Applying the 3M All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups Grouper to measure inpatient severity in the VA

Trends in sedation-analgesia practices in pediatric liver transplant patients admitted postoperatively to the pediatric intensive care unit: An analysis of data from the pediatric health information system (PHIS) database

BACKGROUND

Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), after liver transplantation, frequently require analgesia and sedation in the immediate postoperative period. Our objective was to assess trends and variations in sedation and analgesia used in this cohort.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System from 2012 to 2022.

RESULTS

During the study period, 3963 patients with liver transplantation were admitted to the PICU from 32 US children's hospitals with a median age of 2 years [IQR: 0.00, 10.00]. 54 percent of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV). Compared with patients without MV, those with MV were more likely to receive morphine (57% vs 49%, p < .001), fentanyl (57% vs 44%), midazolam (45% vs 31%), lorazepam (39% vs. 24%), dexmedetomidine (38% vs 30%), and ketamine (25% vs 12%), all p < .001. Vasopressor usage was also higher in MV patients (22% vs. 35%, p < .001). During the study period, there was an increasing trend in the utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, but the use of benzodiazepine decreased (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

About 50% of patients who undergo liver transplant are placed on MV in the PICU postoperatively and receive a greater amount of benzodiazepines in comparison with those without MV. The overall utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine was more frequent, whereas the administration of benzodiazepines was less during the study period. Pediatric intensivists have a distinctive opportunity to collaborate with the liver transplant team to develop comprehensive guidelines for sedation and analgesia, aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided to these patients.

Weekend Admissions Associated with Increased Length of Stay for Children Undergoing Cholecystectomy

Background and Objectives:

Prior research shows an association between increased length of stay (LOS) and weekend surgical admissions, but none have looked at this relationship in children undergoing nonelective cholecystectomy for benign noncongenital biliary disease. We investigated whether weekend admissions lead to a longer LOS in this patient population.

Methods:

The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried for children ≤ 17 years undergoing cholecystectomy in New York State between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012. Parametric and nonparametric statistical testing was used for univariate analysis; multivariable binary logistic regression and linear regression models were used for multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 1066 pediatric patients underwent nonelective cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis (9.7%) and other benign biliary noncongenital diseases (90.3%), of which 22.1% of all patients were admitted over the weekend. Most cases (97.2%) were treated laparoscopically with an overall 3-day median LOS. Weekend admission was associated with an increased LOS of 4 days as opposed to 3 days during the weekday (p < 0.001). On a multivariable binary logistic regression model controlling for hospital factors, indication for surgery, and comorbidities, weekend admission was associated with 1.92 odds of increased length of stay (adjusted odds ratio of 1.924, 95% confidence interval: 1.386–2.673).

Conclusion:

Weekend admissions were associated with increased LOS and charges for children requiring nonelective cholecystectomy, despite the wide use of laparoscopic surgery.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the US: Characteristics and Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Decompressive hemicraniectomy can be life-saving for malignant middle cerebral artery acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, utilization and outcomes for hemicraniectomy in the US are not known. We sought to analyze baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving hemicraniectomy for AIS in the US.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified adults who received hemicraniectomy for AIS, identified with validated International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) code in the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2014. We calculated 30-day readmission rates, reasons for readmission, and procedures performed.

RESULTS

2850 of 531,896 AIS patients (0.54%) received hemicraniectomy. Although patients receiving hemicraniectomy were more likely to be younger (57.0, 95% CI 56.0-58.0; vs 70.9, 95% CI 70.6-71.2; p < 0.0001) and male (40% vs 51.2% female; p<0.0001), 46.3% of patients who received hemicraniectomy were age 60 years and older. Patients 60 years or older receiving hemicraniectomy were more likely to die (29.9% vs 21.9%, p = 0.0081). Hemicraniectomy was more frequently performed at large hospitals (75.3% vs 57.7%; p < 0.0001) in urban areas (99.1% vs 90.3%; p < 0.0001) designated as metropolitan teaching hospitals (88.3% vs 63.4%; p < 0.0001). 30-day readmissions were most commonly due to infection (31.5%), non-infectious medical complications (17.7%), and surgical complications (13.8%). These readmissions were critical.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hemicraniectomy is used more frequently in the treatment of younger, male, ischemic stroke patients, only half of the patients receiving hemicraniectomy in 2014 were <60 years old. Regardless of age, hemicraniectomy is a geographically segregated procedure, only being performed in large metropolitan teaching hospitals.

Mortality Among Neutropenic Cancer Patients Within the United States: The Association With Hospital Volume

PURPOSE

Neutropenia is a serious complication of chemotherapy in patients with solid tumors. The influence of hospital volume on outcomes in patients with neutropenia has been little investigated. We hypothesized that large-volume hospitals would have reduced mortality rates for neutropenic patients compared with small-volume institutions.

METHODS

We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, for the years 2007-2011. All adult inpatient episodes with a diagnosis of both neutropenia and solid-tumor malignancy were included. Hospital volume was defined as the number of neutropenic cancer episodes per institution per year. Mortality was defined as death during admission. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was applied.

RESULTS

Twenty thousand three hundred and ten hospitalizations were included in the study, from 1,869 different institutions. Median age was 62 years. The overall inpatient mortality was 2.3%, and was dependent on age (age 50-59 years-1.6% and age 80-89 years-5.3%). The median number of neutropenic inpatient episodes in each institution per year was 14 (range, 1-168). Mortality was 3.3%, 2.7%, 2.2%, 2.2%, and 1.2% for each quintile of hospital volume (from lowest to highest volume, P < .001). Likewise, the proportion discharged home was 85.7%, 90.3%, 91.5%, 92.7%, and 95.4% (P < .001). The association between hospital volume and mortality remained significant after adjustment for patient-level and hospital-level variables.

DISCUSSION

Patients with neutropenia hospitalized in large-volume institutions have a substantially lower mortality compared with those hospitalized at low-volume institutions. Further study is required to validate our findings or overcome potential biases, understand mechanism, and investigate how smaller institutions can improve outcomes.

