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He W. Does environmental regulation matter for healthcare utilisation in China? An interrupted time series study. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024. [PMID: 39054652 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, China has implemented a series of environmental regulation policies to improve air quality, but the health effects of these policy changes need to be accurately clarified and quantified. The objective of this study was to empirically examine the effects of levying construction dust pollution fees on healthcare utilisation in a southern city of China. The study used a unique administrative insurance claim dataset from the city's Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance scheme between 2013 and 2015. The sample included 69,961 enrolees. An interrupted time series design was employed to investigate whether and how the healthcare utilisation of enrolees changed after the policy change. The results showed that this environmental regulation policy did not affect the inpatient utilisation of enrolees but did negatively impact outpatient utilisation. In addition, outpatient utilisation of chronic disease coverage decreased for patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. This study provides evidence that enhancing environmental regulations helps reduce medical costs, which can benefit China and other developing countries to improve environmental quality and promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen He
- School of Public Administration, Hunan University, Changsha, China
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Zhang W, Watson LR, Johnson KR. Racial Disparities in Hospitalization Due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions Among U.S. Children with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2430-2439. [PMID: 37142910 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05995-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was to investigate the factors associated with preventable hospitalization due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in children with autism. METHODS Using secondary data from the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine the potential effect of race and income level on the likelihood of inpatient stays for ACSCs among autistic children. Pediatric ACSCs included three acute conditions (dehydration, gastroenteritis, and urinary infection) and three chronic conditions (asthma, constipation, and diabetes short-term complications). RESULTS In this analysis, there were 21,733 hospitalizations among children with autism; about 10% were hospitalized due to pediatric ACSCs. Overall, the odds of ACSCs hospitalization were greater among Hispanic and Black autistic children versus White autistic children. Both Hispanic and Black autistic children from the lowest income level had the highest odds to be hospitalized for chronic ACSCs. CONCLUSION Inequities of access to health care among racial/ethnic minorities were most notable for autistic children with chronic ACSC conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Zhang
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Linda R Watson
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Khalilah R Johnson
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Exarchakou A, Rachet B, Lyratzopoulos G, Maringe C, Rubio FJ. What can hospital emergency admissions prior to cancer diagnosis tell us about socio-economic inequalities in cancer diagnosis? Evidence from population-based data in England. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1960-1968. [PMID: 38671209 PMCID: PMC11182764 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02688-6] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More deprived cancer patients are at higher risk of Emergency Presentation (EP) with most studies pointing to lower symptom awareness and increased comorbidities to explain those patterns. With the example of colon cancer, we examine patterns of hospital emergency admissions (HEAs) history in the most and least deprived patients as a potential precursor of EP. METHODS We analysed the rates of hospital admissions and their admission codes (retrieved from Hospital Episode Statistics) in the two years preceding cancer diagnosis by sex, deprivation and route to diagnosis (EP, non-EP). To select the conditions (grouped admission codes) that best predict emergency admission, we adapted the purposeful variable selection to mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS Colon cancer patients diagnosed through EP had the highest number of HEAs than all the other routes to diagnosis, especially in the last 7 months before diagnosis. Most deprived patients had an overall higher rate and higher probability of HEA but fewer conditions associated with it. CONCLUSIONS Our findings point to higher use of emergency services for non-specific symptoms and conditions in the most deprived patients, preceding colon cancer diagnosis. Health system barriers may be a shared factor of socio-economic inequalities in EP and HEAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimilia Exarchakou
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network (ICON), Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Bernard Rachet
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network (ICON), Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes (ECHO), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Camille Maringe
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network (ICON), Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Cole MB, Strackman BW, Lasser KE, Lin MY, Paasche-Orlow MK, Hanchate AD. Medicaid Expansion and Preventable Emergency Department Use by Race/Ethnicity. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:989-998. [PMID: 38342480 PMCID: PMC11102850 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.02.002] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to examine changes in emergency department (ED) visits for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) among uninsured or Medicaid-covered Black, Hispanic, and White adults aged 26-64 in the first 5 years of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. METHODS Using 2010-2018 inpatient and ED discharge data from nine expansion and five nonexpansion states, an event study difference-in-differences regression model was used to estimate changes in number of annual ACSC ED visits per 100 adults ("ACSC ED rate") associated with the 2014 Medicaid expansion, overall and by race/ethnicity. A secondary outcome was the proportion of ACSC ED visits out of all ED visits ("ACSC ED share"). Analyses were conducted in 2022-2023. RESULTS Medicaid expansion was associated with no change in ACSC ED rates among all, Black, Hispanic, or White adults. When excluding California, where most counties expanded Medicaid before 2014, expansion was associated with a decrease in ACSC ED rate among all, Black, Hispanic, and White adults. Expansion was also associated with a decrease in ACSC ED share among all, Black, and White adults. White adults experienced the largest reductions in ACSC ED rate and share. CONCLUSIONS Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in ACSC ED rates in some expansion states and reductions in ACSC ED share in all expansion states combined, with some heterogeneity by race/ethnicity. Expansion should be coupled with policy efforts to better link newly insured Black and Hispanic patients to non-ED outpatient care, alongside targeted outreach and expanded primary care capacity, which may reduce disparities in ACSC ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan B Cole
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Braden W Strackman
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Karen E Lasser
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meng-Yun Lin
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Amresh D Hanchate
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Harness ED, Goldberg ZN, Shah YB, Krishnan AS, Jayanti V, Nash DB. The Academic Payvider Model: Care and Coverage. Popul Health Manag 2024; 27:160-167. [PMID: 38442303 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2023.0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The US health care system has significant room for growth to achieve the Quintuple Aim. Reforming the relationship between payers and providers is pivotal to enhancing value-based care (VBC). The Payvider model, a joint approach to care and coverage rooted in vertical integration, is a potential solution. The authors aimed to investigate academic medical institutions adopting this model, termed Academic Payviders. All Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)-member allopathic medical schools were evaluated to identify programs meeting the inclusion criteria of offering both medical care and insurance coverage to patients via partnership with a payer or ownership of, or by, a payer. Twenty-five Academic Payvider systems were identified from 171 total AAMC-member programs. Most programs were founded after 2009 (n = 20), utilized a provider-dominant structural model (n = 17), and offered health plans to patients via Medicare Advantage (n = 23). Passage of the Affordable Care Act, recent trends in health care consolidation, and increased political and financial prioritization of social determinants of health (SDOH) may help to explain the rise of this care and coverage model. The Academic Payvider movement could advance academic medicine toward greater acceptance of VBC via innovations in medical education, resource stewardship in residency, and the establishment of innovative leadership positions at the administrative level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika D Harness
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zachary N Goldberg
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yash B Shah
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akshay S Krishnan
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Varun Jayanti
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David B Nash
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Saturno-Hernández P, Moreno-Zegbe E, Poblano-Verastegui O, Torres-Arreola LDP, Bautista-Morales AC, Maya-Hernández C, Uscanga-Castillo JD, Flores-Hernández S, Gómez-Cortez PM, Vieyra-Romero WI. Hospital care direct costs due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions related to diabetes mellitus in the Mexican public healthcare system. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:507. [PMID: 38659025 PMCID: PMC11041024 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10937-w] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) incur substantial costs on the health system that could be partially avoided with adequate outpatient care. Complications of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are considered ACSC. Previous studies have shown that hospitalizations due to diabetes have a significant financial burden. In Mexico, DM is a major health concern and a leading cause of death, but there is limited evidence available. This study aimed to estimate the direct costs of hospitalizations by DM-related ACSC in the Mexican public health system. METHODS We selected three hospitals from each of Mexico's main public institutions: the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). We employed a bottom-up microcosting approach from the healthcare provider perspective to estimate the total direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC. Input data regarding length of stay (LoS), consultations, medications, colloid/crystalloid solutions, procedures, and laboratory/medical imaging studies were obtained from clinical records of a random sample of 532 hospitalizations out of a total of 1,803 DM-related ACSC (ICD-10 codes) discharges during 2016. RESULTS The average cost per DM-related ACSC hospitalization varies among institutions, ranging from $1,427 in the MoH to $1,677 in the IMSS and $1,754 in the ISSSTE. The three institutions' largest expenses are LoS and procedures. Peripheral circulatory and renal complications were the major drivers of hospitalization costs for patients with DM-related ACSC. Direct costs due to hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC in these three institutions represent 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) dedicated to health and social services and 2% of total hospital care expenses. CONCLUSIONS The direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC vary considerably across institutions. Disparities in such costs for the same ACSC among different institutions suggest potential disparities in care quality across primary and hospital settings (processes and resource utilization), which should be further investigated to ensure optimal supply utilization. Prioritizing preventive measures for peripheral circulatory and renal complications in DM patients could be highly beneficial.
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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.
