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Corrao G, Rea F, Iommi M, Lallo A, Fantaci G, Di Martino M, Davoli M, Leoni O, Pompili M, Scondotto S, De Luca G, Carle F, Lorusso S, Giordani C, Di Lenarda A, Maggioni AP. Cost-effectiveness of outpatient adherence to recommendations for monitoring of patients hospitalized for heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2024; 11:2719-2729. [PMID: 38725148 PMCID: PMC11424316 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14779] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS A set of indicators to assess the quality of care for patients hospitalized for heart failure was developed by an expert working group of the Italian Health Ministry. Because a better performance profile measured using these indicators does not necessarily translate to better outcomes, a study to validate these indicators through their relationship with measurable clinical outcomes and healthcare costs supported by the Italian National Health System was carried out. METHODS AND RESULTS Residents of four Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, Lazio, and Sicily) who were newly hospitalized for heart failure (irrespective of stage and New York Heart Association class) during 2014-2015 entered in the cohort and followed up until 2019. Adherence to evidence-based recommendations [i.e. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and echocardiograms (ECCs)] experienced during the first year after index discharge was assessed. Composite clinical outcomes (cardiovascular hospital admissions and all-cause mortality) and healthcare costs (hospitalizations, drugs, and outpatient services) were assessed during the follow-up. The restricted mean survival time at 5 years (denoted as the number of months free from clinical outcomes), the hazard of clinical outcomes (according to the Cox model), and average annual healthcare cost (expressed in euros per person-year) were compared between adherent and non-adherent patients. A non-parametric bootstrap method based on 1000 resamples was used to account for uncertainty in cost-effectiveness estimates. A total of 41 406 patients were included in this study (46.3% males, mean age 76.9 ± 9.4 years). Adherence to RAS inhibitors, beta-blockers, MRAs, and ECCs were 64%, 57%, 62%, and 20% among the cohort members, respectively. Compared with non-adherent patients, those who adhered to ECCs, RAS inhibitors, beta-blockers, and MRAs experienced (i) a delay in the composite outcome of 1.6, 1.9, 1.6, and 0.6 months and reduced risks of 9% (95% confidence interval, 2-14%), 11% (7-14%), 8% (5-11%), and 4% (-1-8%), respectively; and (ii) lower (€262, €92, and €571 per year for RAS inhibitors, beta-blockers, and MRAs, respectively) and higher costs (€511 per year for ECC). Adherence to RAS inhibitors, beta-blockers, and MRAs showed a delay in the composite outcome and a saving of costs in 98%, 84%, and 93% of the 1000 bootstrap replications, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Strict monitoring of patients with heart failure through regular clinical examinations and drug therapies should be considered the cornerstone of national guidelines and audits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and PharmacoepidemiologyUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative MethodsUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and PharmacoepidemiologyUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative MethodsUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Marica Iommi
- Center of Epidemiology Biostatistics and Medical Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public HealthMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Adele Lallo
- Department of EpidemiologyLazio Regional Health ServiceRomeItaly
| | - Giovanna Fantaci
- Department of Epidemiologic ObservatoryHealth Department of SicilyPalermoItaly
| | - Mirko Di Martino
- Department of EpidemiologyLazio Regional Health ServiceRomeItaly
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of EpidemiologyLazio Regional Health ServiceRomeItaly
| | | | | | - Salvatore Scondotto
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and PharmacoepidemiologyUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
- Department of Epidemiologic ObservatoryHealth Department of SicilyPalermoItaly
| | - Giovanni De Luca
- Department of Epidemiologic ObservatoryHealth Department of SicilyPalermoItaly
| | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and PharmacoepidemiologyUniversity of Milano–BicoccaMilanItaly
- Center of Epidemiology Biostatistics and Medical Information Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public HealthMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Stefano Lorusso
- Department of Health PlanningItalian Health MinistryRomeItaly
| | | | - Andrea Di Lenarda
- Cardiovascular CenterUniversity Hospital and Health Services of TriesteTriesteItaly
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Ciardullo S, Savaré L, Rea F, Perseghin G, Corrao G. Adherence to GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I affects clinical outcomes and costs in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2024; 40:e3791. [PMID: 38549238 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3791] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the impact of adherence to glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and sodium-glucose transporter two inhibitors (SGLT2-I) on clinical outcomes and costs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS The 121,115 residents of the Lombardy Region (Italy) aged ≥40 years newly treated with metformin during 2007-2015 were followed to identify those who started therapy with GLP1-RA or SGLT2-I. Adherence to drug therapy over the first year was defined as the proportion of days covered >80%. Within each drug class, for each adherent patient, one non-adherent patient was matched for age, sex, duration, adherence to metformin treatment and propensity score. The primary clinical outcome was a composite of insulin initiation, hospitalisation for micro- and macrovascular complications and all-cause mortality after the first year of drug treatment. Costs were evaluated based on reimbursements from the national healthcare system. RESULTS After matching, 1182 pairs of adherent and non-adherent GLP1-RA users and 1126 pairs of adherent and non-adherent SGLT2-I users were included. In both groups, adherent patients experienced a significantly lower incidence of the primary outcome (HR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.72-0.98 for GLP1-RA and HR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87 for SGLT2-I). A significant reduction in hospitalizations was found for adherent patients in the GLP1-RA group but not for the SGLT2-I group. Results were consistent when analyses were stratified by age and sex. While higher drug-related costs in the adherent group were counterbalanced by decreased hospitalisation costs in SGLT2-I treated patients, this was not the case for GLP1-RA. CONCLUSIONS Higher adherence to drug treatment with GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I during the first year of the drug intake is associated with a lower incidence of adverse clinical outcomes in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciardullo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Savaré