Variation in Acute Care Rehabilitation and 30-Day Hospital Readmission or Mortality in Adult Patients With Pneumonia

IMPORTANCE

Pneumonia often leads to functional decline during and after hospitalization and is a leading cause of hospital readmissions. Physical and occupational therapists help improve functional mobility and may be of help in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether use of physical and occupational therapy in the acute care hospital is associated with 30-day hospital readmission risk or death.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included the electronic health records and administrative claims data of 30 746 adults discharged alive with a primary or secondary diagnosis of pneumonia or influenza-related conditions from January 1, 2016, to March 30, 2018. Patients were treated at 12 acute care hospitals in a large health care system in western Pennsylvania. Data for this study were analyzed from September 2019 through March 2020.

EXPOSURES

Number of physical and occupational therapy visits during the acute care stay categorized as none, low (1-3), medium (4-6), or high (>6).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcomes were 30-day hospital readmission or death. Generalized linear mixed models were estimated to examine the association of therapy use and outcomes, controlling for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients older than 65 years, for patients with low functional mobility scores, for patients discharged to the community, and for patients discharged to a post-acute care facility (ie, skilled nursing or inpatient rehabilitation facility).

RESULTS

Of 30 746 patients, 15 507 (50.4%) were men, 26 198 (85.2%) were White individuals, and the mean (SD) age was 67.1 (17.4) years. The 30-day readmission rate was 18.4% (5645 patients), the 30-day death rate was 3.7% (1146 patients), and the rate of either outcome was 19.7% (6066 patients). Relative to no therapy visits, the risk of 30-day readmission or death decreased as therapy visits increased (1-3 visits: odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89-1.08; 4-6 visits: odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79-1.01; >6 visits: odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.98). The association was stronger in the subgroup with low functional mobility and in individuals discharged to a community setting.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, the number of therapy visits received was inversely associated with the risk of readmission or death. The association was stronger in the subgroups of patients with greater mobility limitations and those discharged to the community.

Readmissions for Depression and Suicide Attempt following Stroke and Myocardial Infarction

Background and Purpose

Rates of depression after ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI) are significantly higher than in the general population and associated with morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of nationally representative data comparing depression and suicide attempt (SA) after these distinct ischemic vascular events.

Methods

The 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database contains >14 million US admissions for all payers and the uninsured. Using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification Codes, we identified index admission with IS (n = 434,495) or MI (n = 539,550) and readmission for depression or SA. We calculated weighted frequencies of readmission. We performed adjusted Cox regression to calculate hazard ratio (HR) for readmission for depression and SA up to 1 year following IS versus MI. Analyses were stratified by discharge home versus elsewhere.

Results

Weighted depression readmission rates were higher at 30, 60, and 90 days in patients with IS versus MI (0.04%, 0.09%, 0.12% vs. 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.07%, respectively). There was no significant difference in SA readmissions between groups. The adjusted HR for readmission due to depression was 1.49 for IS versus MI (95% CI 1.25–1.79, p < 0.0001). History of depression (HR 3.70 [3.07–4.46]), alcoholism (2.04 [1.34–3.09]), and smoking (1.38 [1.15–1.64]) were associated with increased risk of depression readmission. Age >70 years (0.46 [0.37–0.56]) and discharge home (0.69 [0.57–0.83]) were associated with reduced hazards of readmission due to depression.

Conclusions

IS was associated with greater hazard of readmission due to depression compared to MI. Patients with a history of depression, smoking, and alcoholism were more likely to be readmitted with depression, while advanced age and discharge home were protective. It is unclear to what extent differences in type of ischemic tissue damage and disability contribute, and further investigation is warranted.

Acute subdural hematomas secondary to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage confer poor prognosis: a national perspective

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal ruptures typically cause subarachnoid bleeding with intraparenchymal and intraventricular extension. However, rare instances of acute aneurysmal ruptures present with concomitant, non-traumatic subdural hemorrhage (SDH). We explored the incidence and difference in outcomes of SDH with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) as compared with aSAH alone.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study from 2012 to 2015 from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) (20% stratified sample of all hospitals in the United States). NIS database (2012 to September 2015) queried to identify all patients presenting with aSAH. From this population, the patients with concomitant SDH were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 10 075 patients with both cerebral aneurysms and aSAH were included. Of these, 335 cases of concomitant SDH and aSAH were identified. There was no significant change in the rate of SDH in aSAH over time. SDH with aSAH patients had a mortality of 24% compared with 12% (p=0.003) in the SAH only group, and only 16% were discharged home vs 37% (p=0.003) in the SAH group.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a 3.5% incidence of acute SDH in patients presenting with non-traumatic aSAH. Patients with SDH and aSAH have nearly double the mortality, higher rate of discharge to nursing home and rehabilitation, and a significantly lower rate of discharge to home and return to routine functioning. This information is useful in counseling and prognostication of patients with concomitant SDH and aSAH.

Rural Stroke Patients Have Higher Mortality: An Improvement Opportunity for Rural Emergency Medical Services Systems

PURPOSE

Early recognition and prompt prehospital care is a cornerstone of acute stroke treatment. Residents of rural areas have worse access to stroke services than urban residents. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe US trends in rural-urban stroke mortality and (2) identify possible factors associated with rural-urban stroke case-fatality disparities.

METHODS

This study was a nationwide retrospective cohort study of stroke admissions. The primary exposure was rurality of patient's residence. The primary outcome was death during hospital encounter. The secondary outcome was discharge to a care facility or home healthcare. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions estimated the odds of mortality by subject rurality among stroke subjects.

FINDINGS

Rural stroke subjects had higher mortality than nonrural counterparts (18.6% rural vs 16.9% nonrural). After adjustment for patient and hospital factors, patient rurality was associated with increased odds of mortality (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06-1.15; P < .001). For the secondary outcome of discharge to home, rural stroke subjects were less likely to be discharged to a care facility than nonrural stroke visits (aOR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91-0.97; P < .001). Results were similar after adjusting for thrombolytics administration and transfer status.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural stroke patients have higher mortality than their urban counterparts likely due to their increased burden of chronic disease, lower health literacy, and reduced access to prompt prehospital care. There may be an opportunity for emergency medical services systems to assist in increasing stroke awareness for both patients and clinicians and to establish response patterns to expedite emergency care.

