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Riggs KR, Kertesz SG. Illuminating the Consequentialist Logic of Harm Reduction After Overdose Through a Hypothetical Randomized Trial. Am J Bioeth 2024; 24:45-48. [PMID: 38635430 PMCID: PMC11034905 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2327277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Stefan G. Kertesz
- Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Presley CA, Khodneva Y, Howell CR, Riggs KR, Huang L, Levitan EB, Cherrington AL. Patient-level factors associated with hemoglobin A1C testing in Alabama Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes. Prim Care Diabetes 2023; 17:612-618. [PMID: 37858401 PMCID: PMC10841383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2023.10.002] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM We evaluated patient-level factors associated with receipt of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing among Alabama Medicaid beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of person-year observations from Medicaid claims data from 2011 to 2020. Adults aged 19-64 years with type 2 diabetes and continuous enrollment in Medicaid for study year and year prior were included. Primary outcomes were ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 HbA1c test(s) per year. We conducted multivariable Poisson regression stratified by Medicaid eligibility reason (disability, poverty) examining the association of study year, demographics, clinical factors, and healthcare utilization with HbA1c testing. RESULTS We analyzed 288,379 observations, 51% with disability-based, 49% poverty-based eligibility. Overall, 57% observations had ≥ 1 HbA1c, 35% had ≥ 2 HbA1c tests. More observations with disability-based than poverty-based eligibility had ≥ 1 (76% vs. 38%) and ≥ 2 HbA1c tests (49% vs. 20%). Patient-level factors were associated with a higher likelihood of having ≥ 1 HbA1c: Black race and older age (disability-based eligibility); year after 2011, female sex, and younger age (poverty-based eligibility); and rurality, insulin use, endocrinology care, diabetes complications, and ambulatory care visits (both groups). CONCLUSIONS Just over one-third of adult Alabama Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes had ≥ 2 HbA1c tests per year; testing frequency differed by Medicaid eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Presley
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States.
| | - Yulia Khodneva
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Carrie R Howell
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Emily B Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Andrea L Cherrington
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Presley CA, Khodneva Y, Juarez LD, Howell CR, Agne AA, Riggs KR, Huang L, Pisu M, Levitan EB, Cherrington AL. Trends and Predictors of Glycemic Control Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Covered by Alabama Medicaid, 2011-2019. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E81. [PMID: 37708338 PMCID: PMC10516203 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.220332] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advances in diabetes management, only one-quarter of people with diabetes in the US achieve optimal targets for glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, and cholesterol. We sought to evaluate temporal trends and predictors of achieving glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes covered by Alabama Medicaid from 2011 through 2019. METHODS We completed a retrospective analysis of Medicaid claims and laboratory data, using person-years as the unit of analysis. Inclusion criteria were being aged 19 to 64 years, having a diabetes diagnosis, being continuously enrolled in Medicaid for a calendar year and preceding 12 months, and having at least 1 HbA1c result during the study year. Primary outcomes were HbA1c thresholds of <7% and <8%. Primary exposure was study year. We conducted separate multivariable-adjusted logistic regressions to evaluate relationships between study year and HbA1c thresholds. RESULTS We included 43,997 person-year observations. Mean (SD) age was 51.0 (9.9) years; 69.4% were women; 48.1% were Black, 42.9% White, and 0.4% Hispanic. Overall, 49.1% had an HbA1c level of <7% and 64.6% <8%. Later study years and poverty-based eligibility were associated with lower probability of reaching target HbA1c levels of <7% or <8%. Sex, race, ethnicity, and geography were not associated with likelihood of reaching HbA1c <7% or <8% in any model. CONCLUSION Later study years were associated with lower likelihood of meeting target HbA1c levels compared with 2011, after adjusting for covariates. With approximately 35% not meeting an HbA1c target of <8%, more work is needed to improve outcomes of low-income adults with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Presley
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave South, MT-616, Birmingham, AL 35205
| | - Yulia Khodneva
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - Lucia D Juarez
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - Carrie R Howell
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - April A Agne
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
| | - Emily B Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Andrea L Cherrington
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
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Riggs KR, Presley CA, Agne AA, Howell CR, Huang L, Mugavero MJ, Levitan EB, Cherrington AL. Measuring continuity of care for diabetes: which visits to include? Am J Manag Care 2023; 29:e274-e279. [PMID: 37729533 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89431] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Continuity of care measures are widely used to evaluate the quality of health care delivery, but which visits are included vary across studies. Our objective was to determine how the provider specialties included affect continuity values, year-to-year stability, and association with emergency department (ED) visits. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of Alabama Medicaid administrative data. METHODS We included beneficiaries with diabetes who had at least 3 outpatient visits in each of 2018 and 2019 (N = 9578). We defined 3 provider groupings: all providers, diabetes-broad (primary care, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, nephrology, and psychiatry), and diabetes-narrow (primary care and endocrinology). Continuity of care was calculated using the Continuity of Care Index (COCI) for each provider grouping. We compared correlation between measures and from year to year using Spearman correlations, and we used multivariable logistic regression to determine association with ED visits. RESULTS The mean COCI was 0.54 using visits with all providers, 0.64 with diabetes-broad providers, and 0.83 with diabetes-narrow providers. COCI with diabetes-narrow providers was moderately correlated with the broader sets of providers (Spearman ρ, 0.52-0.65). Comparing each participant's COCI in 2018 with that in 2019, the mean intraperson difference was similar (0.16-0.22), and correlation was moderate (Spearman ρ, 0.41-0.47) for each measure. COCI had similar weak association with ED visits using each provider grouping (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99 for each 0.1-unit difference in COCI). CONCLUSIONS Continuity values differed substantially depending on which provider specialties were included. The importance of this variation is uncertain, as continuity was weakly associated with ED visits using each of the measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, MT 610, Birmingham, AL 35294-4410.
