1
|
McCurdy H, Nobbe A, Scott D, Patton H, Morgan TR, Bajaj JS, Yakovchenko V, Merante M, Gibson S, Lamorte C, Baffy G, Ioannou GN, Taddei TH, Rozenberg-Ben-Dror K, Anwar J, Dominitz JA, Rogal SS. Organizational and Implementation Factors Associated with Cirrhosis Care in the Veterans Health Administration. Dig Dis Sci 2024:10.1007/s10620-024-08409-6. [PMID: 38616215 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Health Administration provides care to more than 100,000 Veterans with cirrhosis. AIMS This implementation evaluation aimed to understand organizational resources and barriers associated with cirrhosis care. METHODS Clinicians across 145 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers (VAMCs) were surveyed in 2022 about implementing guideline-concordant cirrhosis care. VA Corporate Data Warehouse data were used to assess VAMC performance on two national cirrhosis quality measures: HCC surveillance and esophageal variceal surveillance or treatment (EVST). Organizational factors associated with higher performance were identified using linear regression models. RESULTS Responding VAMCs (n = 124, 86%) ranged in resource availability, perceived barriers, and care processes. In multivariable models, factors independently associated with HCC surveillance included on-site interventional radiology and identifying patients overdue for surveillance using a national cirrhosis population management tool ("dashboard"). EVST was significantly associated with dashboard use and on-site gastroenterology services. For larger VAMCs, the average HCC surveillance rate was similar between VAMCs using vs. not using the dashboard (47% vs. 41%), while for smaller and less resourced VAMCs, dashboard use resulted in a 13% rate difference (46% vs. 33%). Likewise, higher EVST rates were more strongly associated with dashboard use in smaller (55% vs. 50%) compared to larger (57% vs. 55%) VAMCs. CONCLUSIONS Resources, barriers, and care processes varied across diverse VAMCs. Smaller VAMCs without specialty care achieved HCC and EVST surveillance rates nearly as high as more complex and resourced VAMCs if they used a population management tool to identify the patients due for cirrhosis care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCurdy
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anna Nobbe
- Digestive Diseases Section, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dawn Scott
- VA Central Texas Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Heather Patton
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Timothy R Morgan
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Monica Merante
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sandra Gibson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn Lamorte
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George N Ioannou
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Anwar
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, USA
- National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shari S Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Building 30 Room 2A113, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rogal SS, Taddei TH, Monto A, Yakovchenko V, Patton H, Merante M, Spoutz P, Chia L, Yudkevich J, Aytaman A, Rabiee A, John BV, Blechacz B, Cai CX, Gilles H, Shah AS, McCurdy H, Puri P, Jou J, Mazhar K, Dominitz JA, Anwar J, Morgan TR, Ioannou GN. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis and Management in 2021: A National Veterans Affairs Quality Improvement Project. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:324-338. [PMID: 37460005 PMCID: PMC10788380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic profoundly disrupted preventative health care services including cancer screening. As the largest provider of cirrhosis care in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program aimed to assess factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage at diagnosis, treatment, and survival. METHODS Veterans with a new diagnosis of HCC in 2021 were identified from electronic health records (N = 2306). Structured medical record extraction was performed by expert reviewers in a 10% random subsample of Veterans with new HCC diagnoses. Factors associated with stage at diagnosis, receipt of treatment, and survival were assessed using multivariable models. RESULTS Among 199 patients with confirmed HCC, the average age was 71 years and most (72%) had underlying cirrhosis. More than half (54%) were at an early stage (T1 or T2) at diagnosis. Less-advanced liver disease, number of imaging tests adequate for HCC screening, HCC diagnosis in the VA, and receipt of VA primary care were associated significantly with early stage diagnosis. HCC-directed treatments were administered to 145 (73%) patients after a median of 37 days (interquartile range, 19-54 d) from diagnosis, including 70 (35%) patients who received potentially curative treatments. Factors associated with potentially curative (vs no) treatments included HCC screening, early stage at diagnosis, and better performance status. Having fewer comorbidities and better performance status were associated significantly with noncurative (vs no) treatment. Early stage diagnosis, diagnosis in the VA system, and receipt of curative treatment were associated significantly with survival. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of HCC screening and engagement in care for HCC diagnosis, treatment, and survival while demonstrating the feasibility of developing a national quality improvement agenda for HCC screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shari S Rogal
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexander Monto
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Heather Patton
