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Fine DR, Dickins KA, Adams LD, Horick NK, Critchley N, Hart K, Gaeta JM, Lewis E, Looby SE, Baggett TP. Mortality by Age, Gender, and Race and Ethnicity in People Experiencing Homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331004. [PMID: 37651141 PMCID: PMC10472188 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face disproportionately high mortality rates compared with the general population, but few studies have examined mortality in this population by age, gender, and race and ethnicity. Objective To evaluate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large cohort of PEH by age, gender, and race and ethnicity. Design, Setting, and Participants An observational cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2018. All analyses were performed between March 16, 2021, and May 12, 2022. A cohort of adults (age ≥18 years) seen at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), a large federally funded Health Care for the Homeless organization in Boston, Massachusetts, from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2017, was linked to Massachusetts death occurrence files spanning January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Age-, gender-, and race and ethnicity-stratified all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates were examined and compared with rates in the urban Northeast US population using mortality rate ratios (RRs). Results Among the 60 092 adults included in the cohort with a median follow-up of 8.6 (IQR, 5.1-12.5) years, 7130 deaths occurred. The mean (SD) age at death was 53.7 (13.1) years; 77.5% of decedents were men, 21.0% Black, 10.0% Hispanic/Latinx, and 61.5% White. The all-cause mortality rate was 1639.7 deaths per 100 000 person-years among men and 830 deaths per 100 000 person-years among women. The all-cause mortality rate was highest among White men aged 65 to 79 years (4245.4 deaths per 100 000 person-years). Drug overdose was a leading cause of death across age, gender, and race and ethnicity groups, while suicide uniquely affected young PEH and HIV infection and homicide uniquely affected Black and Hispanic/Latinx PEH. Conclusions and Relevance In this large cohort study of PEH, all-cause and cause-specific mortality varied by age, gender, and race and ethnicity. Tailored interventions focusing on those at elevated risk for certain causes of death are essential for reducing mortality disparities across homeless-experienced groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Fine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kirsten A. Dickins
- Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing Department, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Logan D. Adams
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nora K. Horick
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Natalia Critchley
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Katherine Hart
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- The Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Lewis
- The Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara E. Looby
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Metabolism Unit, Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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2
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Laks J, Walley AY, Bagley SM, Barber CM, Gaeta JM, Neville LA, Peterkin AF, Rosenthal E, Saia KA, Weinstein ZM, Harris MTH. Developing a Women's Health track within addiction medicine fellowship: reflections and inspirations. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:3. [PMID: 36617557 PMCID: PMC9827632 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00357-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who use drugs face sexism and intersectional stigma that influence their drug use experiences and treatment needs. There is a need to build the capacity of addiction medicine specialists who can deliver gender-responsive services and advance research and policy in women-focused addiction care. We describe the development of a Women's Health track within an addiction medicine fellowship program and reflect on successes, challenges, and future directions. MAIN BODY The Women's Health track was developed in collaboration between program leaders in Addiction Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Implementing the track led to the development of women-focused rotations and continuity clinics, as well as enrichment of women's health didactic education for all fellows. The fellowship track spurred interdepartmental mentorship and collaboration on research and advocacy projects. CONCLUSION Addiction medicine fellowships can replicate this curriculum model to advance women-focused education, research, and policy. Future curricula should focus on structural sexism in drug use and addiction treatment throughout a woman's life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Laks
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA ,grid.427661.00000 0000 9549 973XBoston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Sarah M. Bagley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Cecily M. Barber
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA ,grid.427661.00000 0000 9549 973XBoston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Linda A. Neville
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Alyssa F. Peterkin
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Emily Rosenthal
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kelley A. Saia
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Zoe M. Weinstein
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Miriam T. H. Harris
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118 USA
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3
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Koh KA, Roncarati JS, Racine MW, O'Connell JJ, Gaeta JM. Unsheltered vs. Sheltered Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Health Care Spending and Utilization. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:2100-2102. [PMID: 34643873 PMCID: PMC9198173 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Koh
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, WAC 8, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Jill S Roncarati
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, MA, Bedford, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - James J O'Connell
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Fine DR, Dickins KA, Adams LD, De Las Nueces D, Weinstock K, Wright J, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP. Drug Overdose Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness, 2003 to 2018. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2142676. [PMID: 34994792 PMCID: PMC8742197 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.42676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Despite high rates of drug overdose death among people experiencing homelessness, patterns in drug overdose mortality, including the types of drugs implicated in overdose deaths, remain understudied in this population. Objective To describe the patterns in drug overdose mortality among a large cohort of people experiencing homelessness in Boston vs the general adult population of Massachusetts and to evaluate the types of drugs implicated in overdose deaths over a continuous 16-year period of observation. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed adults aged 18 years or older who received care at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2017. Individuals were followed up from the date of their initial BHCHP encounter during the study period until the date of death or December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2020, to June 6, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Drug overdose deaths and the types of drugs involved in each overdose death were ascertained by linking the BHCHP cohort to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health death records. Results In this cohort of 60 092 adults experiencing homelessness (mean [SD] age at entry, 40.4 [13.1] years; 38 084 men [63.4%]), 7130 individuals died by the end of the study period. A total of 1727 individuals (24.2%) died of a drug overdose. Of the drug overdose decedents, 456 were female (26.4%), 194 were Black (11.2%), 202 were Latinx (11.7%), and 1185 were White (68.6%) individuals, and the mean (SD) age at death was 43.7 (10.8) years. The age- and sex-standardized drug overdose mortality rate in the BHCHP cohort was 278.9 (95% CI, 266.1-292.3) deaths per 100 000 person-years, which was 12 times higher than the Massachusetts adult population. Opioids were involved in 91.0% of all drug overdose deaths. Between 2013 and 2018, the synthetic opioid mortality rate increased from 21.6 to 327.0 deaths per 100 000 person-years. Between 2004 and 2018, the opioid-only overdose mortality rate decreased from 117.2 to 102.4 deaths per 100 000 person-years, whereas the opioid-involved polysubstance mortality rate increased from 44.0 to 237.8 deaths per 100 000 person-years. Among opioid-involved polysubstance overdose deaths, cocaine-plus-opioid was the most common substance combination implicated throughout the study period, with Black individuals having the highest proportion of cocaine-plus-opioid involvement in death (0.72 vs 0.62 in Latinx and 0.53 in White individuals; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of people experiencing homelessness, drug overdose accounted for 1 in 4 deaths, with synthetic opioid and polysubstance involvement becoming predominant contributors to mortality in recent years. These findings emphasize the importance of increasing access to evidence-based opioid overdose prevention strategies and opioid use disorder treatment among people experiencing homelessness, while highlighting the need to address both intentional and unintentional polysubstance use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Fine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kirsten A. Dickins
- Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Logan D. Adams
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Denise De Las Nueces
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Joseph Wright
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Noyes EA, Dunleavy S, Mail V, Plakas I, Keyes S, Gaeta JM, Obando A, Paci E, Lent C, Regis C, Taveras EM, Yule AM, Chatterjee A. Awareness, Utilization, and Preferences of Harm Reduction Interventions among Street-Involved Young Adults in Boston. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:827-832. [PMID: 35195488 PMCID: PMC10372698 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores knowledge and utilization of, barriers to, and preferences for harm reduction services among street-involved young adults (YA) in Boston, Massachusetts. METHODS This cross-sectional survey of YA encountered between November and December 2019 by a longstanding outreach program for street-involved YA. We report descriptive statistics on participant-reported substance use, knowledge and utilization of harm reduction strategies, barriers to harm reduction services and treatment, and preferences for harm reduction service delivery. RESULTS The 52 YA surveyed were on average 21.4 years old; 63.5% were male, and 44.2% were Black. Participants reported high past-week marijuana (80.8%) and alcohol (51.9%) use, and 15.4% endorsed opioid use and using needles to inject drugs in the past six months. Fifteen (28.8%) YA had heard of "harm reduction", and 17.3% reported participating in harm reduction services. The most common barriers to substance use disorder treatment were waitlists and cost. Participants suggested that harm reduction programs offer peer support (59.6%) and provide a variety of services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (42.3%) and sexually transmitted infection testing (61.5%) at flexible times and in different languages, including Spanish (61.5%) and Portuguese (17.3%). CONCLUSIONS There is need for comprehensive, YA-oriented harm reduction outreach geared toward marginalized YA and developed with YA input to reduce barriers, address gaps in awareness and knowledge of harm reduction, and make programs more relevant and inviting to YA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victoria Mail
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel Plakas
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Keyes
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aura Obando
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Paci
- Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Craig Regis
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy M Yule
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Fine DR, Weinstock K, Plakas I, Mackin S, Wright J, Gaeta JM, Donelan K, Baggett TP. Experience with a Mobile Addiction Program among People Experiencing Homelessness. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2021; 32:1145-1154. [PMID: 34421018 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2021.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A mobile addiction-focused outreach program designed to improve access to care for people experiencing homelessness was implemented in response to the opioid overdose crisis. This innovative program was readily accepted among participants and can inform the development of similar programs delivering addiction-focused care to people experiencing homelessness elsewhere.
