Assessing the Validity of Electronic Medical Records for Identifying High Antibiotic Prescribers in Primary Care.

OBJECTIVES: Electronic medical record (EMR) prescription data may identify high antibiotic prescribers in primary care. However, practitioners doubt that population differences between providers and delayed antibiotic prescriptions are adequately accounted for in EMR-derived prescription rates. This study assessed the validity of using EMR prescription data to produce antibiotic prescription rates, accounting for these factors. METHODS: The study was a secondary analysis of antimicrobial prescriptions collected from 4 primary care clinics from 2015 to 2017. For adults with selected respiratory and urinary infections, EMR diagnostic codes, prescription data, clinical diagnoses and demographics were abstracted. Overall and delayed prescription rates were produced for EMR diagnostic codes, clinical diagnoses, by clinic, and types of infection. Direct standardization was used to adjust for case mix differences by clinic. High antibiotic prescribers, above the 75th percentile for prescriptions, were compared with low antibiotic prescribers. RESULTS: Of 3108 EMR visits, there were 2577 (85.4%) eligible visits with a clinical diagnosis and prescription information. Overall antibiotic prescription rates were similar utilizing EMR records (31.6%) or clinical diagnoses (32.6%, P = .40). When delayed prescriptions were removed, prescribing rates were lower (22.4%, P < .01). EMR data overestimated prescribing rates for conditions where antibiotics are usually not indicated (17.7% EMR vs 7.6% clinical diagnoses, P < .001). High antibiotic prescribers saw more cases where antibiotics are usually indicated (23.4%) compared to low prescribers (16.8%; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic medical record prescribing rates are similar to those using clinical diagnoses overall, but overestimate prescribing by clinicians for conditions usually not needing antibiotics. EMR prescription rates do not account for delayed antibiotic prescriptions or differences in infection case-mix.

Development and evaluation of a primary care antimicrobial stewardship program (PC-ASP) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Background: Effective community-based antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are needed because 90% of antimicrobials are prescribed in the community. A primary care ASP (PC-ASP) was evaluated for its effectiveness in lowering antibiotic prescriptions for six common infections. Methods: A multi-faceted educational program was assessed using a before-and-after design in four primary care clinics from 2015 through 2017. The primary outcome was the difference between control and intervention clinics in total antibiotic prescriptions for six common infections before and after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in condition-specific antibiotic use, delayed antibiotic prescriptions, prescriptions exceeding 7 days duration, use of recommended antibiotics, and emergency department visits or hospitalizations within 30 days. Multi-method models adjusting for demographics, case mix, and clustering by physician were used to estimate treatment effects. Results: Total antibiotic prescriptions in control and intervention clinics did not differ (difference in differences = 1.7%; 95% CI -12.5% to 15.9%), nor did use of delayed prescriptions (-5.2%; 95% CI -24.2% to 13.8%). Prescriptions for longer than 7 days were significantly reduced (-21.3%; 95% CI -42.5% to -0.1%). However, only 781 of 1,777 encounters (44.0%) involved providers who completed the ASP education. Where providers completed the education, delayed prescriptions increased 17.7% (p = 0.06), and prescriptions exceeding 7 days duration declined (-27%; 95% CI -48.3% to -5.6%). Subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations did not increase. Conclusions: PC-ASP effectiveness on antibiotic use was variable. Shorter prescription durations and increased use of delayed prescriptions were adopted by engaged primary care providers.