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- MOX - Laboratory for Modeling and Scientific Computing, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- CHDS - Center for Health data Science, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Perseghin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Iezadi S, Gholipour K, Sherbafi J, Behpaie S, Soltani N, Pasha M, Farahishahgoli J. Service quality: perspective of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in rural and urban public primary healthcare centers in Iran. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:517. [PMID: 38658925 PMCID: PMC11044473 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10854-y] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the service quality (SQ) for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension in primary healthcare settings from the perspective of service users in Iran. METHODS The Cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in urban and rural public health centers in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. A total of 561 individuals aged 18 or above with either or both conditions of T2DM and hypertension were eligible to participate in the study. The study employed a two-step stratified sampling method in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A validated questionnaire assessed SQ. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical models in STATA-17. RESULTS Among the 561 individuals who participated in the study 176 (31.3%) were individuals with hypertension, 165 (29.4%) with T2DM, and 220 (39.2%) with both hypertension and T2DM mutually. The participants' anthropometric indicators and biochemical characteristics showed that the mean Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) in individuals with T2DM was 174.4 (Standard deviation (SD) = 73.57) in patients with T2DM without hypertension and 159.4 (SD = 65.46) in patients with both T2DM and hypertension. The total SQ scores were 82.37 (SD = 12.19), 82.48 (SD = 12.45), and 81.69 (SD = 11.75) for hypertension, T2DM, and both conditions, respectively. Among people with hypertension and without diabetes, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 7.03; p = 0.001) compared to their peers who did not have specific service providers. Those who resided in rural areas had lower SQ scores (b = -6.07; p = 0.020) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. In the group of patients with T2DM and without hypertension, those who were living in non-metropolitan cities reported greater SQ scores compared to patients in metropolitan areas (b = 5.09; p = 0.038). Additionally, a one-point increase in self-management total score was related with a 0.13-point decrease in SQ score (P = 0.018). In the group of people with both hypertension and T2DM, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 8.32; p < 0.001) compared to the group without specific service providers. CONCLUSION Study reveals gaps in T2DM and hypertension care quality despite routine check-ups. Higher SQ correlates with better self-care. Improving service quality in primary healthcare settings necessitates a comprehensive approach that prioritizes patient empowerment, continuity of care, and equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Iezadi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kamal Gholipour
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jabraeil Sherbafi
- East Azerbaijan Provincial Health Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sama Behpaie
- Student Research Committee, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazli Soltani
- East Azerbaijan Provincial Health Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Pasha
- East Azerbaijan Provincial Health Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Farahishahgoli
- East Azerbaijan Provincial Health Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Sanza M, Monzio Compagnoni M, Caggiu G, Allevi L, Barbato A, Campa J, Carle F, D'avanzo B, Di Fiandra T, Ferrara L, Gaddini A, Saponaro A, Scondotto S, Tozzi VD, Lorusso S, Giordani C, Corrao G, Lora A. Assessing the quality of the care offer for people with personality disorders in Italy: the QUADIM project. A multicentre research based on the database of use of Mental Health services. Int J Ment Health Syst 2023; 17:31. [PMID: 37833745 PMCID: PMC10571410 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-023-00603-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy can be viewed as a laboratory to assess the quality of mental healthcare delivered in a community-oriented system, especially for severe mental disorders, such as personality disorders. Although initiatives based on clinical indicators for assessing the quality of mental healthcare have been developed by transnational-organisations, there is still no widespread practice of measuring the quality of care pathways delivered to patients with severe mental disorders in a community-oriented system, especially using administrative healthcare databases. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of care delivered to patients with personality disorders taken-in-care by mental health services of four Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Sicily). METHODS A set of thirty-three clinical indicators, concerning accessibility, appropriateness, continuity, and safety of care, was implemented using regional healthcare utilization databases, containing data on mental health treatments and diagnosis, hospital admissions, outpatient interventions and exams and drug prescriptions. RESULTS 31,688 prevalent patients with personality disorders treated in 2015 were identified, of whom 2,331 newly taken-in-care. One-in-10 patients received a standardized assessment, the treatment discontinuity affected half of the cases. 12.7% of prevalent patients received at least one hospitalization, 10.6% in the newly taken-in-care cohort. 6-out-of-10 patients had contact with community-services within 14 days from hospital discharge. Access to psychotherapy and psychoeducational treatments was low and delivered with a low intensity. The median of psychosocial interventions per person-year was 19.1 and 9.4, respectively, in prevalent and newly taken-in-care cases. Nearly 50% of patients received pharmacological treatments. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare utilization databases were used to systematically evaluate and assess service delivery across regional mental health systems; suggesting that in Italy the public mental health services provide to individuals with personality disorders suboptimal treatment paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Sanza
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Disorders Forlì-Cesena, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Matteo Monzio Compagnoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Caggiu