Summary perioperative risk metrics within the electronic medical record predict patient-level cost variation in pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Automated data extraction from the electronic medical record is fast, scalable, and inexpensive compared with manual abstraction. However, concerns regarding data quality and control for underlying patient variation when performing retrospective analyses exist. This study assesses the ability of summary electronic medical record metrics to control for patient-level variation in cost outcomes in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

Patients that underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2014 to 2018 at a single institution were identified within the electronic medical record and linked with the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Variables in both data sets were compared using interrater reliability. Logistic and linear regression modelling of complications and costs were performed using combinations of comorbidities/summary metrics. Models were compared using the adjusted R² and Akaike information criterion.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients populated the final data set. A total of 31 (26.5%) patients experienced a complication identified by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. The median direct variable cost for the encounter was US$14,314. Agreement between variables present in the electronic medical record and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was excellent. Stepwise linear regression models of costs, using only electronic medical record-extractable variables, were non-inferior to those created with manually abstracted individual comorbidities (R² = 0.67 vs 0.30, Akaike information criterion 2,095 vs 2,216). Model performance statistics were minimally impacted by the addition of comorbidities to models containing electronic medical record summary metrics (R² = 0.67 vs 0.70, Akaike information criterion 2,095 vs 2,088).

CONCLUSION

Summary electronic medical record perioperative risk metrics predict patient-level cost variation as effectively as individual comorbidities in the pancreaticoduodenectomy population. Automated electronic medical record data extraction can expand the patient population available for retrospective analysis without the associated increase in human and fiscal resources that manual data abstraction requires.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Retinal Artery Occlusion: Nationally Representative Data

Background and Purpose- There are few large studies examining comorbidities, outcomes, and acute interventions for patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO). RAO shares pathophysiology with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); direct comparison may inform emergent treatment, evaluation, and secondary prevention. Methods- The National Readmissions Database contains data on ≈50% of US hospitalizations from 2013 to 2015. We used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes to identify and compare index RAO and AIS admissions, comorbidities, and interventions and Clinical Comorbidity Software codes to identify readmissions causes, using survey-weighted methods when possible. Cumulative risk of all-cause readmission after RAO ≤1 year was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results- Among 4871 RAO and 1 239 963 AIS admissions, patients with RAO were less likely (P<0.0001) than patients with AIS to have diabetes mellitus (RAO, 24.3% versus AIS, 36.8%), congestive heart failure (9.1% versus 14.8%), atrial fibrillation (15.5% versus 25.2%), or hypertension (62.2% versus 67.6%) but more likely to have valvular disease (13.3% versus 10.5%) and tobacco usage (38.6% versus 32.9%). In RAO admissions, thrombolysis was administered in 2.9% (5.8% in central RAO subgroup, versus 8.0% of AIS), therapeutic anterior chamber paracentesis in 1.0%, thrombectomy in none; 1.4% received carotid endarterectomy during index admission, 1.6% within 30 days. Nearly 1 in 10 patients with RAO were readmitted within 30 days and were more than twice as likely as patients with AIS to be readmitted for dysrhythmia or endocarditis. Readmission for stroke after RAO was the highest within the first 150 days after index admission, and risk was higher in central RAO than in branch RAO. Conclusions- Patients with RAO had high prevalence of many stroke risk factors, particularly valvular disease and smoking, which can be addressed to minimize subsequent risk. Despite less baseline atrial fibrillation, RAO patients were more likely to be readmitted for atrial fibrillation/dysrhythmias. A variety of interventions was administered. AIS risk is the highest shortly after RAO, emphasizing the importance of urgent, thorough neurovascular evaluation.

Readmission to a different hospital following acute stroke is associated with worse outcomes

OBJECTIVE

There is a high risk of readmission within 30 days of index acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but effect of readmission to a different hospital is not known. We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess our hypothesis that 30-day readmission outcomes after AIS are worse for those readmitted to another hospital vs the discharging hospital.

METHODS

We utilized the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify patients with index stroke admissions with ICD-9-CM codes. We identified all-cause readmissions with Clinical Classification Software. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), total charges of hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality during 30-day readmission. Using linear and logistic regression, outcomes were compared in those readmitted to another hospital vs the discharging hospital.

RESULTS

There were 194,549 patients included, with an average age of 80.0 ± 14.0 years; 51.2% were female; 24,545 were readmitted within 30 days, and 7,274 (29.6%) to a different hospital. Readmission to a different hospital was associated with an increased LOS of 1.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-1.2, p < 0.0001) and $7,677.28 (95% CI $5,496-$9,858, p < 0.0001) greater total charges. The odds ratio for in-hospital mortality during readmission was 1.2 for readmission to another hospital (95% CI 1.0-1.3, p = 0.0079).

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission to another hospital within 30 days of AIS index admission was independently associated with longer LOS, increased total charges, and greater in-hospital mortality compared to readmission to the same hospital.

National trends in endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: utilization and outcomes

Objective

Following widespread acceptance of endovascular therapy (ET) for large vessel occlusion stroke in 2015, we assessed nationwide utilization of revascularization for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

We utilized the 2013–2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database. We identified AIS admissions, treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), ET, and vascular risk factors using International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification codes. Main predictor of outcome was the time period of index admission (‘pre-endovascular era (pre-EA)’ January 2013–January 2015 and ‘endovascular era (EA)’ February 2015– December 2016). We calculated the proportion of AIS admissions in which, first, VT and second, ET was performed. Among patients treated with ET, we examined the association between era and discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality during index admission, and 30-day readmission.

Results

There were 925 363 index AIS admissions before the EA and 857 347 during. A higher proportion of AIS patients received IVT (8.4% vs 7.8%) and ET (2.6% vs 1.3%) in the EA. Although length of stay (LOS) was shorter in the EA (5.70 vs 6.80 days), total charges were greater ($56 691 vs $53 878), and admissions were more often to a metropolitan hospital (65.2% vs 57.2%). Among those treated with ET, a smaller proportion received IVT (29.7% vs 44.9%), LOS was substantively shorter (9.75 vs 12.76 days), and patients had a lower odds of discharge home.

Conclusions

The utilization of ET has doubled in the EA but ET remains underutilized. ET is predominantly provided at metropolitan teaching hospitals and associated with higher charges despite shorter LOS and unchanged in-hospital mortality.

