Impact of HEART Score Decision Aid on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Utilization and Diagnostic Yield in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency physicians are challenged to efficiently and reliably risk stratify patients presenting with chest pain (CP) to optimize diagnostic testing and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of a HEART score-based decision aid (HSDA) integrated in the electronic health record on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) utilization and diagnostic yield in adult emergency department (ED) CP patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a before and after study to determine whether implementation of a mandatory computerized HSDA would reduce CCTA utilization in ED CP patients and improve the diagnostic yield of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥50%). We included all adult ED CP patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome during the first 6 months of 2018 (before) and 2020 (after) at a large academic center. CCTA utilization and obstructive CAD yield were compared in patients before and after implementing the HSDA using χ2 tests. Secondarily, we assessed the association of HEART scores and CCTA results. RESULTS: Of the 3095 CP patients during the before study period, 733 underwent CCTA. Of the 2692 CP patients during the after study period, 339 underwent CCTA. CCTA utilization before and after HSDA was 23.4% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 22.2-25.2] and 12.6% (95% CI, 11.4-13.0), respectively; mean difference was 11.1% (95% CI, 0.9-13.0). Among 1072 patients undergoing CCTA, mean (SD) age and percent females before versus after HSDA were 54 (11) versus 56 (11) years and 50% versus 49%, respectively. We included 1014 patients (686 before and 328 after) for the yield analysis. Obstructive CAD was present in 15% (95% CI, 12.7-17.9) and 20.1% (95% CI, 16.1-24.7) before and after HSDA, respectively; mean difference was 4.9% (95% CI, 0.1-10.1). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a mandatory electronic health record HSDA aid reduced ED CCTA utilization by half and improved the diagnostic yield.

Assessing Equitable Inclusion of Underrepresented Older Adults in Alzheimer's Disease, Related Cognitive Disorders, and Aging-Related Research: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rapidly aging and diversifying U.S. population is challenged by increases in prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging-related disorders. We conducted a scoping review to assess equitable inclusion of diverse older adult populations in aging research focused on National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored research. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol. The search was limited to NIH-funded studies focusing on aging, AD, and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD) and included adults aged 55 and older. The priority populations and health disparities put forth by the National Institute on Aging Health Disparities Framework serve as a model for guiding inclusion criteria and for interpreting the representation of these underrepresented groups, including racial-ethnic minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged, rural populations, groups with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) communities. RESULTS: Our search identified 1,177 records, of which 436 articles were included in the analysis. Inclusion of individuals with ADRD and mild cognitive impairment, racial-ethnic minorities, rural populations, socioeconomically disadvantaged, groups with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities were poorly specified in most studies. Studies used multiple recruitment methods, conducting studies in community settings (59%) and hospitals/clinics (38%) most frequently. Incentives, convenience factors, and sustained engagement via community-based and care partners were identified as key strategies for improved retention. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This scoping review identified gaps in existing literature and aims for future work, including stronger research focus on, better inclusion of, and improved data collection and reporting of older adults from underrepresented groups.