- Gastroenterology Section, Jennifer Moreno VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Monica Merante
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick Spoutz
- Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Integrated Service Network 20, Vancouver, Washington
| | - Linda Chia
- Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Integrated Service Network 20, Vancouver, Washington
| | - Jennifer Yudkevich
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Ayse Aytaman
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York; SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Atoosa Rabiee
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Binu V John
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, Florida; Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Boris Blechacz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VA South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Cindy X Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, California; Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - HoChong Gilles
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Anand S Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia; Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Puneet Puri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Janice Jou
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Khurram Mazhar
- VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington; Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennifer Anwar
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California
| | - Timothy R Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - George N Ioannou
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington; Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yakovchenko V, Lamorte C, Chinman MJ, Goodrich DE, Gibson S, Park A, Bajaj JS, McCurdy H, Morgan TR, Rogal SS. Comparing the CFIR-ERIC matching tool recommendations to real-world strategy effectiveness data: a mixed-methods study in the Veterans Health Administration. Implement Sci 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37828539 PMCID: PMC10571268 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practical and feasible methods for matching implementation strategies to diagnosed barriers of evidence-based interventions in real-world contexts are lacking. This evaluation compared actual implementation strategies applied with those recommended by an expert opinion-based tool to improve guideline-concordant cirrhosis care in a Veterans Health Administration national learning collaborative effort. METHODS This convergent parallel mixed-methods study aimed to (1) identify pre-implementation Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) barriers to cirrhosis care through focus groups with frontline providers, (2) generate 20 recommended strategies using focus group identified barriers entered into the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Implementation Strategy Matching Tool, (3) survey providers over two consecutive years on the actual use of 73 ERIC strategies and determine strategy effectiveness, (4) compare actual versus recommended strategy use, and (5) compare actual versus expected barriers by reverse applying the CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool. RESULTS Eighteen semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 197 providers representing 95 VA sites to identify barriers to quality improvement, including cirrhosis care complexity, clarity of national goals, and local leadership support. The CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool recommended strategies such as assessing for readiness and needs, promoting adaptability, building local groups, preparing champions, and working with opinion leaders and early adopters. Subsequent strategy surveys found that sites used the top 20 "recommended" strategies no more frequently than other strategies. However, 14 (70%) of the top recommended strategies were significantly positively associated with cirrhosis care compared to 48% of actual strategies. Reverse CFIR-ERIC matching found that the strategies most used in the first year corresponded to the following barriers: opinion leaders, access to knowledge and information, and resources. The strategies most frequently employed in the second year addressed barriers such as champions, cosmopolitanism, readiness for implementation, relative priority, and patient needs and resources. Strategies used in both years were those that addressed adaptability, trialability, and compatibility. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to empirically evaluate the relationship between CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool recommended strategies and actual strategy selection and effectiveness in the real world. We found closer connections between recommended strategies and strategy effectiveness compared to strategy frequency, suggesting validity of barrier identification, and application of the expert-informed tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
| | - Carolyn Lamorte
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
| | - Matthew J Chinman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David E Goodrich
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
| | - Sandra Gibson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angela Park