Interhospital Transfers for Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose- Multiple randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the superiority of endovascular therapy (ET) for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Few centers can provide ET, and significant debate exists about the most efficient and effective ways to provide ET. We sought to assess real-world utilization of ET, the extent to which patients are transferred from one hospital to another for therapy and the implications of transfer status on outcomes. Methods- We used the 2015 to 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database, which contains nationwide data on nearly half of US admissions. We identified index AIS admissions, vascular risk factors, and treatment with intravenous thrombolysis and ET using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, and International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision Clinical Modification codes. Main predictors of outcome were treatment with ET and whether there was an interhospital transfer during the index AIS hospitalization. Among patients with AIS readmitted within 30 days, we examined 3 main outcomes: total charges, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Results- A total of 23 121 AIS admissions were treated with ET and 874 229 without. Over 5% of patients who received ET were transferred during the index admission compared with <2% of those not treated with ET. Length of stay and total charges were significantly higher in patients transferred (12.3 versus 9.6 days and $233 626 versus $182 881, respectively). More patients treated with ET who were not transferred to the index hospital were discharged home (25.3% versus 44.4%), and ≈25% of patients transferred for ET died during the hospitalization compared with 15.5% not transferred. Conclusions- The minority of all patients with AIS receive ET. The majority of patients who receive ET present directly to the center that performs the procedure, and those transferred for ET have higher length of stay, cost, and mortality that those not transferred.

Risk Factors for 30-day Hospital Readmission for Diverticular Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

The 2010 Affordable Care Act introduced the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program to reduce health care utilization. Diverticular disease and its complications remain a leading cause of hospitalization among gastrointestinal disease. We sought to determine risk factors for 30-day hospital readmissions after hospitalization for diverticular bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the 2013 National Readmission Database sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality focusing on hospitalizations with the primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of diverticular hemorrhage or diverticulitis with hemorrhage. We excluded repeat readmissions, index hospitalizations during December and those resulting in death. Our primary outcome was readmission within 30 days of index hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes of interest included medical and procedural comorbid risk factors. The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 29,090 index hospitalizations for diverticular hemorrhage were included. There were 3484 (12%) 30-day readmissions with recurrent diverticular hemorrhage diagnosed in 896 (3%).Index admissions with renal failure [odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-1.43], congestive heart failure (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.17-1.43), chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.29), coronary artery disease (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.22) cirrhosis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.29-2.93, performance of blood transfusion (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.15-1.33), and abdominal surgery (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03-1.49) had increased risk of 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30-day readmission rate for diverticular hemorrhage was 12% with multiple identified comorbidities increasing readmission risk.

Community Mental Health Center Integrated Care Outcomes

Despite the compelling logic for integrating care for people with serious mental illness, there is also need for quantitative evidence of results. This retrospective analysis used 2013-2015 data from seven community mental health centers to measure clinical processes and health outcomes for patients receiving integrated primary care (n = 18,505), as well as hospital use for the 3943 patients with hospitalizations during the study period. Bivariate and regression analyses tested associations between integrated care and preventive screening rates, hemoglobin A1c levels, and hospital use. Screening rates for body-mass index, blood pressure, smoking, and hemoglobin A1c all increased very substantially during integrated care. More than half of patients with baseline hypertension had this controlled within 90 days of beginning integrated care. Among patients hospitalized at any point during the study period, the probability of hospitalization in the first year of integrated care decreased by 18 percentage points, after controlling for other factors such as patient severity, insurance status, and demographics (p < .001). The average length of stay was also 32% shorter compared to the year prior to integrated care (p < .001). Savings due to reduced hospitalization frequency alone exceeded $1000 per patient. Data limitations restricted this study to a pre-/post-study design. However, the magnitude and consistency of findings across different outcomes suggest that for people with serious mental illness, integrated care can make a significant difference in rates of preventive care, health, and cost-related outcomes.

Treatment course and outcomes after revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease in adults

BACKGROUND

International trials suggest benefit of revascularization surgery (RS) for moyamoya disease (MMD). However, nationally representative US data on demographics and outcomes after RS in MMD are lacking.

AIMS

To estimate causes and rates of readmission after RS for MMD.

METHODS

In the Nationwide Readmissions Database, index admissions for ECICB for MMD and readmissions for ischemic stroke (IS), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were identified using validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We summarized demographics and comorbidities, and calculated 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates per 100,000 index admissions.

RESULTS

Among 201 index admissions for RS for MMD, mean age (SD) was 41.7 (12.6) years; 75% were female; 24% had diabetes; 53% had hypertension; 40% had hypercholesterolemia; 3% had ICH; 16% had IS; and 1% had SAH. RS was performed at large hospitals in 83%, urban hospitals in 85%, and teaching hospitals in 97%. 80% were discharged home. 34% had a readmission during follow-up. Leading reasons for readmission up to 90 days included MMD (62%), postoperative infection (10%), sickle cell crisis (4%), ischemic stroke (4%), epilepsy (2%), subdural hemorrhage (2%) and headache (2%). Readmission rates (per 100,000 index admissions) were 559 at 30 days, 1829 at 60 days, and 2027 at 90 days for IS. There were no readmissions for SAH or ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of nationally representative US data suggests that although readmission after RS for MMD is not uncommon, cerebral hemorrhagic events during the 90-day postoperative period are rare.

Risks predicting prolonged hospital discharge boarding in a regional acute care hospital

Background

Prolonged hospital discharge boarding can impact patient flow resulting in upstream Emergency Department crowding. We aim to determine the risks predicting prolonged hospital discharge boarding and their direct and indirect effects on patient flow.

Methods

Retrospective review of a single hospital discharge database was conducted. Variables including type of disposition, disposition boarding time, case management consultation, discharge medications prescriptions, severity of illness, and patient homeless status were analyzed in a multivariate logistic regression model. Hospital charges, potential savings of hospital bed hours, and whether detailed discharge instructions provided adequate explanations to patients were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 11,527 admissions was entered into final analysis. The median discharge boarding time was approximately 2 h. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of patients transferring to other hospitals was 7.45 (95% CI 5.35–10.37), to court or law enforcement custody was 2.51 (95% CI 1.84–3.42), and to a skilled nursing facility was 2.48 (95% CI 2.10–2.93). AOR was 0.57 (95% CI 0.47–0.71) if the disposition order was placed during normal office hours (0800–1700). AOR of early case management consultation was 1.52 (95% CI 1.37–1.68) versus 1.73 (95% CI 1.03–2.89) for late consultation. Eighty-eight percent of patients experiencing discharge boarding times within 2 h of disposition expressed positive responses when questioned about the quality of explanations of discharge instructions and follow-up plans based on satisfaction surveys. Similar results (86% positive response) were noted among patients whose discharge boarding times were prolonged (> 2 h, p = 0.44). An average charge of $6/bed/h was noted in all hospital discharges. Maximizing early discharge boarding (≤ 2 h) would have resulted in 16,376 hospital bed hours saved thereby averting $98,256.00 in unnecessary dwell time charges in this study population alone.

