) at a rural Midwestern community hospital in the United States. Prospective data were collected from January 1 to December 31, 2017. A total of 77 patients met the study criteria and were included for analysis. Baseline data analysis involved data for 72 patients from September 1, 2015, to October 1, 2016, and showed a 30.6% all-cause 30-day AECOPD readmission rate. The Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) model was used for this quality improvement project. All aspects of this project were successfully implemented, and the resulting 30-day all-cause AECOPD readmission rate decreased to 16.9% during the study time frame. Through this comprehensive quality improvement project, the 30-day all-cause AECOPD readmission rate was reduced by 23.7%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Salim Surani
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.,Medicine, University of North Texas Dallas, Dallas, USA.,Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Associates of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, USA.,Clinical Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Rahul Kashyap
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Griffiths S, Stephen G, Kiran T, Okrainec K. "She knows me best": a qualitative study of patient and caregiver views on the role of the primary care physician follow-up post-hospital discharge in individuals admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:176. [PMID: 34488652 PMCID: PMC8421240 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are at high-risk of readmission after hospital discharge. There is conflicting evidence however on whether timely follow-up with a primary care provider reduces that risk. The objective of this study is to understand the perspectives of patients with COPD and CHF, and their caregivers, on the role of primary care provider follow-up after hospital discharge. Methods A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was conducted among patients or their family caregivers admitted with COPD or CHF who were enrolled in a randomized controlled study at three acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Participants were interviewed between December 2017 to January 2019, the majority discharged from hospital at least 30 days prior to their interview. Interviews were analyzed independently by three authors using a deductive directed content analysis, with the fourth author cross-comparing themes. Results Interviews with 16 participants (eight patients and eight caregivers) revealed four main themes. First, participants valued visiting their primary care provider after discharge to build upon their longitudinal relationship. Second, primary care providers played a key role in coordinating care. Third, there were mixed views on the ideal time for follow-up, with many participants expressing a desire to delay follow-up to stabilize following their acute hospitalization. Fourth, the link between the post-discharge visit and preventing hospital readmissions was unclear to participants, who often self-triaged based on their symptoms when deciding on the need for emergency care. Conclusions Patients and caregivers valued in-person follow-up with their primary care provider following discharge from hospital because of the trust established through pre-existing longitudinal relationships. Our results suggest policy makers should focus on improving rates of primary care provider attachment and systems supporting informational continuity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01524-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Griffiths
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gaibrie Stephen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Kiran
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Okrainec
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 8EW-408, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sharpe I, Bowman M, Kim A, Srivastava S, Jalink M, Wijeratne DT. Strategies to Prevent Readmissions to Hospital for COPD: A Systematic Review. COPD 2021; 18:456-468. [PMID: 34378468 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2021.1955338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience high rates of hospital readmissions, placing substantial clinical and economic strain on the healthcare system. Therefore, it is essential to implement evidence-based strategies for preventing these readmissions. The primary objective of our systematic review was to identify and describe the domains of existing primary research on strategies aimed at reducing hospital readmissions among adult patients with COPD. We also aimed to identify existing gaps in the literature to facilitate future research efforts. A total of 843 studies were captured by the initial search and 96 were included in the final review (25 randomized controlled trials, 37 observational studies, and 34 non-randomized interventional studies). Of the included studies, 72% (n = 69) were considered low risk of bias. The majority of included studies (n = 76) evaluated patient-level readmission prevention strategies (medication and other treatments (n = 25), multi-modal (n = 19), follow-up (n = 16), telehealth (n = 8), education and coaching (n = 8)). Fewer assessed broader system- (n = 13) and policy-level (n = 7) strategies. We observed a trend toward reduced all-cause readmissions with the use of medication and other treatments, as well as a trend toward reduced COPD-related readmissions with the use of multi-modal and broader scale system-level interventions. Notably, much of this evidence supported shorter-term (30-day) readmission outcomes, while little evidence was available for longer-term outcomes. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as considerable between-study heterogeneity was also identified. Overall, this review identified several evidence-based interventions for reducing readmissions among patients with COPD that should be targeted for future research.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2021.1955338 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Sharpe