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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
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Davies F, Edwards M, Price D, Anderson P, Carson-Stevens A, Choudhry M, Cooke M, Dale J, Donaldson L, Evans BA, Harrington B, Harris S, Hepburn J, Hibbert P, Hughes T, Hussain F, Islam S, Pockett R, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Watkins A, Edwards A, Cooper A. Evaluation of different models of general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments: a mixed-methods realist evaluation. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DELIVERY RESEARCH 2024; 12:1-152. [PMID: 38687611 DOI: 10.3310/jwqz5348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Emergency healthcare services are under intense pressure to meet increasing patient demands. Many patients presenting to emergency departments could be managed by general practitioners in general practitioner-emergency department service models. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, patient experience and system implications of the different general practitioner-emergency department models. Design Mixed-methods realist evaluation. Methods Phase 1 (2017-8), to understand current practice: rapid realist literature review, national survey and follow-up key informant interviews, national stakeholder event and safety data analysis. Phase 2 (2018-21), to collect and analyse qualitative (observations, interviews) and quantitative data (time series analysis); cost-consequences analysis of routine data; and case site data for 'marker condition' analysis from a purposive sample of 13 case sites in England and Wales. Phase 3 (2021-2), to conduct mixed-methods analysis for programme theory and toolkit development. Results General practitioners commonly work in emergency departments, but delivery models vary widely in terms of the scope of the general practitioner role and the scale of the general practitioner service. We developed a taxonomy to describe general practitioner-emergency department service models (Integrated with the emergency department service, Parallel within the emergency department, Outside the emergency department on the hospital site) and present a programme theory as principal output of the study to describe how these service models were observed to operate. Routine data were of variable quality, limiting our analysis. Time series analysis demonstrated trends across intervention sites for: increased time spent in the emergency department; increased emergency department attendances and reattendances; and mixed results for hospital admissions. Evidence on patient experience was limited but broadly supportive; we identified department-level processes to optimise the safety of general practitioner-emergency department models. Limitations The quality, heterogeneity and extent of routine emergency department data collection during the study period limited the conclusions. Recruitment was limited by criteria for case sites (time series requirements) and individual patients (with 'marker conditions'). Pandemic and other pressures limited data collection for marker condition analysis. Data collected and analysed were pre pandemic; new approaches such as 'telephone first' and their relevance to our findings remains unexplored. Conclusion Findings suggest that general practitioner-emergency department service models do not meet the aim of reducing the overall emergency department waiting times and improving patient flow with limited evidence of cost savings. Qualitative data indicated that general practitioners were often valued as members of the wider emergency department team. We have developed a toolkit, based on our findings, to provide guidance for implementing and delivering general practitioner-emergency department services. Future work The emergency care data set has since been introduced across England to help standardise data collection to facilitate further research. We would advocate the systematic capture of patient experience measures and patient-reported outcome measures as part of routine care. More could be done to support the development of the general practitioner in emergency department role, including a core set of competencies and governance structure, to reflect the different general practitioner-emergency department models and to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness to guide future policy. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017069741. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 15/145/04) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 10. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Davies
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Delyth Price
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bangor University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Mazhar Choudhry
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew Cooke
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | | | - Bridie Angela Evans
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Shaun Harris
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Julie Hepburn
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Faris Hussain
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Saiful Islam
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rhys Pockett
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alison Porter
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alison Cooper
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Marasović Šušnjara I, Mijaković M, Jurčev Savičević A. The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospitalizations for Ambulatory Care-Sensitive Conditions in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:523. [PMID: 38674169 PMCID: PMC11052272 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We aimed to explore whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional comparative study using two different time periods, the pre-pandemic (from March 2019 to February 2020) and the pandemic period (from March 2020 to February 2021), to explore the possible influences that the COVID-19 pandemic had on hospitalizations for ACSCs. The ACSCs were classified into the categories of vaccine-preventable, chronic, and acute disease. The indicators were statistically analyzed. Results: During the pandemic, a decrease in the total number of hospitalizations and ACSC hospitalizations was recorded. The relative risk for having any ACSC hospitalization in the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64-0.71; p = 0). The risk reduction was seen in all three categories of vaccine-preventable ACSCs, chronic disease, and acute disease. Large reductions were found in the relative risk of hospitalization for COPD and asthma. Considering the mode of discharge, there was a statistically significantly higher risk of ACSCs with fatal outcomes during the pandemic than in the pre-pandemic period (relative risk 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01-1.7; p = 0.0197). Conclusions: The results of this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the total number of hospitalizations as well as hospitalizations relating to ACSCs. Certainly, one of the reasons for these changes was due to organizational changes in the working of the entire health system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Marasović Šušnjara
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.M.Š.); (M.M.)
- University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Mijaković
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.M.Š.); (M.M.)
| | - Anamarija Jurčev Savičević
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.M.Š.); (M.M.)
- University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Wang J, Xu DR, Zhang Y, Fu H, Wang S, Ju K, Chen C, Yang L, Jian W, Chen L, Liao X, Xiao Y, Wu R, Jakovljevic M, Chen Y, Pan J. Development of the China's list of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs): a study protocol. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:11. [PMID: 38504369 PMCID: PMC10949688 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00350-5] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hospitalization rate of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) has been recognized as an essential indicator reflective of the overall performance of healthcare system. At present, ACSCs has been widely used in practice and research to evaluate health service quality and efficiency worldwide. The definition of ACSCs varies across countries due to different challenges posed on healthcare systems. However, China does not have its own list of ACSCs. The study aims to develop a list to meet health system monitoring, reporting and evaluation needs in China. METHODS To develop the list, we will combine the best methodological evidence available with real-world evidence, adopt a systematic and rigorous process and absorb multidisciplinary expertise. Specific steps include: (1) establishment of working groups; (2) generations of the initial list (review of already published lists, semi-structured interviews, calculations of hospitalization rate); (3) optimization of the list (evidence evaluation, Delphi consensus survey); and (4) approval of a final version of China's ACSCs list. Within each step of the process, we will calculate frequencies and proportions, use descriptive analysis to summarize and draw conclusions, discuss the results, draft a report, and refine the list. DISCUSSION Once completed, China's list of ACSCs can be used to comprehensively evaluate the current situation and performance of health services, identify flaws and deficiencies embedded in the healthcare system to provide evidence-based implications to inform decision-makings towards the optimization of China's healthcare system. The experiences might be broadly applicable and serve the purpose of being a prime example for nations with similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Wang
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Roman Xu
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongqiao Fu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Sijiu Wang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Ju
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chu Chen
- School of Health Management, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Lian Yang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiyan Jian
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Xiao
- China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruixian Wu
- Center for Health Statistics and Information, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Comparative Economic Studies, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Research Unit of Evidence-Based Evaluation and Guidelines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU017), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jay Pan
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Institute for Healthy Cities and West China Research Center for Rural Health Development, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Schrøder CK, Kristiansen EB, Flarup L, Christiansen CF, Thomsen RW, Kristensen PK. Preadmission morbidity and healthcare utilization among older adults with potentially avoidable hospitalizations: a Danish case-control study. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:127-138. [PMID: 38015387 PMCID: PMC10876768 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00887-7] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Examine preadmission diagnoses, medication use, and preadmission healthcare utilization among older adults prior to first potentially avoidable hospitalizations. METHODS A nationwide population-based case-control study using Danish healthcare data. All Danish adults aged ≥ 65 years who had a first potentially avoidable hospitalization from January 1995 through March 2019 (n = 725,939) were defined as cases, and 1:1 age- and sex-matched general population controls (n = 725,939). Preadmission morbidity and healthcare utilization were assessed based on a complete hospital diagnosis history within 10 years prior, and all medication use and healthcare contacts 1 year prior. Using log-binomial regression, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Included cases and controls had a median age of 78 years and 59% were female. The burden of preadmission morbidity was higher among cases than controls. The strongest associations were observed for preadmission chronic lung disease (PR 3.8, CI 3.7-3.8), alcohol-related disease (PR 3.1, CI 3.0-3.2), chronic kidney disease (PR 2.4, CI 2.4-2.5), psychiatric disease (PR 2.2, CI 2.2-2.3), heart failure (PR 2.2, CI 2.2-2.3), and previous hospital contacts with infections (PR 2.2, CI 2.2-2.3). A high and accelerating number of healthcare contacts was observed during the months preceding the potentially avoidable hospitalization (having over 5 GP contacts 1 month prior, PR 3.0, CI 3.0-3.0). CONCLUSION A high number of healthcare contacts and preadmission morbidity and medication use, especially chronic lung, heart, and kidney disease, alcohol-related or psychiatric disease including dementia, and previous infections are strongly associated with potentially avoidable hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Schrøder
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Eskild B Kristiansen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lone Flarup
- Strategisk Kvalitet, Koncern Kvalitet, Central Denmark Region, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Christian F Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Reimar W Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Pia K Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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12
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Klein J, Koens S, Scherer M, Strauß A, Härter M, von dem Knesebeck O. Variations in the intended utilization of emergency care in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Health Policy 2024; 140:104970. [PMID: 38194836 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104970] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Frequent utilization of emergency care and overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) are highly relevant topics due to their harmful consequences for patients and staff. The present study examines variations of intended health care use in urgent and non-urgent cases among the general population. In a cross-sectional telephone survey, a sample of N = 1,204 adults residing in Hamburg, Germany, was randomly drawn. At the beginning of the survey, one of 24 different vignettes (case stories) describing symptoms of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases were presented to the participants. The vignettes varied in sex (male/female), age (15, 49, 72 years), daytime (Tuesday morning, Tuesday evening), and urgency (low, high). Participants were asked in an open-ended question about their primal intended utilization if they or their children would be affected by such symptoms. Overall, about 14 % chose emergency facilities (ED, ambulance, emergency practice) despite presentation of non-urgent conditions (n = 602). Intended emergency care use varied considerably even if the degree of urgency was comparable. Adolescence, male sex, and symptoms occurring in the evening were associated with increased ED and ambulance use. Inappropriate utilization of ED and ambulance (analyses regarding utilization due to non-urgent problems) was more often observed among male respondents and those with a migration background (1st generation). Information campaigns focused on emergency care use and reorganisation of emergency care wards are possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sarah Koens
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Strauß
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Zhang H, Bao Y, Baek D, Clark S, Elman A, Hancock D, Chang ES, Jeng P, Gassoumis Z, Fettig N, Zhang Y, Wen K, Lachs MS, Pillemer K, Rosen T. Healthcare costs for legally adjudicated elder mistreatment victims in comparison to non-mistreated older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:236-245. [PMID: 38112382 PMCID: PMC10872321 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18712] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elder mistreatment (EM) is associated with adverse health outcomes and healthcare utilization patterns that differ from other older adults. However, the association of EM with healthcare costs has not been examined. Our goal was to compare healthcare costs between legally adjudicated EM victims and controls. METHODS We used Medicare insurance claims to examine healthcare costs of EM victims in the 2 years surrounding initial mistreatment identification in comparison to matched controls. We adjusted costs using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Categories (CMS-HCC) risk score. RESULTS We examined healthcare costs in 114 individuals who experienced EM and 410 matched controls. Total Medicare Parts A and B healthcare costs were similar between cases and controls in the 12 months prior to initial EM detection ($11,673 vs. $11,402, p = 0.92), but cases had significantly higher total healthcare costs during the 12 months after initial mistreatment identification ($15,927 vs. $10,805, p = 0.04). Adjusting for CMS-HCC scores, cases had, in the 12 months after initial EM identification, $5084 of additional total healthcare costs (95% confidence interval [$92, $10,077], p = 0.046) and $5817 of additional acute/subacute/post-acute costs (95% confidence interval [$1271, $10,362], p = 0.012) compared with controls. The significantly higher total costs and acute/sub-acute/post-acute costs among EM victims in the post-year were concentrated in the 120 days after EM detection. CONCLUSIONS Older adults experiencing EM had substantially higher total costs during the 12 months after mistreatment identification, driven by an increase in acute/sub-acute/post-acute costs and focused on the period immediately after initial EM detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Daniel Baek