Conclusion

Type of disposition, case management timely consultation, and disposition to discharge dwell time affect boarding and patient flow in a tertiary acute care hospital. Efficiency of the discharge process did not affect patient satisfaction relative to the perceived quality of discharge instruction and follow-up plan explanations. Prolonged disposition to discharge intervals result in unnecessary hospital bed occupancy thereby negatively impacting hospital finances while delivering no direct benefit to patients.

Impact of Two Different Antimicrobial Stewardship Methods on Frequency of Streamlining Antimicrobial Agents in Patients with Bacteremia

OBJECTIVE To assess the likelihood of antimicrobial streamlining between 2 antimicrobial stewardship methods. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Large academic medical center. METHODS Frequency and time to antimicrobial streamlining were compared during a prior authorization and a prospective audit period. Streamlining was defined as an antimicrobial change to a narrower agent if available or to a broader agent if the isolate was resistant to empiric therapy. Patients included were ≥18 years old with monomicrobial bacteremia with S. aureus, Enterococcus spp., or any aerobic Gram-negative organism. RESULTS A total of 665 cases of bacteremia met inclusion criteria. Frequency of streamlining was similar between periods for all cases of bacteremia (audit vs restriction: 60.7% vs 53.2%; P=.12), S. aureus bacteremia (73.2% vs 76.9%; P=.671), and Enterococcus bacteremia (81.6% vs 71.9%; P=.335). Compared to restriction, the audit period was associated with an increased frequency of streamlining for cases of Gram-negative bacteremia (51.4% vs 35.6%; odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.25), those on the medical service (67.9% vs 53.1%; OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09-3.16), and those admitted through the emergency department (71.6% vs 51.4%; OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.24-4.34). Characteristics associated with increased streamlining included: absence of β-lactam allergy (P<.001), Gram-negative bacteremia (P<.001), admission through the emergency department (P=.001), and admission to a medical service (P=.011). CONCLUSIONS Compared with prior authorization, prospective audit increased antimicrobial streamlining for cases of Gram-negative bacteremia, those admitted through the emergency department, and those admitted to a medical but not surgical service. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016:1-7.

Roles of disease severity and post-discharge outpatient visits as predictors of hospital readmissions

Background

Risks prediction models of 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions are multi-factorial. Severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM) categorized by All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) seem to predict hospital readmission but lack large sample validation. Effects of risk reduction interventions including providing post-discharge outpatient visits remain uncertain. We aim to determine the accuracy of using SOI and ROM to predict readmission and further investigate the role of outpatient visits in association with hospital readmission.

Methods

Hospital readmission data were reviewed retrospectively from September 2012 through June 2015. Patient demographics and clinical variables including insurance type, homeless status, substance abuse, psychiatric problems, length of stay, SOI, ROM, ICD-10 diagnoses and medications prescribed at discharge, and prescription ratio at discharge (number of medications prescribed divided by number of ICD-10 diagnoses) were analyzed using logistic regression. Relationships among SOI, type of hospital visits, time between hospital visits, and readmissions were also investigated.

Results

A total of 6011 readmissions occurred from 55,532 index admissions. The adjusted odds ratios of SOI and ROM predicting readmissions were 1.31 (SOI: 95 % CI 1.25–1.38) and 1.09 (ROM: 95 % CI 1.05–1.14) separately. Ninety percent (5381/6011) of patients were readmitted from the Emergency Department (ED) or Urgent Care Center (UCC). Average time interval from index discharge date to ED/UCC visit was 9 days in both the no readmission and readmission groups (p > 0.05). Similar hospital readmission rates were noted during the first 10 days from index discharge regardless of whether post-index discharge patient clinic visits occurred when time-to-event analysis was performed.

Conclusions

SOI and ROM significantly predict hospital readmission risk in general. Most readmissions occurred among patients presenting for ED/UCC visits after index discharge. Simply providing early post-discharge follow-up clinic visits does not seem to prevent hospital readmissions.

Primary Angioplasty Versus Stenting for Endovascular Management of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The future of neuroendovascular treatment for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) has been debated since the results of SAMMPRIS reflected poor outcomes following endovascular therapy. There is currently a large spectrum of current management strategies. We compared historical outcomes of patients with ICAD and stroke that were treated with angioplasty-alone versus stent placement.

METHODS

We extracted a population from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2005-2011) and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2012) composed of patients with ICAD and infarction that were admitted nonelectively and received endovascular revascularization. Patients treated with thrombectomy or thrombolysis were excluded. Categorical variables were compared with Chi-squared tests. Binary logistic regression was performed to evaluate mortality while controlling for age, sex, severity, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

About 2059 admissions met our criteria. A majority were treated via stent placement (71%). Angioplasty-alone had significantly higher mortality (17.6% vs. 8.4%, P<0.001), but no difference in iatrogenic stroke rate (3.4% vs. 3.6%, P=0.826), compared to stent placement. The adjusted odds ratio of mortality for stented patients was 0.536 (95% CI: 0.381-0.753, P<0.001) in comparison to patients treated with angioplasty alone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found the risk of mortality to be elevated following angioplasty alone in comparison to revascularization with stent placement, without a corresponding significant difference in iatrogenic stroke rate. This may represent selection bias due to patient characteristics not defined in the database, but it also may indicate that patients with ICAD and acute stroke have increased odds of stenosis that is refractory to angioplasty alone and have a high risk of mortality without revascularization.

Trends in mortality following mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the USA

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has been growing in popularity while the therapeutic benefit of MT has been increasingly debated. Our objective was to examine national trends in mortality following MT.

METHODS

We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (2012) and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008-2011) for patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke that received MT. Temporal trends in mortality were examined using Spearman's rank correlation. To account for confounding factors, mortality was further analyzed in binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Hospitals performing MT comprised 8% of all hospitals treating ischemic stroke. The percentage of stroke cases treated with MT increased from 0.6% of cases in 2008 to 1.1% in 2012, totaling 16 307 MT cases in a 5 year period. Inhospital mortality decreased over the study period from 25.4% in 2008 to 16.1% in 2012 (r=-0.081, p<0.001). This finding was supported by regression analysis as each incremental year reduced the odds of mortality by 20% (OR=0.832, p<0.001). Administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was associated with a decrease in the odds of mortality (OR=0.805, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of MT represents a small percentage of stroke cases, although the trend is increasing. Mortality following MT has been showing a steady decline over the past 5 years. This may be a result of a learning curve, improved patient selection, and/or device improvements. Randomized trials remain essential to evaluate the potential benefit of endovascular devices and identify the most appropriate patients.