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7
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Beiser ME, Cardoso L, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP. Estimating the Prevalence of Advanced Fibrosis in Homeless Adults with Hepatitis C in Boston. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2021; 31:128-139. [PMID: 32037322 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2020.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among homeless individuals, but the scope of HCV-associated liver fibrosis in this population is poorly understood. METHODS Using the FIB-4 Index, we describe the prevalence and correlates of advanced fibrosis among a retrospective cohort of all homeless-experienced adults with HCV seen at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) over a one-year period. RESULTS Of 832 BHCHP patients with HCV, 15.8% had advanced fibrosis. In multivariable regression analysis, alcohol use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-3.81) and having unknown or poorly characterized housing circumstances (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.02-8.14, relative to housed patients) were independently associated with advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of advanced fibrosis in this cohort of homeless adults with HCV appears similar to national estimates among housed individuals, but their psychosocial complexity is greater, especially among those who are older.
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Koh KA, Racine M, Gaeta JM, Goldie J, Martin DP, Bock B, Takach M, O'Connell JJ, Song Z. Health Care Spending And Use Among People Experiencing Unstable Housing In The Era Of Accountable Care Organizations. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 39:214-223. [PMID: 32011951 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Provider organizations are increasingly held accountable for health care spending in vulnerable populations. Longitudinal data on health care spending and use among people experiencing episodes of homelessness could inform the design of alternative payment models. We used Medicaid claims data to analyze spending and use among 402 people who were continuously enrolled in the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) from 2013 through 2015, compared to spending and use among 18,638 people who were continuously enrolled in Massachusetts Medicaid with no evidence of experiencing homelessness. The BHCHP population averaged $18,764 per person per year in spending-2.5 times more than spending among the comparison Medicaid population ($7,561). In unadjusted analyses this difference was explained by greater spending in the BHCHP population on outpatient care, including emergency department care, as well as on inpatient care and prescription drugs. After adjustment for covariates and multiple hypothesis testing, the difference was largely driven by outpatient spending. Differences were sensitive to adjustments for risk score, which suggests that housing instability and health risk are meaningfully correlated. This longitudinal analysis improves understanding of health care use and resource needs among people who are homeless or have unstable housing, and it could inform the design of alternative payment models for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Koh
- Katherine A. Koh ( kkoh@partners. org ) is a physician at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Massachusetts General Hospital, both in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melanie Racine
- Melanie Racine is the director of special projects at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and a member of its Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Jessie M. Gaeta is chief medical officer at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and a member of its Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care. She is also an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine
| | - John Goldie
- John Goldie is executive director of system analytics, Boston Medical Center Health System
| | - Daniel P Martin
- Daniel P. Martin is a data scientist in the Population Health Analytics and Strategy team, Boston Medical Center Health System
| | - Barry Bock
- Barry Bock is chief executive officer of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - Mary Takach
- Mary Takach is a senior health policy adviser at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - James J O'Connell
- James J. O'Connell is president of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, in Boston
| | - Zirui Song
- Zirui Song is an assistant professor of health care policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and a faculty member in the Center for Primary Care at Harvard Medical School
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9
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Noyes E, Yeo E, Yerton M, Plakas I, Keyes S, Obando A, Gaeta JM, Taveras EM, Chatterjee A. Harm Reduction for Adolescents and Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Community Care in Reach. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:301-308. [PMID: 33673755 DOI: 10.1177/0033354921999396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the ability of harm reduction programs to provide vital services to adolescents, young adults, and people who use drugs, thereby increasing the risk of overdose, infection, withdrawal, and other complications of drug use. To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on harm reduction services for adolescents and young adults in Boston, we conducted a quantitative assessment of the Community Care in Reach (CCIR) youth pilot program to determine gaps in services created by its closure during the peak of the pandemic (March 19-June 21, 2020). We also conducted semistructured interviews with staff members at 6 harm reduction programs in Boston from April 27 through May 4, 2020, to identify gaps in harm reduction services, changes in substance use practices and patterns of engagement with people who use drugs, and how harm reduction programs adapted to pandemic conditions. During the pandemic, harm reduction programs struggled to maintain staffing, supplies, infection control measures, and regular connection with their participants. During the 3-month suspension of CCIR mobile van services, CCIR missed an estimated 363 contacts, 169 units of naloxone distributed, and 402 syringes distributed. Based on our findings, we propose the following recommendations for sustaining harm reduction services during times of crisis: pursuing high-level policy changes to eliminate political barriers to care and fund harm reduction efforts; enabling and empowering harm reduction programs to innovatively and safely distribute vital resources and build community during a crisis; and providing comprehensive support to people to minimize drug-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellis Yeo
- 124049 Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Megan Yerton
- 2348 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel Plakas
- 50960 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Keyes
- 50960 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aura Obando
- 1811 Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,50960 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- 50960 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- 1811 Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avik Chatterjee
- 50960 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,12259 Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Fine DR, Lewis E, Weinstock K, Wright J, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP. Office-Based Addiction Treatment Retention and Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e210477. [PMID: 33662132 PMCID: PMC7933994 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance People experiencing homelessness have been disproportionately affected by the opioid overdose crisis. To mitigate morbidity and mortality, several office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) programs designed for this population have been established across the US, but studies have not yet evaluated their outcomes. Objective To evaluate treatment retention and mortality in an OBAT program designed specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness with opioid use disorder (OUD). Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). Participants included all adult patients (N = 1467) who had 1 or more OBAT program encounter at BHCHP from January 1 through December 31, 2018. Data analysis was conducted from January 13 to December 14, 2020. Exposures Sociodemographic, clinical, and addiction treatment-related characteristics were abstracted from the BHCHP electronic health record. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, identified by linkage to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health vital records. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate baseline and time-varying variables associated with all-cause mortality. Secondary addiction treatment-related outcomes were abstracted from the electronic health record and included (1) BHCHP OBAT program retention, (2) buprenorphine continuation and adherence verified by toxicology testing, and (3) opioid abstinence verified by toxicology testing. Results Of 1467 patients in the cohort, 1046 were men (71.3%) and 731 (49.8%) were non-Hispanic White; mean (SD) age was 42.2 (10.6) years. Continuous retention in the OBAT program was 45.2% at 1 month, 21.7% at 6 months, and 11.3% at 12 months. Continuous buprenorphine adherence was 41.5% at 1 month, 17.6% at 6 months, and 10.2% at 12 months, and continuous opioid abstinence was 28.3% at 1 month, 6.1% at 6 months, and 2.9% at 12 months. The all-cause mortality rate was 29.0 deaths per 1000 person-years, with 51.8% dying from drug overdose. Past-month OBAT program attendance was associated with lower mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.21-0.55). Conclusions and Relevance Mortality rates were high in this cohort of addiction treatment-seeking homeless and unstably housed individuals with OUD. Although continuous OBAT program retention was low, past-month attendance in care was associated with reduced mortality risk. Future work should examine interventions to promote increased OBAT attendance to mitigate morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Fine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Lewis
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Weinstock
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Joseph Wright