Historique: Des programmes de gestion antimicrobienne (PGA) communautaires efficaces doivent exister, parce que 90 % des antimicrobiens sont prescrits dans la communauté. Des chercheurs ont évalué un PGA en première ligne (PGA-PL) afin d'en déterminer l'efficacité à réduire les prescriptions d'antibiotiques pour six infections courantes. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont évalué un programme de formation polyvalent au moyen d'une méthodologie avant-après dans quatre cliniques de soins de première ligne entre 2015 et 2017. Le résultat clinique primaire était la différence entre les cliniques de contrôle et d'intervention pour ce qui est du total de prescriptions antibiotiques contre six infections courantes avant et après l'intervention. Les résultats cliniques secondaires incluaient des modifications à l'utilisation des antibiotiques propres au trouble de santé, le report des prescriptions d'antibiotiques, des prescriptions de plus de sept jours, l'utilisation des antibiotiques recommandés et les visites à l'urgence ou les hospitalisations dans les 30 jours. Les chercheurs ont utilisé des méthodes multimodèles tenant compte de la démographie, du mélange de cas et du regroupement par médecin pour évaluer l'effet des traitements. Résultats: Les prescriptions totales d'antibiotiques dans les cliniques de contrôle et d'intervention ne différaient pas (différences des différences = 1,7 %; IC à 95 %, ­12,5 % à 15,9 %), ni l'utilisation de prescriptions reportées (­5,2 %; IC à 95 %, ­24,2 % à 13,8 %). Les prescriptions de plus de sept jours étaient très peu courantes (­21,3 %; IC à 95 %, ­42,5 % à ­0,1 %). Cependant, seulement 781 des 1 777 rencontres (44,0 %) avaient eu lieu avec des dispensateurs qui avaient suivi la formation sur le PGA. Lorsque les dispensateurs avaient suivi la formation, les reports de prescriptions augmentaient de 17,7 % (p = 0,06) et les prescriptions de plus de sept jours diminuaient (­27 %; IC à 95 %, ­48,3 % à ­5,6 %). Les visites subséquentes à l'urgence et les hospitalisations n'ont pas augmenté. Conclusions: L'efficacité du PGA-PL pour l'utilisation d'antibiotiques était variable. Les dispensateurs de soins de première ligne qui y avaient participé préparaient des prescriptions de moins longue durée et reportaient davantage leurs prescriptions.

Turning challenges into design principles: Telemonitoring systems for patients with multiple chronic conditions.

People with multiple chronic conditions often struggle with managing their health. The purpose of this research was to identify specific challenges of patients with multiple chronic conditions and to use the findings to form design principles for a telemonitoring system tailored for these patients. Semi-structured interviews with 15 patients with multiple chronic conditions and 10 clinicians were conducted to gain an understanding of their needs and preferences for a smartphone-based telemonitoring system. The interviews were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique, resulting in six themes. Design principles developed from the themes included that the system must be modular to accommodate various combinations of conditions, reinforce a routine, consolidate record keeping, as well as provide actionable feedback to the patients. Designing an application for multiple chronic conditions is complex due to variability in patient conditions, and therefore, design principles developed in this study can help with future innovations aimed to help manage this population.

External validation study of a clinical decision aid to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in women with acute cystitis.

BACKGROUND: Empirical prescribing of antibiotics to women with symptoms of acute cystitis prior to culture results is common, but subsequent culture results are often negative. A clinical decision aid for prescribing decisions in acute cystitis was previously developed that could reduce these unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions but has not been validated. This study sought to validate this decision aid for empirical antibiotic prescribing decisions in a new cohort of women with suspected acute cystitis. METHODS: External validation study of a clinical decision aid in 397 women with symptoms of acute cystitis, involving 230 Canadian family practitioners across Canada between 2009 and 2011. The sensitivity and specificity of the decision aid compared to a gold standard positive urine culture (defined as ≥102 cfu/ml (≥105 CFU/L)) was determined, and compared with physician management, and the earlier development cohort study estimates. Other outcomes assessed were total antibiotic prescriptions, unnecessary antibiotics for negative urine cultures, and recommendations for urine culture testing. Chi-square tests were used for unpaired comparisons, adjusted for physician clustering. McNemar's test was used for paired comparisons. RESULTS: There were 245/397 (61.7%) positive urine cultures. The cystitis aid sensitivity was 202/245 (82.5%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)) = 77.1%, 86.8%), compared to 167/208 (80.3%) in the previous development cohort (p = 0.54), and 239/245 (97.6%) by family physicians in the current study (p < 0.001). Specificity was low for physicians (10/152, 6.6%) compared to the decision aid (54/152, 35.5%; p < 0.001, resulting in more antibiotic prescriptions by physicians (381/397, 96.0%) than would occur with decision aid recommendations (300/397, 75.6%, p < 0.001). Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions where urine cultures were negative would be reduced an absolute 11.1% with cystitis aid recommendations (98/397, 24.7%) compared to usual physician care (142/397, 35.8%; p = 0.001). Urine cultures would also be reduced (97/397, 24.4% decision aid vs 351/397, 88.4% physicians; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A 3-item clinical decision aid demonstrated reproducible accuracy in two cohorts of women with acute cystitis symptoms. Clinically important reductions in total and unnecessary antibiotic use, as well as urine culture testing, could result with routine clinical use compared to current empirical physician management practices.