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Liliana Allevi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Angelo Barbato
- Department of Health Policy, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara D'avanzo
- Department of Health Policy, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Teresa Di Fiandra
- Psychologist, previously General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrara
- Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, CERGAS SDA Bocconi School of Management (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Saponaro
- General Directorate of Health and Social Policies, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scondotto
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Services and Epidemiological Observatory, Regional Health Authority, Sicily Region, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria D Tozzi
- Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, CERGAS SDA Bocconi School of Management (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorusso
- Department of Health Planning, Italian Health Ministry, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Corrao
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Lora
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
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Monzio Compagnoni M, Caggiu G, Allevi L, Barbato A, Carle F, D'Avanzo B, Di Fiandra T, Ferrara L, Gaddini A, Giordani C, Sanza M, Saponaro A, Scondotto S, Tozzi VD, Corrao G, Lora A. Assessment and Monitoring of the Quality of Clinical Pathways in Patients with Depressive Disorders: Results from a Multiregional Italian Investigation on Mental Health Care Quality (the QUADIM Project). J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093297. [PMID: 37176737 PMCID: PMC10179491 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ensuring adequate quality of care to patients with severe mental disorders remains a challenge. The implementation of clinical indicators aimed at assessing the quality of health care pathways delivered is crucial for the improvement of mental health services (MHS). This study aims to evaluate the quality of care delivered to patients who are taken-into-care with depressive disorders by MHS. Thirty-four clinical indicators concerning accessibility, appropriateness, continuity, and safety were estimated using health care utilization databases from four Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Sicily). A total of 78,924 prevalent patients treated for depressive disorders in 2015 were identified, of whom 15,234 were newly engaged by MHS. During the year of follow-up, access to psychotherapeutic interventions was low, while the intensity was adequate; 5.1% of prevalent patients received at least one hospitalization in a psychiatric ward (GHPW), and 3.3% in the cohort of newly engaged in services. Five-out-of-10 patients had contact with community services within 14 days after GHPW discharge, but less than half of patients were persistent to antidepressant drug therapy. Furthermore, prevalent patients showed an excess of mortality compared to the general population (SMR = 1.35; IC 95%: 1.26-1.44). In conclusion, the quality of health care is not delivered in accordance with evidence-based mental health standards. Evaluation of health interventions are fundamental strategies for improving the quality and equity of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Monzio Compagnoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Caggiu
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Liliana Allevi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Angelo Barbato
- Department of Health Policy, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara D'Avanzo
- Department of Health Policy, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Di Fiandra
- Psychologist, Previously General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrara
- Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Giordani
- Department of Health Planning, Italian Health Ministry, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Sanza
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Disorders Forlì-Cesena, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Cesena, Italy
| | - Alessio Saponaro
- General Directorate of Health and Social Policies, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scondotto
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Services and Epidemiological Observatory, Regional Health Authority, 90145 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria D Tozzi
- Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corrao
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Lora
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
- Consultant for General Directorate for Welfare, 20124 Milan, Italy
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Listorti E, Torbica A, Cella SG, Fiorini G, Corrao G, Franchi M. A Cohort Study on Diabetic Undocumented Migrants in Italy: Can Charitable Organizations Contribute to Higher Adherence? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2794. [PMID: 36833490 PMCID: PMC9957422 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The increasing presence of documented and undocumented migrants increases the commitment of the Italian National Health Service to their health needs, following its founding principle of equity. In particular, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, represent a crucial area where patients' health is affected by their adherence to care pathways, for which the recent literature has reported alarming low levels. In the case of migrants, obstacles to adherence, such as language or organizational barriers, could be overcome thanks also to charitable organizations providing healthcare services. In this study, we aimed to compare the adherence among documented and undocumented migrants who received healthcare services in Milan, Italy, either from the National Health Service (NHS) or from a charitable organization. We identified a cohort of newly taken into care diabetic patients composed of two groups: (i) documented migrants that attend the NHS; and (ii) undocumented migrants that attend a charity. Information was tracked by merging two datasets: the regional healthcare information system of Lombardy, and a unique dataset that collects data on specialistic visits and pharmaceutical prescriptions for all people visiting one of the most prominent charitable organizations in Italy. The annual diabetologist visit was used as the measure of adherence. The probability of being adherent was compared among the two groups by using a multivariate log-binomial regression model, considering a set of personal characteristics that may impact health behaviors. The cohort comprised 6429 subjects. The percentage of adherence was 52% among the documented migrants, and 74% among the undocumented. Regression results confirmed this pattern: undocumented patients have an increased probability of being adherent by 1.19 times (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.26) compared to documented ones. Our study revealed the potentiality of charitable organizations in guaranteeing continuity of care to undocumented migrants. We argue that this mechanism would benefit from central coordination by the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Listorti