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Wishik G, Gaeta JM, Racine MW, O'Connell JJ, Baggett TP. Substance consumption and intoxication patterns in a medically supervised overdose prevention program for people experiencing homelessness. Subst Abus 2021; 42:851-857. [PMID: 33617749 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1876201] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Opioid overdose is a leading cause of death among homeless individuals. Combining psychoactive substances with opioids increases overdose risk. This study aimed to describe intoxication patterns at a drop-in space offering medical monitoring and harm reduction services to individuals who arrive intoxicated and at risk of overdose. Methods: We examined data from visits to the Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. We used k-means cluster analysis to characterize intoxication patterns based on clinically assessed sedation levels and vital sign parameters. Multinomial logistic regression analysis assessed demographic and substance consumption predictors of cluster membership. Linear and logistic regression models examined associations between cluster membership and care outcomes. Results: Across 305 care episodes involving 156 unique patients, cluster analysis revealed 3 distinct intoxication patterns. Cluster A (26.6%) had mild sedation and normal vital signs. Cluster B (44.5%) featured greater sedation with bradycardia and/or hypotension. Cluster C (28.9%) was comparable to cluster B but with the addition of hypoxia. Self-reported consumption of non-opioid sedatives prior to arrival was common (63.3% of episodes) and predicted membership in cluster B (aOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.40, 5.40) and cluster C (aOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.48, 7.70). In comparison to cluster A episodes, cluster C episodes were longer (mean 4.8 vs. 2.3 hours, p < 0.001) and more likely to require supplemental oxygen (27.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Few episodes required hospital transfer (4.7%) or naloxone (1.0%). No deaths occurred. Conclusions: In a medically supervised overdose monitoring program, reported use of non-opioid sedatives strongly predicted more complex clinical courses and should be factored into overdose prevention efforts. Low-threshold medical monitoring in an ambulatory setting was sufficient for most episodes, suggesting a role for such programs in reducing harm and averting costly emergency services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Wishik
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie W Racine
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James J O'Connell
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Travis P Baggett
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Baggett
- Institute for Research, Quality & Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality & Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA; Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Lemieux JE, Siddle KJ, Shaw BM, Loreth C, Schaffner SF, Gladden-Young A, Adams G, Fink T, Tomkins-Tinch CH, Krasilnikova LA, DeRuff KC, Rudy M, Bauer MR, Lagerborg KA, Normandin E, Chapman SB, Reilly SK, Anahtar MN, Lin AE, Carter A, Myhrvold C, Kemball ME, Chaluvadi S, Cusick C, Flowers K, Neumann A, Cerrato F, Farhat M, Slater D, Harris JB, Branda JA, Hooper D, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP, O'Connell J, Gnirke A, Lieberman TD, Philippakis A, Burns M, Brown CM, Luban J, Ryan ET, Turbett SE, LaRocque RC, Hanage WP, Gallagher GR, Madoff LC, Smole S, Pierce VM, Rosenberg E, Sabeti PC, Park DJ, MacInnis BL. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Boston highlights the impact of superspreading events. Science 2021; 371:eabe3261. [PMID: 33303686 PMCID: PMC7857412 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe3261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of 772 complete severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes from early in the Boston-area epidemic revealed numerous introductions of the virus, a small number of which led to most cases. The data revealed two superspreading events. One, in a skilled nursing facility, led to rapid transmission and significant mortality in this vulnerable population but little broader spread, whereas other introductions into the facility had little effect. The second, at an international business conference, produced sustained community transmission and was exported, resulting in extensive regional, national, and international spread. The two events also differed substantially in the genetic variation they generated, suggesting varying transmission dynamics in superspreading events. Our results show how genomic epidemiology can help to understand the link between individual clusters and wider community spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lemieux
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bennett M Shaw
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Loreth
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Gordon Adams
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Timelia Fink
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher H Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lydia A Krasilnikova
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Katherine C DeRuff
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa Rudy
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew R Bauer
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kim A Lagerborg
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica Normandin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sinéad B Chapman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven K Reilly
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Melis N Anahtar
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron E Lin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Amber Carter
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cameron Myhrvold
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Molly E Kemball
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sushma Chaluvadi
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Caroline Cusick
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Katelyn Flowers
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anna Neumann
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Felecia Cerrato
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Maha Farhat
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Damien Slater
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason B Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John A Branda
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Hooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Travis P Baggett
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James O'Connell
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Gnirke
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tami D Lieberman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anthony Philippakis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Meagan Burns
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Luban
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Turbett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P Hanage
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Lawrence C Madoff
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Sandra Smole
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Virginia M Pierce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Rd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Daniel J Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bronwyn L MacInnis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Abstract
In summarizing the proceedings of a longitudinal meeting of experts on substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults, we review 2 principles of care related to harm reduction for young adults with substance use disorders. The first is that harm reduction services are critical to keeping young adults alive and healthy and can offer opportunities for future engagement in treatment. Such services therefore should be offered at every opportunity, regardless of an individual's interest or ability to minimize use of substances. The second is that all evidence-based harm reduction strategies available to older adults should be available to young adults and that whenever possible, harm reduction programs should be tailored to young adults and be developmentally appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon D Kimmel
- Clinical Addition Research and Education Unit,
- Sections of General Internal Medicine and
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Sections of General Internal Medicine and
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston University and Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Eliza Hallett
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston University and Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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15
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Baggett TP, Scott JA, Le MH, Shebl FM, Panella C, Losina E, Flanagan C, Gaeta JM, Neilan A, Hyle EP, Mohareb A, Reddy KP, Siedner MJ, Harling G, Weinstein MC, Ciaranello A, Kazemian P, Freedberg KA. Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Cost-effectiveness of Strategies for Adults Experiencing Sheltered Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2028195. [PMID: 33351082 PMCID: PMC7756240 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Approximately 356 000 people stay in homeless shelters nightly in the United States. They have high risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE To assess the estimated clinical outcomes, costs, and cost-effectiveness associated with strategies for COVID-19 management among adults experiencing sheltered homelessness. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This decision analytic model used a simulated cohort of 2258 adults residing in homeless shelters in Boston, Massachusetts. Cohort characteristics and costs were adapted from Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. Disease progression, transmission, and outcomes data were taken from published literature and national databases. Surging, growing, and slowing epidemics (effective reproduction numbers [Re], 2.6, 1.3, and 0.9, respectively) were examined. Costs were from a health care sector perspective, and the time horizon was 4 months, from April to August 2020. EXPOSURES Daily symptom screening with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of individuals with positive symptom screening results, universal PCR testing every 2 weeks, hospital-based COVID-19 care, alternative care sites (ACSs) for mild or moderate COVID-19, and temporary housing were each compared with no intervention. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cumulative infections and hospital-days, costs to the health care sector (US dollars), and cost-effectiveness, as incremental cost per case of COVID-19 prevented. RESULTS The simulated population of 2258 sheltered homeless adults had a mean (SD) age of 42.6 (9.04) years. Compared with no intervention, daily symptom screening with ACSs for pending tests or confirmed COVID-19 and mild or moderate disease was associated with 37% fewer infections (1954 vs 1239) and 46% lower costs ($6.10 million vs $3.27 million) at an Re of 2.6, 75% fewer infections (538 vs 137) and 72% lower costs ($1.46 million vs $0.41 million) at an Re of 1.3, and 51% fewer infections (174 vs 85) and 51% lower costs ($0.54 million vs $0.26 million) at an Re of 0.9. Adding PCR testing every 2 weeks was associated with a further decrease in infections; incremental cost per case prevented was $1000 at an Re of 2.6, $27 000 at an Re of 1.3, and $71 000 at an Re of 0.9. Temporary housing with PCR every 2 weeks was most effective but substantially more expensive than other options. Compared with no intervention, temporary housing with PCR every 2 weeks was associated with 81% fewer infections (376) and 542% higher costs ($39.12 million) at an Re of 2.6, 82% fewer infections (95) and 2568% higher costs ($38.97 million) at an Re of 1.3, and 59% fewer infections (71) and 7114% higher costs ($38.94 million) at an Re of 0.9. Results were sensitive to cost and sensitivity of PCR and ACS efficacy in preventing transmission. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this modeling study of simulated adults living in homeless shelters, daily symptom screening and ACSs were associated with fewer severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and decreased costs compared with no intervention. In a modeled surging epidemic, adding universal PCR testing every 2 weeks was associated with further decrease in SARS-CoV-2 infections at modest incremental cost and should be considered during future surges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A. Scott
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Mylinh H. Le