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Riggs KR, Shaneyfelt T, Cherrington AL, Simmons JW, Hage FG, Morris MS, Kertesz SG, Richman JS. ASA Physical Status Determination by General Internists and Impact on Cardiac Risk Assessment. South Med J 2023; 116:530-534. [PMID: 37400096 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Estimating cardiac risk is important for preoperative evaluation, and several risk calculators incorporate the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score. The purpose of this study was to determine the concordance of ASA scores assigned by general internists and anesthesiologists and assess whether discrepancies affected cardiac risk estimation. METHODS This observational study included military veterans evaluated in a preoperative evaluation clinic at a single center during a 12-month period. ASA scores were recorded by General Internal Medicine residents under the supervision of a General Internal Medicine attending, performing a preoperative medical consultation, and were compared with ASA scores assigned by an anesthesiologist on the day of surgery. ASA scores and Gupta Cardiac Risk Scores incorporating each ASA score were compared. RESULTS Data were collected on 206 patients, 163 of whom had surgery within 90 days and were included. ASA scores were concordant in 60 patients (37.3%), whereas the ASA scores were rated lower by the general internist in 101 (62.0%) and higher in 2 (1.2%). Interrater reliability was low (κ = 0.08), and general internist scores were significantly lower than anesthesiologist scores (P < 0.01). Gupta Cardiac Risk Scores were calculated for 160 patients, and they exceeded 1% in 14 patients using the anesthesiologist ASA score, compared with 5 patients using the general internist score. CONCLUSIONS ASA scores assigned by general internists in this study were significantly lower than those assigned by anesthesiologists, and these discrepancies in the ASA score can lead to substantially different conclusions about cardiac risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Melanie S Morris
- Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham
| | | | - Joshua S Richman
- Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham
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Riggs KR, Cherrington AL, Kertesz SG, Richman JS, DeRussy AJ, Varley AL, Becker WC, Morris MS, Singh JA, Markland AD, Goodin BR. Higher Pain Catastrophizing and Preoperative Pain is Associated with Increased Risk for Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use. Pain Physician 2023; 26:E73-E82. [PMID: 36988368 PMCID: PMC10337451] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged postoperative opioid use (PPOU) is considered an unfavorable post-surgical outcome. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors have been associated with PPOU, but methods to prospectively identify patients at increased risk are lacking. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to determine whether an individual or a combination of several psychological factors could identify a subset of patients at increased risk for PPOU. STUDY DESIGN Observational cohort study with prospective baseline data collection and passive outcomes data collection. SETTING A single VA medical center in the United States. METHODS Patients were recruited from a preoperative anesthesia clinic where they were undergoing evaluation prior to elective surgery, and they completed a survey before surgery. The primary outcome was PPOU, defined as outpatient receipt of a prescribed opioid 31 to 90 days after surgery as determined from pharmacy records. Primary covariates of interest were pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and optimism. Additional covariates included social and demographic factors, pain severity, medication use, depression, anxiety, and surgical fear. RESULTS Of 123 patients included in the final analyses, 30 (24.4%) had PPOU. In bivariate analyses, preoperative opioid use and preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were significantly associated with PPOU. The combination of high pain catastrophizing and high preoperative pain (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.41 - 7.79) was associated with higher odds of PPOU than either alone, and the association remained significant after adjusting for preoperative opioid use (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.04 - 6.29). LIMITATIONS Patients were recruited from a single site, and the sample was not large enough to include potentially important variables such as procedure type. CONCLUSIONS A combination of high pain catastrophizing and high preoperative pain has the potential to be a clinically useful means of identifying patients at elevated risk of PPOU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Riggs
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Andrea L. Cherrington
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Stefan G. Kertesz
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Joshua S. Richman
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Aerin J. DeRussy
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | | | - William C. Becker
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melanie S. Morris
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Jasvinder A. Singh
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Alayne D. Markland
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Burel R. Goodin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Riggs KR, DeRussy AJ, Leisch L, Shover CL, Bohnert ASB, Hoge AE, Montgomery AE, Varley AL, Jones AL, Gordon AJ, Kertesz SG. Sensitivity of health records for self-reported nonfatal drug and alcohol overdose. Am J Addict 2022; 31:517-522. [PMID: 36000282 PMCID: PMC9617764 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13327] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Public health surveillance for overdose sometimes depends on nonfatal drug overdoses recorded in health records. However, the proportion of total overdoses identified through health record systems is unclear. Comparison of overdoses from health records to those that are self-reported may provide insight on the proportion of nonfatal overdoses that are not identified. METHODS We conducted a cohort study linking survey data on overdose from a national survey of Veterans to United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health records, including community care paid for by VA. Self-reported overdose in the prior 3 years was compared to diagnostic codes for overdoses and substance use disorders in the same time period. RESULTS The sensitivity of diagnostic codes for overdose, compared to self-report as a reference standard for this analysis, varied by substance: 28.1% for alcohol, 23.1% for sedatives, 12.0% for opioids, and 5.5% for cocaine. There was a notable concordance between substance use disorder diagnoses and self-reported overdose (sensitivity range 17.9%-90.6%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic codes in health records may not identify a substantial proportion of drug overdoses. A health record diagnosis of substance use disorder may offer a stronger inference regarding the size of the population at risk. Alternatively, screening for self-reported overdose in routine clinical care could enhance overdose surveillance and targeted intervention. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that diagnostic codes for overdose are insensitive. These findings support consideration of alternative approaches to overdose surveillance in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Leah Leisch
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Chelsea L Shover
- University of California David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- Michigan Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - April E Hoge
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ann E Montgomery
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Allyson L Varley
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Audrey L Jones
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Stefan G Kertesz
- Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Varley AL, Hoge A, Riggs KR, deRussy A, Jones AL, Austin EL, Gabrielian S, Gelberg L, Gordon AJ, Blosnich JR, Montgomery AE, Kertesz SG. What do Veterans with homeless experience want us to know that we are not asking? A qualitative content analysis of comments from a national survey of healthcare experience. Health Soc Care Community 2022; 30:e5027-e5037. [PMID: 35866310 PMCID: PMC9942008 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Surveys of people who experience homelessness can portray their life and healthcare experiences with a level of statistical precision; however, few have explored how the very same surveys can deliver qualitative insights as well. In responding to surveys, people experiencing homelessness can use the margins to highlight health and social concerns that investigators failed to anticipate that standard question batteries miss. This study describes the unprompted comments of a large national survey of Veterans with homeless experiences. The Primary Care Quality-Homeless Services Tailoring (PCQ-HOST) survey presented 85 close-ended items to solicit social and psychological experiences, health conditions, and patient ratings of primary care. Amongst 5377 Veterans responding to the paper survey, 657 (12%) offered 1933 unprompted comments across nearly all domains queried. Using a team-based content analysis approach, we coded and organised survey comments by survey domain, and identified emergent themes. Respondents used comments for many purposes. They noted when questions called for more nuanced responses than those allowed, especially 'sometimes' or 'not applicable' on sensitive questions, such as substance use, where recovery status was not queried. On such matters, the options of 'no' and 'yes' failed to capture important contextual and historical information that mattered to respondents, such as being in recovery. Respondents also elaborated on negative and positive care experiences, often naming specific clinics or clinicians. This study highlights the degree to which members of vulnerable populations, who participate in survey research, want researchers to know the reasons behind their responses and topics (like chronic pain and substance use disorders) that could benefit from open-ended response options. Understanding patient perspectives can help improve care. Quantitative data from surveys can provide statistical precision but may miss key patient perspectives. The content that patients write into survey margins can highlight shortfalls of a survey and point towards future areas of inquiry. Veterans with homeless experience want to provide additional detail about their lives and care experiences in ways that transcend the boundaries of close-ended survey questions. Questions on substance use proved especially likely to draw comments that went beyond the permitted response options, often to declare that the respondent was in recovery. Respondents frequently clarified aspects of their care experiences related to pain, pain care, transportation and experiences of homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson L Varley
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - April Hoge
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aerin deRussy
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Audrey L Jones
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Erika L Austin
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sonya Gabrielian
- VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Stefan G Kertesz
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Bronstein JM, Huang L, Shelley JP, Levitan EB, Presley CA, Agne AA, Mondesir FL, Riggs KR, Pisu M, Cherrington AL. Primary care visits and ambulatory care sensitive diabetes hospitalizations among adult Alabama Medicaid beneficiaries. Prim Care Diabetes 2022; 16:116-121. [PMID: 34772648 PMCID: PMC8840986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe patterns of care use for Alabama Medicaid adult beneficiaries with diabetes and the association between primary care utilization and ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) diabetes hospitalizations. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzes Alabama Medicaid claims data from January 2010 to April 2018 for 52,549 covered adults ages 19-64 with diabetes. Individuals were characterized by demographics, comorbidities, and health care use including primary, specialty, mental health and hospital care. Characteristics of those with and without any ACS diabetes hospitalization are reported. A set of 118,758 observations was created, pairing information on primary care use in one year with ACS hospitalizations in the following year. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of primary care use on the occurrence of an ACS hospitalization. RESULTS One third of the cohort had at least one ACS diabetes hospitalization over their observed periods; hospital users tended to have multiple ACS hospitalizations. Hospital users had more comorbidities and pharmaceutical and other types of care use than those with no ACS hospitalizations. Controlling for other types of care use, comorbidities and demographics, having a primary care visit in one year was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of ACS hospitalization in the following year (odds ratio comparing 1-2 visits versus none 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.73-0.85). CONCLUSIONS Program and population health interventions that increase access to primary care can have a beneficial effect of reducing excess inpatient hospital use for Medicaid covered adults with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Bronstein
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham AL, 35294, United States
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham AL, 35294, United States
| | - John P Shelley
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, 2209 Garland Ave, Nashville TN, 37232, United States
| | - Emily B Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham AL, 35294, United States
| | - Caroline A Presley
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham AL, 35205, United States
| | - April A Agne
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham AL, 35205, United States
| | - Favel L Mondesir
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham AL, 35205, United States
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham AL, 35205, United States
| | - Andrea L Cherrington
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham AL, 35205, United States.
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deRussy AJ, Jones AL, Austin EL, Gordon AJ, Gelberg L, Gabrielian SE, Riggs KR, Blosnich JR, Montgomery AE, Holmes SK, Varley AL, Hoge AE, Kertesz SG. Insights for Conducting Large-Scale Surveys with Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness. J Soc Distress Homeless 2021; 32:123-134. [PMID: 37234355 PMCID: PMC10208227 DOI: 10.1080/10530789.2021.2013013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Surveys of underserved patient populations are needed to guide quality improvement efforts but are challenging to implement. The goal of this study was to describe recruitment and response to a national survey of Veterans with homeless experience (VHE). We randomly selected 14,340 potential participants from 26 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. A survey contract organization verified/updated addresses from VA administrative data with a commercial address database, then attempted to recruit VHE through 4 mailings, telephone follow-up, and a $10 incentive. We used mixed-effects logistic regressions to test for differences in survey response by patient characteristics. The response rate was 40.2% (n=5,766). Addresses from VA data elicited a higher response rate than addresses from commercial sources (46.9% vs 31.2%, p<.001). Residential addresses elicited a higher response rate than business addresses (43.8% vs 26.2%, p<.001). Compared to non-respondents, respondents were older, less likely to have mental health, drug, or alcohol conditions, and had fewer VA housing and emergency service visits. Collectively, our results indicated a national mailed survey approach is feasible and successful for reaching VA patients who have recently experienced homelessness. These findings offer insight into how health systems can obtain perspectives of socially disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey L Jones
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
- University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Erika L Austin
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
| | - Adam J Gordon
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
- University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- University of California Los Angeles
| | - Sonya E Gabrielian
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- University of California Los Angeles
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
| | - John R Blosnich
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
| | | | - Allyson L Varley
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
| | | | - Stefan G Kertesz
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