- Centre for Healthcare and Social Care Management (CERGAS), SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Torbica
- Centre for Healthcare and Social Care Management (CERGAS), SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano G. Cella
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Franchi
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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The quality of mental health care delivered to patients with schizophrenia and related disorders in the Italian mental health system. The QUADIM project: a multi-regional Italian investigation based on healthcare utilisation databases. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e15. [PMID: 35156603 PMCID: PMC8851066 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the quality of mental health care delivered to patients with schizophrenia and related disorders taken-in-care by mental health services in four Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Sicily). METHODS Thirty-one clinical indicators concerning accessibility, appropriateness, continuity and safety were defined and estimated using healthcare utilisation (HCU) databases, containing data on mental health treatments, hospital admissions, outpatient interventions, lab tests and drug prescriptions. RESULTS A total of 70 586 prevalent patients with schizophrenia and related disorders treated in 2015 were identified, of whom 1752 were newly taken-in-care by the facilities of regional mental health services. For most patients community care was accessible and moderately intensive. However, care pathways were not implemented based on a structured assessment and only half of the patients received psychosocial treatments. One patient out of ten had access to psychological interventions and psychoeducation. Activities specifically addressed to families involved a third of prevalent patients and less than half of new patients. One patient out of six was admitted to a community residential facility, and one out of ten to a General Hospital Psychiatric Ward (GHPW); higher values were identified in new cases. In general hospitals, few patients had a length of stay (LoS) of more than 30 days, while one-fifth of the admissions were followed by readmission within 30 days of discharge. For two-thirds of patients, continuity of community care was met, and six times out of ten a discharge from a GHPW was followed by an outpatient contact within 2 weeks. For cases newly taken-in-care, the continuity of community care was uncommon, while the readiness of outpatient contacts after discharge was slightly more frequent. Most of the patients received antipsychotic medication, but their adherence to long-term treatment was low. Antipsychotic polytherapy was frequent and the control of metabolic side effects was poor. The variability between regions was high and consistent in all the quality domains. CONCLUSIONS The Italian mental health system could be improved by increasing the accessibility to psychosocial interventions, improving the quality of care for newly taken-in-care patients, focusing on somatic health and mortality, and reducing regional variability. Clinical indicators demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the mental health system in these regions, and, as HCU databases, they could be useful tools in the routine assessment of mental healthcare quality at regional and national levels.
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Corrao G, Barbato A, D’Avanzo B, Di Fiandra T, Ferrara L, Gaddini A, Monzio Compagnoni M, Saponaro A, Scondotto S, Tozzi VD, Carle F, Lora A. Does the mental health system provide effective coverage to people with schizophrenic disorder? A self-controlled case series study in Italy. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:519-529. [PMID: 34132836 PMCID: PMC8934324 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure indicators of timeliness and continuity of treatments on patients with schizophrenic disorder in 'real-life' practice, and to validate them through their relationship with relapse occurrences. METHODS The target population was from four Italian regions overall covering 22 million beneficiaries of the NHS (37% of the entire Italian population). The cohort included 12,054 patients newly taken into care for schizophrenic disorder between January 2015 and June 2016. The self-controlled case series (SCCS) design was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio of relapse occurrences according to mental healthcare coverage. RESULTS Poor timeliness (82% and 33% of cohort members had not yet started treatment with psychosocial interventions and antipsychotic drug therapy within the first year after they were taken into care) and continuity (27% and 23% of patients were persistent with psychosocial interventions, and antipsychotic drug therapy within the first 2 years after starting the specific treatment) were observed. According to SCCS design, 4794 relapses occurred during 9430 PY (with incidence rate of 50.8 every 100 PY). Compared with periods not covered by mental healthcare, those covered by psychosocial intervention alone, antipsychotic drugs alone and by psychosocial intervention and antipsychotic drugs together were, respectively, associated with relapse rate reductions of 28% (95% CI 4-46%), 24% (17-30%) and 44% (32-53%). CONCLUSION Healthcare administrative data may contribute to monitor and to assess the effectiveness of a mental health system. Persistent use of both psychosocial intervention and antipsychotic drugs reduces risk of severe relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corrao
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy ,grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Street Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, 8, Building U7, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Barbato
- Unit for Quality of Care and Rights Promotion in Mental Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara D’Avanzo
- Unit for Quality of Care and Rights Promotion in Mental Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Teresa Di Fiandra
- grid.415788.70000 0004 1756 9674General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrara
- grid.7945.f0000 0001 2165 6939Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Monzio Compagnoni
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. .,Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Street Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, 8, Building U7, 20126, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessio Saponaro
- General Directorate of Health and Social Policies, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scondotto
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy ,Department of Health Services and Epidemiological Observatory, Regional Health Authority, Sicily Region, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria D. Tozzi