Intraventricular thrombolysis in intracerebral hemorrhage requiring ventriculostomy: a decade-long real-world experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intraventricular thrombolysis (IVT) is a promising treatment in facilitating intraventricular clot resolution after intraventricular hemorrhage. We examined in-hospital outcomes and resource utilization after thrombolysis in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage requiring ventriculostomy in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We identified adult patients with primary diagnosis of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage requiring ventriculostomy from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011. We compared demographic and hospital characteristics, comorbidities, inpatient outcomes, and resource utilization measures between patients treated with IVT and those managed with ventriculostomy, but without IVT. Population estimates were extrapolated using standard Nationwide Inpatient Sample weighting algorithms.

RESULTS

We included 34 044 patients in the analysis, of whom 1133 (3.3%) received IVT. The thrombolysis group had significantly lower inpatient mortality (32.4% versus 41.6%; P=0.001) and it remained lower after controlling for baseline demographics, hospital characteristics, comorbidity, case severity, and withdrawal of care status (adjusted odds ratio, 0.670; 95% confidence interval, 0.520-0.865; P=0.002). There was a trend toward favorable discharge (home or rehabilitation) among the thrombolysis cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 1.335; 95% confidence interval, 0.983-1.812; P=0.064). The adjusted rates of bacterial meningitis and ventricular shunt placement were similar between groups. The thrombolysis group had longer length of stay and higher inflation-adjusted cost of care, but cost of care per day length of stay was similar to the non-IVT group.

CONCLUSIONS

IVT for intracerebral hemorrhage requiring ventriculostomy resulted in lower inpatient mortality and a trend toward favorable discharge outcome with similar rates of inpatient complications compared with the non-IVT group.

In-hospital death and hospital-acquired complications among patients undergoing partial cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

Partial cystectomy (PC) is a therapeutic option for select patients with bladder cancer, but its associated perioperative risks and costs are unknown. We estimated annual rates of PC in a nationally representative sample of hospitals, and analyzed whether hospital volume affects postoperative outcomes and costs in patients undergoing PC.

METHODS

From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we selected a weighted cohort of patients with bladder cancer who underwent PC between 2002 and 2008. Differences in length of stay, charges, and clinical outcomes were calculated based on operative volume, and univariate and multivariate regression models were fitted to predict in-hospital mortality (IHM) and hospital-acquired conditions.

RESULTS

A total of 10,780 patients with bladder cancer who underwent PC were identified with an annual rate between 1457 and 1628 cases. IHM rates were 1.8%, constituting 195 patients (between 9 and 46 annually). A total of 417 patients (3.9%) experienced a "never event" complication, which Medicare no longer reimburses. The mean annual hospital volume of patients who died was 1.7 cases/y compared with 2.4 cases/y among those without fatal complications. No cases of IHM were identified among hospitals performing at least 5 partial cystectomies/y. In a multivariate regression model increased hospital volume was independently associated with decreased mortality (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval; 0.60-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 25 patients undergoing PC experience a hospital-acquired complication, and nearly 1 in 50 die as a result of the operation. For each additional case a hospital performs annually, the risk of IHM decreases by 30%.

Accuracy of the all patient refined diagnosis related groups classification system in congenital heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Administrative data are increasingly used to evaluate clinical outcomes and quality of care in pediatric congenital heart surgery (CHS) programs. Several published analyses of large pediatric administrative data sets have relied on the All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG, version 24) diagnostic classification system. The accuracy of this classification system for patients undergoing CHS is unclear.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all 14,098 patients 0 to 5 years of age undergoing any of six selected congenital heart operations, ranging in complexity from isolated closure of a ventricular septal defect to single-ventricle palliation, at 40 tertiary-care pediatric centers in the Pediatric Health Information Systems database between 2007 and 2010. Assigned APR-DRGs (cardiac versus noncardiac) were compared using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests between those patients admitted during the first day of life versus later and between those receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support versus those not. Recursive partitioning was used to assess the greatest determinants of APR-DRG type in the model.

RESULTS

Every patient admitted on day 1 of life was assigned to a noncardiac APR-DRG (p<0.001 for each procedure). Similarly, use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was highly associated with misclassification of CHS patients into a noncardiac APR-DRG (p<0.001 for each procedure). Cases misclassified into a noncardiac APR-DRG experienced a significantly increased mortality (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In classifying patients undergoing CHS, APR-DRG coding has systematic misclassifications, which may result in inaccurate reporting of CHS case volumes and mortality.

Utilization Patterns of IV Iron and Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents in Anemic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Multihospital Study

Intravenous (IV) iron and Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) are recommended for anemia management in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This retrospective cohort study analyzed utilization patterns of IV iron and ESA in patients over 18 years of age admitted to University Health System Hospitals with a primary or secondary diagnosis of CKD between January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. A clustered binomial logistic regression using the GEE methodology was used to identify predictors of IV iron utilization. Only 8% (n = 6678) of CKD patients on ESA therapy received IV iron supplementation in university hospitals. Those receiving iron used significantly less amounts of ESAs. Patient demographics (age, race, primary payer), patient clinical conditions (admission status, severity of illness, dialysis status), and physician specialty were identified as predictors of IV iron use in CKD patients. Use of IV iron with ESAs was low despite recommendations from consensus guidelines. The low treatment rate of IV iron represents a gap in treatment practices and signals an opportunity for healthcare improvement in CKD anemic patients.

Patient acuity rating: quantifying clinical judgment regarding inpatient stability

BACKGROUND

New resident work-hour restrictions are expected to result in further increases in the number of handoffs between inpatient care providers, a known risk factor for poor outcomes. Strategies for improving the accuracy and efficiency of provider sign-outs are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and test a judgment-based scale for conveying the risk of clinical deterioration.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS

Internal medicine clinicians and patients.