The Effect of Changes in Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines on Chlamydia Testing.

PURPOSE: Many chlamydia infections are identified through screening, which is frequently offered to females concomitantly with cervical cancer screening. Recent cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend screening less frequently and starting later. We sought to evaluate the impact of the May 2012 Ontario, Canada, cervical cancer screening guideline change on Papanicolaou (Pap) and chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) testing and incidence. METHODS: We extracted population-based physician billing claims data to identify Pap and chlamydia tests and public health surveillance data to identify chlamydia cases. We used interrupted time series analysis of quarterly data spanning 2 years before and after the guideline change and fitted segmented linear regression or rational functions to the outcomes using autoregressive integrated moving average models. Outcomes were stratified by sex and age group. RESULTS: Two years after the guideline change, we observed reduced chlamydia testing in females, with the greatest relative reduction (25.5%) among those aged 15 to 19 years. We also observed decreases in reported chlamydia incidence for females aged 15 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years (relative reductions of 16.8% and 14.4%, respectively). Chlamydia incidence remained the same for males, despite increased chlamydia testing. CONCLUSIONS: Recent cervical cancer screening guideline changes in Ontario were associated with reduced chlamydia testing and reported new cases of chlamydia in females. Females aged 15 to 19 years, who are at high risk for chlamydia if sexually active, and who no longer warrant cervical cancer screening, were disproportionately affected. Females should be tested for chlamydia based on risk, regardless of need for Pap testing.

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in women with acute cystitis in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) has been a traditional first-line antibiotic treatment for acute cystitis; however, guidelines do not recommend TMP-SMX in regions where Escherichia coli resistance exceeds 20%. While resistance is increasing, there are no recent Canadian estimates from a primary care setting to guide prescribing decisions. METHODS: A total of 330 family physicians assessed 752 women with suspected acute cystitis between 2009 and 2011. Physicians documented clinical features and collected urine for cultures for 430 (57.2%) women. The proportion of resistant isolates of E coli and exact binomial 95% CIs were estimated nationally, and compared regionally and demographically. These estimates were compared with those from a 2002 national study. RESULTS: The proportion of TMP-SMX-resistant E coli was 16.0% nationally (95% CI 11.3% to 21.8%). This was not statistically higher than 2002 (10.9% [P=0.14]). TMP-SMX resistance was increased in women ≤50 years of age (21.4%) compared with older women (10.7% [P=0.037]). In women with no antibiotic exposure in the previous three months, TMP-SMX-resistant E coli remained more prevalent in younger women (21.8%) compared with older women (4.4% [P=0.003]). The proportion of ciprofloxacin-resistant E coli was 5.5% nationally (95% CI 2.7% to 9.9%), and was increased compared with 2002 (1.1% [P=0.036]). Ciprofloxacin resistance was highest in British Columbia (17.7%) compared with other regions (2.7% [P=0.003]), and was increased compared with 2002 levels in this province (0.0% [P=0.025]). Nitrofurantoin-resistant E coli levels were low (0.5% [95% CI 0.01% to 2.7%). DISCUSSION: The proportion of TMP-SMX-resistant E coli causing acute cystitis in women in Canada remains below 20% nationally, but may exceed this level in premenopausal women. Ciprofloxacin resistance has increased, notably in British Columbia. Nitrofurantoin resistance levels are low across the country. These observations indicate that TMP-SMX and nitrofurantoin remain appropriate empirical antibiotic agents for treating cystitis in primary care settings in Canada.