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Fatma M. Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | - Elena Losina
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Policy and Innovation eValuation in Orthopedic Treatments Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Clare Flanagan
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Neilan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Emily P. Hyle
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amir Mohareb
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Krishna P. Reddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Guy Harling
- Department of Epidemiology and Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Milton C. Weinstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Ciaranello
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pooyan Kazemian
- Department of Operations, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Regis C, Gaeta JM, Mackin S, Baggett TP, Quinlan J, Taveras EM. Community Care in Reach: Mobilizing Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment Services for Vulnerable Populations. Front Public Health 2020; 8:501. [PMID: 33102413 PMCID: PMC7545088 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid overdoses killed 47,600 people in the United States in 2017. Despite increasing availability of office-based addiction treatment programs, the prevalence of opioid overdose is historically high and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness. Despite availability of effective treatment, many at greatest risk of death from overdose experience myriad barriers to care. Launched in 2018, the Community Care in Reach mobile health initiative uses a data-driven approach to bring harm reduction and medication for opioid use disorder directly to those at highest risk of near-term death. Proof-of-concept results suggest that mobile addiction services may serve as a model for expanding access to addiction care for the most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Regis
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Community Health Improvement, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah Mackin
- AHOPE Boston Needle Exchange Program, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Travis P Baggett
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joan Quinlan
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Community Health Improvement, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Community Health Improvement, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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17
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Baggett TP, Scott JA, Le MH, Shebl FM, Panella C, Losina E, Flanagan C, Gaeta JM, Neilan A, Hyle EP, Mohareb A, Reddy KP, Siedner MJ, Harling G, Weinstein MC, Ciaranello A, Kazemian P, Freedberg KA. Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Cost-effectiveness of Strategies for People Experiencing Sheltered Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic. medRxiv 2020. [PMID: 32817967 PMCID: PMC7430611 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.07.20170498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Importance: Approximately 356,000 people stay in homeless shelters nightly in the US. They are at high risk for COVID-19. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes, costs, and cost-effectiveness of strategies for COVID-19 management among sheltered homeless adults. Design: We developed a dynamic microsimulation model of COVID-19 in sheltered homeless adults in Boston, Massachusetts. We used cohort characteristics and costs from Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. Disease progression, transmission, and outcomes data were from published literature and national databases. We examined surging, growing, and slowing epidemics (effective reproduction numbers [Re] 2.6, 1.3, and 0.9). Costs were from a health care sector perspective; time horizon was 4 months, from April to August 2020. Setting & Participants: Simulated cohort of 2,258 adults residing in homeless shelters in Boston. Interventions: We assessed daily symptom screening with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of screen-positives, universal PCR testing every 2 weeks, hospital-based COVID-19 care, alternate care sites [ACSs] for mild/moderate COVID-19, and temporary housing, each compared to no intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cumulative infections and hospital-days, costs to the health care sector (US dollars), and cost-effectiveness, as incremental cost per case prevented of COVID-19. Results: We simulated a population of 2,258 sheltered homeless adults with mean age of 42.6 years. Compared to no intervention, daily symptom screening with ACSs for pending tests or confirmed COVID-19 and mild/moderate disease led to 37% fewer infections and 46% lower costs (Re=2.6), 75% fewer infections and 72% lower costs (Re=1.3), and 51% fewer infections and 51% lower costs (Re=0.9). Adding PCR testing every 2 weeks further decreased infections; incremental cost per case prevented was $1,000 (Re=2.6), $27,000 (Re=1.3), and $71,000 (Re=0.9). Temporary housing with PCR every 2 weeks was most effective but substantially more costly than other options. Results were sensitive to cost and sensitivity of PCR and ACS efficacy in preventing transmission. Conclusions & Relevance: In this modeling study of simulated adults living in homeless shelters, daily symptom screening and ACSs were associated with fewer COVID-19 infections and decreased costs compared with no intervention. In a modeled surging epidemic, adding universal PCR testing every 2 weeks was associated with further decrease in COVID-19 infections at modest incremental cost and should be considered during future surges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA
| | - Justine A Scott
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mylinh H Le
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Fatma M Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher Panella
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Elena Losina
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA.,Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Policy and Innovation eValuation in Orthopedic Treatments (PIVOT) Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Clare Flanagan
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Anne Neilan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Emily P Hyle
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, MA
| | - Amir Mohareb
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Krishna P Reddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Guy Harling
- Department of Epidemiology and Harvard Center for Population & Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Milton C Weinstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea Ciaranello
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, MA
| | - Pooyan Kazemian
- Department of Operations, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, MA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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18
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Lemieux JE, Siddle KJ, Shaw BM, Loreth C, Schaffner SF, Gladden-Young A, Adams G, Fink T, Tomkins-Tinch CH, Krasilnikova LA, DeRuff KC, Rudy M, Bauer MR, Lagerborg KA, Normandin E, Chapman SB, Reilly SK, Anahtar MN, Lin AE, Carter A, Myhrvold C, Kemball ME, Chaluvadi S, Cusick C, Flowers K, Neumann A, Cerrato F, Farhat M, Slater D, Harris JB, Branda J, Hooper D, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP, O'Connell J, Gnirke A, Lieberman TD, Philippakis A, Burns M, Brown CM, Luban J, Ryan ET, Turbett SE, LaRocque RC, Hanage WP, Gallagher GR, Madoff LC, Smole S, Pierce VM, Rosenberg E, Sabeti PC, Park DJ, Maclnnis BL. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston area highlights the role of recurrent importation and superspreading events. medRxiv 2020:2020.08.23.20178236. [PMID: 32869040 PMCID: PMC7457619 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.23.20178236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused a severe, ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Massachusetts with 111,070 confirmed cases and 8,433 deaths as of August 1, 2020. To investigate the introduction, spread, and epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Boston area, we sequenced and analyzed 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the region, including nearly all confirmed cases within the first week of the epidemic and hundreds of cases from major outbreaks at a conference, a nursing facility, and among homeless shelter guests and staff. The data reveal over 80 introductions into the Boston area, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States and Europe. We studied two superspreading events covered by the data, events that led to very different outcomes because of the timing and populations involved. One produced rapid spread in a vulnerable population but little onward transmission, while the other was a major contributor to sustained community transmission, including outbreaks in homeless populations, and was exported to several other domestic and international sites. The same two events differed significantly in the number of new mutations seen, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 superspreading might encompass disparate transmission dynamics. Our results highlight the failure of measures to prevent importation into MA early in the outbreak, underscore the role of superspreading in amplifying an outbreak in a major urban area, and lay a foundation for contact tracing informed by genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lemieux
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bennett M Shaw
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Loreth
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Gordon Adams
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Timelia Fink
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher H Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lydia A Krasilnikova
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Katherine C DeRuff
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa Rudy
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew R Bauer
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kim A Lagerborg
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica Normandin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sinead B Chapman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven K Reilly
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Melis N Anahtar
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron E Lin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Amber Carter
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cameron Myhrvold
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Molly E Kemball
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sushma Chaluvadi
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Caroline Cusick
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Katelyn Flowers
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anna Neumann
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Felecia Cerrato
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Maha Farhat
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Damien Slater
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason B Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Branda
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Hooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Boston
| | - Travis P Baggett
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James O'Connell
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Gnirke
