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Schuttner L, Mayfield B, Jaske E, Theis M, Nelson K, Reddy A. Primary Care Telehealth Initiation and Engagement Among Veterans at High Risk, 2019-2022. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2424921. [PMID: 39083271 PMCID: PMC11292453 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) expanded telehealth infrastructure. Understanding telehealth initiation and sustained engagement could inform future resource allocation for high-need populations. Objective To describe and examine primary care use, including initiation, use, and engagement factors, of telehealth modalities (telephone, video visits, and secure messaging) from 2020 to 2022. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted among 1 383 070 patients in the 75th or higher percentile for 90-day risk of hospitalization or mortality (using previously validated Care Assessment Need scores) engaged in VHA primary care from March 11, 2019, to March 10, 2022. Exposures Patient sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race and ethnicity, and marital and housing status), health characteristics (chronic condition count, military service disability, serious mental illness, or substance use disorder diagnoses), geographic characteristics (driving distance to clinic and rural or urban location), and Federal Communications Commission-reported broadband speed among subgroups of patients at high risk categorized by telehealth use from 2020 to 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary care utilization by modality. Results A total of 1 383 070 patients at high risk were engaged in VHA primary care in March 2020 (median age, 73.0 years [IQR, 65-80 years]; 92.4% male; 77.7% regular telehealth users in 2019). With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to March 2021, 92.7% of patients at high risk (1 158 804 of 1 250 438 retained in care) became regular telehealth users. The following year, most patients continued as telehealth users (83.4% [942 151 of 1 129 683 retained]), including 38.2% retention of users at high risk newly engaged in 2020. Between 2019 and 2022 among those living and engaged in VHA primary care, adjusted exploratory multinomial logit models estimated that new telehealth users in 2020 (both sustained or only transiently engaged) were more often Black non-Hispanic individuals with greater comorbidity burdens than those who never engaged in telehealth use (Black non-Hispanic with new persistent telehealth use: adjusted relative risk ratio [ARR], 1.18 [95% CI, 1.16-1.20]; Black non-Hispanic with transient telehealth use: ARR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.08-1.13]; ≥5 chronic conditions with new persistent telehealth use: ARR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.88-1.96]; ≥5 chronic conditions with transient telehealth use: ARR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.40-1.46]). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study suggests that primary care telehealth initiation, use and sustained engagement differed among subgroups of patients at high risk throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Those never or only transiently engaged with telehealth had lower illness burdens and were less likely to identify as members of racial or ethnic minority groups. Variation in telehealth use among subgroups of patients at high risk during this period could inform future resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnaea Schuttner
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Brad Mayfield
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Erin Jaske
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mariah Theis
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Karin Nelson
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Center for Innovation and Veteran-Centered Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
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Wheat CL, Wong ES, Gray KE, Stockdale SE, Nelson KM, Reddy A. Factors Associated With Use of the Preventive Health Inventory in US Veterans. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e242717. [PMID: 38497962 PMCID: PMC10949100 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant declines in the quality of preventive and chronic disease care. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) used the Preventive Health Inventory (PHI), a multicomponent care management intervention, to catch up on care disrupted by the pandemic. Objective To identify key factors associated with PHI use. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study of veterans receiving primary care used administrative data from national VHA primary care clinics for February 1, 2021, through February 1, 2022. Exposure Patient PHI receipt. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were patient, practitioner, and clinic factors associated with PHI receipt. Binomial generalized linear models with fixed effects for clinic were used to analyze factors associated with receipt of PHI. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator procedures were used for variable selection. Results A total of 4 358 038 veterans (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [16.0] years; 90% male; 76% non-Hispanic White) formed the study cohort, of whom 389 757 (9%) received the PHI. Veterans who received the PHI had higher mean Care Assessment Need (CAN) scores, which indicate the likelihood of hospitalization or death within 1 year (mean [SD], 51.9 [28.6] vs 47.2 [28.6]; standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.16). They were also more likely to live in urban areas (77% vs 64%; SMD, 0.28) and have a shorter drive distance to primary care (mean [SD], 13.2 [12.4] vs 15.7 [14.6] miles; SMD, 0.19). The mean outpatient use was higher among PHI recipients compared with non-PHI recipients (mean [SD], 18.4 [27.8] vs 15.1 [24.1] visits; SMD, -0.13). In addition, veterans with primary care practitioners with higher caseloads were more likely to receive the PHI (mean [SD], 778 [231] vs 744 [249] patients; SMD, -0.14), and they were more likely to be seen at larger clinics (mean [SD], 9670 [6876] vs 8786 [6892] patients; SMD, -0.13). Prior outpatient use and CAN score were associated with PHI receipt in the final model. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of the VHA's PHI, patients with higher CAN scores and more outpatient use in the previous year were more likely to receive the PHI. This study identifies potential intervention points to improve care coordination for veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelle L. Wheat
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Edwin S. Wong
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kristen E. Gray
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Susan E. Stockdale
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles
| | - Karin M. Nelson
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
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Lee NS, Keddem S, Sorrentino AE, Jenkins KA, Long JA. Health Equity in the Veterans Health Administration From Veterans' Perspectives by Race and Sex. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2356600. [PMID: 38373000 PMCID: PMC10877456 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Advancing equitable patient-centered care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires understanding the differential experiences of unique patient groups. Objective To inform a comprehensive strategy for improving VHA health equity through the comparative qualitative analysis of care experiences at the VHA among veterans of Black and White race and male and female sex. Design, Setting, and Participants This qualitative study used a technique termed freelisting, an anthropologic technique eliciting responses in list form, at an urban academic VHA medical center from August 2, 2021, to February 9, 2022. Participants included veterans with chronic hypertension. The length of individual lists, item order in those lists, and item frequency across lists were used to calculate a salience score for each item, allowing comparison of salient words and topics within and across different groups. Participants were asked about current perceptions of VHA care, challenges in the past year, virtual care, suggestions for change, and experiences of racism. Data were analyzed from February 10 through September 30, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures The Smith salience index, which measures the frequency and rank of each word or phrase, was calculated for each group. Results Responses from 49 veterans (12 Black men, 12 Black women, 12 White men, and 13 White women) were compared by race (24 Black and 25 White) and sex (24 men and 25 women). The mean (SD) age was 64.5 (9.2) years. Some positive items were salient across race and sex, including "good medical care" and telehealth as a "comfortable/great option," as were some negative items, including "long waits/delays in getting care," "transportation/traffic challenges," and "anxiety/stress/fear." Reporting "no impact" of racism on experiences of VHA health care was salient across race and sex; however, reports of race-related unprofessional treatment and active avoidance of race-related conflict differed by race (present among Black and not White participants). Experiences of interpersonal interactions also diverged. "Impersonal/cursory" telehealth experiences and the need for "more personal/attentive" care were salient among women and Black participants, but not men or White participants, who associated VHA care with courtesy and respect. Conclusions and Relevance In this qualitative freelist study of veteran experiences, divergent experiences of interpersonal care by race and sex provided insights for improving equitable, patient-centered VHA care. Future research and interventions could focus on identifying differences across broader categories both within and beyond race and sex and bolstering efforts to improve respect and personalized care to diverse veteran populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S. Lee
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Shimrit Keddem
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Anneliese E. Sorrentino
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Judith A. Long
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