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Jones AL, Gelberg L, deRussy AJ, Varley AL, Riggs KR, Gordon AJ, Kertesz SG. Low Uptake of Secure Messaging Among Veterans With Experiences of Homelessness and Substance Use Disorders. J Addict Med 2021; 15:508-511. [PMID: 33323688 PMCID: PMC8200366 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Persons who are homeless have significant health challenges and barriers accessing care. Secure messaging supports communication between patients and their providers through a web-based portal, but the acceptability of this technology among patients with high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) is unknown. We examined secure messaging use among veterans with experiences of homelessness (VEHs), and determined factors associated with messaging use. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of responses to a national survey of VEHs, administered by mail from March to October 2018 (response rate = 40.2%). One item assessed secure messaging use and satisfaction. We used multivariable logistic regressions to model secure messaging use, controlling for sociodemographics, medical conditions, housing indicators, and mental health and SUD diagnoses. RESULTS Of 5072 VEHs, 21% had ever used secure messaging and 87% of the subsample found messaging to be useful. Secure messaging was more commonly used by VEHs who were female, had some college education, those with ≥3 chronic medical conditions, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (all P < 0.001). Messaging was much less common for VEHs ages 55 to 64 or older, non-Latino Blacks, those receiving homeless-tailored primary care, and those with SUDs (all P < 0.001). VEHs with opioid use disorder were even less likely than those with other SUDs to use secure messaging (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Persons with homeless experiences might require assistance to engage with secure messaging technology. As health systems limit in-person care during a national pandemic, alternative solutions may be needed to facilitate health communications and prevent care disruptions for patients experiencing homelessness and SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L. Jones
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Allyson L. Varley
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
- University of Birmingham at Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | - Kevin R. Riggs
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
- University of Birmingham at Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stefan G. Kertesz
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
- University of Birmingham at Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
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12
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Kertesz SG, DeRussy AJ, Riggs KR, Hoge AE, Varley AL, Montgomery AE, Austin EL, Blosnich JR, Jones AL, Gabrielian SE, Gelberg L, Gordon AJ, Richman JS. Characteristics Associated With Unsheltered Status Among Veterans. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:357-368. [PMID: 34419233 PMCID: PMC8864732 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unsheltered homelessness is a strongly debated public issue. The study objective is to identify personal and community characteristics associated with unsheltered homelessness in veterans and to test for interactions between these characteristics. METHODS In a 2018 national survey of U.S. veterans with homeless experiences; investigators assessed unsheltered time; psychosocial characteristics; and community measures of shelter access, weather, and rental affordability. Associations between these characteristics and unsheltered status were tested in July-August 2020. This study also tested whether the count of personal risk factors interacted with community characteristics in predicting unsheltered status. RESULTS Among 5,406 veterans, 481 (8.9%) reported ≥7 nights unsheltered over 6 months. This group was more likely to report criminal justice history, poor social support, medical and drug problems, financial hardship, and being unmarried. Their communities had poorer shelter access and warmer temperatures. The likelihood of unsheltered experience rose with risk factor count from 2.0% (0-1) to 8.4% (2-3) and to 24.2% (4-11). Interaction tests showed that the increase was greater for communities with warmer weather and higher rents (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among veterans experiencing homelessness, unsheltered experiences correlate with individual and community risk factors. Communities wishing to address unsheltered homelessness will need to consider action at both levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G Kertesz
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Aerin J DeRussy
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - April E Hoge
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Allyson L Varley
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Erika L Austin
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - John R Blosnich
- Department of Social Change and Innovation, University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, California; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Audrey L Jones
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah; Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sonya E Gabrielian
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California; Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah; Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Joshua S Richman
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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13
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Kertesz SG, deRussy AJ, Kim YI, Hoge AE, Austin EL, Gordon AJ, Gelberg L, Gabrielian SE, Riggs KR, Blosnich JR, Montgomery AE, Holmes SK, Varley AL, Pollio DE, Gundlapalli AV, Jones AL. Comparison of Patient Experience Between Primary Care Settings Tailored for Homeless Clientele and Mainstream Care Settings. Med Care 2021; 59:495-503. [PMID: 33827104 PMCID: PMC8567819 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 1 million Americans receive primary care from federal homeless health care programs yearly. Vulnerabilities that can make care challenging include pain, addiction, psychological distress, and a lack of shelter. Research on the effectiveness of tailoring services for this population is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine whether homeless-tailored primary care programs offer a superior patient experience compared with nontailored ("mainstream") programs overall, and for highly vulnerable patients. RESEARCH DESIGN National patient survey comparing 26 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers' homeless-tailored primary care ("H-PACT"s) to mainstream primary care ("mainstream PACT"s) at the same locations. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5766 homeless-experienced veterans. MEASURES Primary care experience on 4 scales: Patient-Clinician Relationship, Cooperation, Accessibility/Coordination, and Homeless-Specific Needs. Mean scores (range: 1-4) were calculated and dichotomized as unfavorable versus not. We counted key vulnerabilities (chronic pain, unsheltered homelessness, severe psychological distress, and history of overdose, 0-4), and categorized homeless-experienced veterans as having fewer (≤1) and more (≥2) vulnerabilities. RESULTS H-PACTs outscored mainstream PACTs on all scales (all P<0.001). Unfavorable care experiences were more common in mainstream PACTs compared with H-PACTs, with adjusted risk differences of 11.9% (95% CI=6.3-17.4), 12.6% (6.2-19.1), 11.7% (6.0-17.3), and 12.6% (6.2-19.1) for Relationship, Cooperation, Access/Coordination, and Homeless-Specific Needs, respectively. For the Relationship and Cooperation scales, H-PACTs were associated with a greater reduction in unfavorable experience for patients with ≥2 vulnerabilities versus ≤1 (interaction P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Organizations that offer primary care for persons experiencing homelessness can improve the primary care experience by tailoring the design and delivery of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G. Kertesz
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Aerin J. deRussy
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Young-il Kim
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - April E. Hoge
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Erika L. Austin
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84148
- University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
- University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Sonya E. Gabrielian
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
- University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kevin R. Riggs
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - John R. Blosnich