HISTORIQUE: Le triméthoprim-sulfaméthoxazole (TMP-SMX) est un traitement antibiotique de première ligne pour soigner la cystite aiguë, mais les lignes directrices ne le recommandent pas dans les régions ou la résistance à l'Escherichia coli dépasse les 20 %. La résistance augmente, mais il n'y a pas d'évaluation canadienne récente en première ligne pour orienter les décisions relatives aux prescriptions. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Au total, 330 médecins de famille ont évalué 752 femmes ayant eu une cystite aiguë présumée entre 2009 et 2011. Les médecins ont étayé les caractéristiques cliniques et prélevé l'urine de 430 femmes (57,2 %) en vue des cultures. Les chercheurs ont évalué la proportion d'isolats d'E coli résistants et les intervalles de confiance (IC) binomiales exactes à 95 % sur la scène nationale et les ont comparés sur la scène régionale et sur le plan démographique. Ils ont ensuite comparé ces évaluations à celles d'une étude nationale menée en 2002. RÉSULTATS: La proportion d'E coli résistant au TMP-SMX s'élevait à 16,0 % sur la scène nationale (95 % IC 11,3 % à 21,8 %). Ce résultat n'était pas statistiquement plus élevé qu'en 2002 (10,9 % [P=0,14]). La résistance au TMP-SMX était plus importante chez les femmes de 50 ans ou moins (21,4 %) que chez les femmes plus âgées (10,7 % [P=0,037]). Chez les femmes n'ayant pas été exposées aux antibiotiques au cours des trois mois précédents, l'E coli résistant au TMP-SMX demeurait plus prévalent chez les femmes plus jeunes (21,8 %) que chez les femmes plus âgées (4,4 % [P=0,003]). La proportion d'E coli résistant à la ciprofloxacine atteignait 5,5 % sur la scène nationale (95 % IC 2,7 % à 9,9 %), soit un pourcentage plus fort qu'en 2002 (1,1 % [P=0,036]). Dans les régions, la résistance à la ciprofloxacine la plus élevée (17,7 %) s'observait en Colombie-Britannique (2,7 % [P=0,003]), où elle était plus marquée qu'en 2002 (0,0 % [P=0,025]). Le taux d'E coli résistant à la nitrofurantoïne était faible (0,5 % [95 % IC 0,01 % à 2,7 %). EXPOSÉ: La proportion d'E coli résistant au TMP-SMX responsable d'une cystite aiguë chez les femmes du Canada demeure sous les 20 % au pays, mais peut dépasser ce pourcentage chez les femmes préménopausées. La résistance à la ciprofloxacine a augmenté, notamment en Colombie-Britannique. Les taux de résistance à la nitrofurantoïne sont faibles au pays. D'après ces observations, le TMP-SMX et la nitrofurantoïne demeurent des agents antibiotiques empiriques pertinents pour traiter la cystite en première ligne au Canada.

Effect of home blood pressure telemonitoring with self-care support on uncontrolled systolic hypertension in diabetics.

Lowering blood pressure reduces cardiovascular risk, yet hypertension is poorly controlled in diabetic patients. In a pilot study we demonstrated that a home blood pressure telemonitoring system, which provided self-care messages on the smartphone of hypertensive diabetic patients immediately after each reading, improved blood pressure control. Messages were based on care paths defined by running averages of transmitted readings. The present study tests the system's effectiveness in a randomized, controlled trial in diabetic patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension. Of 244 subjects screened for eligibility, 110 (45%) were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 55) or control (n = 55) group, and 105 (95.5%) completed the 1-year outcome visit. In the intention-to-treat analysis, mean daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure, the primary end point, decreased significantly only in the intervention group by 9.1 ± 15.6 mmHg (SD; P < 0.0001), and the mean between-group difference was 7.1 ± 2.3 mmHg (SE; P < 0.005). Furthermore, 51% of intervention subjects achieved the guideline recommended target of <130/80 mmHg compared with 31% of control subjects (P < 0.05). These improvements were obtained without the use of more or different antihypertensive medications or additional clinic visits to physicians. Providing self-care support did not affect anxiety but worsened depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (baseline, 4.1 ± 3.76; exit, 5.2 ± 4.30; P = 0.014). This study demonstrated that home blood pressure telemonitoring combined with automated self-care support reduced the blood pressure of diabetic patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension and improved hypertension control. Home blood pressure monitoring alone had no effect on blood pressure. Promoting patient self-care may have negative psychological effects.