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Monteith LL, Kittel JA, Schneider AL, Miller CN, Gaeddert LA, Holliday R, Brenner LA, Hoffmire CA. Suicide Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Veterans: Rates and Methods, 2005-2019. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:243-251. [PMID: 37703953 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knowledge of suicide rates and methods among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Veterans remains sparse. Age- and sex-specific suicide rates, methods, and trends were examined among AANHPI Veterans and were compared with findings reported for all Veterans. METHODS For this population-based retrospective cohort study, average annual suicide rates (2005-2019) were computed in 2023 using population (U.S. Veterans Eligibility Trends and Statistics) and mortality (National Death Index [NDI]) data. The cohort included 416,454 AANHPI Veterans (356,146 males, 60,229 females) separated from military service and alive as of 1/1/2005. Suicide was determined from NDI underlying cause-of-death ICD-10 codes. RESULTS The age-adjusted average annual suicide rate among AANHPI Veterans increased 36.85% from 2005-2009 to 2015-2019 (2015-2019: 30.97/100,000). Relative to other ages, 2015-2019 suicide rates were highest among AANHPI Veterans 18-34 (overall: 53.52/100,000; males: 58.82/100,000; females: 32.24/100,000) and exceeded those of similarly aged Veterans in the overall Veteran population (overall: 44.71/100,000; males: 50.59/100,000; females: 19.24/100,000). The sex difference in suicide rates was lower among AANHPI Veterans than in Veterans overall (relative risk [males to females]=1.65 and 2.33, among those 18-54). Firearms were used less and suffocation more among AANHPI Veterans, relative to Veterans overall. CONCLUSIONS Suicide among AANHPI Veterans is an increasing public health concern, with younger males and females at particularly elevated risk. Lethal means safety strategies for AANHPI Veterans should consider distinctions in suicide methods compared to the overall Veteran population. Research is warranted to understand the lower magnitude sex difference in suicide rates among AANHPI Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Colorado; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Julie A Kittel
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Colorado
| | - Alexandra L Schneider
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Christin N Miller
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laurel A Gaeddert
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ryan Holliday
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Colorado; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Claire A Hoffmire
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Colorado
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Deeds S, Schuttner L, Wheat C, Gunnink E, Geyer J, Beste L, Chen A, Dominitz JA, Nelson K, Reddy A. Automated Reminders Enhance Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Test Completion Among Veterans: a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:113-119. [PMID: 37731137 PMCID: PMC10817873 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Affairs (VHA) is working to establish a population-based colorectal cancer screening program for average-risk patients using mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). However, low response rates to mailed FIT may hinder success. Key features of mailed FIT programs, including the use of reminders, differ among various national programs, with limited evidence among veterans. OBJECTIVE We sought to test whether using reminders, either via telephone call or text message, was effective in improving mailed FIT response rates. DESIGN We conducted a prospective, randomized quality improvement trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05012007). Veterans who had not returned a FIT within 2 weeks of receiving the kit were randomized to one of three groups: (1) control (no reminder); (2) an automated telephone call reminder; or (3) an automated text message reminder. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2658 veterans enrolled at VA Puget Sound Health Care System who were aged 45-75 and had an average risk of colorectal cancer. INTERVENTIONS A single automated telephone call or text message reminder prompting veterans to return the FIT kit. MAIN MEASURES Our primary outcome was FIT return at 90 days and our secondary outcome was FIT return at 180 days. KEY RESULTS Participant average age was 62 years, 88% were men, and 66% White. At 90 days, both the phone and text reminder interventions had higher FIT return rates compared to control (intention-to-treat results (ITT): control 28%, phone 39%, text 38%; p<0.001). At 180 days, FIT kit return remained higher in the reminder interventions (ITT: control 32%, phone 42%, text 40%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Automated reminders increased colorectal cancer screening completion among average-risk veterans. An automated phone call or text message was equally effective. VHA facilities seeking to implement a mailed FIT program should consider using phone or text reminders, depending on available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Deeds
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA.
| | - Linnaea Schuttner
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Chelle Wheat
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Eric Gunnink
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - John Geyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Lauren Beste
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Anders Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karin Nelson
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, 1660 S. Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Deeds S, Liu T, Schuttner L, Wheat C, Gunnink E, Geyer J, Beste L, Chen A, Dominitz JA, Nelson K, Reddy A. A Postcard Primer Prior to Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Test Among Veterans: a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3235-3241. [PMID: 37291363 PMCID: PMC10249919 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08248-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) programs are increasingly utilized for population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Advanced notifications (primers) are one behavioral designed feature of many mailed FIT programs, but few have tested this feature among Veterans. OBJECTIVE To determine if an advanced notification, a primer postcard, increases completion of FIT among Veterans. DESIGN This is a prospective, randomized quality improvement trial to evaluate a postcard primer prior to a mailed FIT versus mailed FIT alone. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2404 Veterans enrolled for care at a large VA site that were due for average-risk CRC screening. INTERVENTION A written postcard sent 2 weeks in advance of a mailed FIT kit that contained information on CRC screening and completing a FIT. MAIN MEASURES Our primary outcome was FIT completion at 90 days, and our secondary outcome was FIT completion at 180 days. KEY RESULTS Overall, unadjusted mailed FIT return rates were similar among control vs. primer arms at 90 days (27% vs. 29%, p = 0.11). Our adjusted analysis found a primer postcard did not increase FIT completion compared to mailed FIT alone (OR 1.14 (0.94, 1.37)). CONCLUSIONS Though primers are often a standard part of mailed FIT programs, we did not find an increase in FIT completion with mailed postcard primers among Veterans. Given the overall low mailed FIT return rates, testing different ways to improve return rates is essential to improving CRC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Deeds
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Terrence Liu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Linnaea Schuttner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chelle Wheat
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric Gunnink
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John Geyer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Beste
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anders Chen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
- National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kari Nelson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Puget Sound Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Marcotte LM, Deeds S, Wheat C, Gunnink E, Gray K, Rojas J, Finch C, Nelson K, Reddy A. Automated Opt-Out vs Opt-In Patient Outreach Strategies for Breast Cancer Screening: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2023; 183:1187-1194. [PMID: 37695621 PMCID: PMC10495926 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.4321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Importance Optimal strategies for population-based outreach for breast cancer screening remain unknown. Objective To evaluate the effect on breast cancer screening of an opt-out automatic mammography referral strategy compared with an opt-in automated telephone message strategy. Design, Setting, and Participants This pragmatic randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2022 to January 2023 at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. Participants were female veterans aged 45 to 75 years who were eligible for breast cancer screening and enrolled in VA primary care. Intervention Veterans were randomized 1:1 to receive either an automatic mammography referral (opt-out arm) or an automated telephone call with an option for mammography referral (opt-in arm). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was completed mammography 100 days after outreach. Secondary outcomes were scheduled or completed mammography by 100 days after outreach and referrals canceled if mammography was not scheduled within 90 days. Both intention-to-treat analyses and a restricted analysis were conducted. The restricted analysis excluded veterans who were unable to be reached by telephone (eg, a nonworking number) or who were found to be ineligible after randomization (eg, medical record documentation of recent mammography). Results Of 883 veterans due for mammography (mean [SD] age, 59.13 [8.24] years; 656 [74.3%] had received prior mammography), 442 were randomized to the opt-in group and 441 to the opt-out group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome of completed mammography at 100 days between the opt-out and opt-in groups (67 [15.2%] vs 66 [14.9%]; P = .90) or the secondary outcome of completed or scheduled mammography (84 [19%] vs 106 [24.0%]; P = .07). A higher number of referrals were canceled in the opt-out group compared with the opt-in group (104 [23.6%] vs 24 [5.4%]; P < .001). The restricted analysis demonstrated similar results except more veterans completed or scheduled mammography within 100 days in the opt-out group compared with the opt-in group (102 of 388 [26.3%] vs 80 of 415 [19.3%]; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, an opt-out population-based breast cancer screening outreach approach compared with an opt-in approach did not result in a significant difference in mammography completion but did lead to substantially more canceled mammography referrals, increasing staff burden. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05313737.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Marcotte