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Sunday Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Alyssa Elman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - David Hancock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - E-Shien Chang
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Philip Jeng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Zach Gassoumis
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Yiye Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Katherine Wen
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark S. Lachs
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Karl Pillemer
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Tony Rosen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
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14
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Mora-García CA, Pesec M, Prado AM. The effect of primary healthcare on mortality: Evidence from Costa Rica. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 93:102833. [PMID: 38041894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses the gradual implementation of a primary healthcare (PHC) intervention in Costa Rica to examine the long-term effect of PHC on mortality. Nine years after opening a primary care center, known as a Health Area, there was an associated 13% reduction in age-adjusted mortality rate in the assigned patient population. The effect was highest among adults over 65 years of age and for those with noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular-related causes of death. We also show that as Health Areas opened, more individuals sought care at primary care clinics, while fewer sought care at emergency rooms; these changes may have partially mediated the effect of the intervention on mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madeline Pesec
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
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15
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Rodríguez-Molinero A, Carot-Sans G, Escrig R, Tebé C, Arce J, Pérez-López C, Ballesta S, Verdejo G, Cedeño Á, Riera-Pagespetit M, Vivas-Angeles S, Alarcon JL, Navarro I, Toro S, Mateo L, Torres AJ, Delmás G, Camell H, Chamero A, Gasol M, Piera-Jiménez J. Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to assess safety of teleconsultation compared with face-to-face consultation: the ECASeT study. Trials 2023; 24:797. [PMID: 38066614 PMCID: PMC10704815 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of remote consultation modalities has exponentially grown in the past few years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a huge body of the literature has described the use of phone (tele) and video consultations, very few of the studies correspond to randomized controlled trials, and none of them has assessed the safety of these consultation modalities as the primary objective. The primary objective of this trial was to assess the safety of remote consultations (both video and teleconsultation) in the follow-up of patients in the hospital setting. METHODS Multicenter, randomized controlled trial being conducted in four centers of an administrative healthcare area in Catalonia (North-East Spain). Participants will be screened from all individuals, irrespective of age and sex, who require follow-up in outpatient consultations of any of the departments involved in the study. Eligibility criteria have been established based on the local guidelines for screening patients for remote consultation. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of the two study arms: conventional face-to-face consultation (control) and remote consultation, either teleconsultation or video consultation (intervention). Routine follow-up visits will be scheduled at a frequency determined by the physician based on the diagnostic and therapy of the baseline disease (the one triggering enrollment). The primary outcome will be the number of adverse reactions and complications related to the baseline disease. Secondary outcomes will include non-scheduled visits and hospitalizations, as well as usability features of remote consultations. All data will either be recorded in an electronic clinical report form or retrieved from local electronic health records. Based on the complications and adverse reaction rates reported in the literature, we established a target sample size of 1068 participants per arm. Recruitment started in May 2022 and is expected to end in May 2024. DISCUSSION The scarcity of precedents on the assessment of remote consultation modalities using randomized controlled designs challenges making design decisions, including recruitment, selection criteria, and outcome definition, which are discussed in the manuscript. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05094180. The items of the WHO checklist for trial registration are available in Additional file 1. Registered on 24 November 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rodríguez-Molinero
- Àrea de Recerca, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I GarrafEspirall, Vilafranca del Penedès, 61 08720, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gerard Carot-Sans
- Catalan Health Service, Barcelona, Spain
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Escrig
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Tebé
- Biostatistics Unit of the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacobo Arce
- Urology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Pérez-López
- Àrea de Recerca, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I GarrafEspirall, Vilafranca del Penedès, 61 08720, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ballesta
- Endocrinology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Verdejo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángel Cedeño
- Gastroenterology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riera-Pagespetit
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sofia Vivas-Angeles
- Department of Surgery, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose L Alarcon
- Department of Surgery, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar Navarro
- Nefrology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Toro
- Endocrinology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llorenç Mateo
- Musculoskeletal Area, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana J Torres
- Maternal-Child Area, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Delmás
- Innovation Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Camell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Chamero
- Anesthesiology Department, Consorci Sanitari de L'Alt Penedès I Garraf, Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Gasol
- Catalan Health Service, Barcelona, Spain
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Piera-Jiménez
- Catalan Health Service, Barcelona, Spain
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Informatics, Telecommunications and Multimedia, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Dröge P, Ruhnke T, Fischer-Rosinsky A, Henschke C, Keil T, Möckel M, Günster C, Slagman A. Patients pathways before and after treatments in emergency departments: A retrospective analysis of secondary data in Germany. Health Policy 2023; 138:104944. [PMID: 38016261 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104944] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Increasing emergency department (ED) utilization induces considerable pressure on ED staff and organization in Germany. Reasons for certain ED attendances are seen partly in insufficient continuity of care outside of hospitals. To explore the health care patterns before and after an ED attendance in Germany, we used claims data from nine statutory health insurance funds, covering around 25 % of statutory health insurees (1). We descriptively analyzed ED attendances for adult patients in 2016 according to their sociodemographic characteristics and diagnoses (2). Based on the ED attendance as initial event, we investigated health care provider utilization 180 days before and after the respective ED treatment and are presented by means of Sankey diagrams. In total, 4,757,536 ED cases of 3,164,343 insured individuals were analyzed. Back pain was the most frequent diagnosis in outpatient ED cases (5.0 %), and 80.2 % of the patients visited primary care physicians or specialists 180 days before and 78.8 % 180 days after ED treatment. Among inpatient cases, heart failure (4.6 %) was the leading diagnosis and 74.6 % used primary care physicians or specialists 180 days before and 65.1 % 180 days after ED treatment. The ED re-attendance slightly increased for back pain (4.9 % to 7.9 %) and decreased for heart failure (13.4 % to 12.6 %).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antje Fischer-Rosinsky
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Henschke
- Dept. Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Keil
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; State Institute of Health I, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Möckel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anna Slagman
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Berlin, Germany
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17
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Tang H, Li M, Liu LZ, Zhou Y, Liu X. Changing inequity in health service utilization and financial burden among patients with hypertension in China: evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 2011-2018. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:246. [PMID: 38001484 PMCID: PMC10668495 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02062-7] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND China initiated a health system reform in 2009 to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2020. While the effectiveness of health-system reforms has been studied, equity in health-service utilization and financial burden remains underexplored. This study evaluated whether the health system reform has improved the equity in utilization and financial burden of health services among patients with hypertension in China. METHODS We obtained data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted between 2011 and 2018. The main outcome variables were outpatient and inpatient service utilization rates and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) for patients with hypertension. The Standardized Concentration Index (CI) was used to measure the changing equity in health service utilization and affordability. RESULTS Outpatient service utilization was relatively equal among patients with varying socioeconomic statuses (SESs) (CI: 0.041 in 2011 and 0.064 in 2018). Inpatient service utilization inequity improved from CI 0.144 in 2011 to CI 0.066 in 2018. CHE incidence increased from 15.6% in 2011 to 24.2% in 2018. CI for CHE declined from -0.069 in 2011 to -0.012 in 2015 but increased to -0.063 in 2018. CONCLUSIONS Health insurance expansion and poverty alleviation policies promoted equity in inpatient service utilization for hypertensive patients. However, the financial burden for the poor requires further attention through reimbursement policy adjustments for outpatient services in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Tang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Larry Z Liu
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Yanbing Zhou
- MSD R&D (China) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Niedzwiedz CL, Aragón MJ, Breedvelt JJF, Smith DJ, Prady SL, Jacobs R. Severe and common mental disorders and risk of emergency hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among the UK Biobank cohort. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e211. [PMID: 37933539 PMCID: PMC10753948 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with mental disorders have worse physical health compared with the general population, which could be attributable to receiving poorer quality healthcare. AIMS To examine the relationship between severe and common mental disorders and risk of emergency hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), and factors associated with increased risk. METHOD Baseline data for England (N = 445 814) were taken from UK Biobank, which recruited participants aged 37-73 years during 2006-2010, and linked to hospital admission records up to 31 December 2019. Participants were grouped into those with a history of either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety, or no mental disorder. Survival analysis was used to assess the risk of hospital admission for ACSCs among those with mental disorders compared with those without, adjusting for factors in different domains (sociodemographic, socioeconomic, health and biomarkers, health-related behaviours, social isolation and psychological). RESULTS People with schizophrenia had the highest (unadjusted) risk of hospital admission for ACSCs compared with those with no mental disorder (hazard ratio 4.40, 95% CI 4.04-4.80). People with bipolar disorder (hazard ratio 2.48, 95% CI 2.28-2.69) and depression or anxiety (hazard ratio 1.76, 95% CI 1.73-1.80) also had higher risk. Associations were more conservative when including all admissions, as opposed to first admissions only. The observed associations persisted after adjusting for a range of factors. CONCLUSIONS People with severe mental disorders have the highest risk of preventable hospital admissions. Ensuring people with mental disorders receive adequate ambulatory care is essential to reduce the large health inequalities they experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel J. Smith
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of
Glasgow, UK; and Division of Psychiatry, Centre for
Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh,
UK
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19
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Nishioka D, Saito J, Ueno K, Kondo N. Sociodemographic inequities in unscheduled asthma care visits among public assistance recipients in Japan: additional risk by household composition among workers. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1084. [PMID: 37821936 PMCID: PMC10568886 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10110-9] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public assistance programs aim to prevent financial poverty by guaranteeing a minimum income for basic needs, including medical care. However, time poverty also matters, especially in the medical care adherence of people with chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the association between the dual burden of working and household responsibilities, with unscheduled asthma care visits among public assistance recipients in Japan. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included public assistance recipients from two municipalities. We obtained participants' sociodemographic data in January 2016 from the public assistance database and identified the incidence of asthma care visits. Participants' unscheduled asthma visits and the frequency of asthma visits were used as the outcome variables. Unscheduled visits were defined as visits by recipients who did not receive asthma care during the first three months of the observation period. Participants' age, sex, household composition, and work status were used as explanatory variables. Multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed to calculate the cumulative incidence ratio (IR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of unscheduled visits across the explanatory variables. The effect of modification on the work status by household composition was also examined. RESULTS We identified 2,386 recipients at risk of having unscheduled visits, among which 121 patients (5.1%) had unscheduled visits. The multivariable Poisson regression revealed that the working recipients had a higher incidence of unscheduled visits than the non-working recipients (IR 1.44, 95% CI 1.00-2.07). Among working recipients, the IRs of unscheduled visits were higher among recipients cohabiting with adults (IR 1.90 95% CI 1.00-3.59) and with children (IR 2.35, 95% CI 1.11-4.95) than for recipients living alone. Among non-working recipients, the IRs of unscheduled visits were lower for recipients living with family (IR 0.74, 95% CI 0.41-1.35) and those living with children (IR 0.50, 95% CI 0.20-1.23). A higher frequency in asthma visits was observed among working recipients living with family. CONCLUSIONS Working adults cohabiting with children are at the greatest risk of unscheduled visits among adults receiving public assistance. To support healthy lifestyles of public assistance recipients, medical care providers and policymakers should pay special attention to the potentially underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Nishioka
- Department of Medical Statistics, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Research & Development Center, 2-7 Daigaku-Machi, Takatsuki-Shi, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan.