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA 90089
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Sally K. Holmes
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Allyson L. Varley
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - David E. Pollio
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 19th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences, 1720 2 Ave. S., Birmingham AL 35294
| | - Adi V. Gundlapalli
- University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Audrey L. Jones
- University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
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Solomon DH, Weissman JS, Choi H, Atlas SJ, Berardinelli C, Dedier J, Fischer MA, Fitzgerald J, Hinteregger E, Johnsen B, Marini DD, McLean R, Murray F, Neogi T, Oertel LB, Pillinger MH, Riggs KR, Saag K, Suh D, Watkins J, Barry MJ. Designing a Strategy Trial for the Management of Gout: The Use of a Modified Delphi Panel. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:341-348. [PMID: 33932149 PMCID: PMC8126754 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disagreement exists between rheumatology and primary care societies regarding gout management. This paper describes a formal process for gathering input from stakeholders in the planning of a trial to compare gout management strategies. METHODS We recruited patients, nurses, physician assistants, primary care clinicians, and rheumatologists to participate in a modified Delphi panel (mDP) to provide input on design of a trial focused on optimal management for primary care patients with gout. The 16 panelists received a plain-language briefing document that discussed the rationale for the trial, key clinical issues in gout, and aspects of trial design. The panelists also received information and considerations on nine voting questions (VQs), judged to be the key design questions. Cognitive interviews with panelists ensured that the VQs were understood by the range of panelists involved in the mDP. Panelists were asked to score all VQs from 1 (definitely no) to 9 (definitely yes). Two voting rounds were conducted-round 1 by email and round 2 by video conference. RESULTS The VQs were modified through the cognitive interviews. The round 1 voting resulted in consensus on eight items, with consensus defined as median voting score in the same tercile (1-3, 4-6 or 7-9). Re-voting at the meeting (round 2) reached consensus on the remaining item. CONCLUSION An mDP with various stakeholders facilitated consensus on the design of a trial of different management strategies for chronic gout. This method may be useful for designing trials of clinical questions with substantial disagreement across stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyon Choi
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert McLean
- Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ken Saag
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
| | - Dong Suh
- Brigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMassachusetts
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15
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Presley CA, Mondesir FL, Juarez LD, Agne AA, Riggs KR, Li Y, Pisu M, Levitan EB, Bronstein JM, Cherrington AL. Social support and diabetes distress among adults with type 2 diabetes covered by Alabama Medicaid. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14503. [PMID: 33351189 PMCID: PMC7979501 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetes distress affects approximately 36% of adults with diabetes and is associated with worse diabetes self-management and poor glycaemic control. We characterized participants' diabetes distress and studied the relationship between social support and diabetes distress. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed a population-based sample of adults with type 2 diabetes covered by Alabama Medicaid. We used the Diabetes Distress Scale assessing emotional burden, physician-related, regimen-related and interpersonal distress. We assessed participants' level of diabetes-specific social support and satisfaction with this support, categorized as low or moderate-high. We performed multivariable logistic regression of diabetes distress by level of and satisfaction with social support, adjusting for demographics, disease severity, self-efficacy and depressive symptoms. RESULTS In all, 1147 individuals participated; 73% were women, 41% White, 58% Black and 3% Hispanic. Low level of or satisfaction with social support was reported by 11% of participants; 7% of participants had severe diabetes distress. Participants with low satisfaction with social support were statistically significantly more likely to have severe diabetes distress than those with moderate-high satisfaction, adjusted odds ratio 2.43 (95% CI 1.30, 4.54). CONCLUSIONS Interventions addressing diabetes distress in adults with type 2 diabetes may benefit from a focus on improving diabetes-specific social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Presley
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Favel L. Mondesir
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucia D. Juarez
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - April A. Agne
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin R. Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yufeng Li
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Emily B. Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Janet M. Bronstein
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrea L. Cherrington
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Cody SL, Hobson JM, Gilstrap SR, Gloston GF, Riggs KR, Justin Thomas S, Goodin BR. Insomnia severity and depressive symptoms in people living with HIV and chronic pain: associations with opioid use. AIDS Care 2021; 34:679-688. [PMID: 33625927 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1889953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain commonly occurs in people living with HIV (PLWH). Many PLWH in the United States obtain opioids for chronic pain management. Whether insomnia severity and depressive symptoms are exacerbated by chronic pain and opioid use in PLWH remains to be determined. This study examined insomnia severity and depressive symptoms in 85 PLWH with chronic pain and 35 PLWH without chronic pain. Among PLWH with chronic pain, reported opioid use was examined in relation to insomnia severity and depressive symptoms. PLWH with chronic pain reported significantly greater insomnia severity (p = .033) and depressive symptoms (p = .025) than PLWH without chronic pain. Among PLWH with chronic pain who reported opioid use (n = 36), insomnia severity was greater compared to those who denied opioid use (n = 49), even after controlling for pain severity and number of comorbidities (p = .026). Greater pain severity was significantly associated with greater insomnia severity (p < .001) and depressive symptoms (p = .048) among PLWH with chronic pain who reported opioid use. These associations were not significant among those PLWH with chronic pain who denied opioid use. Findings suggest that PLWH with chronic pain are likely to experience poor sleep and depressed mood. Furthermore, poor sleep was associated with opioid use among PLWH with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shameka L Cody
- Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Joanna M Hobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Shannon R Gilstrap
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gabrielle F Gloston