- grid.7945.f0000 0001 2165 6939Centre of Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Carle
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy ,grid.7010.60000 0001 1017 3210Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Lora
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy ,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
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Corrao G, Rea F, Mancia G, Perseghin G, Merlino L, Martini N, Carbone S, Carle F. Cost-effectiveness of the adherence with recommendations for clinical monitoring of patients with diabetes. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:3111-3121. [PMID: 34531108 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To validate a set of indicators for monitoring the quality of care of patients with diabetes in 'real-life' practice through its relationship with measurable clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. METHODS AND RESULTS A population-based cohort study was carried out by including the 20,635 patients, residents in the Lombardy Region (Italy), who in the year 2012 were newly taken-in-care for diabetes. Adherence with clinical recommendations (i.e., controls for glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, urine albumin excretion and serum creatinine) was recorded during the first year after the patient was taken-in-care, and categorized according whether he/she complied with none or almost none (0 or 1), just some (2) or all or almost all (3 or 4) the recommendations, respectively denoted as poor, intermediate and high adherence. Short- and long-term complications of diabetes, and healthcare cost incurred by the National Health Service, were assessed during follow-up. Compared with patients with poor adherence, those with intermediate and high adherence respectively showed (i) a delay in outcome occurrence of 13 days (95% CI, -2 to 27) and 23 days (9-38), and (ii) a lower healthcare cost of 54 € and 77 €. In average, a gain of 18 Euros and 15 Euros for each day free from diabetic complication by increasing adherence respectively from poor to intermediate and from poor to high were observed. CONCLUSION Close control of patients with diabetes through regular clinical examinations must be considered the cornerstone of national guidance, national audits, and quality improvement incentive schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Gianluca Perseghin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Luca Merlino
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Lombardy Region Welfare Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Nello Martini
- Research and Health Foundation (Fondazione ReS -Ricerca e Salute-), Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Carbone
- Department of Health Planning, Italian Health Ministry, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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10
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Rea F, Ciardullo S, Savaré L, Perseghin G, Corrao G. Comparing medication persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes using sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in real-world setting. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2021; 180:109035. [PMID: 34487757 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess and compare the persistence with drug therapy between patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) therapy. METHODS The 126,493 residents of the Lombardy Region (Italy) aged ≥ 40 years newly treated with metformin during 2007-2015 were followed until 2017 to identify those who started therapy with GLP1-RA or SGLT2-I. To make GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I users more comparable, a 1:1 matched cohort design was adopted. Matching variables were sex, age, and adherence to the first-line therapy with metformin. Log-binomial regression models were fitted to estimate the propensity to 1-year treatment persistence in relation to the therapeutic strategy. RESULTS The final matched cohort was composed by 1,276 GLP1-RA─SGLT2-I pairs. About 24% and 29% of cohort members respectively on GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I discontinued the drug treatment. Compared with patients starting SGLT2-I, those on GLP1-RA had 15% (95% confidence interval, 3-25%) lower risk of discontinuation of the treatments of interest and 45% (28-57%) lower risk of discontinuing any antidiabetic drug therapy. Persistence was better among GLP1-RA users who received a once-weekly administration. CONCLUSIONS In a real-life setting, patients who were prescribed a GLP1-RA exhibited more frequently better persistence to treatment than those prescribed a SGLT2-I therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciardullo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Savaré
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Perseghin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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11
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Assessing the physical healthcare gap among patients with severe mental illness: large real-world investigation from Italy. BJPsych Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8444055 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One critical barrier to the uptake of mental health programmes is the so-called physical healthcare gap, a concern raised by the unattended physical comorbidity and early mortality of persons with severe mental illness. Aims To evaluate the extension of physical healthcare gap among persons with severe mental illness under chronic drug therapies. Method A population-based cohort study was carried out, using Lombardy healthcare utilisation databases. Prevalent patients treated with blood pressure-, lipid- or glucose-lowering agents were identified in January 2017. Among these, those who were receiving care for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or personality disorder formed the study cohort. A reference cohort was randomly selected from prevalent patients treated with chronic therapies without signs of severe mental disorders, to be matched with study cohort members for gender, age and number of previous contacts with the National Health System. One-year adherence to healthcare was measured through the proportion of days covered (drug adherence), and exposure to selected recommendations (clinical control adherence). Results The 55 162 patients with severe mental illness were less likely to have high adherence to blood pressure-lowering, lipid-lowering or antidiabetic agents than the reference cohort by −24% (95% CI −26 to −22%), −10% (95% CI −14 to −6%) and −25% (95% CI −29 to −21%), respectively. The 9250 patients with diabetes and severe mental illness had −18% (95% CI −22% to −13%) reduced likelihood to meet recommendations for the clinical management of diabetes, compared with the reference cohort. Conclusions Adherence to chronic drug therapies was sensibly worse among patients living with mental illness than those without signs of mental disorders.