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Junko Saito
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Ueno
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Agency for Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES Agency), 6-3-5 Yanaka, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Loyd C, Blue K, Turner L, Weber A, Guy A, Zhang Y, Martin RC, Kennedy RE, Brown C. National Norms for Hospitalizations Due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions among Adults in the US. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2953-2959. [PMID: 36941421 PMCID: PMC10027258 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are acute or chronic health issues that lead to potentially preventable hospitalizations when not treated in the outpatient primary care setting. OBJECTIVE To describe national hospitalization rates due to ACSCs among adult inpatients in the US. DESIGN A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the 2018 US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project at the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality was completed in the year 2022. PARTICIPANTS Participants were adult inpatients from community hospitals in 48 states of the US and District of Columbia. MAIN MEASURES ACSC admission rates were calculated using ICD-10 codes and the Purdy ACSC definition. The admission rates were weighted to the US inpatient population and stratified by age, sex, and race. KEY RESULTS ACSC hospitalization rates varied considerably across age and average number of hospitalizations varied across sex and race. ACSC hospitalization rates increased with age, male sex, and Native American and Black race. The most common ACSCs were pneumonia, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. CONCLUSIONS Previous studies have emphasized the importance of preventable hospitalizations, however, the national rates for ACSC hospitalizations across all ages in the US have not been reported. The national rates presented will facilitate comparisons to identify hospitals and health care systems with higher-than-expected rates of ACSC admissions that may suggest a need for improved primary care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Loyd
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Kylie Blue
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Laci Turner
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ashley Weber
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ashley Guy
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Roy C Martin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Richard E Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cynthia Brown
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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21
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Jones T, Redaniel MT, Ben-Shlomo Y. Interrupted time series evaluation of the impact of a dementia wellbeing service on avoidable hospital admissions for people with dementia in Bristol, England. J Health Serv Res Policy 2023; 28:262-270. [PMID: 36951934 DOI: 10.1177/13558196231164317] [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: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether a dementia wellbeing service (DWS) signposting people with dementia to community services decreases the rate of avoidable hospital admissions, in-hospital mortality, complexity of admissions (number of comorbidities) or length of stay. METHODS Interrupted time series analysis to estimate the effects of the DWS on hospital outcomes. We included all unplanned admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions ('avoidable hospital admissions') with a dementia diagnosis recorded in the Hospital Episode Statistics. The intervention region was compared with a demographically similar control region in the 2 years before and 3 years after the implementation of the new service (October 2013 to September 2018). RESULTS There was no strong evidence that admission rates reduced and only weak evidence that the trend in average length of stay reduced slowly over time. In-hospital mortality decreased immediately after the introduction of the dementia wellbeing service compared to comparator areas (x0.64, 95% CI 0.42, 0.97, p = 0.037) but attenuated over the following years. The rate of increase in comorbidities also appeared to slow after the service began; they were similar to comparator areas by September 2018. CONCLUSIONS We found no major impact of the DWS on avoidable hospital admissions, although there was weak evidence for slightly shorter length of stay and reduced complexity of hospital admissions. These findings may or may not reflect a true benefit of the service and require further investigation. The DWS was established to improve quality of dementia care; reducing hospital admissions was never its sole purpose. More targeted interventions may be required to reduce hospital admissions for people with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jones
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Theresa Redaniel
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Yoav Ben-Shlomo
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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22
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Launders N, Hayes JF, Price G, Marston L, Osborn DPJ. The incidence rate of planned and emergency physical health hospital admissions in people diagnosed with severe mental illness: a cohort study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5603-5614. [PMID: 36069188 PMCID: PMC10482715 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002811] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with severe mental illness (SMI) have more physical health conditions than the general population, resulting in higher rates of hospitalisations and mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of emergency and planned physical health hospitalisations in those with SMI, compared to matched comparators, and to investigate how these rates differ by SMI diagnosis. METHODS We used Clinical Practice Research DataLink Gold and Aurum databases to identify 20,668 patients in England diagnosed with SMI between January 2000 and March 2016, with linked hospital records in Hospital Episode Statistics. Patients were matched with up to four patients without SMI. Primary outcomes were emergency and planned physical health admissions. Avoidable (ambulatory care sensitive) admissions and emergency admissions for accidents, injuries and substance misuse were secondary outcomes. We performed negative binomial regression, adjusted for clinical and demographic variables, stratified by SMI diagnosis. RESULTS Emergency physical health (aIRR:2.33; 95% CI 2.22-2.46) and avoidable (aIRR:2.88; 95% CI 2.60-3.19) admissions were higher in patients with SMI than comparators. Emergency admission rates did not differ by SMI diagnosis. Planned physical health admissions were lower in schizophrenia (aIRR:0.80; 95% CI 0.72-0.90) and higher in bipolar disorder (aIRR:1.33; 95% CI 1.24-1.43). Accident, injury and substance misuse emergency admissions were particularly high in the year after SMI diagnosis (aIRR: 6.18; 95% CI 5.46-6.98). CONCLUSION We found twice the incidence of emergency physical health admissions in patients with SMI compared to those without SMI. Avoidable admissions were particularly elevated, suggesting interventions in community settings could reduce hospitalisations. Importantly, we found underutilisation of planned inpatient care in patients with schizophrenia. Interventions are required to ensure appropriate healthcare use, and optimal diagnosis and treatment of physical health conditions in people with SMI, to reduce the mortality gap due to physical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Launders
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL. 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Joseph F. Hayes
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL. 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK
| | - Gabriele Price
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Louise Marston
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL, Rowland Hill Street, NW3 2PF, London, UK
| | - David P. J. Osborn
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL. 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK
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23
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Sun Y, Iwagami M, Komiyama J, Sugiyama T, Inokuchi R, Sakata N, Ito T, Yoshie S, Matsui H, Kume K, Sanuki M, Kato G, Mori Y, Ueshima H, Tamiya N. Association between types of home healthcare and emergency house calls, hospitalization, and end-of-life care in Japan. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:1795-1805. [PMID: 36789967 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18268] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To meet the increasing demand for home healthcare in Japan, as part of the national healthcare system, home care support clinics/hospitals (HCSCs) and enhanced HCSCs were introduced in 2006 and 2012 respectively. This study aimed to evaluate whether HCSCs has succeeded in providing 24-h home care services through the end of life. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the national database in Japan. Participants were ≥ 65 years of age, had newly started regular home visits between July 2014 and September 2015, and used general clinics, conventional HCSCs, or enhanced HCSCs. Each patient was followed up for 6 months after the first visit. The outcome measures were (i) emergency house call(s), (ii) hospitalization(s), and (iii) end-of-life care defined as in-home death. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS The analysis included 160,674 patients, including 13,477, 64,616, and 82,581 patients receiving regular home visits by general clinics, conventional HCSCs, and enhanced HCSCs respectively. Compared to general clinics, the use of conventional and enhanced HCSCs was associated with an increased likelihood of emergency house calls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs] of 1.62 [1.56-1.69] and 1.86 [1.79-1.93], respectively) and a decreased likelihood of hospitalizations (aOR [95% CIs] of 0.86 [0.82-0.90] and 0.88 [0.84-0.92] respectively). Among 39,082 patients who died during the follow-up period, conventional and enhanced HCSCs had more in-home deaths (aOR [95% CIs] of 1.46 [1.33-1.59] and 1.60 [1.46-1.74], respectively) compared to general clinics. CONCLUSIONS HCSCs (especially enhanced HCSCs) provided more emergency house calls, reduced hospitalization, and enabled expected deaths at home, suggesting that further promotion of HCSCs (especially enhanced HSCSs) would be advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masao Iwagami
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Jun Komiyama
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takehiro Sugiyama
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Inokuchi
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nobuo Sakata
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Heisei Medical Welfare Group Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ito
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoru Yoshie
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Gerontology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keitaro Kume
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masaru Sanuki
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Genta Kato
- Solutions Center for Health Insurance Claims, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mori
- Division of Medical Information Technology and Administration Planning, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ueshima
- Center for Innovative Research and Education in Data Science, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Abe K, Kawachi I, Iba A, Miyawaki A. In-Hospital Deaths From Ambulatory Care-Sensitive Conditions Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2319583. [PMID: 37347480 PMCID: PMC10288336 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in the deterioration of access to medical care for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs). Objective To ascertain whether the number of in-hospital deaths and in-hospital mortality rate associated with ACSC changed after the declaration of the COVID-19 national state of emergency in Japan. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used a difference-in-differences design to compare outcomes for ACSC in the period before (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019) vs the period after (January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020) Japan declared a national state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses used discharge summary data from 242 acute care hospitals across Japan. The sample comprised unscheduled hospitalizations of patients with ACSC during the study period (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020). Data analyses were performed between August 16 and December 7, 2022. Exposure The declaration of the COVID-19 national state of emergency announced by the Japanese government in April 2020 was considered to be an exogenous shock. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were the ACSC-associated number of in-hospital deaths, number of hospitalizations, and in-hospital mortality rate. Results A total of 28 321 ACSC-related hospitalizations were observed involving 15 318 males (54.1%), with a median (IQR) age of 76 (58-85) years. The number of in-hospital deaths was 2117 (7.5%). The number of hospitalizations decreased overall (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.94), for chronic conditions (IRR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92), and for vaccine-preventable conditions (IRR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.76). However, in-hospital deaths (IRR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.15-2.39) and in-hospital deaths within 24 hours of hospital arrival (IRR, 7.27 × 106; 95% CI, 1.83 × 106 to 2.89 × 107) increased for acute conditions. The in-hospital mortality rate increased for acute conditions (IRR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.16-2.54), and the 24-hour in-hospital mortality rates also increased overall (IRR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.19-2.96), for acute conditions (IRR, 2.15 × 106; 95% CI, 5.25 × 105 to 8.79 × 106), and for vaccine-preventable conditions (IRR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.28-16.77). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that in Japan, the number of in-hospital deaths increased after the declaration of the COVID-19 national state of emergency in 2020, particularly for acute ACSC and deaths within 24 hours of hospital admission. This finding suggests that access to good-quality primary care and inpatient care for patients with acute ACSC may have been compromised during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Abe
- Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arisa Iba
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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He W. Does the immediate reimbursement of medical insurance reduce the socioeconomic inequality in health among the floating population? Evidence from China. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:96. [PMID: 37198632 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancing health intervention for floating populations has become an essential aspect of public health around the world. China launched a policy reform aimed at implementing immediate reimbursement for trans-provincial inpatient treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this policy change on socioeconomic inequality in health among the floating population. METHODS This study used two waves of individual-level data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) collected in 2017 and 2018 as well as administrative hospital data at the city level. The sample included 122061 individuals and 262 cities. Under a quasi-experimental research design, we built up the framework to employ the generalized and multi-period difference-in-differences estimation strategy. We used the number of qualified hospitals that could provide immediate reimbursement to represent the degree and intensity of the implementation of this policy change. We also calculated the Wagstaff Index (WI) to measure socioeconomic inequality in health. RESULTS This policy change and income level had a negative joint impact on the health status of floating population (odds ratio = 0.955, P < 0.01), that is, the lower the income, the better the number of qualified hospitals' effect on health improvement. Furthermore, as the number of qualified tertiary hospitals increased, the health inequality would decrease significantly on average at the city level (P < 0.05). In addition, inpatient utilization as well as total expenditure and reimbursement significantly improved after the policy change, and the magnitude of increase was greater in the relatively lower-income group (P < 0.01). Finally, only inpatient spending could obtain immediate reimbursement in the early stage, thus, compared with primary care, these impacts were greater in tertiary care. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that after the implementation of immediate reimbursement, the floating population could obtain greater and more timely reimbursement, which significantly increased its inpatient utilization, promoted health, and reduced the health inequality caused by socioeconomic factors. These results suggest that a more accessible and friendly medical insurance scheme should be promoted for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen He
- School of Public Administration, Hunan University, Lushan Road (S), Yuelu District, Changsha, 410082, China.