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tami D Lieberman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- lnstitute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anthony Philippakis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Meagan Burns
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Luban
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Turbett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P Hanage
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Lawrence C Madoff
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Sandra Smole
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Virginia M Pierce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Rd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Daniel J Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bronwyn L Maclnnis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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19
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Lemieux JE, Siddle KJ, Shaw BM, Loreth C, Schaffner SF, Gladden-Young A, Adams G, Fink T, Tomkins-Tinch CH, Krasilnikova LA, DeRuff KC, Rudy M, Bauer MR, Lagerborg KA, Normandin E, Chapman SB, Reilly SK, Anahtar MN, Lin AE, Carter A, Myhrvold C, Kemball ME, Chaluvadi S, Cusick C, Flowers K, Neumann A, Cerrato F, Farhat M, Slater D, Harris JB, Branda J, Hooper D, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP, O'Connell J, Gnirke A, Lieberman TD, Philippakis A, Burns M, Brown CM, Luban J, Ryan ET, Turbett SE, LaRocque RC, Hanage WP, Gallagher GR, Madoff LC, Smole S, Pierce VM, Rosenberg E, Sabeti PC, Park DJ, Maclnnis BL. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston area highlights the role of recurrent importation and superspreading events. medRxiv 2020. [PMID: 32869040 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.12.20059618v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused a severe, ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Massachusetts with 111,070 confirmed cases and 8,433 deaths as of August 1, 2020. To investigate the introduction, spread, and epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Boston area, we sequenced and analyzed 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the region, including nearly all confirmed cases within the first week of the epidemic and hundreds of cases from major outbreaks at a conference, a nursing facility, and among homeless shelter guests and staff. The data reveal over 80 introductions into the Boston area, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States and Europe. We studied two superspreading events covered by the data, events that led to very different outcomes because of the timing and populations involved. One produced rapid spread in a vulnerable population but little onward transmission, while the other was a major contributor to sustained community transmission, including outbreaks in homeless populations, and was exported to several other domestic and international sites. The same two events differed significantly in the number of new mutations seen, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 superspreading might encompass disparate transmission dynamics. Our results highlight the failure of measures to prevent importation into MA early in the outbreak, underscore the role of superspreading in amplifying an outbreak in a major urban area, and lay a foundation for contact tracing informed by genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lemieux
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bennett M Shaw
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Loreth
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Gordon Adams
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Timelia Fink
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher H Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lydia A Krasilnikova
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Katherine C DeRuff
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa Rudy
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew R Bauer
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kim A Lagerborg
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica Normandin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sinead B Chapman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven K Reilly
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Melis N Anahtar
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron E Lin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Amber Carter
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cameron Myhrvold
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Molly E Kemball
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sushma Chaluvadi
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Caroline Cusick
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Katelyn Flowers
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anna Neumann
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Felecia Cerrato
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Maha Farhat
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Damien Slater
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason B Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Branda
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Hooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Boston
| | - Travis P Baggett
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James O'Connell
- lnstitute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Gnirke
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tami D Lieberman
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,lnstitute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anthony Philippakis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Meagan Burns
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Luban
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Turbett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P Hanage
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Lawrence C Madoff
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Sandra Smole
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Virginia M Pierce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Rd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Daniel J Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bronwyn L Maclnnis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M Gaeta
- From the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Administration (K.E.W.), Boston Medical Center, the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Health Law, Policy, and Management (K.E.W.), Boston University Medical Center, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., D.G.M.), the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (D.G.M.), and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (D.G.M.) - all in Boston
| | - Denise De Las Nueces
- From the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Administration (K.E.W.), Boston Medical Center, the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Health Law, Policy, and Management (K.E.W.), Boston University Medical Center, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., D.G.M.), the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (D.G.M.), and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (D.G.M.) - all in Boston
| | - David G Munson
- From the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Administration (K.E.W.), Boston Medical Center, the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Health Law, Policy, and Management (K.E.W.), Boston University Medical Center, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., D.G.M.), the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (D.G.M.), and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (D.G.M.) - all in Boston
| | - Joshua A Barocas
- From the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Administration (K.E.W.), Boston Medical Center, the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Health Law, Policy, and Management (K.E.W.), Boston University Medical Center, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., D.G.M.), the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (D.G.M.), and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (D.G.M.) - all in Boston
| | - Kathleen E Walsh
- From the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Administration (K.E.W.), Boston Medical Center, the Departments of Medicine (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., J.A.B.) and Health Law, Policy, and Management (K.E.W.), Boston University Medical Center, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (J.M.G., D.D.L.N., D.G.M.), the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (D.G.M.), and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School (D.G.M.) - all in Boston
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21
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Baggett TP, Racine MW, Lewis E, De Las Nueces D, O'Connell JJ, Bock B, Gaeta JM. Addressing COVID-19 Among People Experiencing Homelessness: Description, Adaptation, and Early Findings of a Multiagency Response in Boston. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:435-441. [PMID: 32516035 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920936227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, in partnership with city and state public health agencies, municipal leaders, and homeless service providers, developed and implemented a citywide COVID-19 care model for this vulnerable population. Components included symptom screening at shelter front doors, expedited testing at pop-up sites, isolation and management venues for symptomatic people under investigation and for people with confirmed disease, quarantine venues for asymptomatic exposed people, and contact investigation and tracing. Real-time disease surveillance efforts in a large shelter outbreak of COVID-19 during the third week of operations illustrated the need for several adaptations to the care model to better respond to the local epidemiology of illness among people experiencing homelessness. Symptom screening was de-emphasized given the high number of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic infections discovered during mass testing; contact tracing and quarantining were phased out under the assumption of universal exposure among the sheltered population; and isolation and management venues were rapidly expanded to accommodate a surge in people with newly diagnosed COVID-19. During the first 6 weeks of operation, 429 of 1297 (33.1%) tested people were positive for COVID-19; of these, 395 people were experiencing homelessness at the time of testing, representing about 10% of the homeless adult population in Boston. Universal testing, as resources permit, is a focal point of ongoing efforts to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on this vulnerable group of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Baggett
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,2348 Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melanie W Racine
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lewis
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Denise De Las Nueces
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James J O'Connell
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,2348 Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barry Bock
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- 50960 Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
This study characterizes the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection detected on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of a large homeless shelter population in Boston prompted by an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among shelter residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P. Baggett