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan Bowman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Kim
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Siddhartha Srivastava
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Jalink
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Don Thiwanka Wijeratne
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ruff C, Gerharz A, Groll A, Stoll F, Wirbka L, Haefeli WE, Meid AD. Disease-dependent variations in the timing and causes of readmissions in Germany: A claims data analysis for six different conditions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250298. [PMID: 33901203 PMCID: PMC8075250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital readmissions place a major burden on patients and health care systems worldwide, but little is known about patterns and timing of readmissions in Germany. METHODS We used German health insurance claims (AOK, 2011-2016) of patients ≥ 65 years hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or atrial fibrillation (S/AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, or osteoporosis to identify hospital readmissions within 30 or 90 days. Readmissions were classified into all-cause, specific, and non-specific and their characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS Within 30 and 90 days, about 14-22% and 27-41% index admissions were readmitted for any reason, respectively. HF and S/AF contributed most index cases, and HF and COPD accounted for most all-cause readmissions. Distributions and ratios of specific to non-specific readmissions were disease-specific with highest specific readmissions rates among COPD and AMI. CONCLUSION German claims are well-suited to investigate readmission causes if longer periods than 30 days are evaluated. Conditions closely related with the primary disease are the most frequent readmission causes, but multiple comorbidities among readmitted cases suggest that a multidisciplinary care approach should be implemented vigorously addressing comorbidities already during the index hospitalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ruff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Groll
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Felicitas Stoll
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lucas Wirbka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E. Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Meid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bamforth RJ, Chhibba R, Ferguson TW, Sabourin J, Pieroni D, Askin N, Tangri N, Komenda P, Rigatto C. Strategies to prevent hospital readmission and death in patients with chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249542. [PMID: 33886582 PMCID: PMC8062060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Readmission following hospital discharge is common and is a major financial burden on healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to 1) identify studies describing post-discharge interventions and their efficacy with respect to reducing risk of mortality and rate of hospital readmission; and 2) identify intervention characteristics associated with efficacy. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL. Our selection criteria included randomized controlled trials comparing post-discharge interventions with usual care on rates of hospital readmission and mortality in high-risk chronic disease patient populations. We used random effects meta-analyses to estimate pooled risk ratios for all-cause and cause-specific mortality as well as all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization. RESULTS We included 31 randomized controlled trials encompassing 9654 patients (24 studies in CHF, 4 in COPD, 1 in both CHF and COPD, 1 in CKD and 1 in an undifferentiated population). Meta-analysis showed post-discharge interventions reduced cause-specific (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.63-0.80) and all cause (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99) hospitalization, all-cause (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65-0.83) and cause-specific mortality (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.84) in CHF studies, and all-cause hospitalization (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.83) in COPD studies. The inclusion of a cardiac nurse in the multidisciplinary team was associated with greater efficacy in reducing all-cause mortality among patients discharged after heart failure admission (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54-0.75 vs. HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73-1.03). CONCLUSIONS Post-discharge interventions reduced all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and cause-specific hospitalization in CHF patients and all-cause hospitalization in COPD patients. The presence of a cardiac nurse was associated with greater efficacy in included studies. Additional research is needed on the impact of post-discharge intervention strategies in COPD and CKD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Bamforth
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ruchi Chhibba
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Thomas W. Ferguson
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jenna Sabourin
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Domenic Pieroni
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nicole Askin
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Navdeep Tangri
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paul Komenda
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Claudio Rigatto