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Stefanie Deeds
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chelle Wheat
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eric Gunnink
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kristen Gray
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jorge Rojas
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Carolyn Finch
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Karin Nelson
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
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Johnson JA, Moore B, Hwang EK, Hickner A, Yeo H. The accuracy of race & ethnicity data in US based healthcare databases: A systematic review. Am J Surg 2023; 226:463-470. [PMID: 37230870 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability and accuracy of data on a patient's race/ethnicity varies across databases. Discrepancies in data quality can negatively impact attempts to study health disparities. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to organize information on the accuracy of race/ethnicity data stratified by database type and by specific race/ethnicity categories. RESULTS The review included 43 studies. Disease registries showed consistently high levels of data completeness and accuracy. EHRs frequently showed incomplete and/or inaccurate data on the race/ethnicity of patients. Databases had high levels of accurate data for White and Black patients but relatively high levels of misclassification and incomplete data for Hispanic/Latinx patients. Asians, Pacific Islanders, and AI/ANs are the most misclassified. Systems-based interventions to increase self-reported data showed improvement in data quality. CONCLUSION Data on race/ethnicity that is collected with the purpose of research and quality improvement appears most reliable. Data accuracy can vary by race/ethnicity status and better collection standards are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh A Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eun Kyeong Hwang
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Andy Hickner
- Samuel J. Wood Library, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Yeo
- Department of Surgery, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Guardino ET, Tarko L, Wilson PWF, Gaziano JM, Cho K, Gagnon DR, Orkaby AR. Predictive value of ASCVD risk score for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in the year following a COVID-19 infection among US Veterans. Int J Cardiol 2023; 387:131120. [PMID: 37330018 PMCID: PMC10270727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131120] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality following COVID-19 infection may be influenced by baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, yet limited data are available to identify those at highest risk. We examined the association between baseline ASCVD risk with mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the year following COVID-19 infection. METHODS We evaluated a nationwide retrospective cohort of US Veterans free of ASCVD who were tested for COVID-19. The primary outcome was absolute risk of all-cause mortality in the year following a COVID-19 test among those hospitalized vs. not stratified by baseline VA-ASCVD risk scores. Secondarily, risk of MACE was examined. RESULTS There were 393,683 Veterans tested for COVID-19 and 72,840 tested positive. Mean age was 57 years, 86% were male, and 68% were white. Within 30 days following infection, hospitalized Veterans with VA-ASCVD scores >20% had an absolute risk of death of 24.6% vs. 9.7% (P ≤0.0001) for those who tested positive and negative for COVID-19 respectively. In the year following infection, risk of mortality attenuated with no difference in risk after 60 days. The absolute risk of MACE was similar for Veterans who tested positive or negative for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Veterans without clinical ASCVD experienced an increased absolute risk of death within 30 days of a COVID-19 infection compared to Veterans with the same VA-ASCVD risk score who tested negative, but this risk attenuated after 60 days. Whether cardiovascular preventive medications can lower the risk of mortality and MACE in the acute period following COVID-19 infection should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Guardino
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Division of Aging, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Laura Tarko
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Peter W F Wilson
- Atlanta VA Healthcare System, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, USA; Emory Clinical Cardiology Research Institute, 1462 Clifton Rd NE, 5(th) Floor, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - J Michael Gaziano
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Division of Aging, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kelly Cho
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - David R Gagnon
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ariela R Orkaby
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, 2 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Division of Aging, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; New England GRECC (Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center) VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington St, Boston, MA 02130, USA
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10
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Maguen S, Batten A, Hubbard A, Holder N, Burkman K, Cottonham D, Purcell N, Mehlman H, Shiner B. Advancing health equity by understanding race disparities and other factors associated with PTSD symptom improvement following evidence-based psychotherapy. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 98:102747. [PMID: 37515867 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Several studies found that Black veterans demonstrate less posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom improvement than White veterans following PTSD evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs). We aimed to understand this disparity among veterans receiving EBPs by modeling race with demographic, clinical, and service utilization factors. Using electronic health records, we employed a cohort study of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans who initiated PTSD EBP treatment and completed > 2 PTSD symptom measures (N = 21,751). Using hierarchical Bayesian logistic regressions, we modeled the probability of PTSD symptom improvement. Black race was associated with less PTSD improvement (mean posterior odds ratio [MPOR] = 0.92; 95 % plausibility interval [PI] = 0.84, 1.0), as was group therapy (MPOR = 0.67; 95 % PI = 0.62, 0.73). Factors associated with greatest improvement included prolonged exposure (MPOR = 1.35; 95 % PI = 1.25, 1.45) and treatment density (MPOR = 1.40; 95 % PI = 1.36, 1.45). On average, Black veterans evidenced PTSD EBP improvement disparities. Clinical and utilization did not fully account for these disparities, although disproportionate representation of Black veterans in group CPT may explain some of these differences. Understanding experiences such as race-based trauma and chronic racism and discrimination is critical to provide Black veterans with the most effective PTSD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Adam Batten
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Asale Hubbard
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Burkman
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Cottonham
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Natalie Purcell
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haley Mehlman
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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11
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Katon JG, Bossick A, Carey C, Christy A, Doll K, Gatsby E, Gray KE, Lynch KE, Moy E, Owens S, Washington DL, Callegari LS. Racial Disparities in Uterine Fibroid Treatment Among Veterans Using VA Health Care. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:405-413. [PMID: 37105835 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine fibroids are common, nonmalignant tumors that disproportionately impact Black patients. We aimed to examine Black and White differences in receipt of any treatment and type of first treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs, including effect modification by severity as approximated by anemia. METHODS We used Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data to identify 5,041 Black and 3,206 White veterans with symptomatic uterine fibroids, identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification, codes, between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2012 and followed in the administrative data through fiscal year 2018 for outcomes. Outcomes included receipt of any treatment, hysterectomy as first treatment, and fertility-sparing treatment as first treatment. We stratified all analyses by age (<45, ≥45 years old), used generalized linear models with a log link and Poisson error distribution, included an interaction term between race and anemia, and used recycled predictions to estimate adjusted percentages for outcomes. RESULTS There was evidence of effect modification by anemia for receipt of any treatment but not for any other outcomes. Across age and anemia sub-groups, Black veterans were less likely to receive any treatment than White veterans. Adjusted racial differences were most pronounced among veterans with anemia (<45 years, Black-White difference = -10.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, -15.9 to -4.7; ≥45 years, Black-White difference = -20.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, -27.8 to -12.7). Across age groups, Black veterans were less likely than White veterans to have hysterectomy and more likely to have a fertility-sparing treatment as their first treatment. CONCLUSIONS We identified significant Black-White disparities in receipt of treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Additional research that centers the experiences of Black veterans with uterine fibroids is needed to inform strategies to eliminate racial disparities in uterine fibroid care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie G Katon