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Healthcare Transformation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Timothy R Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Shari S Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McCurdy H. Critical Care Flight Nurses' role within secondary aeromedical services and the inter-hospital transfer of patients with acute spinal cord impairment. Contemp Nurse 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36632717 DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2023.2167728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aim: To highlight the role of secondary aeromedical services and required knowledge of Critical Care Flight Nurses (CCFN), in facilitating the safe inter-hospital transfer of patients with acute Spinal Cord Impairment (SCI) from a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) to a specialist SCI centre. Method: Literature search. Results: There is significant demand for secondary aeromedical services in order for patients with acute SCI to be transferred to a SCI centre within 24 h of injury. CCFN play an important role in triaging patients, coordinating patient care, arranging logistics of transport as well as providing direct clinical care inflight. CCFN must have knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of acute SCI, altitude physiology and interventions to manage stressors of flight in the aeromedical environment. Specific clinical challenges encountered by CCFN include the prevention of hypobaric hypoxic hypoxia and achieving appropriate immobilisation of the spine. Conclusion: Mitigating the increased risk associated with transporting critically unwell patients with SCI in the aeromedical environment, relies on aeromedical clinicians with education and training within the clinical specialty of aeromedical retrieval. The availability of secondary aeromedical services to undertake urgent inter-hospital retrieval of patients with acute SCI will be promoted by the continued development of Retrieval Nurse Practitioner (RNP) roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCurdy
- Occupational and Aviation Medicine Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.,Canterbury Air Retrieval Service, Te Whatu Ora: Christchurch Intensive Care, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yakovchenko V, Rogal SS, Goodrich DE, Lamorte C, Neely B, Merante M, Gibson S, Scott D, McCurdy H, Nobbe A, Morgan TR, Chinman MJ. Getting to implementation: Adaptation of an implementation playbook. Front Public Health 2023; 10:980958. [PMID: 36684876 PMCID: PMC9853037 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.980958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Implementation strategies supporting the translation of evidence into practice need to be tailored and adapted for maximum effectiveness, yet the field of adapting implementation strategies remains nascent. We aimed to adapt "Getting To Outcomes"® (GTO), a 10-step implementation playbook designed to help community-based organizations plan and evaluate behavioral health programs, into "Getting To Implementation" (GTI) to support the selection, tailoring, and use of implementation strategies in health care settings. Methods Our embedded evaluation team partnered with operations, external facilitators, and site implementers to employ participatory methods to co-design and adapt GTO for Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatient cirrhosis care improvement. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidenced-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) guided documentation and analysis of changes made pre- and post-implementation of GTI at 12 VA medical centers. Data from multiple sources (interviews, observation, content analysis, and fidelity tracking) were triangulated and analyzed using rapid techniques over a 3-year period. Results Adaptations during pre-implementation were planned, proactive, and focused on context and content to improve acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the GTI playbook. Modifications during and after implementation were unplanned and reactive, concentrating on adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. All changes were collaboratively developed, fidelity consistent at the level of the facilitator and/or implementer. Conclusion GTO was initially adapted to GTI to support health care teams' selection and use of implementation strategies for improving guideline-concordant medical care. GTI required ongoing modification, particularly in steps regarding team building, context assessment, strategy selection, and sustainability due to difficulties with step clarity and progression. This work also highlights the challenges in pragmatic approaches to collecting and synthesizing implementation, fidelity, and adaptation data. Trial registration This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04178096).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shari S. Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David E. Goodrich
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Carolyn Lamorte
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Brittney Neely
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Monica Merante
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sandra Gibson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dawn Scott
- Department of Medicine, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Heather McCurdy
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anna Nobbe