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26
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Skains RM, Zhang Y, Osborne JD, O'Leary T, Fowler ME, Markland A, Buford TW, Brown CJ, Kennedy RE. Hospital-associated disability due to avoidable hospitalizations among older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:1395-1405. [PMID: 36661192 PMCID: PMC10976455 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18238] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital-associated disability (HAD) is a common complication during the course of acute care hospitalizations in older adults. Many admissions are for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), considered potentially avoidable hospitalizations-conditions that might be treated in outpatient settings to prevent hospitalization and HAD. We compared the incidence of HAD between older adults hospitalized for ACSCs versus those hospitalized for other diagnoses. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in inpatient (non-ICU) medical and surgical units of a large southeastern regional academic medical center. Participants were 38,960 older adults ≥ 65 years of age admitted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was HAD, defined as decline on the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale from hospital admission to discharge. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine differences in HAD between hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis for an ACSC using standard definitions versus primary diagnosis for other conditions, adjusting for covariates and repeated observations for individuals with multiple hospitalizations. RESULTS We found that 10% of older adults were admitted for an ACSC, with rates of HAD in those admitted for ACSCs lower than those admitted for other conditions (16% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Age, comorbidity, admission functional status, and admission cognitive impairment were significant predictors for development of HAD. ACSC admissions to medical and medical/surgical services had lower odds of HAD compared with admissions for other conditions, with no significant differences between ACSC and non-ACSC admissions to surgical services. CONCLUSIONS Rates of HAD among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs are substantial, though lower than rates of HAD with hospitalization for other conditions, reflecting that acute care hospitalization is not a benign event in this population. Treatment of ACSCs in the outpatient setting could be an important component of efforts to reduce HAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Skains
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - John D. Osborne
- Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tobias O'Leary
- Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Alayne Markland
- Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Cynthia J. Brown
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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27
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Zou K, Duan Z, Zhang Z, Hu J, Zhang J, Pan J, Liu C, Yang M. Examining clinical capability of township healthcare centres for rural health service planning in Sichuan, China: an administrative data analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067028. [PMID: 37105701 PMCID: PMC10151931 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the clinical capability of township healthcare centres (THCs), the main primary care providers in rural China, as a basis for rural health service planning. DESIGN Observational study of quantitative analysis using administrative data. SETTING Three counties with low, middle and high social economic development level, respectively, in Sichuan province western China. PARTICIPANTS 9 THCs and 6 county hospitals (CHs) were purposively selected in the three counties. Summary of electronic medical records of 31 633 admissions from 1 January 2015 to 30 December 2015 of these selected health institutions was obtained from the Health Information Centre of Sichuan province. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Six indicators in scope of inpatient services related to diseases and surgeries in the THCs as proxy of clinical capability, were compared against national standard of capability building of THCs, among counties, and between THCs and CHs of each county. RESULTS The clinical capability of THCs was suboptimal against the national standard, though that of the middle-developed county was better than that in the rich and the poor counties. THCs mainly provided services of infectious or inflammatory diseases, of respiratory and digestive systems, but lacked clinical services related to injuries, poisoning, pregnancy, childbirth and surgeries. A large proportion of the top 20 diseases of inpatients were potentially avoidable hospitalisations (PAHs) and were overlapped between THCs and CHs. CONCLUSIONS The clinical capability of THCs was generally suboptimal against national standard. It may be affected by the economics, population size, facilities, workforce and the share of services of THCs in local health systems. Identification of absent services and PAHs may help to identify development priorities of local THCs. Clarification of the roles of THCs and CHs in the tiered rural health system in China is warranted to develop a better integrated health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zou
- West China Research Centre of Rural Health Development, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhanqi Duan
- Sichuan Provincial Big Data Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ziwu Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Big Data Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinliang Hu
- Institute of Health Policy and Hospital Management Research, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jay Pan
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaojie Liu
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Min Yang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Faculty of Health, Art and Design, Swinbune Technology University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Spangler D, Linder W, Winblad U. The Impact of the Swedish Care Coordination Act on Hospital Readmission and Length-of-Stay among Multi-Morbid Elderly Patients: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Int J Integr Care 2023; 23:17. [PMID: 37250760 PMCID: PMC10216000 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.6510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinating follow-up care after discharge from hospital is critical to ensuring good outcomes for patients, but is difficult when multiple care providers are involved. In 2018, Sweden adopted the Care Coordination Act, which modified economic incentives to reduce discharge delays and mandated a discharge planning process for patients requiring post-discharge social- or primary care services. This study evaluates the impact of this reform on hospital length-of-stay and unplanned readmissions among multi-morbid elderly patients. Interrupted time series analysis of all in-patient care episodes involving multi-morbid elderly patients in Sweden from 2015 - 2019 (n = 2 386 039) was performed. Secondary analyses using case-mix adjustment and controlled interrupted time series analysis were employed to assess for bias. Average length of stay decreased during the post-reform period, corresponding to 248 521 saved care days. Unplanned readmissions meanwhile increased, corresponding to 7 572 excess unplanned readmissions. While reductions in length-of-stay were concentrated among patients targeted by the reform, increases in readmission rates were similar in patients not targeted by the reform, indicating potential confounding. The reform thus appears to have achieved its goal of decreasing in-patient length of stay, but a robust effect on readmissions, outpatient visits, or mortality was not found. This may be due to lackluster implementation or an ineffective mandated intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Spangler
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wilhelm Linder
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Winblad
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Riis AH, Kristensen PK, Lauritsen SM, Thiesson B, Jørgensen MJ. Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence to Predict Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Denmark. Med Care 2023; 61:226-236. [PMID: 36893408 PMCID: PMC10377250 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing aging population and limited health care resources have placed new demands on the healthcare sector. Reducing the number of hospitalizations has become a political priority in many countries, and special focus has been directed at potentially preventable hospitalizations. OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction model for potentially preventable hospitalizations in the coming year, and to apply explainable AI to identify predictors of hospitalization and their interaction. METHODS We used the Danish CROSS-TRACKS cohort and included citizens in 2016-2017. We predicted potentially preventable hospitalizations within the following year using the citizens' sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and health care utilization as predictors. Extreme gradient boosting was used to predict potentially preventable hospitalizations with Shapley additive explanations values serving to explain the impact of each predictor. We reported the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under the precision-recall curve, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on five-fold cross-validation. RESULTS The best performing prediction model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.789 (CI: 0.782-0.795) and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.232 (CI: 0.219-0.246). The predictors with the highest impact on the prediction model were age, prescription drugs for obstructive airway diseases, antibiotics, and use of municipality services. We found an interaction between age and use of municipality services, suggesting that citizens aged 75+ years receiving municipality services had a lower risk of potentially preventable hospitalization. CONCLUSION AI is suitable for predicting potentially preventable hospitalizations. The municipality-based health services seem to have a preventive effect on potentially preventable hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pia Kjær Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Medicine
| | | | - Bo Thiesson
- Enversion A/S, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kim S, Jeon B. Who are the most vulnerable populations for primary care? Avoidable hospitalizations across individuals with different types of disabilities in South Korea. Public Health 2023; 217:138-145. [PMID: 36889052 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with disabilities have limited access to primary care, the quality of care must be examined. OBJECTIVE To examine avoidable hospitalizations among individuals with disabilities and determine the most vulnerable populations across types of disabilities. METHODS Using the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database, we compared hypertension- and diabetes-related avoidable hospitalizations (HRAH and DRAH, respectively) across disability status and disability type based on age-sex standardized rates from 2011 to 2020 and logistic regression. RESULTS The gap between those with and without disabilities in age-sex standardized HRAH and DRAH increased over 10 years. Odds ratios for HRAH were higher for those with disabilities, with individuals with mental disabilities having the highest odds ratio, followed by those with intellectual/developmental disabilities, then those with physical disabilities; for DRAH, the three highest odds ratios belonged to individuals with mental, intellectual/developmental, and visual disabilities. Among those with disabilities, HRAH was higher for those with mental, intellectual/developmental, and severe physical disabilities, whereas DRAH was higher for those with mental, severe visual, and intellectual/developmental disabilities compared to those with mild physical disabilities. CONCLUSION This study reveals high avoidable hospitalization rates among individuals with disabilities and calls for policies supporting quality primary care and comprehensively addressing disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kim
- Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Republic of Korea.
| | - B Jeon
- Department of Health and Medical Information, Myongji College, Republic of Korea.