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Andrew Bossick
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle, Washington; Henry Ford Healthcare System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Cathea Carey
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle, Washington
| | - Alicia Christy
- Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kemi Doll
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elise Gatsby
- Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kristen E Gray
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kristine E Lynch
- Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ernest Moy
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Health Equity, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Shanise Owens
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Donna L Washington
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California; Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lisa S Callegari
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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12
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Kimerling R, Zulman DM, Lewis ET, Schalet BD, Reise SP, Tamayo GC. Clinical Validity of the PROMIS Healthcare Engagement 8-Item Short Form. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2021-2029. [PMID: 37118561 PMCID: PMC10361929 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare engagement is a key measurement target for value-based healthcare, but a reliable and valid patient-reported measure has not yet been widely adopted. OBJECTIVE To assess the validity of a newly developed patient-reported measure of healthcare engagement, the 8-item PROMIS Healthcare Engagement (PHE-8a). DESIGN Prospective cohort study of the association between healthcare engagement and quality of care over 1 year. We fit mixed effects models of quality indicators as a function of engagement scores, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, rural residence, and risk scores. PARTICIPANTS National stratified random sample of 9552 Veterans receiving Veterans Health Administration care for chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes) or mental health conditions (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder). MAIN MEASURES Patient experience: Consumer Assessment of Health Plans and Systems communication and self-management support composites; no-show rates for primary care and mental health appointments; use of patient portal My HealtheVet; and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set electronic quality measures: HbA1c poor control, controlling high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia therapy adherence. KEY RESULTS Higher engagement scores were associated with better healthcare quality across all outcomes, with each 5-point increase (1/2 standard deviation) in engagement scores associated with statistically significant and clinically meaningful gains in quality. Across the continuum of low to high engagement scores, we observed a concomitant reduction in primary care no-show rates of 37% and 24% for mental health clinics; an increased likelihood of My HealtheVet use of 15.4%; and a decreased likelihood of poor diabetes control of 44%. CONCLUSIONS The PHE-8a is a brief, reliable, and valid patient-reported measure of healthcare engagement. These results confirm previously untested hypotheses that patient engagement can promote healthcare quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kimerling
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
| | - Donna M Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eleanor T Lewis
- Program Evaluation and Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Benjamin D Schalet
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven P Reise
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gisselle C Tamayo
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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13
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Ochoa-Allemant P, Tate JP, Williams EC, Gordon KS, Marconi VC, Bensley KM, Rentsch CT, Wang KH, Taddei TH, Justice AC. Enhanced Identification of Hispanic Ethnicity Using Clinical Data: A Study in the Largest Integrated United States Health Care System. Med Care 2023; 61:200-205. [PMID: 36893404 PMCID: PMC10114212 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collection of accurate Hispanic ethnicity data is critical to evaluate disparities in health and health care. However, this information is often inconsistently recorded in electronic health record (EHR) data. OBJECTIVE To enhance capture of Hispanic ethnicity in the Veterans Affairs EHR and compare relative disparities in health and health care. METHODS We first developed an algorithm based on surname and country of birth. We then determined sensitivity and specificity using self-reported ethnicity from the 2012 Veterans Aging Cohort Study survey as the reference standard and compared this to the research triangle institute race variable from the Medicare administrative data. Finally, we compared demographic characteristics and age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of conditions in Hispanic patients among different identification methods in the Veterans Affairs EHR 2018-2019. RESULTS Our algorithm yielded higher sensitivity than either EHR-recorded ethnicity or the research triangle institute race variable. In 2018-2019, Hispanic patients identified by the algorithm were more likely to be older, had a race other than White, and foreign born. The prevalence of conditions was similar between EHR and algorithm ethnicity. Hispanic patients had higher prevalence of diabetes, gastric cancer, chronic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and human immunodeficiency virus than non-Hispanic White patients. Our approach evidenced significant differences in burden of disease among Hispanic subgroups by nativity status and country of birth. CONCLUSIONS We developed and validated an algorithm to supplement Hispanic ethnicity information using clinical data in the largest integrated US health care system. Our approach enabled clearer understanding of demographic characteristics and burden of disease in the Hispanic Veteran population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet P. Tate
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily C. Williams
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Services Research & Development, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kirsha S. Gordon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Christopher T. Rentsch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karen H. Wang
- Equity Research and Innovation Center, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamar H. Taddei
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amy C. Justice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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14
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Bernstein EL, DeRycke EC, Han L, Farmer MM, Bastian LA, Bean-Mayberry B, Bade B, Brandt C, Crothers K, Skanderson M, Ruser C, Spelman J, Bazan IS, Justice AC, Rentsch CT, Akgün KM. Racial, Ethnic, and Rural Disparities in US Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine Rates. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100094. [PMID: 37362395 PMCID: PMC10038675 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Race, ethnicity, and rurality-related disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake have been documented in the United States (US). Objective We determined whether these disparities existed among patients at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the largest healthcare system in the US. Design Settings Participants Measurements Using VA Corporate Data Warehouse data, we included 5,871,438 patients (9.4% women) with at least one primary care visit in 2019 in a retrospective cohort study. Each patient was assigned a single race/ethnicity, which were mutually exclusive, self-reported categories. Rurality was based on 2019 home address at the zip code level. Our primary outcome was time-to-first COVID-19 vaccination between December 15, 2020-June 15, 2021. Additional covariates included age (in years), sex, geographic region (North Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Pacific, Continental), smoking status (current, former, never), Charlson Comorbidity Index (based on ≥1 inpatient or two outpatient ICD codes), service connection (any/none, using standardized VA-cutoffs for disability compensation), and influenza vaccination in 2019-2020 (yes/no). Results Compared with unvaccinated patients, those vaccinated (n=3,238,532; 55.2%) were older (mean age in years vaccinated=66.3, (standard deviation=14.4) vs. unvaccinated=57.7, (18.0), p<.0001)). They were more likely to identify as Black (18.2% vs. 16.1%, p<.0001), Hispanic (7.0% vs. 6.6% p<.0001), or Asian American/Pacific Islander (AA/PI) (2.0% vs. 1.7%, P<.0001). In addition, they were more likely to reside in urban settings (68.0% vs. 62.8, p<.0001). Relative to non-Hispanic White urban Veterans, the reference group for race/ethnicity-urban/rural hazard ratios reported, all urban race/ethnicity groups were associated with increased likelihood for vaccination except American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) groups. Urban Black groups were 12% more likely (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.12 [CI 1.12-1.13]) and rural Black groups were 6% more likely to receive a first vaccination (HR=1.06 [1.05-1.06]) relative to white urban groups. Urban Hispanic, AA/PI and Mixed groups were more likely to receive vaccination while rural members of these groups were less likely (Hispanic: Urban HR=1.17 [1.16-1.18], Rural HR=0.98 [0.97-0.99]; AA/PI: Urban HR=1.22 [1.21-1.23], Rural HR=0.86 [0.84-0.88]). Rural White Veterans were 21% less likely to receive an initial vaccine compared with urban White Veterans (HR=0.79 [0.78-0.79]). AI/AN groups were less likely to receive vaccination regardless of rurality: Urban HR=0.93 [0.91-0.95]; AI/AN-Rural HR=0.76 [0.74-0.78]. Conclusions Urban Black, Hispanic, and AA/PI Veterans were more likely than their urban White counterparts to receive a first vaccination; all rural race/ethnicity groups except Black patients had lower likelihood for vaccination compared with urban White patients. A better understanding of disparities and rural outreach will inform equitable vaccine distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan L. Bernstein