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Albright RH, Fleischer AE. Association of select preventative services and hospitalization in people with diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 2021; 35:107903. [PMID: 33691987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2021.107903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization rates and trends of preventative outpatient visits to providers in a population of people with diabetes, and evaluate which preventative services may offer protection against poor outcomes (i.e. all-cause hospitalization). METHODS The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to examine the relationship between select outpatient services and risk of all-cause hospitalization in people with diabetes. NHANES data from 2011 to 2016 were included. We assessed five outpatient services commonly recommended to prevent future complications in patients with diabetes: (1) routine examination from a physician (2) assessment of hemoglobin A1C (3) eye exam with pupil dilation (4) foot exam and (5) assessment from a diabetes specialist. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the independent association of outpatient services used in the past 1 year, and hospitalization within that same year. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes within the NHANES population was 10.5% (n = 3054). Hospitalization was significantly more common among diabetics who were older, had lower income levels (i.e. under $20,000) and those who considered themselves in 'fair' or 'poor health'. After adjustment for important covariates, patients who received a preventative foot exam within the last year (i.e. 1-4 times per year) were 33% less likely to be hospitalized within that year (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.46, 0.96). Those visiting a diabetes specialist were 44% less likely to be hospitalized that year (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.39, 0.82) if the visit was preventative in nature (i.e. occurred more than one year before the hospitalized event). No other outpatient services displayed an independent association with hospitalization. CONCLUSION Outpatient Services were consistently being used annually by the diabetic population. Receiving a preventative foot exam and visiting a diabetes specialist were associated with protection against hospitalization, resulting in a 33% and 44% decreased risk, respectively. RESEARCH IN CONTEXT Evidence before this study: Current guidelines focus on preventative care measures to avert diabetes complications. In a 2018 national database study of approximately one-third of the Italian population, guidelines for prevention were not consistently being met among the diabetes population, however, patients who regularly received all the recommended preventative measures experienced a 20% risk reduction in hospitalization. The study's preventative measures included periodic lab monitoring including glycated hemoglobin and lipid profiles and dilated eye exams. Added value of this study: In our study, we used a national database representing the United States' non-institutionalized population to identify the prevalence of prevention measures being utilized in adults with diabetes and further examine their relationship with all-cause hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis identified two preventative measures with inconsistent utilization, however, when these measures were used according to guidelines, they contributed to a risk reduction in all-cause hospitalization. Implications of all the available evidence: Current preventative guidelines can contribute to a risk reduction in hospitalization among adults with diabetes. National guidelines and quality improvement initiatives should be aimed at improving the utilization of foot exams as a preventative measure and referral to a diabetes specialist before complications incur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Albright
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, 1 Rope Ferry Rd., Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Adam E Fleischer
- Department of Podiatric Medicine and Radiology, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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13
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Corrao G, Cantarutti A, Locatelli A, Porcu G, Merlino L, Carbone S, Carle F, Zanini R. Association between Adherence with Recommended Antenatal Care in Low-Risk, Uncomplicated Pregnancy, and Maternal and Neonatal Adverse Outcomes: Evidence from Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010173. [PMID: 33383661 PMCID: PMC7795028 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal care (ANC) aims of monitoring wellbeing of mother and foetus during pregnancy. We validate a set of indicators aimed of measuring the quality of ANC of women on low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy through their relationship with maternal and neonatal outcomes. We conducted a population-based cohort study including 122,563 deliveries that occurred between 2015 and 2017 in the Lombardy Region, Italy. Promptness and appropriateness of number and timing of gynaecological visits, ultrasounds and laboratory tests were evaluated. We assessed several maternal and neonatal outcomes. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratio (PR), and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI), for the exposure→outcome association. Compared with women who adhered with recommendations, those who were no adherent had a significant higher prevalence of maternal intensive care units admission (PR: 3.1, 95%CI: 1.2-7.9; and 2.7, 1.1-7.0 respectively for promptness of gynaecological visits, and appropriateness of ultrasound examinations), low Apgar score (1.6, 1.1-1.2; 1.9, 1.3-2.7; and 2.1, 1.5-2.8 respectively for appropriateness and promptness of gynaecological visits, and appropriateness of ultrasound examinations), and low birth weight (1.8, 1.5-2.3 for appropriateness of laboratory test examinations). Benefits for mothers and newborn are expected from improving adherence to guidelines-driven recommendations regarding antenatal care even for low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cantarutti
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-64485859
| | - Anna Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Vimercate, Vittorio Emanuele III Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza-Brianza, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gloria Porcu
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Merlino
- Welfare Department, Epidemiologic Observatory, Lombardy Region, 20121 Milan, Italy;
| | - Simona Carbone
- Department of Health Planning, Italian Health Ministry, 5–00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.); (F.C.)
- Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Zanini
- Woman and Child Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliera della Provincia di Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy;
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Golinelli D, Boetto E, Carullo G, Nuzzolese AG, Landini MP, Fantini MP. Adoption of Digital Technologies in Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Early Scientific Literature. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22280. [PMID: 33079693 PMCID: PMC7652596 DOI: 10.2196/22280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is favoring digital transitions in many industries and in society as a whole. Health care organizations have responded to the first phase of the pandemic by rapidly adopting digital solutions and advanced technology tools. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to describe the digital solutions that have been reported in the early scientific literature to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and health systems. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of early COVID-19-related literature (from January 1 to April 30, 2020) by searching MEDLINE and medRxiv with appropriate terms to find relevant literature on the use of digital technologies in response to the pandemic. We extracted study characteristics such as the paper title, journal, and publication date, and we categorized the retrieved papers by the type of technology and patient needs addressed. We built a scoring rubric by cross-classifying the patient needs with the type of technology. We also extracted information and classified each technology reported by the selected articles according to health care system target, grade of innovation, and scalability to other geographical areas. RESULTS The search identified 269 articles, of which 124 full-text articles were assessed and included in the review after screening. Most of the selected articles addressed the use of digital technologies for diagnosis, surveillance, and prevention. We report that most of these digital solutions and innovative technologies have been proposed for the diagnosis of COVID-19. In particular, within the reviewed articles, we identified numerous suggestions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19. Digital technologies are also useful for prevention and surveillance measures, such as contact-tracing apps and monitoring of internet searches and social media usage. Fewer scientific contributions address the use of digital technologies for lifestyle empowerment or patient engagement. CONCLUSIONS In the field of diagnosis, digital solutions that integrate with traditional methods, such as AI-based diagnostic algorithms based both on imaging and clinical data, appear to be promising. For surveillance, digital apps have already proven their effectiveness; however, problems related to privacy and usability remain. For other patient needs, several solutions have been proposed, such as telemedicine or telehealth tools. These tools have long been available, but this historical moment may actually be favoring their definitive large-scale adoption. It is worth taking advantage of the impetus provided by the crisis; it is also important to keep track of the digital solutions currently being proposed to implement best practices and models of care in future and to adopt at least some of the solutions proposed in the scientific literature, especially in national health systems, which have proved to be particularly resistant to the digital transition in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Golinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erik Boetto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gherardo Carullo
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Pia Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Corrao G, Rea F, Di Felice E, Di Martino M, Davoli M, Merlino L, Carle F, De Palma R. Influence of adherence with guideline-driven recommendations on survival in women operated for breast cancer: Real-life evidence from Italy. Breast 2020; 53:51-58. [PMID: 32629156 PMCID: PMC7375570 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A set of indicators to assess the quality of care for women operated for breast cancer was developed by an expert working group of the Italian Health Ministry in order to compare the Italian regions. A study to validate these indicators through their relationship with survival was carried out. METHODS The 16,753 women who were residents in three Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Lazio) and hospitalized for breast cancer surgery during 2011 entered the cohort and were followed until 2016. Adherence to selected recommendations (i.e., surgery timeliness, medical therapy timeliness, appropriateness of complementary radiotherapy and mammographic follow-up) was assessed. Multivariable proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios for the association between adherence with recommendations and the risk of all-cause mortality. RESULTS Adherence to recommendations was 53% for medical therapy timeliness, 73% for appropriateness of mammographic follow-up, 74% for surgery timeliness and 82% for appropriateness of complementary radiotherapy. Risk reductions of 26%, 62% and 56% were observed for adherence to recommendations on medical therapy timeliness, appropriateness of complementary radiotherapy and mammographic follow-up, respectively. There was no evidence that mortality was affected by surgery timeliness. CONCLUSIONS Clinical benefits are expected from improvements in adherence to the considered recommendations. Close control of women operated for breast cancer through medical care timeliness and appropriateness of radiotherapy and mammographic monitoring must be considered the cornerstone of national guidance, national audits, and quality improvement incentive schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Enza Di Felice
- Authority for Healthcare and Welfare, Emilia Romagna Regional Health Service, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Di Martino
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Roma, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Merlino
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Epidemiologic Observatory, Lombardy Region Welfare Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Carle
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Center of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossana De Palma
- Authority for Healthcare and Welfare, Emilia Romagna Regional Health Service, Bologna, Italy
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Bartolini L, Caranci N, Gnavi R, Di Girolamo C. Educational inequalities in the prevalence and outcomes of diabetes in the Emilian Longitudinal Study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 30:1525-1534. [PMID: 32580888 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Studies carried out in Italy in the last decades reported an effect modification in the association between socioeconomic position and diabetes outcomes, and the disease integrated care approach has been suggested as an explanatory factor. Whether this is true in Emilia-Romagna region in recent years is unknown and the aim of this study is to describe the role of educational level both on diabetes prevalence and health outcomes among the adult population with and without diabetes enrolled in the Emilian Longitudinal Study. METHODS AND RESULTS Inequalities in diabetes prevalence were evaluated through standardised estimates and prevalence ratios by educational level and inequalities in outcomes through standardised hospitalisation and mortality ratios and rate ratios by educational level. The lower the education the greater the diabetes prevalence; such differences were larger among women and younger age groups. Diabetes conferred a higher risk of hospitalisation and mortality; those outcomes also presented a social gradient with the less educated bearing the higher risk. However, educational differences were slightly stronger among the disease-free subjects, especially in the case of mortality. In both genders, inequalities tended to disappear with age. CONCLUSION This study confirms that diabetes increases the risk of unfavourable outcomes, but does not increase social inequalities in outcomes as might be expected. Similarly to what has been previously shown, it is likely that the protective effect of diabetes on the negative health effects of the low social position is attributable to the disease integrated care approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Bartolini
- Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Caranci
- Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Gnavi
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
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17
