Algorithmic Approach With Clinical Pathology Consultation Improves Access to Specialty Care for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Approaches to reducing fragmented care in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other multimorbid conditions: A realist review

Introduction

Fragmented care overwhelmingly affects populations with multimorbid chronic conditions, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, strategies to mitigate care fragmentation typically focus on singular disease frameworks with insufficient evidence regarding approaches for individuals with two or more concurrent chronic conditions (multimorbidity). This review explores the literature to identify the (C)ontextual influences, underlying (M)echanisms, and associated (O)utcomes of fragmented care prevention in SLE and other multimorbid conditions.

Methods

A realist review was applied to systematically examine literature, including the search of >1300 published articles focused on SLE and multimorbidity, continuity of care, and approaches to mitigate fragmented care. The analysis was guided by care continuity elements and organized by fragmented care concepts explicated by the MacColl Institute for Healthcare Innovations Care Coordination Model and further grouped for context–mechanism–outcome (CMO) configurations.

Results

Fourteen articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the sample to illustrate the relationship between C-M-O for approaches focused on fragmented care prevention. Favorable outcomes in mechanisms that produced positive responses to resources relevant to fragmented care prevention included 1) opportunities for exposure and negotiation within professional teams, 2) structured health education, role clarity, and access to adherence services for patients, and 3) awareness of workflow waste and use of clinical algorithms.

Discussion

Review findings suggest using a multidimensional approach to mitigate fragmented care in SLE and other multimorbid conditions. Multidimensional approaches should focus on shared decision-making, social support, social–cultural–economic factors, patient engagement, and technological infrastructure to support the complex care needs of the multimorbid patient.

Antinuclear Antibody Testing for the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that may involve multiple organ systems. Although the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is positive in nearly every case of SLE, it is not specific for this disease and must be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context. Key features that warrant ANA testing include unexplained multisystem inflammatory disease, symmetric joint pain with inflammatory features, photosensitive rash, and cytopenias. ANA staining patterns and more specific autoantibody testing may be helpful in diagnosis of suspected SLE or ANA-associated disease. For patients with nonspecific symptoms, such as malaise and fatigue, ANA testing is of limited value.

Antinuclear Antibody Testing for the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that may involve multiple organ systems. Although the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is positive in nearly every case of SLE, it is not specific for this disease and must be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context. Key features that warrant ANA testing include unexplained multisystem inflammatory disease, symmetric joint pain with inflammatory features, photosensitive rash, and cytopenias. ANA staining patterns and more specific autoantibody testing may be helpful in diagnosis of suspected SLE or ANA-associated disease. For patients with nonspecific symptoms, such as malaise and fatigue, ANA testing is of limited value.

Optimization of the Order Menu in the Electronic Health Record Facilitates Test Patterns Consistent With Recommendations in the Choosing Wisely Initiative

OBJECTIVES

Thyroid and rheumatologic autoimmune testing are areas where evidence-based guidance from specialty organizations and Choosing Wisely support utilizing screening tests for autoimmune and thyroid disorders prior to more specialized testing. Adjustment of the orderable options in the electronic health record (EHR) can influence ordering patterns without requiring manual review or additional effort by the clinician.

METHODS

The menu was adjusted to reflect recommendations from Choosing Wisely to favor screening tests that automatically reflex to specialized testing on primary care providers' preference lists. Effectiveness was evaluated by reviewing total orders for individual tests.

RESULTS

Shifts in ordering from individual screening tests (antinuclear antibody and thyrotropin) to ones that reflexed to specialized testing were observed in parallel with significant reductions in the corresponding specialized testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimization of the EHR laboratory ordering menu can be used to shift ordering patterns toward Choosing Wisely recommendations.

A Novel Approach to Improving Utilization of Laboratory Testing

Context.—

The incorporation of best practice guidelines into one's institution is a challenging goal of utilization management, and the successful adoption of such guidelines depends on institutional context. Laboratorians who have access to key clinical data are well positioned to understand existing local practices and promote more appropriate laboratory testing.

Objective.—

To apply a novel approach to utilization management by reviewing international clinical guidelines and current institutional practices to create a reliable mechanism to improve detection and reduce unnecessary tests in our patient population.

Design.—

We targeted a frequently ordered genetic test for HFE-related hereditary hemochromatosis, a disorder of low penetrance. After reviewing international practice guidelines, we evaluated 918 HFE tests and found that all patients with new diagnoses had transferrin saturation levels that were significantly higher than those of patients with nonrisk genotypes (72% versus 42%; P < .001).

Results.—

Our “one-button” order that restricts HFE genetic tests to patients with transferrin saturation greater than 45% is consistent with published practice guidelines and detected 100% of new patients with HFE-related hereditary hemochromatosis.

Conclusions.—

Our proposed algorithm differs from previously published approaches in that it incorporates both clinical practice guidelines and local physician practices, yet requires no additional hands-on effort from pathologists or clinicians. This novel approach to utilization management embraces the role of pathologists as leaders in promoting high-quality patient care in local health care systems.