MEASUREMENTS

The Patient Acuity Rating (PAR), a 7-point Likert score representing the likelihood of a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest or intensive care unit (ICU) transfer within the next 24 hours, was obtained from physicians and midlevel practitioners at the time of sign-out. Cross-covering physicians were blinded to the results, which were subsequently correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty eligible clinicians consented to participate, providing 6034 individual scores on 3419 patient-days. Seventy-four patient-days resulted in cardiac arrest or ICU transfer within 24 hours. The average PAR was 3 ± 1 and yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.82. Provider-specific AUROC values ranged from 0.69 for residents to 0.85 for attendings (P = 0.01). Interns and midlevels did not differ significantly from the other groups. A PAR of 4 or higher corresponded to a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 68% for predicting cardiac arrest or ICU transfer in the next 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical judgment regarding patient stability can be reliably quantified in a simple score with the potential for efficiently conveying complex assessments of at-risk patients during handoffs between healthcare members.

Does illness severity matter? A comparison of laparoscopic esophagomyotomy with fundoplication and esophageal dilation for achalasia

INTRODUCTION

There is scarce evidence regarding optimal treatment options for achalasia in patients with varying illness severity risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare outcomes with laparoscopic esophagomyotomy with fundoplication (LM) and esophageal dilation (ED) for hospitalized patients with different illness severity.

METHODS

The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) is an alliance of more than 100 academic medical centers and nearly 200 affiliate hospitals. UHC's Clinical Data Base/Resource Manager (CDB/RM) allows member hospitals to compare patient-level risk-adjusted outcomes for performance improvement purposes. The CDB/RM was queried for patients with achalasia who underwent LM (n=1,390) or ED (n=492) during a 3-year period between 2006 and 2008.

RESULTS

Overall esophageal perforation rates were significantly higher for ED (0.4% LM vs. 2.4% ED; p<0.001). Patients undergoing LM with minor/moderate illness severity showed higher morbidity (9.42% LM vs. 5.15% ED; p<0.05). However, LM patients in this illness severity group showed significantly lower 30-day readmission rate (0.38% LM vs. 7.32% ED; p<0.001) and length of stay (2.23±1.78 LM vs. 4.88±4.42 days ED; p<0.001), but comparable cost ($9,539 LM vs. $8990 ED; p>0.05). In the major/extreme illness severity group mortality was comparable (1.37% LM vs. 2.44% ED; p>0.05). Overall morbidity was significantly greater in LM (50.48% LM vs. 19.57% ED; p<0.001). However, the length of stay was significantly increased in the ED group (8.96±7.86 LM vs. 11.72±11.05 days ED; p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

In hospitalized patients with minor/moderate illness severity, laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia showed comparable or better outcomes than ED. For major/extreme illness severity, dilation showed comparable or better profile for hospitalized achalasia patients. These results highlight the importance and impact of illness severity on outcomes of achalasia patients.

Feasibility and validity of International Classification of Diseases based case mix indices

Background

Severity of illness is an omnipresent confounder in health services research. Resource consumption can be applied as a proxy of severity. The most commonly cited hospital resource consumption measure is the case mix index (CMI) and the best-known illustration of the CMI is the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) CMI used by Medicare in the U.S. For countries that do not have DRG type CMIs, the adjustment for severity has been troublesome for either reimbursement or research purposes. The research objective of this study is to ascertain the construct validity of CMIs derived from International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in comparison with DRG CMI.

Methods

The study population included 551 acute care hospitals in Taiwan and 2,462,006 inpatient reimbursement claims. The 18^th version of GROUPER, the Medicare DRG classification software, was applied to Taiwan's 1998 National Health Insurance (NHI) inpatient claim data to derive the Medicare DRG CMI. The same weighting principles were then applied to determine the ICD principal diagnoses and procedures based costliness and length of stay (LOS) CMIs. Further analyses were conducted based on stratifications according to teaching status, accreditation levels, and ownership categories.

Results

The best ICD-based substitute for the DRG costliness CMI (DRGCMI) is the ICD principal diagnosis costliness CMI (ICDCMI-DC) in general and in most categories with Spearman's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.938-0.462. The highest correlation appeared in the non-profit sector. ICD procedure costliness CMI (ICDCMI-PC) outperformed ICDCMI-DC only at the medical center level, which consists of tertiary care hospitals and is more procedure intensive.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate that an ICD-based CMI can quite fairly approximate the DRGCMI, especially ICDCMI-DC. Therefore, substituting ICDs for DRGs in computing the CMI ought to be feasible and valid in countries that have not implemented DRGs.

Analysis of cost outliers within APR-DRGs in a Belgian general hospital: two complementary approaches

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to find factors that could explain high and low resource use outliers, by associating an explanatory analysis with a statistical analysis.

METHOD

High resource use outliers were selected according to the following rule: 75th percentile + 1.5* inter-quartile range. Low resource use outliers were selected according to: 25th percentile - 1.5* inter-quartile range. The statistical approach was based on a multivariate analysis using logistic regression. A decision tree approach using predictors from this analysis (intensive care unit (ICU) stay, high severity of illness and social factors associated with longer length of stay) was also tested as a more intuitive tool for use by hospitals in focussing review efforts on "not explained" cost outliers.

RESULTS

High resource use outliers accounted for 6.31% of the hospital stays versus 1.07% for low resource use outliers. The probability of a patient being a high resource use outlier was higher with an increase in the length of stay (odds ratios (OR) = 1.08), when the patient was treated in an intensive care unit (OR = 3.02), with a major or extreme severity of illness (OR=1.46), and with the presence of social factors (OR = 1.44). The probability of being a low outlier is lower for older patients (OR = 0.98). The probability of being a low outlier is also lower without readmission within the year (OR = 0.55). The more intuitive decision tree method identified 92.26% of the cases identified through residuals of the regression model. One quarter of the high cost outliers were flagged for additional review ("not justified" on the basis of the model), with nearly three-quarters "justified" by clinical and social factors.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of cost outliers can meet different aims (financing of justifiable outliers, improvement of the care process for the outliers not justifiable on medical or social grounds). The two methods are complementary, by proposing a statistical and a didactic approach to achieve the goal of high quality care using fewer resources.