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Skarshaug LJ, Kaspersen SL, Bjørngaard JH, Pape K. How does general practitioner discontinuity affect healthcare utilisation? An observational cohort study of 2.4 million Norwegians 2007-2017. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042391. [PMID: 33593777 PMCID: PMC7888374 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients may benefit from continuity of care by a personal physician general practitioner (GP), but there are few studies on consequences of a break in continuity of GP. Investigate how a sudden discontinuity of GP care affects their list patients' regular GP consultations, out-of-hours consultations and acute hospital admissions, including admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC). DESIGN Cohort study linking person-level national register data on use of health services and GP affiliation with data on GP activity and GP characteristics. SETTING Primary care. PARTICIPANTS 2 409 409 Norwegians assigned to the patient lists of 2560 regular GPs who, after 12 months of stable practice, had a sudden discontinuity of practice lasting two or more months between 2007 and 2017. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Monthly GP consultations, out-of-hours consultations, acute hospital admissions and ACSC admissions in periods during and 12 months after the discontinuity, compared with the 12-month period before the discontinuity using logistic regression models. RESULTS All patient age groups had a 3%-5% decreased odds of monthly regular GP consultations during the discontinuity. Odds of monthly out-of-hours consultations increased 2%-6% during the discontinuity for all adult age groups. A 7%-9% increase in odds of ACSC admissions during the period 1-6 months after discontinuity was indicated in patients over the age of 65, but in general little or no change in acute hospital admissions was observed during or after the period of discontinuity. CONCLUSIONS Modest changes in health service use were observed during and after a sudden discontinuity in practice among patients with a previously stable regular GP. Older patients seem sensitive to increased acute hospital admissions in the absence of their personal GP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Janita Skarshaug
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Silje Lill Kaspersen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Digital, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johan Håkon Bjørngaard
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord Universitet - Levanger Campus, Levanger, Norway
| | - Kristine Pape
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lu YC, Pu C, Hou CH. The Effect of Continuity of Care and Provider Volume on Late Presentation of Glaucoma: A Nested Case-Control Study. J Glaucoma 2021; 30:187-191. [PMID: 33031188 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PRCIS Glaucoma late presentation is not associated with continuity of care. However, it is associated with frequency of physician visits and physician volume. PURPOSE Late presentation of glaucoma often causes blindness. Continuity of care (COC) has been the central element in primary care. We investigated whether COC, frequency of visits to ophthalmology departments, and provider experience can reduce late presentation. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study on patients aged above 20 years with confirmed glaucoma diagnosis. Claims data from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database during 2007 to 2016 were linked to the Disability Registry (n=231,330) to identify patients with glaucoma late presentation. Physician experience was proxied using service volume. Logistic regression was estimated using matched samples. RESULTS A total of 111 patients satisfied the definition of late presentation. Patients with a low frequency of visits had lower odds of being in the late-presentation group (odds ratio=0.39, 95% confidence interval=0.18-0.81). COC index did not statistically affect late presentation. Old age and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher odds of late presentation. A statistically significant negative association was observed between physician volume and odds of late presentation. CONCLUSION Late presentation for glaucoma can be reduced by promoting more frequent physician visits. However, enhancement from the provider-side, such as spreading awareness and offering routine tests, also play essential role in reducing late presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Lu
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration
| | - Christy Pu
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei
| | - Chiun-Ho Hou
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
High-Deductible Health Plans and Healthcare Access, Use, and Financial Strain in Those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 17:49-56. [PMID: 31599647 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201905-400oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Medical treatment can improve quality of life and avert exacerbations for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can increase exposure to medical costs, and might compromise healthcare access and financial well-being for patients with COPD.Objectives: To examine the association of HDHPs with healthcare access, utilization, and financial strain among individuals with COPD.Methods: We analyzed privately insured adults aged 40-64 years with COPD in the 2011-2017 National Health Interview Survey, which uses Internal Revenue Service-specified thresholds to classify health plans as "high" or "traditional" deductible coverage. We assessed the association between enrollment in an HDHP and indicators of cost-related impediments to care, financial strain, and healthcare utilization, adjusting for potential confounders.Results: Our sample included 803 individuals with an HDHP and 1,334 with a traditional plan. The two groups' demographic and health characteristics were similar. Individuals enrolled in an HDHP more