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Eric C. DeRycke
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ling Han
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Melissa M. Farmer
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lori A. Bastian
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Bevanne Bean-Mayberry
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
- Division of General Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brett Bade
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cynthia Brandt
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kristina Crothers
- VA Puget Sound Health Care, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher Ruser
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Juliette Spelman
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Isabel S. Bazan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Amy C. Justice
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher T. Rentsch
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathleen M. Akgün
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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15
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Aday AW, Duncan MS, Patterson OV, DuVall SL, Alba PR, Alcorn CW, Tindle HA, Creager MA, Bonaca MP, Damrauer SM, Wells QS, Behroozian A, Beckman JA, Freiberg MS. Association of Sex and Race With Incident Peripheral Artery Disease Among Veterans With Normal Ankle-Brachial Indices. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2240188. [PMID: 36326762 PMCID: PMC9634499 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.40188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Reported risk of incident peripheral artery disease (PAD) by sex and race varies significantly and has not been reported in national cohorts among individuals free of baseline PAD. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of sex and race, as well as prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, with limb outcomes in a national cohort of people with normal baseline ankle-brachial indices (ABIs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was conducted using data from participants in the Veterans Affairs Birth Cohort Study (born 1945-1965), with follow-up data between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2016. Baseline demographics were collected from 77 041 participants receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration with baseline ABIs of 0.90 to 1.40 and no history of PAD. Data were analyzed from October 2019 through September 2022. EXPOSURES Sex, race, diabetes, and smoking status. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Incident PAD, defined as subsequent ABI less than 0.90, surgical or percutaneous revascularization, or nontraumatic amputation. RESULTS Of 77 041 participants with normal ABIs (73 822 [95.8%] men; mean [SD] age, 60.2 [5.9] years; 13 080 Black [18.2%] and 54 377 White [75.6%] among 71 911 participants with race and ethnicity data), there were 6692 incident PAD events over a median [IQR] of 3.9 [1.7-6.9] years. Incidence rates were lower for women than men (incidence rates [IRs] per 1000 person-years, 7.4 incidents [95% CI, 6.2-8.8 incidents] vs 19.2 incidents [95% CI, 18.7-19.6 incidents]), with a lower risk of incident PAD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.49 [95% CI, 0.41-0.59]). IRs per 1000 person-years of incident PAD were similar for Black and White participants (18.9 incidents [95% CI, 17.9-20.1 incidents] vs 18.8 incidents [95% CI, 18.3-19.4]). Compared with White participants, Black participants had increased risk of total PAD (aHR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.02-1.16]) and nontraumatic amputation (aHR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.06-1.36]) but not surgical or percutaneous revascularization (aHR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.98-1.23]) or subsequent ABI less than 0.90 (aHR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.95-1.13]). Diabetes (aHR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.53-1.72]) and smoking (eg, current vs never: aHR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.64-1.89]) were associated with incident PAD. Incident PAD was rare among individuals without a history of smoking or diabetes (eg, among 632 women: IR per 1000 people-years, 2.1 incidents [95% CI, 1.0-4.5 incidents]) despite an otherwise-high-risk cardiovascular profile (eg, 527 women [83.4%] with hypertension). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that the risk of PAD was approximately 50% lower in women than men and less than 10% higher for Black vs White participants, while the risk of nontraumatic amputation was 20% higher among Black compared with White participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron W. Aday
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Meredith S. Duncan
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Olga V. Patterson
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Scott L. DuVall
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Patrick R. Alba
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Charles W. Alcorn
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hilary A. Tindle
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mark A. Creager
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Marc P. Bonaca
- Colorado Prevention Center Clinical Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Scott M. Damrauer
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Quinn S. Wells
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adam Behroozian
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Now with Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
| | - Joshua A. Beckman
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew S. Freiberg
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville
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Baxter SL, Nwanyanwu K, Legault G, Lee AY. Data Sources for Evaluating Health Disparities in Ophthalmology: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go. Ophthalmology 2022; 129:e146-e149. [PMID: 36058733 PMCID: PMC9509471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Data provide an opportunity to discover disparities and inequities that may otherwise be unrecognized. Within the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Task Force on Disparities in Eye Care, the Leveraging Data Sub-task Force was charged with identifying data sources to study health disparities in eye care and to leverage data to advance health equity. We evaluated large data sources to determine their strengths, deficiencies, and relative accessibility in relation to the likelihood of identifying eye care disparities. We highlight the current challenges with these data sources and review key recommendations for improving future sources for studying health disparities in eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally L Baxter
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Health Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kristen Nwanyanwu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gary Legault
- Department of Ophthalmology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Aaron Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
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Peltzman T, Rice K, Jones KT, Washington DL, Shiner B. Optimizing Data on Race and Ethnicity for Veterans Affairs Patients. Mil Med 2022; 187:e955-e962. [PMID: 35323934 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maintaining accurate race and ethnicity data among patients of the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system has historically been a challenge. This work expands on previous efforts to optimize race and ethnicity values by combining multiple VA data sources and exploring race- and ethnicity-specific collation algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We linked VA patient data from 2000 to 2018 with race and ethnicity data from four administrative and electronic health record sources: VA Medical SAS files (MedSAS), Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), VA Centers for Medicare extracts (CMS), and VA Defense Identity Repository Data (VADIR). To assess the accuracy of each data source, we compared race and ethnicity values to self-reported data from the Survey of Health Experiences of Patients (SHEP). We used Cohen's Kappa to assess overall (holistic) source agreement and positive predictive values (PPV) to determine the accuracy of sources for each race and ethnicity separately. RESULTS Holistic agreement with SHEP data was excellent (K > 0.80 for all sources), while race- and ethnicity-specific agreement varied. All sources were best at identifying White and Black users (average PPV = 0.94, 0.93, respectively). When applied to the full VA user population, both holistic and race-specific algorithms substantially reduced unknown values, as compared to single-source methods. CONCLUSIONS Combining multiple sources to generate race and ethnicity values improves data accuracy among VA patients. Based on the overall agreement with self-reported data, we recommend using non-missing values from sources in the following order to fill in race values-SHEP, CMS, CDW, MedSAS, and VADIR-and in the following order to fill in ethnicity values-SHEP, CDW, MedSAS, VADIR, and CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talya Peltzman
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
| | - Korie Rice
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
| | | | - Donna L Washington
