1
|
Harris LM, Guerrero EG, Khachikian T, Serrett V, Marsh JC. Expert providers implement integrated and coordinated care in opioid use disorder treatment. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 132:104567. [PMID: 39241532 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancing care integration and coordination to improve patient outcomes in opioid use disorder treatment is a growing focus in the field. Understanding of how the treatment system implements coordination and integration, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, remains limited. In this study, we explored the implementation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the evolution of service delivery toward a more comprehensive approach. We examined providers' perspectives from high-achieving programs in Los Angeles County, the largest and most diverse U.S. county, including barriers to integrating and coordinating care and strategies for integrating MOUD service delivery. METHODS We gathered qualitative interview data from 30 high-performing programs in Los Angeles County, each represented by a manager or supervisor. High performance was defined by empirical indicators of access, retention, and program completion. Our data collection and analysis followed the constructivist grounded theory approach, explicating the social processes used by participating managers during the pandemic and subsequent organizational shifts. This approach yielded 14 major and six minor codes. Interrater reliability tests yielded a pooled Cohen's kappa statistic of 93%. RESULTS Expert providers exhibited a strong commitment to destigmatizing MOUD and worked to overcome obstacles in delivering care to clients by advocating its efficacy to fellow health care providers. Along with their endorsement of MOUD, they identified challenges in integrating and coordinating MOUD care. Barriers included stigma at both patient and provider levels, inadequate education about MOUD, limited access to MOUD, and the complexities of operating in a fragmented health care framework. Despite these challenges, high-performing providers used strategies to harmonize and align MOUD service delivery with health and social services. These included establishing service colocation, adopting a multidisciplinary team-based approach, forming partnerships with the community, offering telehealth services, integrating and sharing data, and embracing a harm reduction philosophy. DISCUSSION Through the adoption of these strategies, providers enhanced care accessibility, boosted patient engagement, sustained retention in treatment, and enhanced treatment outcomes. Even among highly skilled treatment providers in Los Angeles County, barriers to integrating and coordinating care using MOUD remain intricate and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving provider education and training, increased availability of MOUD, enhanced coordination and communication among health care providers, resolution of regulatory hurdles, and addressing patient hesitancy toward MOUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley M Harris
- University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, 2217 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Erick G Guerrero
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Tenie Khachikian
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Serrett
- I-Lead Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp, 150 Ocean Park Blvd, 418, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Jeanne C Marsh
- University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meng LC, Huang ST, Chen HM, Hashmi AZ, Hsiao FY, Chen LK. Health care utilization and potentially preventable adverse outcomes of high-need, high-cost middle-aged and older adults: Needs for integrated care models with life-course approach. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 109:104956. [PMID: 36804698 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH The success of modern health care increases life expectancy and prolongs the days of having multimorbidity and functional limitations; the so-defined "high need, high cost (HNHC)" state represents the extreme scenarios of care burden and complexity. This study aims to explore health care utilization and the risk of preventable adverse outcomes stratified by age and HNHC state. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance (NHI) database. People aged ≥40 years were included and further stratified by age (middle-aged: 40-64 and older adults: 65) and HNHC state (top 10% of spending). Health care utilization and drug consumption across different groups were obtained. The multimorbidity frailty index (mFI) was developed for further analysis. Cox regression models were used to examine the associations between HNHC and adverse clinical outcomes (preventable hospitalizations, preventable emergency department visits, and mortality). RESULTS HNHC participants were older, had a higher mFI and drug consumption, and had higher health care utilization. Compared with non-HNHC participants, HNHC participants exhibited a 4.4-fold and 2.4-fold higher risk of preventable hospitalizations in middle-aged (HR=4.41; 95% CI, 4.17-4.65, p<0.01) and older adults (HR=2.44; 95% CI, 2.34-2.55, p<0.01). Similar risks were observed for preventable emergency department visits and mortality (all p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The HNHC state substantially increased health care utilization, polypharmacy, and potentially preventable adverse outcomes after adjustment for frailty. Intervention studies developing integrated care models using the life-course approach are needed to improve the quality of health care systems in super-aged societies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Chieh Meng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tsung Huang
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Min Chen
- Health Data Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ardeshir Z Hashmi
- Center for Geriatric Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, United States
| | - Fei-Yuan Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital (Managed by Taipei Veterans General Hospital), Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Joo JY. Fragmented care and chronic illness patient outcomes: A systematic review. Nurs Open 2023; 10:3460-3473. [PMID: 36622952 PMCID: PMC10170908 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This systematic review examined recent studies on fragmented care of patients with chronic illnesses in the United States to examine the association between fragmented care and patient outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Studies published from January 1, 2012, to June 1, 2022, were selected from four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science), following the Cochrane protocols and PRISMA statements. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten studies that examined associations published between 2015 and 2021 were selected. A methodological assessment was conducted with the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The studies selected for this systematic review were rated as having fair methodological rigor. The protocol of this review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021285379). Because of the heterogeneity of the selected studies' data, a systematic narrative synthesis of the extracted data was conducted. RESULTS Three common measures for fragmented care and outcomes were synthesized. A synthesis of the studies found significant association between fragmented care and adverse outcomes of chronic illnesses (emergency department visits, utilization of diagnostic tests, and healthcare costs). Despite the heterogeneity of significant findings between fragmented care and patient outcomes, the relationship between these outcomes and fragmented care was significant. This systematic review provides clear evidence of the association between care fragmentation and its adverse effects on individuals with chronic illnesses. However, mixed relationship findings were also reported. CONCLUSION Given the demands of overcoming fragmented care in healthcare settings in the United States, nurse managers, healthcare leaders, and policymakers should utilize this evidence to reduce fragmented care strategies. It is recommended that nurse researchers and other healthcare practitioners conduct further studies to understand the contexts and mechanisms of fragmented care and develop theoretical frameworks for care fragmentation and chronic illness outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee Young Joo