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Harrison Keyes
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nora Sporn
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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Mosites E, Parker EM, Clarke KEN, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP, Imbert E, Sankaran M, Scarborough A, Huster K, Hanson M, Gonzales E, Rauch J, Page L, McMichael TM, Keating R, Marx GE, Andrews T, Schmit K, Morris SB, Dowling NF, Peacock G. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence in Homeless Shelters - Four U.S. Cities, March 27-April 15, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69:521-522. [PMID: 32352957 PMCID: PMC7206983 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6917e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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24
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Chatterjee A, Lopez D, Ramkellawan S, Brown R, Smith K, Gaeta JM, Baggett TP. “That’s what we call the cocktail”: Non-Opioid medication and supplement misuse among opioid users. Subst Abus 2019; 42:175-182. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1671943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Avik Chatterjee
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diego Lopez
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Rory Brown
- Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kamala Smith
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Travis P. Baggett
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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26
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Angoff GH, O'Connell JJ, Gaeta JM, De Las Nueces D, Lawrence M, Nembang S, Baggett TP. Electronic medical record implementation for a healthcare system caring for homeless people. JAMIA Open 2018; 2:89-98. [PMID: 31984348 PMCID: PMC6951900 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooy046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Electronic medical record (EMR) implementation at centers caring for homeless people is constrained by limited resources and the increased disease burden of the patient population. Few informatics articles address this issue. This report describes Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program’s migration to new EMR software without loss of unique care elements and processes. Materials and methods Workflows for clinical and operational functions were analyzed and modeled, focusing particularly on resource constraints and comorbidities. Workflows were optimized, standardized, and validated before go-live by user groups who provided design input. Software tools were configured to support optimized workflows. Customization was minimal. Training used the optimized configuration in a live training environment allowing users to learn and use the software before go-live. Results Implementation was rapidly accomplished over 6 months. Productivity was reduced at most minimally over the initial 3 months. During the first full year, quality indicator levels were maintained. Keys to success were completing before go-live workflow analysis, workflow mapping, building of documentation templates, creation of screen shot guides, role-based phased training, and standardization of processes. Change management strategies were valuable. The early availability of a configured training environment was essential. With this methodology, the software tools were chosen and workflows optimized that addressed the challenges unique to caring for homeless people. Conclusions Successful implementation of an EMR to care for homeless people was achieved through detailed workflow analysis, optimizing and standardizing workflows, configuring software, and initiating training all well before go-live. This approach was particularly suitable for a homeless population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald H Angoff
- Department of Pediatrics Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - James J O'Connell
- Department of Primary Care Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Department of General Internal Medicine Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Denise De Las Nueces
- Department of General Internal Medicine Boston Medical Center, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Lawrence
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanju Nembang
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Travis P Baggett
- Department of Primary Care Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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27
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Leibler JH, Robb K, Joh E, Gaeta JM, Rosenbaum M. Self-reported Animal and Ectoparasite Exposure among Urban Homeless People. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2018; 29:664-675. [PMID: 29805132 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2018.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Homeless people in the United States may experience poor hygiene and spend extended periods of time outdoors, which increases exposure to animal and insect vectors of disease. Despite these risks, efforts to understand frequency and risk factors for zoonotic and vector-borne infections among homeless people have been limited. We queried homeless people in Boston, Massachusetts (n=194) to evaluate exposure to urban wildlife and ectoparasites associated with infection. Thirty percent of participants reported seeing rodents daily, and 25% reported daily sightings of cats. Body lice and fleas were reported by 4% and 11% of participants, respectively. Sleeping outdoors and heavy drinking were positively associated with rodent and ectoparasite exposure. Frequent sightings of rodents and rodent feces among homeless people in particular areas may indicate human exposure risk to urban rodent-borne pathogens, including Leptospira spp, Seoul hantavirus, and Rickettsia akari. Epidemiologic studies of zoonotic and vector-borne infections in this population are warranted.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, and Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.G.)
| | - Melanie Racine
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts (M.R.)
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29
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Beiser M, Leon C, Gaeta JM. Needs Assessment of HCV-Infected Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Implications. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2018; 28:596-606. [PMID: 28239021 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2017.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The advent of tolerable, efficacious therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) creates an opportunity to provide HCV treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness. A federally-qualified community health center serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston conducted an anonymous needs assessment survey of a sample of HCV-infected patients in order to inform development of an HCV treatment program (N = 240). Primary care providers (PCPs) were identified as the chief source of HCV education. Main motivators to consider HCV treatment were identified as "taking care of your health" (73.5%) and "your provider says you should get treated" (53.6%). Interest and confidence to complete HCV treatment were high. The majority of respondents (51.4%) preferred to receive HCV treatment in the primary care setting. Preference for PCP-based treatment was significant compared to liver specialty-based treatment (30.8%, p < .0001). This is the first assessment of its kind describing the preferences of homeless individuals concerning hepatitis C treatment.
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30
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Abstract
This study uses national survey data to assess the prevalence and health-related correlates of housing problems among community health center patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Seth A. Berkowitz
- Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Vicki Fung
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jessie M. Gaeta
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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31
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León C, Cardoso LJP, Johnston S, Mackin S, Bock B, Gaeta JM. Changes in public order after the opening of an overdose monitoring facility for people who inject drugs. Int J Drug Policy 2018; 53:90-95. [PMID: 29294417 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the face of an increasingly fatal opioid crisis, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) opened the Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment (SPOT), a unique low-threshold harm reduction program for monitoring people who have injected drugs and are at imminent risk of overdose. This study examines the impact of the opening of the SPOT program on measures of injection drug-related public order in the neighborhood surrounding the facility. METHODS Data was collected at 10 weeks prior and 12 weeks post SPOT implementation on: number of over-sedated individuals in public, publicly discarded syringes, publicly discarded injection-related litter, and instances of active injection drug use or exchange of drugs. Changes were evaluated using Poisson log-linear regression models. Potential confounders such as weather and police presence were measured and controlled for. RESULTS The average number of over-sedated individuals observed in public significantly decreased by 28% (4.3 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.7-6.9] v 3.1 [CI 1.4-6.8]) after SPOT opened. The opening of SPOT did not have a significant effect on the other measures of public order. The daily average number of publicly discarded syringes (28.5 [CI 24.5-33.1] v 28.4 [CI 22.0-36.5]), pieces of publicly discarded injection-related litter (376.3 [CI 358.6-394.8] v 375.0 [CI 345.8-406.6]), and observed instances of active use or exchange of drugs (0.2 [CI 0.1-0.9] v 0.1 [CI 0.0-0.1]) were not statistically significantly different after the opening of SPOT. CONCLUSIONS The opening of SPOT was associated with a significant decrease in observed over-sedated individuals. Other measures of injection-drug related public order did not improve or worsen with the opening of SPOT, however, they have been shown to improve with the implementation of a supervised injection facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Lena J P Cardoso
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Salem Johnston
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Sarah Mackin
- Boston Public Health Commission, 774 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Barry Bock
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA; Boston Medical Center, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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32