frequently reported delayed or foregone care, cost-related medication nonadherence, medical bill problems, and financial strain. They also more frequently reported out-of-pocket healthcare spending in excess of $5,000 a year. Although the two groups' office visit rates were similar, those enrolled in an HDHP were more likely to report a hospitalization or emergency room visit in the past year.Conclusions: For patients with COPD, enrollment in an HDHP was associated with cost-related barriers to care, financial strain, and more frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gaffney AW, Hawks L, White AC, Woolhandler S, Himmelstein D, Christiani DC, McCormick D. Health Care Disparities Across the Urban-Rural Divide: A National Study of Individuals with COPD. J Rural Health 2020; 38:207-216. [PMID: 33040358 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high in rural America. Few studies, however, have examined urban/rural differences in health care access, or racial/ethnic and income disparities stratified by urban/rural residence, among persons with COPD. METHODS We studied individuals age ≥ 40 years with COPD from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The primary exposure was "urban" or "rural" county of residence. We examined multiple health and health care access/services outcomes using logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex, and performed analyses stratified by rural/urban county that included additional adjustment for race/ethnicity or income. FINDINGS Our sample included 34,439 individuals. COPD prevalence was 8.6% in rural counties versus 5.4% in urban counties. Rural residents with COPD were poorer, had less education, worse health, and more disability. Of the rural population with COPD, 12.6% were uninsured, versus 10.4% in urban areas (AOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.00-1.58). Rural residents with COPD were more likely to have not seen a doctor due to cost (AOR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02-1.36). Differences in other outcomes were mostly nonsignificant. We observed large access disparities by race/ethnicity and income among individuals in both urban and rural counties, with the highest rates of forgone care among minorities in rural counties. CONCLUSION Patients with COPD in rural areas experience greater morbidity and obstacles to care than those in urban areas. Racial/ethnic minorities and those with low incomes-particularly in rural areas-are also at greater risk of forgoing doctor visits due to cost. Expanded access to health care could address respiratory health inequities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Gaffney
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura Hawks
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander C White
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steffie Woolhandler
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,School of Urban Public Health, City University of New York at Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - David Himmelstein
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,School of Urban Public Health, City University of New York at Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - David C Christiani
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Danny McCormick
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dummer J, Stokes T. Improving continuity of care of patients with respiratory disease at hospital discharge. Breathe (Sheff) 2020; 16:200161. [PMID: 33447276 PMCID: PMC7792832 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0161-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuity of care refers to the delivery of coherent, logical and timely care to an individual. It is threatened during the transition of care at hospital discharge, which can contribute to worse patient outcomes. In a traditional acute care model, the roles of hospital and community healthcare providers do not overlap and this can be a barrier to continuity of care at hospital discharge. Furthermore, the transition from inpatient to outpatient care is associated with a transition from acute to chronic disease management and, in a busy hospital, attention to this can be crowded out by the pressures of providing acute care. This model is suboptimal for the large proportion of patients admitted to hospital with acute-on-chronic respiratory disease. In a chronic care model, the healthcare system is designed to give adequate priority to care of chronic disease. Integrated care for the patient with respiratory disease fits the chronic care model and responds to the fragmentation of care in a traditional acute care model: providers integrate their respiratory services to provide continuous, holistic care tailored to individuals. This promotes greater continuity of care for individuals, and can improve patient outcomes both at hospital discharge and more widely. EDUCATIONAL AIMS To understand the concept of continuity of care and its effect at the transition between inpatient and outpatient care.To understand the difference between the acute and chronic models of healthcare.To understand the effect of integration of care on continuity of care for patients with respiratory disease and their health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Dummer
- Dept of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tim Stokes
- Dept of General Practice and Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
New prediction tool—LIST—with improved prediction accuracy for 30-day readmission rates in patients with head and neck cancer after major cancer surgery. Oral Oncol 2020; 108:104772. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
25
|
Rayner J, Khan T, Chan C, Wu C. Illustrating the patient journey through the care continuum: Leveraging structured primary care electronic medical record (EMR) data in Ontario, Canada using chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a case study. Int J Med Inform 2020; 140:104159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