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bilazarian A, McHugh J, Schlak AE, Liu J, Poghosyan L. Primary Care Practice Structural Capabilities and Emergency Department Utilization Among High-Need High-Cost Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:74-80. [PMID: 35941491 PMCID: PMC9849605 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US primary care practices are actively identifying strategies to improve outcomes and reduce costs among high-need high-cost (HNHC) patients. HNHC patients are adults with high health care utilization who suffer from multiple chronic medical and behavioral health conditions such as depression or substance abuse. HNHC patients with behavioral health conditions face heightened challenges accessing timely primary care and managing their conditions, which is reflected by their high rates of emergency department (ED) utilization and preventable spending. Structural capabilities (i.e., care coordination, chronic disease registries, shared communication systems, and after-hours care) are key attributes of primary care practices which can enhance access and quality of chronic care delivery. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between structural capabilities and ED utilization among HNHC patients with behavioral health conditions. DESIGN AND MEASURES We merged cross-sectional survey data on structural capabilities from 240 primary care practices in Arizona and Washington linked with Medicare claims data on 70,182 HNHC patients from 2019. KEY RESULTS Using multivariable Poisson models, we found shared communication systems were associated with lower rates of all-cause and preventable ED utilization among HNHC patients with alcohol use (all-cause: aRR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.84; preventable: aRR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.64) and HNHC patients with substance use disorders (all-cause: aRR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.85; preventable: aRR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.71). Care coordination was also associated with decreased rates of ED utilization among the overall HNHC population and those with alcohol use, but not among HNHC patients with depression or substance use disorders. CONCLUSION Shared communication systems and care coordination have the potential to increase the effectiveness of primary care delivery for specific HNHC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ani Bilazarian
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John McHugh
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jianfang Liu
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lusine Poghosyan
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Virtanen L, Kaihlanen AM, Kainiemi E, Saukkonen P, Heponiemi T. Patterns of acceptance and use of digital health services among the persistent frequent attenders of outpatient care: A qualitatively driven multimethod analysis. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231178422. [PMID: 37256014 PMCID: PMC10226178 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231178422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Utilising digital health services in the treatment of patients who frequently attend outpatient care could be beneficial for patients' health and the sustainability of health systems but carries the risk of digital exclusion. This study aimed to explore the patterns of acceptance and use of digital health services among frequent attenders (FAs), which may help in the assessment of patients' digital suitability. Methods Persistent FAs (N = 30) were recruited by random sampling from one Finnish municipality. The semistructured interviews were conducted in February-May 2021. We analysed the data with qualitative content analysis using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Additionally, we quantified the data for two-step cluster analyses to create separate cluster models that grouped FAs based on acceptance and use of (a) digital services for self-management of health and (b) telemedicine services. Results Based on digital self-management, FAs were defined as Self-Managers, Supported Self-Managers, and Non-Self-Managers. Based on telemedicine use, they were grouped into Telemedicine Users, Doubtful Telemedicine Users, and Telemedicine Refusers. The clusters described different opportunities, awareness, and interest in using digital health services. Referral from professionals seemed to promote digital service use. For some, digital services were not accessible. Conclusions Our findings emphasise the importance of assessing the suitability of FAs to digital health services, as their readiness to use may vary. Professionals should recommend digital services that support individual health to suitable patients. More accessible digital services could promote digital suitability despite functional limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Virtanen
- Welfare State Research and Reform Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu-Marja Kaihlanen
- Welfare State Research and Reform Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emma Kainiemi
- Welfare State Research and Reform Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Saukkonen
- Welfare State Research and Reform Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Heponiemi
- Welfare State Research and Reform Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He X, Li D, Wang W, Liang H, Liang Y. Identifying patterns of clinical conditions among high-cost older adult health care users using claims data: a latent class approach. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:86. [PMID: 35725607 PMCID: PMC9210624 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01688-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify patterns of clinical conditions among high-cost older adults health care users and explore the associations between characteristics of high-cost older adults and patterns of clinical conditions. Methods We analyzed data from the Shanghai Basic Social Medical Insurance Database, China. A total of 2927 older adults aged 60 years and over were included as the analysis sample. We used latent class analysis to identify patterns of clinical conditions among high-cost older adults health care users. Multinomial logistic regression models were also used to determine the associations between demographic characteristics, insurance types, and patterns of clinical conditions. Results Five clinically distinctive subgroups of high-cost older adults emerged. Classes included “cerebrovascular diseases” (10.6% of high-cost older adults), “malignant tumor” (9.1%), “arthrosis” (8.8%), “ischemic heart disease” (7.4%), and “other sporadic diseases” (64.1%). Age, sex, and type of medical insurance were predictors of high-cost older adult subgroups. Conclusions Profiling patterns of clinical conditions among high-cost older adults is potentially useful as a first step to inform the development of tailored management and intervention strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12939-022-01688-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin He
- Department of Social Policy, Shanghai Administration Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Danjin Li
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|