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - S Justin Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Burel R Goodin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Center for Addiction & Pain Prevention & Intervention (CAPPI), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Riggs KR, Hoge AE, DeRussy AJ, Montgomery AE, Holmes SK, Austin EL, Pollio DE, Kim YI, Varley AL, Gelberg L, Gabrielian SE, Blosnich JR, Merlin J, Gundlapalli AV, Jones AL, Gordon AJ, Kertesz SG. Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated With Nonfatal Overdose Among Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e201190. [PMID: 32181829 PMCID: PMC7078753 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Individuals with a history of homelessness are at increased risk for drug or alcohol overdose, although the proportion who have had recent nonfatal overdose is unknown. Understanding risk factors associated with nonfatal overdose could guide efforts to prevent fatal overdose. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of recent overdose and the individual contributions of drugs and alcohol to overdose and to identify characteristics associated with overdose among veterans who have experienced homelessness. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study was conducted from November 15, 2017, to October 1, 2018, via mailed surveys with telephone follow-up for nonrespondents. Eligible participants were selected from the records of 26 US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and included veterans who had received primary care at 1 of these Veterans Affairs medical centers and had a history of experiencing homelessness according to administrative data. Preliminary analyses were conducted in October 2018, and final analyses were conducted in January 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Self-report of overdose (such that emergent medical care was obtained) in the previous 3 years and substances used during the most recent overdose. All percentages are weighted according to propensity to respond to the survey, modeled from clinical characteristics obtained in electronic health records. RESULTS A total of 5766 veterans completed the survey (completion rate, 40.2%), and data on overdose were available for 5694 veterans. After adjusting for the propensity to respond to the survey, the mean (SD) age was 56.4 (18.3) years; 5100 veterans (91.6%) were men, 2225 veterans (38.1%) were black, and 2345 veterans (40.7%) were white. A total of 379 veterans (7.4%) reported any overdose during the past 3 years; 228 veterans (4.6%) reported overdose involving drugs, including 83 veterans (1.7%) who reported overdose involving opioids. Overdose involving alcohol was reported by 192 veterans (3.7%). In multivariable analyses, white race (odds ratio, 2.44 [95% CI, 2.00-2.98]), self-reporting a drug problem (odds ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.39-1.98]) or alcohol problem (odds ratio, 2.54 [95% CI, 2.16-2.99]), and having witnessed someone else overdose (odds ratio, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.98-2.76]) were associated with increased risk of overdose. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that nonfatal overdose is relatively common among veterans who have experienced homelessness. While overdose involving alcohol was more common than any specific drug, 1.7% of veterans reported overdose involving opioids. Improving access to addiction treatment for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or who are recently housed, especially for those who have experienced or witnessed overdose, could help to protect this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Riggs
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham
| | | | | | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham
| | | | - Erika L. Austin
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham
| | | | - Young-il Kim
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham
| | - Allyson L. Varley
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles
| | - Sonya E. Gabrielian
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Adi V. Gundlapalli
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey L. Jones
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stefan G. Kertesz
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham
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19
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Kannan S, Seo J, Riggs KR, Geller G, Boss EF, Berger ZD. Surgeons' Views on Shared Decision-Making. J Patient Cent Res Rev 2020; 7:8-18. [PMID: 32002443 PMCID: PMC6988707] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shared decision-making (SDM) has a significant role in surgical encounters, where decisions are influenced by both clinician and patient preferences. Herein, we sought to explore surgeons' practices and beliefs about SDM. METHODS We performed a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured individual interviews with 18 surgeons from private practice and academic surgery practices in Baltimore, Maryland. We purposively sampled participants to maximize diversity of practice type (academic vs private), surgical specialty, gender, and experience level. Interview topics included benefits and challenges to patient involvement in decision-making, communicating uncertainty to patients, and use of decision aids. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes. RESULTS Surgeons were supportive of patients being involved in decision-making, particularly in cases with uncertainty about treatment options. However, surgeons identified SDM as being more appropriate for patients whom surgeons perceived as interested in decision-making involvement and for decisions in which surgeons did not have strong preferences. Additionally, surgeons reported typically presenting only a subset of available options, remaining confident in their ability to filter less suitable options based on intuitive risk assessments. Surgeons differed in their approach to making recommendations, with some guiding patients towards what they saw as the correct or optimal decision while others sought to maintain neutrality and support of the patients' chosen decision. CONCLUSIONS Many surgeons do not believe SDM is universally optimal for every surgical decision. They instead use assessments of patient disposition or potential clinical uncertainty to guide their perceived appropriateness of using SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Kannan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jayhyun Seo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kevin R. Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gail Geller
- Division of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Emily F. Boss
- Pediatric Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Zackary D. Berger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Riggs KR, Segal JB. What is the rationale for preoperative medical evaluations? A closer look at surgical risk and common terminology. Br J Anaesth 2018; 117:681-684. [PMID: 27956664 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aew302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J B Segal
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Riggs KR, Berger ZD, Makary MA, Bass EB, Chander G. Surgeons' views on preoperative medical evaluation: a qualitative study. Perioper Med (Lond) 2017; 6:16. [PMID: 29090090 PMCID: PMC5655808 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-017-0072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is substantial variation in the practice of preoperative medical evaluation (PME) and limited evidence for its benefit, which raises concerns about overuse. Surgeons have a unique role in this multidisciplinary practice. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore surgeons’ practices and their beliefs about PME. Methods We conducted of semi-structured interviews with 18 surgeons in Baltimore, Maryland. Surgeons were purposively sampled to maximize diversity in terms of practice type (academic vs. private practice), surgical specialty, gender, and experience level. General topics included surgeons’ current PME practices, perceived benefits and harms of PME, the surgical risk assessment, and potential improvements and barriers to change. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes, which are presented as assertions. Transcripts were re-analyzed to identify supporting and opposing instances of each assertion. Results A total of 15 themes emerged. There was wide variation in surgeons’ described PME practices. Surgeons believed that PME improves surgical outcomes, but not all patients benefit. Surgeons were cognizant of the financial cost of the current system and the potential inconvenience that additional tests and office visits pose to patients. Surgeons believed that PME has minimal to no risk and that a normal PME is reassuring to them and patients. Surgeons were confident in their ability to assess surgical risk, and risk assessment by non-surgeons rarely affected their surgical decision-making. Hospital and anesthesiology requirements were a major driver of surgeons’ PME practices. Surgeons did not receive much training on PME but perceived their practices to be similar to their colleagues. Surgeons believed that PME provides malpractice protection, welcomed standardization, and perceived there to be inadequate evidence to significantly change their current practice. Conclusions Views of surgeons should be considered in future research on and reforms to the PME process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Zackary D Berger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8060, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - Martin A Makary
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Eric B Bass
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8060, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - Geetanjali Chander
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8060, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL.