- Digestive Disease Section, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthew J. Chinman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yakovchenko V, Morgan TR, Miech EJ, Neely B, Lamorte C, Gibson S, Beste LA, McCurdy H, Scott D, Gonzalez R, Park A, Powell BJ, Bajaj JS, Dominitz JA, Chartier M, Ross D, Chinman MJ, Rogal SS. Core implementation strategies for improving cirrhosis care in the Veterans Health Administration. Hepatology 2022; 76:404-417. [PMID: 35124820 PMCID: PMC9288973 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides care for more than 80,000 veterans with cirrhosis. This longitudinal, multimethod evaluation of a cirrhosis care quality improvement program aimed to (1) identify implementation strategies associated with evidence-based, guideline-concordant cirrhosis care over time, and (2) use qualitative interviews to operationalize strategies for a manualized intervention. APPROACH AND RESULTS VHA providers were surveyed annually about the use of 73 implementation strategies to improve cirrhosis care in fiscal years 2018 (FY18) and 2019 (FY19). Implementation strategies linked to guideline-concordant cirrhosis care were identified using bivariate statistics and comparative configurational methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 facilities in the highest quartile of cirrhosis care to specify the successful implementation strategies and their mechanisms of change. A total of 106 VHA facilities (82%) responded at least once over the 2-year period (FY18, n = 63; FY19, n = 100). Facilities reported using a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 20) implementation strategies in FY18 and 10 (IQR 19) in FY19. Of the 73 strategies, 35 (48%) were positively correlated with provision of evidence-based cirrhosis care. Configurational analysis identified multiple strategy pathways directly linked to more guideline-concordant cirrhosis care. Across both methods, a subset of eight strategies was determined to be core to cirrhosis care improvement and specified using qualitative interviews. CONCLUSIONS In a national cirrhosis care improvement initiative, a multimethod approach identified a core subset of successful implementation strategy combinations. This process of empirically identifying and specifying implementation strategies may be applicable to other implementation challenges in hepatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Edward J. Miech
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Roudebush VA Medical Center, HSR&D Center for Health Information & Communication, VA PRIS-M QUERI, Indianapolis, IN,Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Brittney Neely
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Carolyn Lamorte
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sandra Gibson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lauren A. Beste
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA,General Medicine Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Dawn Scott
- Department of Medicine, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX
| | - Rachel Gonzalez
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Sierra Pacific Veterans Integrated Service Network, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Mather, CA
| | - Angela Park
- Office of Healthcare Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC
| | - Byron J. Powell
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Division of Gastroenterology, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, VA
| | - Jason A. Dominitz
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Maggie Chartier
- HIV, Hepatitis, and Related Conditions Programs, Office of Specialty Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - David Ross
- HIV, Hepatitis, and Related Conditions Programs, Office of Specialty Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Matthew J. Chinman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA,RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Shari S. Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rogal SS, Yakovchenko V, Gonzalez R, Park A, Beste LA, Rozenberg-Ben-Dror K, Bajaj JS, Scott D, McCurdy H, Comstock E, Sidorovic M, Gibson S, Lamorte C, Nobbe A, Chartier M, Ross D, Dominitz JA, Morgan TR. The Hepatic Innovation Team Collaborative: A Successful Population-Based Approach to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092251. [PMID: 34067177 PMCID: PMC8125814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is a growing problem that largely impacts people with cirrhosis. This article describes the Veterans Health Administration’s national cirrhosis quality improvement program and its focus on early detection of liver cancer. Abstract After implementing a successful hepatitis C elimination program, the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Hepatic Innovation Team (HIT) Collaborative pivoted to focus on improving cirrhosis care. This national program developed teams of providers across the country and engaged them in using systems redesign methods and population health approaches to improve care. The HIT Collaborative developed an Advanced Liver Disease (ALD) Dashboard to identify Veterans with cirrhosis who were due for surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver care, promoted the use of an HCC Clinical Reminder in the electronic health record, and provided training and networking opportunities. This evaluation aimed to describe the VHA’s approach to improving cirrhosis care and identify the facility factors and HIT activities associated with HCC surveillance rates, using a quasi-experimental design. Across all VHA facilities, as the HIT focused on cirrhosis between 2018–2019, HCC surveillance rates increased from 46% (IQR 37–53%) to 51% (IQR 42–60%, p < 0.001). The median HCC surveillance rate was 57% in facilities with high ALD Dashboard utilization compared with 45% in facilities with lower utilization (p < 0.001) and 58% in facilities using the HCC Clinical Reminder compared with 47% in facilities not using this tool (p < 0.001) in FY19. Increased use of the ALD Dashboard and adoption of the HCC Clinical Reminder were independently, significantly associated with HCC surveillance rates in multivariate models, controlling for other facility characteristics. In conclusion, the VHA’s HIT Collaborative is a national healthcare initiative associated with significant improvement in HCC surveillance rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shari S. Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (S.G.); (C.L.)