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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Shiner B, Gottlieb D, Rice K, Forehand JA, Snitkin M, Watts BV. Evaluating policies to improve access to mental health services in rural areas. J Rural Health 2022; 38:805-816. [PMID: 35538395 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has gradually implemented policies to increase access to mental health care outside of VA medical centers. Most notably, this included requirements to offer mental health services at VA-administered community-based clinics in 2008 and increased access to VA-paid care in the community beginning in 2014. Our objective was to understand how mental health service use patterns changed for rural VA patients during this time. METHODS We developed a longitudinal cohort of all rural patients who used VA services between 2002 and 2019 (N = 3,345,862). We examined individual, health care, and contextual predictors of mental health service use as well as modalities of mental health service use during policy-relevant time periods using descriptive statistics. FINDINGS Access to mental health services increased with each policy change. The annual percentage of rural VA patients accessing mental health services increased from 11.4% in the earliest years (2002-2004) to 19.8% in the latest years (2017-2019). The most rapid period of increase followed a requirement for availability of mental health services at VA-administered community clinics. Increasing access to VA-paid care in the community had less effect. By the end of the evaluation, gaps remained in the delivery of care to elderly patients over the age of 75. CONCLUSIONS Rural patients use mental health services when they become available. Access was the highest with a combination of changes to both delivery modalities and payment methods. Continued, and perhaps different efforts are required to address a persistent disparity for older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Shiner
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Daniel Gottlieb
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Korie Rice
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Jenna A Forehand
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Meghan Snitkin
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Bradley V Watts
- Behavioral Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.,Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
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Jenkins KA, Keddem S, Bekele SB, Augustine KE, Long JA. Perspectives on Racism in Health Care Among Black Veterans With Chronic Kidney Disease. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2211900. [PMID: 35552724 PMCID: PMC9099421 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.11900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease falls disproportionately on Black individuals in the US, with Black veterans experiencing substantial consequences, and only a portion of the disparities in health conditions and health care can be explained by nonbiological factors. Among Black individuals, racism is likely one of those factors, suggesting the need to examine the consequences of racism and the resulting social structures that establish and perpetuate these racial disparities. Objective To investigate the health care experiences of Black veterans with CKD and identify and explore the racial discrimination encountered by this vulnerable population. Design, Setting, and Participants This qualitative study used semistructured interview guides to investigate the health care experiences of 36 Black veterans with CKD who received care at the Corporal Michael Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from October 2018 to September 2019. Interview transcripts were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Results Among 36 Black veterans with CKD who characterized racism in the context of their care at a Veterans Affairs medical center, the mean (SD) age was 66.0 (7.8) years; 35 participants (97.2%) were male, 1 participant (2.8%) was female, and 19 participants (52.8%) were married. The mean (SD) duration of military service was 8.0 (7.0) years. Overall, 15 participants (41.7%) were not dependent on dialysis, and hypertension was the most common comorbidity (9 participants [25.0%]). Veterans described the ways in which racism produced emotional and physical stress, including psychological symptoms (eg, anger and hurt) and physiological symptoms (eg, headaches). Veterans described a strong sense of distrust in the health care system coupled with a need to be hypervigilant during clinical encounters. When encountering racism, veterans described bottling up their feelings, which sometimes led to maladaptive behavior (eg, substance use). Veterans also described individual and collective positive strategies (eg, faith) for coping with the stress of racism. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, Black veterans with CKD experienced racism in the clinical setting that produced physical and emotional stress and a strong sense of distrust in the health care system. These findings highlight an important opportunity for education and training of health care professionals in the implementation of trauma-informed approaches to care as a means of addressing race-based stress and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A. Jenkins
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Annenberg School of Communications, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Shimrit Keddem
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Judith A. Long
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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20
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Mohatt NV, Hoffmire CA, Schneider AL, Goss CW, Shore JH, Spark TL, Kaufman CE. Suicide Among American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans Who Use Veterans Health Administration Care: 2004-2018. Med Care 2022; 60:275-278. [PMID: 35271514 PMCID: PMC8923357 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) veterans may be at elevated risk for suicide, but little is known about suicide among this population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of AI/AN veterans who received health care services provided or paid for by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) between October 1, 2002, and September 30, 2014, and who were alive as of September 30, 2003. Age-specific and age-adjusted suicide rates through 2018, per 100,000 person-years (PY) at risk and 95% confidence intervals were computed. RESULTS Age-adjusted suicide rates among AI/AN veterans in this cohort more than doubled (19.1-47.0/100,000 PY) over the 15-year observation period. In the most recent observation period (2014-2018), the age-adjusted suicide rate was 47.0 per 100,000 PY, with the youngest age group (18-39) exhibiting the highest suicide rate (66.0/100,000 PY). The most frequently used lethal means was firearms (58.8%), followed by suffocation (19.3%), poisoning (17.2%), and other (4.7%). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that: (1) suicide is an increasing problem among AI/AN VHA veterans; and (2) younger AI/AN VHA veterans are at particularly high risk and warrant focused prevention efforts. Findings are similar to those observed in general AI/AN population. There is a compelling need to review and strengthen VHA suicide prevention efforts directed towards AI/AN veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel V. Mohatt
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Claire A. Hoffmire
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Alexandra L. Schneider
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
| | - Cynthia W. Goss
- VA Office of Rural Health’s (ORH) Veterans Rural Health Resource Center Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Jay H. Shore
- VA Office of Rural Health’s (ORH) Veterans Rural Health Resource Center Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Talia L. Spark
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Carol E. Kaufman
- VA Office of Rural Health’s (ORH) Veterans Rural Health Resource Center Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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21
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Beckman KL, Williams EC, Hebert P, Hawkins EJ, Littman AJ, Lehavot K. The impact of military sexual trauma and gender on receipt of evidence-based medication treatment among veterans with opioid use disorder. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108775. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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22
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Essien UR, Kim N, Magnani JW, Good CB, Litam TMA, Hausmann LRM, Mor MK, Gellad WF, Fine MJ. Association of Race and Ethnicity and Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Dually Enrolled in VA and Medicare: Effects of Medicare Part D on Prescribing Disparities. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2021; 15:e008389. [PMID: 34779655 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.121.008389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in anticoagulation exist in atrial fibrillation (AF) management in Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration (VA), but the influence of dual VA and Medicare enrollment is unclear. We compared anticoagulant initiation by race and ethnicity in dually enrolled patients and assessed the role of Medicare Part D enrollment on anticoagulation disparities. Methods: We identified patients with incident AF (2014-2018) dually enrolled in VA and Medicare. We assessed any anticoagulant initiation (warfarin or direct-acting oral anticoagulants, DOACs) within 90 days of AF diagnosis and DOAC use among anticoagulant initiators. We modeled anticoagulant initiation, adjusting for patient, provider, and facility factors, including main effects for race and ethnicity and Medicare Part D enrollment and an interaction term for these variables. Results: In 43,789 patients, 8.9% were Black, 3.6% Hispanic, and 87.5% White; 10.9% participated in Medicare Part D. Overall, 29,680 (67.8%) patients initiated any anticoagulant, of which 17,568 (59.2%) initiated DOACs. Lower proportions of Black (65.2%) than Hispanic (67.6%) or White (68.0%) patients initiated any anticoagulant (p= 0.001), and lower proportions of Black (56.3%) and Hispanic (55.9%) than White (59.6%) patients (p=0.001) initiated DOACs. Compared to White patients, Black patients had significantly lower initiation of any anticoagulant, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.89; 95% CI 0.82-0.97. The aORs for DOAC initiation were significantly lower for Black (0.72; 95% CI, 0.65-0.81) and Hispanic (0.84; 95% CI, 0.70-1.00) than White patients.The interaction between race and ethnicity and Medicare Part D enrollment was non-significant for any anticoagulant (p=0.99) and DOAC (p=0.27) therapies. Conclusions: In dually enrolled VA and Medicare patients with AF, Black patients were less likely to initiate any anticoagulant and Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to initiate DOACs. Medicare Part D enrollment did not moderate the associations between race and ethnicity and anticoagulant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utibe R Essien