| | - Sara J Knight
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
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Buttorff C, Andersen MS, Riggs KR, Alexander GC. Comparing employer-sponsored and federal exchange plans: wide variations in cost sharing for prescription drugs. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 34:467-76. [PMID: 25732498 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Just under seven million Americans acquired private insurance through the new health insurance exchanges, or Marketplaces, in 2014. The exchange plans are required to cover essential health benefits, including prescription drugs. However, the generosity of prescription drug coverage in the plans has not been well described. Our primary objective was to examine the variability in drug coverage in the exchanges across plan types (health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization) and metal tiers (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum). Our secondary objective was to compare the exchange coverage to employer-sponsored coverage. Analyzing prescription drug benefit design data for the federally facilitated exchanges, we found wide variation in enrollees' out-of-pocket costs for generic, preferred brand-name, nonpreferred brand-name, and specialty drugs, not only across metal tiers but also within those tiers across plan types. Compared to employer-sponsored plans, exchange plans generally had lower premiums but provided less generous drug coverage. However, for low-income enrollees who are eligible for cost-sharing subsidies, the exchange plans may be more comparable to employer-based coverage. Policies and programs to assist consumers in matching their prescription drug needs with a plan's benefit design may improve the financial protection for the newly insured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Buttorff
- Christine Buttorff is an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation in Arlington, Virginia
| | - Martin S Andersen
- Martin S. Andersen is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Kevin R. Riggs is a fellow in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, Maryland
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- G. Caleb Alexander is an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and codirector of the school's Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew DeCamp
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland2Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Daubresse M, Andersen M, Riggs KR, Alexander GC. Effect of Prescription Drug Coupons on Statin Utilization and Expenditures: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pharmacotherapy 2016; 37:12-24. [PMID: 27455456 DOI: 10.1002/phar.1802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Drug coupons are widely used, but their effects are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To quantify the effect of coupons on statin use and expenditures. DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of IMS Health LRx LifeLink database. SETTING U.S. retail pharmacy transactions. PARTICIPANTS Incident statin users who initiated branded atorvastatin or rosuvastatin between June 2006 and February 2013. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Monthly statin utilization (pill-days of therapy), switching (filling a different statin), termination (failure to refill statin for 6 mo), and out-of-pocket and total costs. RESULTS Of 1.1 million incident atorvastatin and rosuvastatin users, 2% used a coupon for at least one statin fill. At 1 year, compared with noncoupon users, those who used a statin coupon on their first fill were dispensed an equal number of monthly pill-days (23.7 vs 23.8), were less likely to switch statins (14.4% vs 16.3%), and were less likely to have terminated statin therapy (31.3% vs 39.2%). At 4 years, coupon users were more likely to have switched (45.5% vs 40.8%) and less likely to have terminated statin therapy (50.6% vs 61.1%) compared with noncoupon users. Those who used greater numbers of coupons were substantially less likely to switch and terminate statin therapies. Monthly out-of-pocket costs were lower among coupon than noncoupon users at 1 year ($9.7 vs $15.1), but total monthly costs were qualitatively similar ($115.5 vs $116.9). At 4 years, monthly out-of-pocket costs among coupon users remained lower ($14.3 vs $16.6) compared with noncoupon users. Sensitivity analyses supported the main results. CONCLUSIONS Coupons for branded statins are associated with higher utilization and lower rates of discontinuation and short-term switching to other statin products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Daubresse
- Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martin Andersen
- Department of Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Kevin R Riggs
- Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Riggs KR, Shin EJ, Segal JB. Office Visits Prior to Screening Colonoscopy--Reply. JAMA 2016; 315:2734-5. [PMID: 27367777 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jodi B Segal
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jodi B Segal
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Craig Evan Pollack
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2024 E. Monument Street Room 2-604B, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA,
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Riggs KR, Buttorff C, Alexander GC. Impact of out-of-pocket spending caps on financial burden of those with group health insurance. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30:683-8. [PMID: 25472507 PMCID: PMC4395601 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-014-3127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all private health insurance include out-of-pocket spending caps. Insurance purchased through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace may qualify for income-based caps, whereas group insurance will not have income-based caps. Little is known about how out-of-pocket caps impact individuals' health care financial burden. OBJECTIVE We aimed to estimate what proportion of non-elderly individuals with group insurance will benefit from out-of-pocket caps, and the effect that various cap levels would have on their financial burden. DESIGN We applied the expected uniform spending caps, hypothetical reduced uniform spending caps (reduced by one-third), and hypothetical income-based spending caps (similar to the caps on Health Insurance Marketplace plans) to nationally representative data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). PARTICIPANTS Participants were non-elderly individuals (aged < 65 years) with private group health insurance in the 2011 and 2012 MEPS surveys (n =26,666). MAIN MEASURES (1) The percentage of individuals with reduced family out-of-pocket spending as a result of the various caps; and (2) the percentage of individuals experiencing health care services financial burden (family out-of-pocket spending on health care, not including premiums, greater than 10% of total family income) under each scenario. KEY RESULTS With the uniform caps, 1.2% of individuals had lower out-of-pocket spending, compared with 3.8% with reduced uniform caps and 2.1% with income-based caps. Uniform caps led to a small reduction in percentage of individuals experiencing financial burden (from 3.3% to 3.1%), with a modestly larger reduction as a result of reduced uniform caps (2.9%) and income-based caps (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS Mandated uniform out-of-pocket caps for those with group insurance will benefit very few individuals, and will not result in substantial reductions in financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,
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Riggs KR, Becker LB, Sugarman J. Ethics in the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults. Resuscitation 2015; 91:73-5. [PMID: 25866287 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) promises to be an important advance in the treatment of cardiac arrest. However, ECPR involves ethical challenges that should be addressed as it diffuses into practice. Benefits and risks are uncertain, so the evidence base needs to be further developed, at least through outcomes registries and potentially with randomized trials. To inform decision making, patients' preferences regarding ECPR should be obtained, both from the general population and from inpatients at risk for cardiac arrest. Fair and transparent appropriate use criteria should be developed and could be informed by economic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Lance B Becker