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-360-6177
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road (152), Building 70, Bedford, MA 01730, USA;
| | - Rachel Gonzalez
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Sierra Pacific Veterans Integrated Service Network, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Mather, CA 94523, USA;
| | - Angela Park
- Office of Healthcare Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20420, USA;
| | - Lauren A. Beste
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- General Medicine Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Karine Rozenberg-Ben-Dror
- Veteran Affairs Great Lakes Health Care System, VISN 12 PBM, 11301 W Cermak Road, Ste 810, Westchester, IL 60154, USA;
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 E Broad Street, West Hospital, 14th Floor, Box 980341, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Division of Gastroenterology, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Dawn Scott
- Department of Medicine, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX 76504, USA;
| | - Heather McCurdy
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
| | - Emily Comstock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore VA Medical Center, 10 N Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Michael Sidorovic
- Salisbury VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144, USA;
| | - Sandra Gibson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (S.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Carolyn Lamorte
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; (S.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Anna Nobbe
- Digestive Disease Section, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA;
| | - Maggie Chartier
- HIV, Hepatitis, and Related Conditions, Office of Specialty Care Services (10P11I), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20420, USA; (M.C.); (D.R.)
| | - David Ross
- HIV, Hepatitis, and Related Conditions, Office of Specialty Care Services (10P11I), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20420, USA; (M.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Jason A. Dominitz
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA;
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, RR-512, Health Sciences Building, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA;
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, 333 City Blvd. West, Suite 400, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tapper EB, Hao S, Lin M, Mafi JN, McCurdy H, Parikh ND, Lok AS. The Quality and Outcomes of Care Provided to Patients with Cirrhosis by Advanced Practice Providers. Hepatology 2020; 71:225-234. [PMID: 31063262 PMCID: PMC6834870 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is morbid and increasingly prevalent, yet the U.S. health care system lacks enough physicians and specialists to adequately manage patients with cirrhosis. Although advanced practice providers (APPs) can expand access to cirrhosis-related care, their impact on the quality of care remains unknown. We sought to determine the effect on care quality and outcomes for patients managed by APPs using a retrospective analysis of a nationally representative American commercial claims database (Optum), which included 389,257 unique adults with cirrhosis. We evaluated a complication of process measures (i.e., rates of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] screening, endoscopic varices screening, and use of rifaximin after hospitalization for hepatic encephalopathy) and outcomes (30-day readmissions and survival). Compared with patients without APP care, patients with APP care had higher rates of HCC screening (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.19, 1.27), varices screening (OR 1.20 [1.13, 1.27]), use of rifaximin after a discharge for hepatic encephalopathy (OR 2.09 [1.80, 2.43]), and reduced risk of 30-day readmission (OR 0.68 [0.66, 0.70]). Gastroenterology/hepatology consultation was also associated with improved quality metric performance compared with primary care; however, shared visits between gastroenterologists/hepatologists and APPs were associated with the best performance and lower 30-day readmissions compared with subspecialty consultation without an APP (OR 0.91 [0.87, 0.95]. Multivariate analysis adjusting for comorbidities, liver disease severity, and other factors including gastroenterology/hepatology consultation showed that patients seen by APPs were more likely to receive consistent HCC and varices screening over time, less likely to experience 30-day readmissions, and had lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.55, 0.60). Conclusion: APPs, particularly when working with gastroenterologists/hepatologists, are associated with improved quality of care and outcomes for patients with cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI,Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor MI
| | | | | | - John N. Mafi
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA,RAND Health, RAND Corporation
| | | | - Neehar D. Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI,Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor MI
| | - Anna S. Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI,Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor MI