26
|
Gershengorn HB, Pilcher DV, Litton E, Anstey M, Garland A, Wunsch H. Association Between Consecutive Days Worked by Intensivists and Outcomes for Critically Ill Patients. Crit Care Med 2020; 48:594-598. [PMID: 32205608 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000004202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between consecutive days worked by intensivists and ICU patient outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study linked with survey data. SETTING Australia and New Zealand ICUs. PATIENTS Adults (16+ yr old) admitted to ICU in the Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation Registries (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018). INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We linked data on staffing schedules for each unit from the Critical Care Resources Registry 2016-2017 annual survey with patient-level data from the Adult Patient Database. The a priori chosen primary outcome was ICU length of stay. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, ICU readmissions, and mortality (ICU and hospital). We used multilevel multivariable regression modeling to assess the association between days of consecutive intensivist service and patient outcomes; the predicted probability of death was included as a covariate and individual ICU as a random effect. The cohort included 225,034 patients in 109 ICUs. Intensivists were scheduled for seven or more consecutive days in 43 (39.4%) ICUs; 27 (24.7%) scheduled intensivists for 5 days, 22 (20.1%) for 4 days, seven (6.4%) for 3 days, four (3.7%) for 2 days, and six (5.5%) for less than or equal to 1 day. Compared with care by intensivists working 7+ consecutive days (adjusted ICU length of stay = 2.85 d), care by an intensivist working 3 or fewer consecutive days was associated with shorter ICU length of stay (3 consecutive days: 0.46 d fewer, p = 0.010; 2 consecutive days: 0.77 d fewer, p < 0.001; ≤ 1 consecutive days: 0.68 d fewer, p < 0.001). Shorter schedules of consecutive intensivist days worked were also associated with trends toward shorter hospital length of stay without increases in ICU readmissions or hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS Care by intensivists working fewer consecutive days is associated with reduced ICU length of stay without negatively impacting mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley B Gershengorn
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - David V Pilcher
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Edward Litton
- Intensive Care Unit, St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew Anstey
- Intensive Care Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Allan Garland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hannah Wunsch
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Epstein D, Barak-Corren Y, Isenberg Y, Berger G. Clinical Decision Support System: A Pragmatic Tool to Improve Acute Exacerbation of COPD Discharge Recommendations. COPD 2019; 16:18-24. [DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2019.1593342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Epstein
- Department of Internal Medicine "B", Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Barak-Corren
- Predictive Medicine Group, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Shaare Tzedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoni Isenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine "B", Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gidon Berger
- Department of Internal Medicine "B", Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Rappaport's Faculty of Medicine, The Technion Institute, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kao YH, Tseng TS, Ng YY, Wu SC. Association between continuity of care and emergency department visits and hospitalization in senior adults with asthma-COPD overlap. Health Policy 2018; 123:222-228. [PMID: 30466799 PMCID: PMC7114593 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
COC enables healthcare more effectively and improves clinical outcomes. COC is also important for elderly ACO patients. Increasing COC is beneficial for elderly patients with ACO in disease management.
Objective To investigate associations between continuity of care (COC) and emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma among elderly adults with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Taiwan National Health Insurance research database. A total of 1141 ACO patients aged ≥65 years during 2005–2011 were observed and followed for 2 years. The Bice and Boxerman COC index (COCI) was used to evaluate COC by considering ambulatory care visits duo to COPD or asthma in the first year; ED visits and hospitalization for COPD or asthma were identified in the subsequent year, respectively. The COCI was divided into three levels (COCI < 0.3= low, 0.3 ≤ COCI<1=medium, COCI = 1=high). The Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for ED visits and hospital admissions due to COPD or asthma. Results The average COCI was 0.55. 21.3% patients received outpatient care from a single physician. Compared to patients with high COC, those with low and medium COC had a higher risk of ED visits (aHR = 2.80 and 2.69, P < .01) and admissions (aHR = 1.80 and 1.72, P < .05). Conclusion Increasing COC is beneficial for elderly patients with ACO in disease management. Policymakers could create effective pay-for-performance programs for the elderly ACO population to enhance COC and improve care outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Kao
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| | - Yee-Yung Ng
- Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, and School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Shiao-Chi Wu
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|