- Center for Resuscitation Science, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Greene
- From the Division of General Internal Medicine (J.A.G., K.R.R.), the Department of the History of Medicine (J.A.G.), and the Berman Institute of Bioethics (K.R.R.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Riggs KR, DeCamp M. Goals of displaying health care prices to physicians--reply. JAMA 2015; 313:728-9. [PMID: 25688792 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2014.17451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew DeCamp
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
New technology is a major driver of health care inflation. One contributor to this inflation is indication creep, the diffusion of interventions that have been proven beneficial in specific patient populations into untested broader populations who may be less likely to benefit. Professional societies sometimes promote indication creep, as we illustrate with the case of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. Professional societies are in a unique position to limit indication creep. We propose that, at a minimum, professional societies should refrain from recommending new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in their guidelines until they have been proven beneficial in the targeted populations. In some circumstances, professional societies could be more active in combatting indication creep, either recommending against expanded use of clinical interventions when evidence is lacking, or coordinating efforts to collect data in these broader populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2024 E. Monument Street, Room 2-604B, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA,
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew DeCamp
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Riggs
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland2Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter A Ubel
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina4Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina5Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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McClure JB, Derry H, Riggs KR, Westbrook EW, St John J, Shortreed SM, Bogart A, An LC. Questions about quitting (Q2): design and methods of a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) randomized screening experiment for an online, motivational smoking cessation intervention. Contemp Clin Trials 2012; 33:1094-102. [PMID: 22771577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2012.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective interventions are needed to improve smokers' motivation for quitting, treatment utilization, and abstinence rates. The Internet provides an ideal modality for delivering such interventions, given the low cost, broad reach, and capacity to individually tailor content, but important methodological questions remain about how to best design and deliver an online, motivational intervention to smokers. The current paper reports on the intervention, study design and research methods of a randomized trial (called Questions about Quitting) designed to address some of these questions. Using a Multi-phase Optimization Strategy (MOST) screening experiment, the trial has two key aims: to examine the impact of four experimental intervention factors (each evaluated on two levels) on smokers' subsequent treatment utilization and abstinence, and to examine select moderators of each sub-factor's effectiveness. The experimental factors of interest are: navigation autonomy (content viewing order is dictated based on stage of change or not), use of self-efficacy based testimonials (yes vs. no), proactive outreach (reminder emails vs. no emails), and decisional framework (prescriptive vs. motivational tone). To our knowledge, this is the first application of the MOST methodology to explore these factors or to explore the optimal design for a motivational intervention targeting smokers not actively trying to quit smoking. The rationale for the experimental factor choice, intervention design, and trial methods are discussed. Outcome data are currently being collected and are not presented, but recruitment data confirm the feasibility of enrolling smokers at varying stages of readiness to quit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B McClure
- Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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Riggs KR, Reitman ZJ, Mielenz TJ, Goodman PC. Relationship Between Time of First Publication and Subsequent Publication Success Among Non-PhD Physician-Scientists. J Grad Med Educ 2012; 4:196-201. [PMID: 23730441 PMCID: PMC3399612 DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-11-00068.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that publication of work during medical school and residency is associated with higher numbers of later publications and citations of published research. However, it is unknown whether this association exists for non-PhD physician-scientists and whether the association persists later into their careers. METHODS We extracted publication records from the curricula vitae (CVs) of 102 corresponding authors of articles published in 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA, and obtained those authors' citation records from Web of Science. We used regression models to examine the association between time of first publication and later publication and citation rates for the entire postgraduate career and a recent 2-year period. RESULTS After adjusting for time since medical school graduation, sex, location of medical school (United States or not United States), and additional non-PhD degrees, we found that authors who first published before graduating from medical school had a greater mean number of publications after medical school and during the period from 2006 to 2007 (164 and 28, respectively) than those who first published during the 5 years afterward (111 and 19, respectively) and those who first published more than 5 years after graduation (59 and 13, respectively). Similarly, authors who first published before graduating from medical school had a greater mean number of citations of their published work since graduation and of publications from 2006 to 2007 (4634 and 333, respectively) than those who first published during the 5 years afterward (2936 and 183, respectively) and those who first published more than 5 years after graduation (1512 and 143, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Early publication is associated with higher numbers of publications and more citations of published research among non-PhD physician-scientists. This association persists well into a researcher's career.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymectomy is standard therapy fornonthymomatousmyasthenia gravis despite the absence of randomized clinical trials (1). Myasthenia gravis is uncommonly reported in monozygous twins; disease concordance occurs in approximately one third of such identical twin pairs; and treatment for myasthenia gravis, when described,is usually concordant in identical twin pairs (2). OBJECTIVE To report an 11-year clinical course of a pair of identical twins concordant for generalized acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis in whom only 1 was treated with extended transsternal thymectomy. CASE REPORT Twin A was a 19-year-old white woman who presented with an 8-week history of intermittent leg weakness, causing her to fall during activities, such as climbing stairs. On examination,she had moderately severe fatigable proximal muscle weakness and ptosis. Her weakness improved with intravenous edrophonium administration.Initial binding acetylcholine receptor antibody titer was 1.22 nmol/L (normal value, 0.03 nmol/L). Repetitive 2-Hz nerve(median, ulnar, and facial) stimulation studies demonstrated up to a 16% decremental response. Chest computed tomography showed residual thymic tissue without thymoma. An extended transsternal thymectomy was performed 11 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
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