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Glass LM, Waljee AK, McCurdy H, Su GL, Sales A. Specialty Care Access Network-Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes Model Program for Liver Disease Improves Specialty Care Access. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:3344-3349. [PMID: 29043594 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4789-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To improve subspecialty access, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) implemented the first Specialty Care Access Network (SCAN)-Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) in chronic liver disease. SCAN-ECHO Liver links primary care providers (PCPs) to hepatologists via secure video-teleconferencing. We aim to describe characteristics of participants (PCPs) and patients (clinical question and diagnosis) in SCAN-ECHO Liver. METHODS This is a prospective study of the VAAAHS SCAN-ECHO Liver (June 10, 2011-March 31, 2015). This evaluation was carried out as a non-research activity under the guidance furnished by VHA Handbook 1058.05. It was approved through the Medicine Service at VAAAHS as noted in the attestation document which serves as documentation of approved non-research, quality improvement activities in VHA. RESULTS In total, 106 PCPs from 23 sites participated. A total of 155 SCAN-ECHO sessions discussed 519 new and 49 return patients. 29.4% of Liver Clinic requests were completed in SCAN-ECHO Liver. SCAN-ECHO Liver consults were completed an average of 10 days sooner than in conventional clinic. Potential travel saving was 250 miles round-trip (median 255 (IQR 142-316) per patient. CONCLUSION SCAN-ECHO Liver provided specialty care with increased efficiency and convenience for chronic liver disease patients. One of three of Liver Clinic consults was diverted to SCAN-ECHO Liver, reducing consult completion time by 20%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Glass
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 111D, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Akbar K Waljee
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 111D, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather McCurdy
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 111D, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Grace L Su
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 111D, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anne Sales
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Learning Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mellinger JL, Moser S, Welsh DE, Yosef MT, Van T, McCurdy H, Rakoski MO, Moseley RH, Glass L, Waljee AK, Volk ML, Sales A, Su GL. Access to Subspecialty Care And Survival Among Patients With Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2016; 111:838-44. [PMID: 27021199 PMCID: PMC6907155 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Access to subspecialty care may be difficult for patients with liver disease, but it is unknown whether access influences outcomes among this population. Our objectives were to determine rates and predictors of access to ambulatory gastrointestinal (GI) subspecialty care for patients with liver disease and to determine whether access to subspecialty GI care is associated with better survival. METHODS We studied 28,861 patients within the Veterans Administration VISN 11 Liver Disease cohort who had an ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for liver disease from 1 January 2000 through 30 May 2011. Access was defined as a completed outpatient clinic visit with a gastroenterologist or hepatologist at any time after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of access to a GI subspecialist. Survival curves were compared between those who did and those who did not see a specialist, with propensity score adjustment to account for other covariates that may affect access. RESULTS Overall, 10,710 patients (37%) had a completed GI visit. On multivariable regression, older patients (odds ratio (OR) 0.98, P<0.001), those with more comorbidities (OR 0.98, P=0.01), and those living farther from a tertiary-care center (OR 0.998/mi, P<0.001) were less likely to be seen in clinic. Patients who were more likely to be seen included those who had hepatitis C (OR 1.5, P<0.001) or cirrhosis (OR 3.5, P<0.001) diagnoses prior to their initial visit. Patients with an ambulatory GI visit at any time after diagnosis were less likely to die at 5 years when compared with propensity-score-matched controls (hazard ratio 0.81, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Access to ambulatory GI care was associated with improved 5-year survival for patients with liver disease. Innovative care coordination techniques may prove beneficial in extending access to care to liver disease patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Mellinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephanie Moser
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Deborah E Welsh
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Matheos T Yosef
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tony Van
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Mina O Rakoski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard H Moseley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa Glass
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Akbar K Waljee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael L Volk
- Loma Linda Medical Center Transplantation Institute, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Anne Sales