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Strum RP, Mowbray FI, Mondoux SE, Costa AP. Evaluating emergency department transfers from urgent care centres: insights for paramedic integration with subacute healthcare. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002160. [PMID: 36894178 PMCID: PMC10008425 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-002160] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paramedics redirecting non-emergent patients from emergency departments (EDs) to urgent care centres is a new and forthcoming strategy to reduce overcrowding and improve primary care integration. Which patients are likely not suitable for paramedic redirection are unknown. To describe and specify patients inappropriate for urgent care centres, we examined associations between patient characteristics and transfer to the ED after patients initially presented to an urgent care centre. METHODS A population-based retrospective cohort study of all adult (≥18 years) visits to an urgent care centre from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020 in Ontario, Canada. Binary logistic regression was used to determine unadjusted and adjusted associations between patient characteristics and being transferred to an ED using OR and 95% CIs. We calculated the absolute risk difference for the adjusted model. RESULTS A total of 1 448 621 urgent care visits were reported, with 63 343 (4.4%) visits transferred to an ED for definitive care. Being 65 years and older (OR 2.29, 95% CI 2.23 to 2.35), scored an emergent Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale of 1 or 2 (OR 14.27, 95% CI 13.45 to 15.12) and higher comorbidity count (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.58) had added odds of association with being transferred out to an ED. CONCLUSION Readily available patient characteristics were independently associated with interfacility transfers between urgent care centres and the ED. This study can support paramedic redirection protocol development, highlighting which patients may not be best suited for ED redirection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Strum
- Health Research, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, New Zealand, Canada
| | - Fabrice I Mowbray
- Health Research, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, New Zealand, Canada
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Shawn E Mondoux
- Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, New Zealand, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Health Research, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, New Zealand, Canada
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, New Zealand, Canada
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Schneider A, Wagenknecht A, Sydow H, Riedlinger D, Holzinger F, Figura A, Deutschbein J, Reinhold T, Pigorsch M, Stasun U, Schenk L, Möckel M. Primary and secondary data in emergency medicine health services research - a comparative analysis in a regional research network on multimorbid patients. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:34. [PMID: 36739382 PMCID: PMC9898937 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This analysis addresses the characteristics of two emergency department (ED) patient populations defined by three model diseases (hip fractures, respiratory, and cardiac symptoms) making use of survey (primary) and routine (secondary) data from hospital information systems (HIS). Our aims were to identify potential systematic inconsistencies between both data samples and implications of their use for future ED-based health services research. METHODS The research network EMANET prospectively collected primary data (n=1442) from 2017-2019 and routine data from 2016 (n=9329) of eight EDs in a major German city. Patient populations were characterized using socio-structural (age, gender) and health- and care-related variables (triage, transport to ED, case and discharge type, multi-morbidity). Statistical comparisons between descriptive results of primary and secondary data samples for each variable were conducted using binomial test, chi-square goodness-of-fit test, or one-sample t-test according to scale level. RESULTS Differences in distributions of patient characteristics were found in nearly all variables in all three disease populations, especially with regard to transport to ED, discharge type and prevalence of multi-morbidity. Recruitment conditions (e.g., patient non-response), project-specific inclusion criteria (e.g., age and case type restrictions) as well as documentation routines and practices of data production (e.g., coding of diagnoses) affected the composition of primary patient samples. Time restrictions of recruitment procedures did not generate meaningful differences regarding the distribution of characteristics in primary and secondary data samples. CONCLUSIONS Primary and secondary data types maintain their advantages and shortcomings in the context of emergency medicine health services research. However, differences in the distribution of selected variables are rather small. The identification and classification of these effects for data interpretation as well as the establishment of monitoring systems in the data collection process are pivotal. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00011930 (EMACROSS), DRKS00014273 (EMAAGE), NCT03188861 (EMASPOT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schneider
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wagenknecht
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany. .,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hanna Sydow
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorothee Riedlinger
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Holzinger
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Figura
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Deutschbein
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhold
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mareen Pigorsch
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Stasun
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liane Schenk
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Möckel
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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Valk-Draad MP, Bohnet-Joschko S. [Nursing home-sensitive conditions and approaches to reduce hospitalization of nursing home residents]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:199-211. [PMID: 36625862 PMCID: PMC9830609 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03654-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions to reduce potentially risky hospitalizations among nursing home residents are highly relevant for patient safety and quality improvement. A catalog of nursing home-sensitive conditions (NHSCs) grounds the policy recommendations and interventions. METHODS In two previous research phases, an expert panel developed a catalog of 58 NHSCs using an adapted Delphi-procedure (the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method). This procedure was developed by the North American non-profit Research and Development Organisation (RAND) and clinicians of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). We present the third phase of the project focused on the development of interventions to reduce NHSCs starting with an expert workshop. The workshop results were then evaluated by six experts from related sectors, supplemented, and systematically used to produce recommendations for action. Possible implementation obstacles were considered and the time horizon of effectiveness was estimated. RESULTS The recommendations address communication, cooperation, documentation and care competence as well as facility-related, financial, and legal aspects. Indication bundles demonstrate the relevance for the German healthcare system. To increase effectiveness, the experts advise a meaningful combination of individual recommendations. DISCUSSION By optimizing multidisciplinary communication and cooperation, combined with an- also digital - expansion of the infrastructure and the creation of institution-specific and legal prerequisites as well as remuneration structures, an estimated 35% of all hospitalizations, approximately 220,000 hospitalizations for Germany, could be prevented. The implementation expenditure could be refinanced by avoided hospitalization savings amounting to 768 million euros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paula Valk-Draad
- Lehrstuhl für Management und Innovation im Gesundheitswesen, Fakultät für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448, Witten, Deutschland
- Lehrstuhl für Community Health Nursing, Fakultät für Gesundheit, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Deutschland
| | - Sabine Bohnet-Joschko
- Lehrstuhl für Management und Innovation im Gesundheitswesen, Fakultät für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448, Witten, Deutschland.
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Rosen T, Zhang H, Wen K, Clark S, Elman A, Jeng P, Baek D, Zhang Y, Gassoumis Z, Fettig N, Pillemer K, Lachs MS, Bao Y. Emergency Department and Hospital Utilization Among Older Adults Before and After Identification of Elder Mistreatment. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2255853. [PMID: 36787139 PMCID: PMC9929702 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.55853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Elder mistreatment is common and has serious health consequences. Little is known, however, about patterns of health care utilization among older adults experiencing elder mistreatment. Objective To examine emergency department (ED) and hospital utilization of older adults experiencing elder mistreatment in the period surrounding initial mistreatment identification compared with other older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective case-control study used Medicare insurance claims to examine older adults experiencing elder mistreatment initially identified between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012, and control participants matched on age, sex, race and ethnicity, and zip code. Statistical analysis was performed in April 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures We used multiple measures of ED and hospital utilization patterns (eg, new and return visits, frequency, urgency, and hospitalizations) in the 12 months before and after mistreatment identification. Data were adjusted using US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Categories risk scores. Chi-squared tests and conditional logistic regression models were used for data analyses. Results This study included 114 case patients and 410 control participants. Their median age was 72 years (IQR, 68-78 years), and 340 (64.9%) were women. Race and ethnicity were reported as racial or ethnic minority (114 [21.8%]), White (408 [77.9%]), or unknown (2 [0.4%]). During the 24 months surrounding identification of elder mistreatment, older adults experiencing mistreatment were more likely to have had an ED visit (77 [67.5%] vs 179 [43.7%]; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.95 [95% CI, 1.78-4.91]; P < .001) and a hospitalization (44 [38.6%] vs 108 [26.3%]; AOR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.13-3.21]; P = .02) compared with other older adults. In addition, multiple ED visits, at least 1 ED visit for injury, visits to multiple EDs, high-frequency ED use, return ED visits within 7 days, ED visits for low-urgency issues, multiple hospitalizations, at least 1 hospitalization for injury, hospitalization at multiple hospitals, and hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions were substantially more likely for individuals experiencing elder mistreatment. The rate of ED and hospital utilization for older adults experiencing elder mistreatment was much higher in the 12 months after identification than before, leading to more pronounced differences between case patients and control participants in postidentification utilization. During the 12 months after identification of elder mistreatment, older adults experiencing mistreatment were particularly more likely to have had high-frequency ED use (12 [10.5%] vs 8 [2.0%]; AOR, 8.23 [95% CI, 2.56-26.49]; P < .001) and to have visited the ED for low-urgency issues (12 [10.5%] vs 8 [2.0%]; AOR, 7.33 [95% CI, 2.54-21.18]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this case-control study of health care utilization, older adults experiencing mistreatment used EDs and hospitals more frequently and with different patterns during the period surrounding mistreatment identification than other older adults. Additional research is needed to better characterize these patterns, which may be helpful in informing early identification, intervention, and prevention of elder mistreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Rosen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Wen
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sunday Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Alyssa Elman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Philip Jeng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Baek
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Yiye Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Zach Gassoumis
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | | | - Karl Pillemer
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Mark S. Lachs
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
| | - Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Kim S, Ko SK, Lee TY, Lee JH. Potentially avoidable hospitalizations for older patients transferred from long-term care hospitals: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis of potential healthcare consequences. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:169-176. [PMID: 36331669 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03146-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Multiple chronic disorders and disabilities among older patients in long term care hospitals (LTCH) tends to increase the healthcare burden by causing overcrowding, particularly in emergency departments. Therefore, access to timely and adequate healthcare for LTCH patients is an increasingly important issue, and potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAHs) and hospitalizations during non-office hours can result as indicators of emergency department overcrowding. The study aimed to evaluate PAHs and hospitalizations during non-office hours in emergency departments for older patients transferred from LTCH compared to patients living at home. We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Emergency Department Information System database from January 2018 to December 2019, in South Korea, with older patients (≥ 65 years) who visited nationwide emergency departments. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for indicators of overcrowding as PAHs and hospitalizations during non-office hours were calculated by logistic regression. Among the 2,177,663 older patients who visited the emergency departments, 98,434 patients were living in LTCH and 2,079,229 patients were living at home. The older patients living in LTCH was associated with PAHs (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.87-1.94) and hospitalizations during non-office hours (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI 1.73-1.78). LTCH patients showed more hospital visits, extended stay in the emergency department, greater prevalence of chronic diseases, greater rates of transfer as well as higher admission rates and mortality as compared to the patients living at home. The LTCH older patients were associated with the indicators of emergency department overcrowding, which impacts health care quality in hospitals. Introduction of policy and training programs for LTCH staff are recommended to manage vulnerable groups in advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Keun Ko
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, 245 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04564, South Korea
| | - Tae Young Lee
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, 245 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04564, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Lee
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, 245 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04564, South Korea.