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nadejda Kim
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jared W Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Chester B Good
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; Centers for Value-Based Pharmacy Initiatives and High-Value Health Care, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Terrence M A Litam
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Maria K Mor
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael J Fine
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
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Silvestrini M, Indresano J, Zeliadt SB, Chen JA. "There's a huge benefit just to know that someone cares:" a qualitative examination of rural veterans' experiences with TelePain. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1111. [PMID: 34656133 PMCID: PMC8520618 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans in the United States are at an increased risk of chronic pain and have higher reported pain prevalence and severity than nonveterans. This qualitative study aims to examine veterans' perspectives on the acceptability of receiving pain care through TelePain, a telehealth program implemented by the Veterans Health Administration (VA) that offers specialty pain care to rural veterans in their homes or in a video conferencing room at a nearby outpatient clinic. METHODS The VA electronic health record was used to identify patients who were referred to TelePain from rural clinics located in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska between 12/01/2019 and 03/31/2020. The study team completed 16 semi-structured interviews with rural veterans about their experiences with TelePain. After interview transcripts were recorded digitally and transcribed, Atlas.ti was used to organize data and facilitate qualitative coding. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Veterans reported general satisfaction with receiving pain care through telehealth and valued having supportive, knowledgeable providers who provided useful information and resources. In addition, veterans appreciated the convenience of telehealth. Barriers to care included problems with program follow-up, negative perceptions of mental health care for pain, and preference for in-person care. Although some patients suggested that telehealth audio and video could be improved, most patients did not have any significant problems with telehealth technology. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of rural veterans who used TelePain, many reported satisfaction with the program and positive experiences with providers. Targets for quality improvement include streamlining the program's referral and scheduling process and improving patient motivation to engage in psychological pain treatments. Results indicate that delivering pain services over telehealth is an acceptable modality for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Silvestrini
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Jess Indresano
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
| | - Steven B Zeliadt
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jessica A Chen
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Schuttner L, Haraldsson B, Maynard C, Helfrich CD, Reddy A, Parikh T, Nelson KM, Wong E. Factors Associated With Low-Value Cancer Screenings in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2130581. [PMID: 34677595 PMCID: PMC8536952 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.30581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Most clinical practice guidelines recommend stopping cancer screenings when risks exceed benefits, yet low-value screenings persist. The Veterans Health Administration focuses on improving the value and quality of care, using a patient-centered medical home model that may affect cancer screening behavior. OBJECTIVE To understand rates and factors associated with outpatient low-value cancer screenings. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study assessed the receipt of low-value cancer screening and associated factors among 5 993 010 veterans. Four measures of low-value cancer screening defined by validated recommendations of practices to avoid were constructed using administrative data. Patients with cancer screenings in 2017 at Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics were included. Excluded patients had recent symptoms or historic high-risk diagnoses that may affect test appropriateness (eg, melena preceding colonoscopy). Data were analyzed from December 23, 2019, to June 21, 2021. EXPOSURES Receipt of cancer screening test. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Low-value screenings were defined as occurring for average-risk patients outside of guideline-recommended ages or if the 1-year mortality risk estimated using a previously validated score was at least 50%. Factors evaluated in multivariable regression models included patient, clinician, and clinic characteristics and patient-centered medical home domain performance for team-based care, access, and continuity previously developed from administrative and survey data. RESULTS Of 5 993 010 veterans (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [16.8] years; 5 496 976 men [91.7%]; 1 027 836 non-Hispanic Black [17.2%] and 4 539 341 non-Hispanic White [75.7%] race and ethnicity) enrolled in primary care, 903 612 of 4 647 479 men of average risk (19.4%) underwent prostate cancer screening; 299 765 of 5 770 622 patients of average risk (5.2%) underwent colorectal cancer screening; 21 930 of 469 045 women of average risk (4.7%) underwent breast cancer screening; and 65 511 of 458 086 women of average risk (14.3%) underwent cervical cancer screening. Of patients screened, low-value testing was rare for 3 cancers, with receipt of a low-value test in 633 of 21 930 of women screened for breast cancer (2.9%), 630 of 65 511 of women screened for cervical cancer (1.0%), and 6790 of 299 765 of patients screened for colorectal cancer (2.3%). However, 350 705 of 4 647 479 of screened men (7.5%) received a low-value prostate cancer test. Patient race and ethnicity, sociodemographic factors, and illness burden were significantly associated with likelihood of receipt of low-value tests among screened patients. No single patient-, clinician-, or clinic-level factor explained the receipt of a low-value test across cancer screening cohorts. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This large cohort study found that low-value breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings were rare in the Veterans Health Administration, but more than one-third of patients screened for prostate cancer were tested outside of clinical practice guidelines. Guideline-discordant care has quality implications and is not consistently explained by associated multilevel factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnaea Schuttner
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Charles Maynard
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Christian D. Helfrich
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ashok Reddy
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Toral Parikh
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- Geriatrics and Extended Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
| | - Karin M. Nelson
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Edwin Wong
- Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle
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25
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Essien UR, Kim N, Hausmann LRM, Mor MK, Good CB, Magnani JW, Litam TMA, Gellad WF, Fine MJ. Disparities in Anticoagulant Therapy Initiation for Incident Atrial Fibrillation by Race/Ethnicity Among Patients in the Veterans Health Administration System. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2114234. [PMID: 34319358 PMCID: PMC8319757 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac rhythm disturbance causing substantial morbidity and mortality that disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority groups. Anticoagulation reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation, yet studies show it is underprescribed in racial/ethnic minority patients. OBJECTIVE To compare initiation of anticoagulant therapy by race/ethnicity for patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) system with atrial fibrillation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included 111 666 patients within the VA system with incident atrial fibrillation between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed between December 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020. EXPOSURES Any anticoagulation was defined as receipt of warfarin or direct-acting oral anticoagulants, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Initiation of any anticoagulation (or direct-acting oral anticoagulant therapy in those who initiated any anticoagulation) was examined within 90 days of an index atrial fibrillation diagnosis. RESULTS Our final cohort comprised 111 666 patients (109 386 men [98.0%] and 95 493 White patients [85.5%]; mean [SD] age, 72.9 [10.4] years). A total of 69 590 patients (62.3%) initiated any anticoagulant therapy, varying 10.5 percentage points by race/ethnicity (P < .001); initiation was lowest in Asian (52.2% [n = 676]) and Black (60.3% [n = 6177]) patients and highest in White patients (62.7% [n = 59 881]). Among anticoagulant initiators, 45 381 (65.2%) used direct-acting oral anticoagulants, varying 7.2 percentage points by race/ethnicity (P < .001); initiation was lowest in Hispanic (58.3% [n = 1470]), American Indian/Alaska Native (59.8% [n = 201]), and Black (60.9% [n = 3763]) patients and highest in White patients (66.0% [n = 39 502). Compared with White patients, the odds of initiating any anticoagulant therapy were significantly lower for Asian (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.94) and Black (aOR, 0.90; 95% CI 0.85-0.95) patients. Among initiators, the adjusted odds of direct-acting oral anticoagulant initiation were significantly lower for Hispanic (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.89), American Indian/Alaska Native (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.99), and Black (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI 0.69-0.80) patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that in patients with incident atrial fibrillation managed in the VA system, race/ethnicity was independently associated with initiating any anticoagulant therapy and direct-acting oral anticoagulant use among anticoagulant initiators. Understanding the reasons for these treatment disparities is essential to improving equitable atrial fibrillation management and outcomes among racial/ethnic minority patients treated in the VA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utibe R Essien