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Grace L Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barman PM, Sharma P, Krishnamurthy V, Willatt J, McCurdy H, Moseley RH, Su GL. Predictors of mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. Dig Dis Sci 2014; 59:2821-5. [PMID: 24973040 PMCID: PMC4359914 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3247-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the recommended treatment for patients with Barcelona stage B hepatocellular carcinoma; however, community practice varies from these American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines. In this study, we sought to assess factors determining outcome after TACE and examine adherence to guidelines. METHODS From January 2006 to December 2012, 308 patients with newly diagnosed HCC were treated at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Of these, 109 patients underwent TACE. The primary outcome measured mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the cumulative probability of death. Cox regression was used to assess the predictors of mortality. RESULTS The median age of the 109 patients was 60 years (48-90), 97 % were males and 82 % had chronic HCV infection. The median size of the largest lesion was 4 cm, 51 % were multifocal, and portal vein thrombosis was present in 3.6 %. Sixty-two patients died after median 333 days from the index TACE treatment. Median overall survival from index TACE was 11.2 months. Unadjusted 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival was 64, 35, and 24 %, respectively. CTP score (B vs. A: HR 2.51, p = 0.002; C vs. A: HR 7.96, p < 0.0001) and presence of complete response to TACE (HR 0.51, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of mortality. Barcelona stage (p = 0.88) and performance status as measured by ECOG (p = 0.98) were not associated with mortality after TACE. CONCLUSIONS In this community based, single VA center study, we found a significant number of patients beyond Barcelona stage B were treated with TACE. Advanced TNM stage, poor liver synthetic function and achieving CR with TACE were better predictors of mortality than guideline-directed decisions based on Barcelona stage. These factors may be useful to guide future patient selection for TACE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranab M. Barman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pratima Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Venkat Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jonathon Willatt
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Richard H. Moseley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace L. Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Salgia RJ, Mullan PB, McCurdy H, Sales A, Moseley RH, Su GL. The Educational Impact of the Specialty Care Access Network–Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes Program. Telemed J E Health 2014; 20:1004-8. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2013.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reena J. Salgia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Patricia B. Mullan
- Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Anne Sales
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard H. Moseley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Grace L. Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marrero J, Maluccio MA, McCurdy H, Abou-Alfa GK. Expert perspectives on evidence-based treatment planning for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Control 2014; 21:5-16. [PMID: 24681845 DOI: 10.1177/1073274814021002s02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Marrero
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Azim J, McCurdy H, Moseley RH. Porphyria cutanea tarda as a complication of therapy for chronic hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2008. [PMID: 18855993 DOI: pmid/18855993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a strong association between porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and chronic viral hepatitis C. Therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C may improve PCT. However, there are only a few reports of the de novo development of PCT during therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C. We describe the development of PCT in a 56-year-old patient with chronic viral hepatitis C after 12 wk of peginterferon/ribavirin therapy. In addition, the patient was homozygous for the H63D hereditary hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutation. The association of PCT with chronic viral hepatitis C and the possible role of hepatic iron overload and ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in the development of PCT during therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Azim
- Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
There is a strong association between porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and chronic viral hepatitis C. Therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C may improve PCT. However, there are only a few reports of the de novo development of PCT during therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C. We describe the development of PCT in a 56-year-old patient with chronic viral hepatitis C after 12 wk of peginterferon/ribavirin therapy. In addition, the patient was homozygous for the H63D hereditary hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutation. The association of PCT with chronic viral hepatitis C and the possible role of hepatic iron overload and ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in the development of PCT during therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C are discussed.
Collapse
|