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In Massachusetts, the number of opioid-related deaths has increased 350% since 2000. In the setting of increasing overdose deaths, one potential intervention is supervised injection facilities (SIFs). This study explores willingness of people who inject drugs in Boston to use a SIF and examines factors associated with willingness. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 237 people who inject drugs and utilize Boston's needle exchange program (NEP). The drop-in NEP provides myriad harm reduction services and referrals to addiction treatment. The survey was mostly self-administered (92%). RESULTS Results showed positive willingness to use a SIF was independently associated with use of heroin as main substance (odds ratio [OR]: 5.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-15.4; P = .0004), public injection (OR: 5.09; 95% CI: 1.8-14.3; P = .002), history of seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (OR: 4.99; 95% CI: 1.2-21.1; P = .05), having heard of SIF (OR: 4.80; 95% CI: 1.6-14.8; P = .004), Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 0.9-18.8; P = .04), frequent NEP use (OR: 4.18; 95% CI: 1.2-14.7; P = .02), current desire for SUD treatment (OR: 4.15; 95% CI: 1.2-14.7; P = .03), hepatitis C diagnosis (OR: 3.68; 95% CI: 1.2-10.1; P = .02), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.3-8.4; P = .01), report of at least 1 chronic medical diagnosis (hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], hypertension, or diabetes) (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.2-8.9; P = .02), and comorbid medical and mental health diagnoses (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.2-7.4; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Most respondents (91.4%) reported willingness to use a SIF. Respondents with substance use behavior reflecting high risk for overdose were significantly more likely to be willing to use a SIF. Respondents with behaviors that contribute to public health burden of injection drug use were also significantly more likely to be willing to use a SIF. Results indicate that this intervention would be well utilized by individuals who could most benefit from the model. As part of a broader public health approach, SIFs should be considered to reduce opioid overdose mortality, decrease public health burden of the opioid crisis, and promote access to addiction treatment and medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey León
- a Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Lena Cardoso
- a Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Sarah Mackin
- b Boston Public Health Commission , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Barry Bock
- a Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- a Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,c Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
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Leibler JH, Nguyen DD, León C, Gaeta JM, Perez D. Personal Hygiene Practices among Urban Homeless Persons in Boston, MA. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14080928. [PMID: 28820454 PMCID: PMC5580630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Persons experiencing homelessness in the United States experience significant barriers to self-care and personal hygiene, including limited access to clean showers, laundry and hand washing facilities. While the obstacles to personal hygiene associated with homelessness may increase risk of infectious disease, hygiene-related behaviors among people experiencing homelessness has received limited attention. We conducted a cross-sectional study of individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston, MA (n = 194) to identify hygiene-related self-care practices and risk factors for reduced hygiene in this population. Most participants (72%) reported taking a daily shower. More than 60% reported hand washing with soap five or more times each day, and use of hand sanitizer was widespread (89% reported using sanitizer in the last week). A majority (86%) used a laundromat or laundry machine to wash clothing, while 14% reported washing clothing in the sink. Heavy drinking, injection drug use, and sleeping outdoors were identified as significant risk factors for reduced hygiene practices. People experiencing homelessness who also engage in these activities may be among the most difficult to reach for intervention, yet targeted efforts may decrease illness risk associated with reduced hygiene. Housed friends and family play a critical role in assisting homeless individuals maintain hygiene by providing showers and laundry facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Daniel D Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Debora Perez
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Leibler JH, León C, Cardoso LJP, Morris JC, Miller NS, Nguyen DD, Gaeta JM. Prevalence and risk factors for MRSA nasal colonization among persons experiencing homelessness in Boston, MA. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:1183-1188. [PMID: 28771129 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeless individuals face an elevated risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Identifying the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA nasal colonization may reduce infection risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health clinic for homeless persons in Boston, MA, USA (n=194). In-person interviews and nasal swab specimens were collected. MRSA isolates were genotyped using pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and assessed for antibiotic susceptibility. The prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization was 8.3 %. Seventy-five percent of isolates reflected clonal similarity to USA300. USA100 (18.8 %) and USA500 (6.3 %) were also recovered. Resistance to erythromycin (81.3 %), levofloxacin (31.3 %) and clindamycin (23.1 %) was identified. Recent inpatient status, endocarditis, haemodialysis, heavy drinking, not showering daily and transience were positively associated with MRSA nasal colonization. Carriage of community-acquired MRSA strains predominated in this population, although nosocomial strains co-circulate. Attention to behavioural and hygiene-related risk factors, not typically included in MRSA prevention efforts, may reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer C Morris
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy S Miller
- Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel D Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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35
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Barocas JA, Beiser M, León C, Gaeta JM, O'Connell JJ, Linas BP. Experience and Outcomes of Hepatitis C Treatment in a Cohort of Homeless and Marginally Housed Adults. JAMA Intern Med 2017; 177:880-882. [PMID: 28395004 PMCID: PMC5575839 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Barocas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts2Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts5Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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36
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Tobey M, Manasson J, Decarlo K, Ciraldo-Maryniuk K, Gaeta JM, Wilson E. Homeless Individuals Approaching the End of Life: Symptoms and Attitudes. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 53:738-744. [PMID: 28042064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.10.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Over a million individuals in the United States experience homelessness annually and homeless individuals die at a higher rate than domiciled peers. Homeless individuals often have unique experiences at the end of life (EOL). OBJECTIVES This study examined the symptoms experienced by homeless individuals nearing the EOL and explored social background, attitudes, and experiences. METHODS Investigators conducted surveys of homeless individuals approaching the EOL at a medical respite home. Eligibility required a serious medical condition and for the patient's medical provider to answer "no" to the question "Would you be surprised if this patient were not alive in one year?" Interviews explored symptoms using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Survey. Symptoms were compared with those of relevant comparator groups in other studies. RESULTS Participants (n = 20) were young to face the EOL (median age = 58) and suffered high rates of substance use disorders (n = 18; 90%) and psychiatric diagnoses (n = 16; 80%). Symptom frequency was high, especially as regarded pain and psychological symptoms. Previous experience with death among family and peers was universal (n = 20; 100%). Mistrust of others' decisions about the EOL was common, as was concern about receiving too little (n = 11; 55%) or too much (n = 8; 40%) care at the EOL. The frequency of symptoms was higher than in three comparator studies and those studies' subgroups (P < 0.01 for each comparison). CONCLUSION Homeless individuals may experience a high frequency of pain and other symptoms as they approach the EOL. Care for such individuals may require a tailored approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tobey
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Julia Manasson
- Division of Rheumatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Kristen Decarlo
- Division of Rheumatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Jessie M Gaeta
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA; Department of Family Medicine, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Erica Wilson
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, USA; and Division of Palliative Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
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37
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Leibler JH, Zakhour CM, Gadhoke P, Gaeta JM. Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Infections Among Urban Homeless and Marginalized People in the United States and Europe, 1990-2014. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:435-44. [PMID: 27159039 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In high-income countries, homeless individuals in urban areas often live in crowded conditions with limited sanitation and personal hygiene. The environment of homelessness in high-income countries may result in intensified exposure to ectoparasites and urban wildlife, which can transmit infections. To date, there have been no systematic evaluations of the published literature to assess vector-borne and zoonotic disease risk to these populations. OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this study were to identify diversity, prevalence, and risk factors for vector-borne and zoonotic infections among people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in urban areas of high-income countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis of published epidemiologic studies of zoonotic and vector-borne infections among urban homeless and very poor people in the United States and Europe from 1990 to 2014. RESULTS Thirty-one observational studies and 14 case studies were identified (n = 45). Seroprevalence to the human louse-borne pathogen Bartonella quintana (seroprevalence range: 0-37.5%) was identified most frequently, with clinical disease specifically observed among HIV-positive individuals. Seropositivity to Bartonella henselae (range: 0-10.3%) and Rickettsia akari (range: 0-16.2%) was noted in multiple studies. Serological evidence of exposure to Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia prowazekii, Bartonella elizabethae, West Nile virus, Borellia recurrentis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Wohlfartiimonas chitiniclastica, Seoul hantavirus (SEOV), and Leptospira species was also identified in published studies, with SEOV associated with chronic renal disease later in life. HIV infection, injection drug use, and heavy drinking were noted across multiple studies as risk factors for infection with vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens. CONCLUSIONS B. quintana was the most frequently reported vector-borne infection identified in our article. Delousing efforts and active surveillance among HIV-positive individuals, who are at elevated risk of complication from B. quintana infection, are advised to reduce morbidity. Given documented exposure to rodent-borne zoonoses among urban homeless and marginalized people, reducing human contact with rodents remains an important public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Leibler