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Aryal K, Mowbray FI, Strum RP, Dash D, Tanuseputro P, Heckman G, Costa AP, Jones A. Examining the "Potentially Preventable Emergency Department Transfer" Indicator Among Nursing Home Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:100-104.e2. [PMID: 36379265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.10.006] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if nursing home (NH) resident characteristics associated with potentially preventable emergency department transfers (PPEDs) are similarly associated with non-potentially preventable emergency department transfers (non-PPEDs). DESIGN We conducted a population-level retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data reported using the Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set Version 2.0 and the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System for emergency department transfers. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We assessed all NH residents transferred to the emergency department within 92 days after admission. The cohort included 56,433 NH resident admissions assessment of which 3498 NH residents experienced PPEDs, and 9331 residents experienced non-PPEDs. METHODS We assessed Ontario NH residents admission assessments collected between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. We used cumulative incidence functions and Cox regression to compare resident characteristics between residents experiencing PPEDs and non-PPEDs. PPEDs were defined based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. RESULTS Approximately 23% of residents experienced an emergency department transfer within 92 days of NH admission. The cumulative incidence of PPEDs was 6.3% and non-PPEDs was 16.8%. After adjusting for clinically relevant features, 14 of 18 resident admission characteristics were associated with both types of transfers. Resident admission characteristics associated with a greater risk of PPEDs solely were pneumonia [hazard ratio (HR) 1.48; CI 1.25-1.70] and oxygen therapy (HR 1.88; CI 1.69-2.10). Resident admission characteristics associated with a greater risk of non-PPEDs solely are experiencing a change in mood (HR 1.09; CI 1.01-1.18) and delirium (HR 1.08; CI 1.04-1.13). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PPEDs were associated with a similar cluster of NH resident characteristics as those transferred for non-ambulatory reasons, suggesting that the clinical distinction between PPEDs vs non-PPEDs within the NH might be unclear. These findings highlight that the PPED indicator could be revised to improve specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Aryal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Fabrice I Mowbray
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan P Strum
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darly Dash
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Heckman
- Schlegel Research Chair in Geriatric Medicine, Schlegel Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Strum RP, Tavares W, Worster A, Griffith LE, Costa AP. Inclusion of patient-level emergency department characteristics to classify potentially redirectable visits to subacute care: a modified Delphi consensus study. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E70-E76. [PMID: 36693658 PMCID: PMC9876581 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients transported by Ontario paramedics to the emergency department have non-emergent conditions and may be more appropriately served by subacute community-based care centres. We sought to determine consensus on a set of patient characteristics that could be useful to classify retrospective emergency department visits that had a high probability of being primary care-like and potentially redirectable to a subacute care centre by paramedics. METHODS We conducted a modified Delphi study to assess expert consensus on characteristics of patients transported by paramedics to the emergency department from August to October 2021. An expert Delphi committee was constructed of emergency and family physicians in Ontario using purposive sampling. Experts rated whether each characteristic was useful to be included in a classification to identify potentially redirectable visits retrospectively, as well as characteristic details (e.g., upper and lower bounds). Consensus was considered 75% agreement. RESULTS Sixteen experts participated in the study; the experts were mostly male (75%) and evenly divided between emergency and family medicine. After 2 rounds, consensus was achieved on 8 of 9 characteristics (89%). Four characteristics were determined as useful to classify potentially redirectable emergency department visits: age (81%), triage acuity (100%), specialist consult in the emergency department (94%) and emergency department visit outcome (81%). Specifications of each characteristic were refined as follows: young and middle-aged adults with a non-emergent triage acuity, did not receive a specialist physician consult in the emergency department and discharged from the emergency department. INTERPRETATION Strong consensus was achieved to specify a classification system for potentially redirectable emergency department visits. These results will be combined with knowledge of which subacute care centres could conduct the main physician interventions to retrospectively identify emergency department visits that could have been suitable for paramedic redirection for further research. STUDY REGISTRATION ID ISRCTN22901977.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Strum
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Strum, Worster, Griffith, Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; The Wilson Centre (Tavares), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; York Region Paramedic and Senior Services (Tavares), Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, Ont.; McMaster Institute for Research and Aging (Griffith), and Division of Emergency Medicine (Worster), Department of Medicine, and Department of Medicine (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
| | - Walter Tavares
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Strum, Worster, Griffith, Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; The Wilson Centre (Tavares), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; York Region Paramedic and Senior Services (Tavares), Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, Ont.; McMaster Institute for Research and Aging (Griffith), and Division of Emergency Medicine (Worster), Department of Medicine, and Department of Medicine (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
| | - Andrew Worster
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Strum, Worster, Griffith, Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; The Wilson Centre (Tavares), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; York Region Paramedic and Senior Services (Tavares), Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, Ont.; McMaster Institute for Research and Aging (Griffith), and Division of Emergency Medicine (Worster), Department of Medicine, and Department of Medicine (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
| | - Lauren E Griffith
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Strum, Worster, Griffith, Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; The Wilson Centre (Tavares), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; York Region Paramedic and Senior Services (Tavares), Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, Ont.; McMaster Institute for Research and Aging (Griffith), and Division of Emergency Medicine (Worster), Department of Medicine, and Department of Medicine (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Strum, Worster, Griffith, Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; The Wilson Centre (Tavares), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; York Region Paramedic and Senior Services (Tavares), Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket, Ont.; McMaster Institute for Research and Aging (Griffith), and Division of Emergency Medicine (Worster), Department of Medicine, and Department of Medicine (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
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Strum RP, Mondoux S, Mowbray F, Worster A, Griffith LE, Tavares W, Miller P, Hanel E, Aryal K, Sivakumaran R, Costa AP. Validation of a classification to identify emergency department visits suitable for subacute and virtual care models: a randomised single-blinded agreement study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e068488. [PMID: 36526315 PMCID: PMC9764606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Redirecting suitable patients from the emergency department (ED) to alternative subacute settings may assist in reducing ED overcrowding while delivering equivalent care. The Emergency Department Avoidance Classification (EDAC) was constructed to retrospectively classify ED visits that may have been suitable for safe management in a subacute or virtual clinical setting. The EDAC has established face and content validity but has not been tested against a reference standard as a criterion. OBJECTIVES Our primary objective is to examine the agreement between the EDAC and ED physician judgements in retrospectively identifying ED visits suitable for subacute care management. Our secondary objective is to assess the validity of ED physicians' judgement as a criterion standard. Our tertiary objective is to examine how the ED physician's perception of a virtual ED care alternative correlates with the EDAC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A randomised single-centre, single-blinded agreement study. We will randomly select ED charts between 1 January and 31 December 2019 from an academic hospital in Hamilton, Canada. ED charts will be randomly assigned to participating ED physicians who will evaluate if this ED visit could have been managed appropriately and safely in a subacute and/or virtual model of care. Each chart will be reviewed by two physicians independently. We compute our needed sample size to be 79 charts. We will use kappa statistics to measure inter-rater agreement. A repeated measures regression model of physician ratings will provide variance estimates that we will use to assess the intraclass correlation of ED physician ratings and the EDAC. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (2022-14625). If validated, the EDAC may provide an ED-based classification to identify potentially avoidable ED visits, monitor ED visit trends, and proactively delineate those best suited for subacute or virtual care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Strum
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Mondoux
- Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fabrice Mowbray
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren E Griffith
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research and Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Tavares
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Miller
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Paramedic Education and Research, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erich Hanel
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Komal Aryal
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ravi Sivakumaran
- Health Information Management, Saint Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schuettig W, Sundmacher L. The impact of ambulatory care spending, continuity and processes of care on ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2022; 23:1329-1340. [PMID: 35091856 PMCID: PMC9550748 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01428-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations are widely considered as important measures of access to as well as quality and performance of primary care. In our study, we investigate the impact of spending, process quality and continuity of care in the ambulatory care sector on ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations in patients with type 2 diabetes. We used observational data from Germany's major association of insurance companies from 2012 to 2014 with 55,924 patients, as well as data from additional sources. We conducted negative binomial regression analyses with random effects at the district level. To control for potential endogeneity of spending and physician density in the ambulatory care sector, we used an instrumental variable approach. We controlled for a wide range of covariates, such as age, sex, and comorbidities. The results of our analysis suggest that spending in the ambulatory care sector has weak negative effects on ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations. We also found that continuity of care was negatively associated with hospital admissions. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of hospitalization resulting from ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Our study provides some evidence that increased spending and improved continuity of care while controlling for process quality in the ambulatory care sector may be effective ways to reduce the rate of potentially avoidable hospitalizations among patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Schuettig
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Sundmacher
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992 Munich, Germany
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40
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Iba A, Tomio J, Abe K, Sugiyama T, Kobayashi Y. Hospitalizations for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions in a Large City of Japan: a Descriptive Analysis Using Claims Data. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3917-3924. [PMID: 35829872 PMCID: PMC9640483 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07713-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) is an indicator of the quality of primary care in different health systems. In Japan, where patients can choose any healthcare facility with universal health coverage (UHC), data on these admissions are unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe the current situation of ACSC admissions in a city of Japan. DESIGN Retrospective observational study using claims data. PARTICIPANTS Beneficiaries aged 0-74 years of the National Health Insurance (NHI) program in a large city in the Greater Tokyo Area. We extracted ACSC admissions from all inpatient claims between April 2013 and March 2017. MAIN MEASURES We calculated age- and sex-specific annual ACSC admission rates for three categories: acute, chronic, and vaccine-preventable. We estimated the age-adjusted admission rates by ACSC category according to administrative districts and rate ratios using Poisson regression models. We also estimated medical expenditures and lengths of stay for ACSC admissions. KEY RESULTS Of 91,350 hospitalization episodes, we identified 7666 (8.4%) that were ACSC admissions. Males had higher annual ACSC admission rates than females (p < 0.001), especially for chronic ACSCs. Admission rates were lowest in those aged 15-39 years and higher in the youngest (0-4 years) and oldest (70-74 years) age groups. Age-adjusted chronic ACSC admission rates were lower in a newly developed area (rate ratio [RR]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.87) and higher in a residential area (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.24) than in the center of the city. Total medical expenditures for all ACSC admissions accounted for 5.8% of the total inpatient expenditures of NHI in the city. CONCLUSIONS ACSC admission rates in Japan were higher for males than for females and showed a U-shaped trend in terms of age, as in other countries with UHC, and deferred by region. This study provided possible factors to reduce ACSC admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arisa Iba
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jun Tomio
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Crisis Management, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Abe
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takehiro Sugiyama
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuki Kobayashi
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Bae WD, Alkobaisi S, Horak M, Park CS, Kim S, Davidson J. Predicting Health Risks of Adult Asthmatics Susceptible to Indoor Air Quality Using Improved Logistic and Quantile Regression Models. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101631. [PMID: 36295066 PMCID: PMC9604638 DOI: 10.3390/life12101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing global patterns for asthma disease and its associated fiscal burden to healthcare systems demand a change to healthcare processes and the way asthma risks are managed. Patient-centered health care systems equipped with advanced sensing technologies can empower patients to participate actively in their health risk control, which results in improving health outcomes. Despite having data analytics gradually emerging in health care, the path to well established and successful data driven health care services exhibit some limitations. Low accuracy of existing predictive models causes misclassification and needs improvement. In addition, lack of guidance and explanation of the reasons of a prediction leads to unsuccessful interventions. This paper proposes a modeling framework for an asthma risk management system in which the contributions are three fold: First, the framework uses a deep learning technique to improve the performance of logistic regression classification models. Second, it implements a variable sliding window method considering spatio-temporal properties of the data, which improves the quality of quantile regression models. Lastly, it provides a guidance on how to use the outcomes of the two predictive models in practice. To promote the application of predictive modeling, we present a use case that illustrates the life cycle of the proposed framework. The performance of our proposed framework was extensively evaluated using real datasets in which results showed improvement in the model classification accuracy, approximately 11.5–18.4% in the improved logistic regression classification model and confirmed low relative errors ranging from 0.018 to 0.160 in quantile regression model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan D. Bae