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Wei W, Gruebner O, von Wyl V, Dressel H, Ulyte A, Brüngger B, Blozik E, Bähler C, Braun J, Schwenkglenks M. Exploring geographic variation of and influencing factors for utilization of four diabetes management measures in Swiss population using claims data. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2020; 8:8/1/e001059. [PMID: 32094222 PMCID: PMC7039601 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-001059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Four strongly recommended diabetes management measures are biannual glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing, annual eye examination, kidney function examination, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) testing in patients below 75 years. We aimed to describe regional variation in the utilization of the four measures across small regions in Switzerland and to explore potential influencing factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients with drug-treated diabetes in 2014 using claims data. Four binary outcomes represented adherence to the recommendations. Possible influencing factors included sociodemographics, health insurance preferences, and clinical characteristics. We performed multilevel modeling with Medstat regions as the higher level. We calculated the median odds ratio (MOR) and checked spatial autocorrelation in region level residuals using Moran's I statistic. When significant, we further conducted spatial multilevel modeling. RESULTS Of 49 198 patients with diabetes (33 957 below 75 years), 69.6% had biannual HbA1c testing, 44.3% each had annual eye examination and kidney function examination, and 55.5% of the patients below 75 years had annual LDL testing. The effects of health insurance preferences were substantial and consistent. Having any supplementary insurance (ORs across measures were between 1.08 and 1.28), having supplementary hospital care insurance (1.08-1.30), having chosen a lower deductible level (eg, SFr2500 compared with SFr300: 0.57-0.69), and having chosen a managed care model (1.04-1.17) were positively associated with recommendations adherence. The MORs (1.27-1.33) showed only moderate unexplained variation, and we observed inconsistent spatial patterns of unexplained variation across the four measures. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the uptake of strongly recommended measures in diabetes management could possibly be optimized by providing further incentives to patients and care providers through insurance scheme design. The absence of marked regional variation implies limited potential for improvement by targeted regional intervention, while provider-specific promotion may be more impactful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Wei
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Gruebner
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viktor von Wyl
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Dressel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Agne Ulyte
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Brüngger
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Versicherungen AG, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Eva Blozik
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Versicherungen AG, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Division of General Practice, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Bähler
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Versicherungen AG, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Julia Braun
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Department of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Pöhlmann J, Montagnoli R, Lastoria G, Parekh W, Markert M, Hunt B. Value For Money In The Treatment Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Assessing The Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness Of IDegLira Versus iGlarLixi In Italy. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2019; 11:605-614. [PMID: 31632108 PMCID: PMC6789179 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s218746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Italian treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) target good glycemic control but acknowledge the associated risk of hypoglycemia. Unlike traditional antidiabetic therapies, modern treatment options such as fixed-ratio combinations of basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are associated with improved glycemic control, reduced body weight and low risk of hypoglycemia. The cost-effectiveness of the fixed-ratio combinations of basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists IDegLira and iGlarLixi was assessed for Italy in patients with T2DM uncontrolled on basal insulin, to evaluate how short-term clinical benefits translate into long-term health economic outcomes. Methods The IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model was used to project clinical and economic outcomes over patient lifetimes. Treatment effects were sourced from an indirect treatment comparison. The analysis captured direct medical costs (expressed in 2017 Euros) from the perspective of the Italian National Health Service (NHS) and patient-related quality of life. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results IDegLira was associated with gains of 0.09 life years and 0.13 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) relative to iGlarLixi, due to a lower cumulative incidence and delayed onset of diabetes-related complications. IDegLira was associated with an incremental cost of EUR 930 over patient lifetimes, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EUR 7,386 per QALY gained. Conclusion Over the lifetime of patients with T2DM uncontrolled on basal insulin, IDegLira was associated with improved clinical outcomes at higher costs relative to iGlarLixi. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of EUR 30,000 per QALY gained, IDegLira was considered to be cost-effective versus iGlarLixi from the perspective of the Italian NHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Pöhlmann
- Health Economics, Ossian Health Economics and Communications, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Witesh Parekh
- European HEOR, Nova Nordisk Ltd, West Sussex RH6 0PA, UK
| | - Marie Markert
- Global Market Access, Novo Nordisk A/S, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Barnaby Hunt
- Health Economics, Ossian Health Economics and Communications, Basel 4051, Switzerland
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Cantarutti A, Rea F, Locatelli A, Merlino L, Lundin R, Perseghin G, Corrao G. Adherence to clinical evaluations in women with pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy: A call to action from an Italian real-life investigation. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019; 154:1-8. [PMID: 31220483 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Women with pre-existing diabetes should plan for optimal care of the disease before, during and after pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of diabetes mellitus monitoring and care before, during and after pregnancy in a large cohort of women. METHODS 1913 diabetic women resident in the Lombardy Region (Italy) who experienced at least a birth between 2011 and 2015 and exhibited signs of diabetes ≥2 years before delivery were identified using the healthcare utilization database. Antidiabetic care was defined via outpatient examinations (i.e., assessments of glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, urine albumin excretion and serum creatinine, and dilated eye exams) and use of antidiabetic drugs. Differences in adherence to recommendations before, during and after pregnancy were assessed by the non-parametric McNemar's test among the whole cohort and among the subgroup with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS Adherence to recommendations was very poor before pregnancy, ranging from 13% to 42% for dilated eye and serum creatinine exam, respectively. During pregnancy, a significant portion of women increased adherence to all recommendations (e.g., glycated haemoglobin from 20% to 47%, p-value < 0.001), with the exception of lipid profile control. After pregnancy, adherence dropped to pre-pregnancy levels. A similar trend was observed in the use of antidiabetic drugs. Although women with type 1 diabetes showed better adherence across all periods, the same patterns emerged. CONCLUSIONS Besides an improvement in the indicators of clinical adherence during pregnancy, the management of diabetes among pregnant women remains sub-optimal both before and after the birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cantarutti
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Locatelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Merlino
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Lombardy Regional Health Service, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Perseghin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corrao
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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20
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Lin MC, Li YC(J. More patient data, greater opportunities and higher quality. Int J Qual Health Care 2019; 31:403. [DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzz076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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