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nadejda Kim
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria K Mor
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chester B Good
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Centers for Value-Based Pharmacy Initiatives and High-Value Health Care, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jared W Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Terrence M A Litam
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J Fine
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Rodríguez-Fernández M, Herrera J, de las Heras-Rosas C. Model of Organizational Commitment Applied to Health Management Systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4496. [PMID: 33922667 PMCID: PMC8122969 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we try to build on the problems surrounding the management of human resources in health care organizations worldwide. After the analysis of the reviewed literature, we detected that the scientific community considers several recurring themes that need attention: stress, burnout, and turnover intention. Based on this, we developed a model of organizational commitment that aims to achieve performance and health quality, its main result the establishment of the appropriate management policies in order to avoid the abandonment of the organization through the search for commitment and job satisfaction. Amongst our main conclusions, we highlight the need to implement a human resources model for hospital administrators based on the relationships with "patients" not "clients" through the maintenance of a positive and strong atmosphere of staff participation. It is important to develop innovative practices related to clear job design that eliminate reasons for ambiguity and stress in executing the tasks of the healthcare system. Finally, we urge training programs in transformational leadership to promote the well-being and organizational commitment of employees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Herrera
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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27
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Schalet BD, Reise SP, Zulman DM, Lewis ET, Kimerling R. Psychometric evaluation of a patient-reported item bank for healthcare engagement. Qual Life Res 2021; 30:2363-2374. [PMID: 33835412 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Healthcare engagement is a core measurement target for efforts to improve healthcare systems. This construct is broadly defined as the extent to which healthcare services represent collaborative partnerships with patients. Previous qualitative work operationalized healthcare engagement as generalized self-efficacy in four related subdomains: self-management, collaborative communication, health information use, and healthcare navigation. Building on this work, our objective was to establish a healthcare engagement instrument that is sufficiently unidimensional to yield a single score. METHOD We conducted cognitive interviews followed by a nation-wide mail survey of US Veteran Administration (VA) healthcare users. Data were collected on 49 candidate healthcare engagement items, as well as measures of self-efficacy for managing symptoms, provider communication, and perceived access. Items were subjected to exploratory bifactor, statistical learning, and IRT analyses. RESULTS Cognitive interviews were completed by 56 patients and 9552 VA healthcare users with chronic conditions completed the mail survey. Participants were mostly white and male but with sizable minority participation. Psychometric analyses and content considerations reduced the item pool to 23 items, which demonstrated a strong general factor (OmegaH of .89). IRT analyses revealed a high level of reliability across the trait range and little DIF across groups. Most health information use items were removed during analyses, suggesting a more independent role for this domain. CONCLUSION We provide quantitative evidence for a relatively unidimensional measure of healthcare engagement. Despite developed with VA healthcare users, the measure is intended for general use. Future work includes short-form development and validation with other patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Schalet
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
| | - Steven P Reise
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Donna M Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, USA.,Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Eleanor T Lewis
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, USA
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, USA.,Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, USA
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28
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Avramovic S, Alemi F, Kanchi R, Lopez PM, Hayes RB, Thorpe LE, Schwartz MD. US veterans administration diabetes risk (VADR) national cohort: cohort profile. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039489. [PMID: 33277282 PMCID: PMC7722386 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The veterans administration diabetes risk (VADR) cohort facilitates studies on temporal and geographic patterns of pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as targeted studies of their predictors. The cohort provides an infrastructure for examination of novel individual and community-level risk factors for diabetes and their consequences among veterans. This cohort also establishes a baseline against which to assess the impact of national or regional strategies to prevent diabetes in veterans. PARTICIPANTS The VADR cohort includes all 6 082 018 veterans in the USA enrolled in the veteran administration (VA) for primary care who were diabetes-free as of 1 January 2008 and who had at least two diabetes-free visits to a VA primary care service at least 30 days apart within any 5-year period since 1 January 2003, or veterans subsequently enrolled and were diabetes-free at cohort entry through 31 December 2016. Cohort subjects were followed from the date of cohort entry until censure defined as date of incident diabetes, loss to follow-up of 2 years, death or until 31 December 2018. FINDINGS TO DATE The incidence rate of type 2 diabetes in this cohort of over 6 million veterans followed for a median of 5.5 years (over 35 million person-years (PY)) was 26 per 1000 PY. During the study period, 8.5% of the cohort were lost to follow-up and 17.7% died. Many demographic, comorbidity and other clinical variables were more prevalent among patients with incident diabetes. FUTURE PLANS This cohort will be used to study community-level risk factors for diabetes, such as attributes of the food environment and neighbourhood socioeconomic status via geospatial linkage to residence address information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Avramovic
- Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York, USA
| | - Farrokh Alemi
- Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Rania Kanchi
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Priscilla M Lopez
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard B Hayes
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lorna E Thorpe
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark D Schwartz
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This scoping review synthesizes the recent literature on precision public health and the influence of predictive models on health equity with the intent to highlight central concepts for each topic and identify research opportunities for the biomedical informatics community. METHODS Searches were conducted using PubMed for publications between 2017-01-01 and 2019-12-31. RESULTS Precision public health is defined as the use of data and evidence to tailor interventions to the characteristics of a single population. It differs from precision medicine in terms of its focus on populations and the limited role of human genomics. High-resolution spatial analysis in a global health context and application of genomics to infectious organisms are areas of progress. Opportunities for informatics research include (i) the development of frameworks for measuring non-clinical concepts, such as social position, (ii) the development of methods for learning from similar populations, and (iii) the evaluation of precision public health implementations. Just as the effects of interventions can differ across populations, predictive models can perform systematically differently across subpopulations due to information bias, sampling bias, random error, and the choice of the output. Algorithm developers, professional societies, and governments can take steps to prevent and mitigate these biases. However, even if the steps to avoid bias are clear in theory, they can be very challenging to accomplish in practice. CONCLUSIONS Both precision public health and predictive modelling require careful consideration in how subpopulations are defined and access to data on subpopulations can be challenging. While the theory for both topics has advanced considerably, there is much work to be done in understanding how to implement and evaluate these approaches in practice.
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