- Department of Computer Science, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Shayma Alkobaisi
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
| | - Matthew Horak
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, CO 80221, USA
| | - Choon-Sik Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 420-767, Korea
| | - Sungroul Kim
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Department of Environmental Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 336-745, Korea
| | - Joel Davidson
- Department of Computer Science, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
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Benthien KS, Rasmussen K, Nielsen CP, Kidholm K, Grønkjær M, Toft U. Proactive Health Support: a randomised controlled trial of telephone-based self-management support for persons at risk of hospital admission. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6749361. [PMID: 36201327 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with frequent hospital admissions have a disease burden that may exceed their self-management skills. The evidence base of telephone-based interventions to support self-management is poor with mixed results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Proactive Health Support (PaHS): telephone-based self-management support for persons with risk of hospitalizations. METHODS This study is a national randomised controlled trial of PaHS versus usual universal tax-funded healthcare. Participants were persons at risk of emergency hospital admissions. The intervention began with a physical start-up session followed by telephone sessions of self-management support. The two co-primary outcomes were Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) (Mental Health Component Summary Score of SF36v2) analysed with mixed models and hospital admissions analysed with Poisson regression at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were at 3- and 12-month follow-up and disease subgroup analyses. RESULTS During the study period, 6,402 persons were randomised (3,190 intervention, 3,212 control). HRQoL was significantly improved at 6 months (Est. 1.4992, P = <0.0001) and at 3 and 12 months on all 10 scales. There was no overall effect on hospital admissions at 6 months with an adjusted estimate of 0.0074 (P = 0.8691). Persons with diabetes had significant improvement of HRQoL and reduced hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS The PaHS intervention improved HRQoL for all participants and reduced hospital admissions for persons with diabetes only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Skov Benthien
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Palliative Care Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Knud Rasmussen
- Data and Development Support, Region Zealand, Sorø, Denmark
| | - Camilla Palmhøj Nielsen
- DEFACTUM - Social & Health Services and Labour Market, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kidholm
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Grønkjær
- Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Toft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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43
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Towards new definitions of avoidable hospital admissions. Br J Gen Pract 2022. [PMCID: PMC9512436 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp22x720725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Duminy L, Ress V, Wild EM. Complex community health and social care interventions – Which features lead to reductions in hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions? A systematic literature review. Health Policy 2022; 126:1206-1225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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45
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Goldzahl L, Stokes J, Sutton M. The effects of multi-disciplinary integrated care on healthcare utilization: Evidence from a natural experiment in the UK. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 31:2142-2169. [PMID: 35932257 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Better integration is a priority for most international health systems. However, multiple interventions are often implemented simultaneously, making evaluation difficult and providing limited evidence for policy makers about specific interventions. We evaluate a common integrated care intervention, multi-disciplinary group (MDG) meetings for discussion of high-risk patients, introduced in one socio-economically deprived area in the UK in spring 2015. Using data from multiple waves of the national GP Patient Survey and Hospital Episode Statistics, we estimate its effects on primary and secondary care utilization and costs, health status and patient experience. We use triple differences, exploiting the targeting at people aged 65 years and over, parsing effects from other population-level interventions implemented simultaneously. The intervention reduced the probability of visiting a primary care nurse by three percentage points and decreased length of stay by 1 day following emergency care admission. However, since planned care use increased, overall costs were unaffected. MDG meetings are presumably fulfilling public health objectives by decreasing length of stay and detecting previously unmet needs. However, the effect of MDGs on health system cost is uncertain and health remains unchanged. Evaluations of specific integrated care interventions may be more useful to public decision makers facing budget constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léontine Goldzahl
- IESEG School of Management, Lille, France
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 9221 - LEM - Lille Economie Management, Lille, France
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46
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McFadzean IJ, Edwards M, Davies F, Cooper A, Price D, Carson-Stevens A, Dale J, Hughes T, Porter A, Harrington B, Evans B, Siriwardena N, Anderson P, Edwards A. Realist analysis of whether emergency departments with primary care services generate 'provider-induced demand'. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:155. [PMID: 36068508 PMCID: PMC9450363 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is not known whether emergency departments (EDs) with primary care services influence demand for non-urgent care (‘provider-induced demand’). We proposed that distinct primary care services in EDs encourages primary care demand, whereas primary care integrated within EDs may be less likely to cause additional demand. We aimed to explore this and explain contexts (C), mechanisms (M) and outcomes (O) influencing demand. Methods We used realist evaluation methodology and observed ED service delivery. Twenty-four patients and 106 staff members (including Clinical Directors and General Practitioners) were interviewed at 13 EDs in England and Wales (240 hours of observations across 30 days). Field notes from observations and interviews were analysed by creating ‘CMO’ configurations to develop and refine theories relating to drivers of demand. Results EDs with distinct primary care services were perceived to attract demand for primary care because services were visible, known or enabled direct access to health care services. Other influencing factors included patients’ experiences of accessing primary care, community care capacity, service design and population characteristics. Conclusions Patient, local-system and wider-system factors can contribute to additional demand at EDs that include primary care services. Our findings can inform service providers and policymakers in developing strategies to limit the effect of potential influences on additional demand when demand exceeds capacity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00709-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J McFadzean
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales.
| | - M Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales.
| | - F Davies
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - A Cooper
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - D Price
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - A Carson-Stevens
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - J Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - T Hughes
- John Radcliff Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - A Porter
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - B Harrington
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - B Evans
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - N Siriwardena
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - P Anderson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - A Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
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Ramalho A, Souza J, Castro P, Lobo M, Santos P, Freitas A. Portuguese Primary Healthcare and Prevention Quality Indicators for Diabetes Mellitus - A Data Envelopment Analysis. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1725-1734. [PMID: 34380198 PMCID: PMC9808229 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide public health priority. The increasing prevalence and the budget constraints force to have effective healthcare, especially at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. We aim to assess primary care efficiency considering the best use of human resources to produce optimal diabetes care in terms of prevention quality indicators (PQIs) rates across national ACES (health centre groupings). METHODS We conducted a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the technical efficiency of 54 Portuguese primary care health centre groupings for the 2016-2017 biennium. In the first stage, efficiency scores were obtained through five output-oriented DEA models under vector return to scale (VRS) assumption, using three input variables representing key primary care human resources and one output representing each one of the five PQIs related to diabetes. In the second stage, Tobit regression models were estimated to assess the determinants of primary care efficiency in diabetes care. RESULTS A total of 13 ACES reached the efficiency frontier. Better managing human resources could reduce PQI rates by 52.3% in 2016 and 49.1% in 2017. Higher proportion of patients under 65 years old and better controlled with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤6.5% were associated with better efficiency in diabetes care, whereas higher prevalence of DM and unemployment worsened hospitalizations rates by diabetes short-term complications and lower-extremity amputation. CONCLUSION Inefficiency in DM care was found in most of the primary care settings which can substantially improve the avoidable hospitalization rates by DM using their current level human resources. These findings help to improve diabetes care by targeting human resources at primary care level, which should be integrated into performance assessments considering broader and integrated scopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Ramalho
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Julio Souza
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Castro
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
- USF Camélias, ACES Gaia (Grande Porto VII - ARS Norte), Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Mariana Lobo
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Santos
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Freitas
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
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Song M, Ware RS, Doan TN, Harley D. Characteristics associated with frequent health system use by Australian adults with intellectual disability: A cohort study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 35:1403-1417. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Menghuan Song
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD) Mater Research Institute‐University of Queensland (MRI‐UQ) South Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Robert S. Ware
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD) Mater Research Institute‐University of Queensland (MRI‐UQ) South Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Tan N. Doan
- Department of Medicine at The Royal Melbourne Hospital University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David Harley
- Centre for Clinical Research University of Queensland South Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Lyhne CN, Bjerrum M, Riis AH, Jørgensen MJ. Interventions to Prevent Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:898359. [PMID: 35899150 PMCID: PMC9309492 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.898359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The demand for healthcare is increasing due to an aging population, more people living with chronic diseases and medical comorbidities. To manage this demand, political institutions call for action to reduce the potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Quantitative and qualitative aspects should be considered to understand how and why interventions work, and for whom. The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to identify and synthesize evidence on interventions targeting avoidable hospitalizations from the perspectives of the citizens and the healthcare professionals to improve the preventive healthcare services. Methods and Results A mixed methods systematic review was conducted following the JBI methodology using a convergent integrated approach to synthesis. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO, reg. no. CRD42020134652. A systematic search was undertaken in six databases. In total, 45 articles matched the eligibility criteria, and 25 of these (five qualitative studies and 20 quantitative studies) were found to be of acceptable methodological quality. From the 25 articles, 99 meaning units were extracted. The combined evidence revealed four categories, which were synthesized into two integrated findings: (1) Addressing individual needs through care continuity and coordination prevent avoidable hospitalizations and (2) Recognizing preventive care as an integrated part of the healthcare work to prevent avoidable hospitalizations. Conclusions The syntheses highlight the importance of addressing individual needs through continuous and coordinated care practices to prevent avoidable hospitalizations. Engaging healthcare professionals in preventive care work and considering implications for patient safety may be given higher priority. Healthcare administers and policy-makers could support the delivery of preventive care through targeted educational material aimed at healthcare professionals and simple web-based IT platforms for information-sharing across healthcare settings. The findings are an important resource in the development and implementation of interventions to prevent avoidable hospitalizations, and may serve to improve patient safety and quality in preventive healthcare services. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=134652, identifier: CRD42020134652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Nørby Lyhne
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Research, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Cecilie Nørby Lyhne
| | - Merete Bjerrum
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Clinical Guidelines and Danish Centre of Systematic Reviews, A JBI Centre of Excellence, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Anders Hammerich Riis
- Department of Research, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
- Enversion A/S, Aarhus, Denmark
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Chen S, Fu H, Jian W. Trends in avoidable hospitalizations in a developed City in eastern China: 2015 to 2018. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:856. [PMID: 35788227 PMCID: PMC9252061 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08275-w] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to measure the avoidable hospitalization rate and the treatment cost per hospitalization in large cities of eastern China. Methods In this study, the hospital discharge data of all inpatients in the city from 2015 to 2018 were collected. In accordance with the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) definition of avoidable hospitalizations, five diseases were selected as the measurement objects, including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as congestive heart failure (CHF). We described the avoidable hospitalization rate, average cost and length of stay for avoidable hospitalization cases. Linear probability model and log-linear model were used to control the basic characteristics and disease severity of patients, and to measure the trend of the avoidable hospitalization rate and expenditure of avoidable hospitalizations. Results From 2015 to 2018, the absolute number of avoidable hospitalizations in the city increased while fluctuating, which reached 125,372 in 2018. Among the five avoidable hospitalizations, the number of hospitalizations for diabetes increased continuously in the 4-year period. Congestive heart failure showed the most significant increase over the four years. Avoidable hospitalizations in the city have remained at a high level, while avoidable hospitalizations of hypertension and asthma fell to levels lower than those in 2015 in 2017 and 2018 after rising in 2016. The cost per hospitalization and length of stay per hospitalization decreased. Conclusions Avoidable hospitalizations in the city remain at a high level, and more effective policies should be formulated to guide patients with avoidable hospitalizations, so as to more effectively exploit outpatient services and continuously improve the quality of primary health care services. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08275-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongqiao Fu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Weiyan Jian
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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