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christine M Zakhour
- 2 Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Preety Gadhoke
- 3 College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. Johns University , Queens, New York
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- 4 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts.,5 Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of HIV viral suppression is widely known, however few studies have examined the effects of homelessness on HIV viral suppression. METHODS The study included HIV-seropositive patients in a health care for the homeless program (HCH). Electronic medical record data for 138 patients were analyzed to compare demographic characteristics, health characteristics, and utilization by housing status. For the 95 individuals with available HIV viral loads, multivariable logistic analysis was performed to examine factors associated with incomplete viral suppression. RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio of incomplete HIV viral load suppression was 3.84 times higher in homeless compared with housed (95% CI 1.36- 10.36) individuals. Illicit drug use and combined antiretrovirals (cART) were associated with HIV viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS Homelessness predicted incomplete HIV viral suppression. Stable housing may improve viral suppression and access to cART. Drug use was associated with viral suppression, likely because of patient engagement with on-site addiction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinna Thakarar
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Carole Hohl
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, and the Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, ENRM Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA
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Baggett TP, Chang Y, Singer DE, Porneala BC, Gaeta JM, O'Connell JJ, Rigotti NA. Tobacco-, alcohol-, and drug-attributable deaths and their contribution to mortality disparities in a cohort of homeless adults in Boston. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:1189-97. [PMID: 25521869 PMCID: PMC4431083 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [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] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We quantified tobacco-, alcohol-, and drug-attributable deaths and their contribution to mortality disparities among homeless adults. METHODS We ascertained causes of death among 28 033 adults seen at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program in 2003 to 2008. We calculated population-attributable fractions to estimate the proportion of deaths attributable to tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. We compared attributable mortality rates with those for Massachusetts adults using rate ratios and differences. RESULTS Of 1302 deaths, 236 were tobacco-attributable, 215 were alcohol-attributable, and 286 were drug-attributable. Fifty-two percent of deaths were attributable to any of these substances. In comparison with Massachusetts adults, tobacco-attributable mortality rates were 3 to 5 times higher, alcohol-attributable mortality rates were 6 to 10 times higher, and drug-attributable mortality rates were 8 to 17 times higher. Disparities in substance-attributable deaths accounted for 57% of the all-cause mortality gap between the homeless cohort and Massachusetts adults. CONCLUSIONS In this clinic-based cohort of homeless adults, over half of all deaths were substance-attributable, but this did not fully explain the mortality disparity with the general population. Interventions should address both addiction and non-addiction sources of excess mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Baggett
- Travis P. Baggett and James J. O'Connell are with the Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA. Bianca C. Porneala is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Yuchiao Chang, Daniel E. Singer, and Nancy A. Rigotti are with the Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston. Jessie M. Gaeta is with the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and the Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Thakarar K, Morgan JR, Gaeta JM, Hohl C, Drainoni ML. Predictors of Frequent Emergency Room Visits among a Homeless Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124552. [PMID: 25906394 PMCID: PMC4407893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Homelessness, HIV, and substance use are interwoven problems. Furthermore, homeless individuals are frequent users of emergency services. The main purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for frequent emergency room (ER) visits and to examine the effects of housing status and HIV serostatus on ER utilization. The second purpose was to identify risk factors for frequent ER visits in patients with a history of illicit drug use. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 412 patients enrolled in a Boston-based health care for the homeless program (HCH). This study population was selected as a 2:1 HIV seronegative versus HIV seropositive match based on age, sex, and housing status. A subgroup analysis was performed on 287 patients with history of illicit drug use. Chart data were analyzed to compare demographics, health characteristics, and health service utilization. Results were stratified by housing status. Logistic models using generalized estimating equations were used to predict frequent ER visits. Results In homeless patients, hepatitis C was the only predictor of frequent ER visits (OR 4.49, p<0.01). HIV seropositivity was not predictive of frequent ER visits. In patients with history of illicit drug use, mental health (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07–5.95) and hepatitis C (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.37–5.93) were predictors of frequent ER use. HIV seropositivity did not predict ER use (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 – 0.97). Conclusions In a HCH population, hepatitis C predicted frequent ER visits in homeless patients. HIV seropositivity did not predict frequent ER visits, likely because HIV seropositive HCH patients are engaged in care. In patients with history of illicit drug use, hepatitis C and mental health disorders predicted frequent ER visits. Supportive housing for patients with mental health disorders and hepatitis C may help prevent unnecessary ER visits in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinna Thakarar
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts; Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carole Hohl
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts; Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, ENRM Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts
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Sheu J, Gonzalez E, Gaeta JM, Bharel M, Tan JK. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program-Harvard Dermatology Collaboration: A Service-Learning Model Providing Care for an Underserved Population. J Grad Med Educ 2014; 6:789-90. [PMID: 26140137 PMCID: PMC4477582 DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-14-00362.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez
- Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Medical Director, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - Monica Bharel
- Chief Medical Officer, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - Jennifer K Tan
- Instructor in Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
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Smalling RW, Fuentes F, Freund GC, Reduto LA, Wanta-Matthews M, Gaeta JM, Walker W, Sterling R, Gould KL. Beneficial effects of intracoronary thrombolysis up to eighteen hours after onset of pain in evolving myocardial infarction. Am Heart J 1982; 104:912-20. [PMID: 7124612 DOI: 10.1016/0002-8703(82)90264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Coronary arteriography and intracoronary streptokinase (STK) infusion were performed on 89 patients with evolving acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Ventricular function was followed in these patients during their hospitalization by gated radionuclide ventriculography. In 35 of these patients thallium imaging was performed on admission and 4 hours after reperfusion. An additional 30 patients with AMI who either met exclusion criteria for the STK protocol or refused study served as a control group. In patients admitted 0 to 6, 6 to 12, or 12 to 18 hours after onset of pain, there was no difference in change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from admission to discharge, in percent of patients with total occlusion demonstrating reperfusion, or in percent of patients demonstrating a significant increase in LVEF. The average increase in LVEF from admission to discharge in patients reperfused ws 8% (40% +/- 14% to 48% +/- 13%, p less than 0.001). No change in LVEF was demonstrated in the control population or in patients in whom coronary reperfusion was unsuccessful. Reperfusion produced an increase in thallium uptake in the infarct-related myocardium that was accompanied by an improvement in regional function. Failure of reperfusion produced no change in either thallium uptake or regional function.
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Reduto LA, Freund GC, Gaeta JM, Smalling RW, Lewis B, Gould KL. Coronary artery reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction: beneficial effects of intracoronary streptokinase on left ventricular salvage and performance. Am Heart J 1981; 102:1168-77. [PMID: 7315721 DOI: 10.1016/0002-8703(81)90648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Coronary angiography was performed on hospital admission in 37 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Thirty patients had total occlusion of the infarct-related coronary artery and seven patients had severe proximal stenoses with poor distal flow. In 20 of 30 patients with total occlusion, intracoronary (IC) infusion of streptokinase (SK) resulted in reperfusion of the distal coronary artery. Left ventricular (LV) performance was assessed before coronary angiography and at discharge from the hospital by use of gated cardiac blood pool imaging techniques. In patients evidencing reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery, mean (+/- SD) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from admission through discharge (46% +/- 15% to 55% +/- 10%, p = 0.002). In contrast, LVEF did not change from admission through discharge in patients with severe proximal stenoses alone or in patients with total occlusion who did not demonstrate reperfusion following SK administration (47% +/- 17% vs 49% +/- 18%, p = ns). In an additional 14 control patients with AMI who were not evaluated with coronary angiography, LVEF did not change from admission through discharge (46% +/- 12% vs 48% +/- 14%, p = ns). Quantitative thallium-201 perfusion imaging demonstrated an increase (p less than 0.05) in thallium uptake in the infarct segment following coronary artery reperfusion. In contrast, thallium uptake did not change (p = ns) in the infarct segment in patients not evidencing angiographic coronary artery reperfusion. These data support the following : (1) Coronary artery thrombus occurs frequently in AMI and can be lysed by IC SK, and (2) reperfusion with IC SK in patients with evolving myocardial infarction results in myocardial salvage and improved LV performance through hospital discharge.
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Mullani NA, Gould KL, Gaeta JM. Tomographic imaging of the heart with thallium-201: seven-pinhole or rotating gamma camera? J Nucl Med 1981; 22:925-6. [PMID: 6974770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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