Costs associated with hospital-acquired bacteraemia in a Belgian hospital

Studies from around the world have shown that hospital-acquired infections increase the costs of medical care due to prolongation of hospital stay, and increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the extra costs associated with hospital-acquired bacteraemias in a Belgian hospital in 2001 using administrative databases and, in particular, coded discharge data. The incidence was 6.6 per 10000 patient days. Patients with a hospital-acquired bacteraemia experienced a significantly longer stay (average 21.1 days, P<0.001), a significantly higher mortality (average 32.2%, P<0.01), and cost significantly more (average 12853 euro, P<0.001) than similar patients without bacteraemia. At present, the Belgian healthcare system covers most extra costs; however, in the future, these outcomes of hospital-acquired bacteraemia will not be funded and prevention will be a major concern for hospital management.

Variation in inpatient diagnostic testing and management of bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVES

We know little about the variation in diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis. The objectives of this study were (1) to document variations in treatment and diagnostic approaches, lengths of stay (LOSs), and readmission rates and (2) to determine which potentially modifiable process of care measures are associated with longer LOSs and antibiotic usage.

METHODS

We used the Pediatric Health Information System, which includes demographic, diagnostic, and detailed patient-level data on 30 large children's hospitals. We examined infants who were younger than 1 year and hospitalized for bronchiolitis (October 2001-September 2003). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine whether the variance in the outcomes was hospital related after controlling for other covariates. Linear regression was used to model predictors of increased LOS. Logistic regression was used to model antibiotic usage. Analyses were stratified by age group (<3 months and 3-11 months).

RESULTS

A total of 17397 patients were included in the analysis. The mean LOS was 2.97 days; 72% of patients received chest radiographs, 45% received antibiotics, and 25% received systemic steroids. The mean LOS varied considerably across hospitals (range: 2.40-3.90 days), and hospital remained a significant contributor to LOS variation after controlling for our covariates. Variations in the use of diagnostic tests and medications as well as readmission rates also existed and also remained significant after controlling for covariates. The factors associated with the greatest increases in LOS in the regression analyses included higher severity scores and use of antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. The strongest predictors of antibiotic use in the logistic regression analyses were higher severity scores and receipt of a blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Receiving a chest radiograph was a significant predictor of antibiotic use in older but not younger infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable, unexplained variation exists in the inpatient management of bronchiolitis. The development of national guidelines and controlled trials of new therapies and different management approaches are indicated.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection: importance of appropriate initial antimicrobial treatment

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection is a serious infection with significant patient mortality and health-care costs. Nevertheless, the relationship between initial appropriate antimicrobial treatment and clinical outcomes is not well established. This study was a retrospective cohort analysis employing automated patient medical records and the pharmacy database at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Three hundred five patients with P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection were identified over a 6-year period (January 1997 through December 2002). Sixty-four (21.0%) patients died during hospitalization. Hospital mortality was statistically greater for patients receiving inappropriate initial antimicrobial treatment (n = 75) compared to appropriate initial treatment (n = 230) (30.7% versus 17.8%; P = 0.018). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified inappropriate initial antimicrobial treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 2.92; P = 0.048), respiratory failure (AOR, 5.18; 95% CI, 3.30 to 8.13; P < 0.001), and circulatory shock (AOR, 4.00; 95% CI, 2.71 to 5.91; P < 0.001) as independent determinants of hospital mortality. Appropriate initial antimicrobial treatment was administered statistically more often among patients receiving empirical combination antimicrobial treatment for gram-negative bacteria compared to empirical monotherapy (79.4% versus 65.5%; P = 0.011). Inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial treatment is associated with greater hospital mortality among patients with P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection. Inappropriate antimicrobial treatment of P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections may be minimized by increased use of combination antimicrobial treatment until susceptibility results become known.

Determining benchmarks for evaluation and management coding in an academic division of general surgery1 1No competing interests declared

BACKGROUND

Academic divisions of general surgery are facing ever-increasing financial pressures. Cost-cutting is a common approach to maintaining profitability, but strategies to increase revenue should not be ignored. One specific avenue for enhanced revenue generation in general surgery is that of coding for evaluation and management (E&M). Although this is the financial life-blood for many of the consultative services in departments of medicine, E&M coding is an often neglected and misunderstood component of surgical care.

STUDY DESIGN

The financial records for the Division of General Surgery were reviewed for the period of January 2001 to June 2003. Specifically, charges and receipts for inpatient procedures and hospital visits (CPT codes 99231, 99232, and 99233) were determined. The analysis was limited to surgeons with a primary clinical focus based at the University hospital rather than the neighboring community or Veteran's Affairs hospitals. In addition, ICD-9 and All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) data were analyzed to determine the surgeon-specific number of inpatients and inpatient-days with more than one ICD-9 code or secondary ICD-9 codes, or both, or an APR-DRG severity of illness score of 2, 3, or 4. These categories were defined to determine the number of inpatient-days for which E&M coding could be billed for management of secondary medical diagnoses.

RESULTS

Analysis demonstrates that actual E&M charges were 40% to 47% of predicted minimums for E&M charges for the period under study. In theory, this result translates into an annual gain in receipts of 400,000 dollars to 600,000 dollars.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the ICD-9 and APR-DRG models may serve as benchmarks to determine the limits for E&M revenue stream, and E&M coding may represent an underutilized source of revenue among academic departments of surgery.

Estimating private sector values for VA health care: an overview

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of methods used to establish what taxpayer costs would be if all Veterans Health Administration (VA) patient care were paid for by the federal government but provided in the private sector.

METHODS

Study assumptions included (1) that there would be a hypothetical policy change to pay for VA care through a Medicare-based fee-for-service program, (2) that the VA coverage benefit would not change, (3) that practice styles would remain the same, and (4) that there would be no impact on market values. To achieve the objective, project staff adapted Medicare payment schedules and guidelines, where available, with oversight of an advisory committee with VA and non-VA expertise in costs and data. For six sites, detailed payments were estimated using VA utilization databases and software and Medicare rate schedules available in the private sector. Overhead, interest on capital, and malpractice costs were added to VA-reported operating costs. Patient severity was examined, and patient-level costs were explored.

FINDINGS

Detailed methods for pricing seven types of health services are presented. Three methods articles focus on process issues.

DISCUSSION

Because VA care is not directly comparable with private sector health care as a result in part of differences in benefits covered and the scope of services provided, estimating costs for this care based on a private sector model requires careful consideration of market valuation approaches. The articles in this supplement describe the methods used to estimate market values for VA care so that other researchers can use them in future studies.