Who's in the driver's seat? The influence of patient and physician enthusiasm on regional variation in degenerative lumbar spinal surgery: a population-based study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study using administrative databases, census data, and surveys of orthopedic/neurosurgeons, family physicians (FPs) and patients in Ontario, Canada. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the enthusiasm of patients, FPs, and surgeons for surgery on the regional variation in surgical rates for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine (DDLS), such as spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Rates of surgery and healthcare costs for treating DDLS have been increasing. Regional variation in spinal surgical rates has been observed and it is thought that the enthusiasm of patients and physicians for surgery contributes to this variation. METHODS: Using population-based administrative databases, we included all patients aged 50 years and older who underwent DDLS surgery (i.e., decompression/laminectomy, fusion) from 2002 to 2006 and calculated standardized utilization rates across counties. We measured regional "enthusiasm for surgery" for surgeons, FPs, and patients, using responses from a province-wide survey. Small-area variation analysis and multivariate Poisson regression models were performed calculating incidence rate ratios (IRRs) controlling for county demographics, socioeconomic measures, prevalence of disease, and community resources. RESULTS: We identified 10,318 DDLS surgeries (mean age 65 years, 50.6% female). Significant regional variation was observed (extremal quotient 5.0, coefficient of variation 28.0). Counties with higher rates of surgery had higher surgeon enthusiasm for surgery (IRR: 1.26, P < 0.013), older (IRR: 2.17, P < 0.0001) male patients (IRR: 1.19, P < 0.0001), lower income (IRR: 0.89, P < 0.0015), more knowledge of official languages (IRR: 1.12, P < 0.0003), and the presence of magnetic resonance imaging scanners (IRR: 1.30, P < 0.004). FP and patient enthusiasm for surgery, physician supply, and prevalence of disease were not statistically associated with higher surgical rates. CONCLUSION: Prior studies have not addressed the role of patient enthusiasm for surgery. Although patients and FPs had variable enthusiasm for surgery, surgeon enthusiasm was the dominant potentially modifiable factor influencing surgical rates. Prevalence of disease and community resources were not related to surgical rates. Strategies targeting surgeon practices may reduce regional variation in care and improve access disparities.

Overestimation error and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for acute cystitis in adult women.

BACKGROUND: Empiric antibiotic prescribing for suspected acute cystitis may lead to unnecessary prescriptions when urine cultures are negative. This study assessed whether physician overestimation of the likelihood of bacterial infection contributed to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in Toronto, Canada, from 1998 to 2000 of 231 women 16 years and older who underwent standardized clinical assessments and urine culture testing. The main outcome was an unnecessary antibiotic prescription, defined as a prescription where the urine culture was negative. The difference between physician estimates of the likelihood of a positive urine culture and the measured culture rate for women with similar symptoms was used to measure overestimation error. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between unnecessary prescriptions and clinical factors or overestimation error. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the effect of clinical factors. RESULTS: Of 230 women assessed, 186 (80.9%) were prescribed antibiotics and 74 (32.2%) were prescribed an unnecessary antibiotic where the urine culture was negative. When an overestimation error above the median value (14.75%) was present, the odds of an unnecessary antibiotic prescription were increased (adjusted odds ratio = 3.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.75-7.89). A high overestimation error was associated with the symptoms of urinary frequency or suprapubic tenderness and costovertebral angle tenderness on examination. CONCLUSIONS: Physician overestimation of the likelihood of a positive urine culture in women with symptoms of acute cystitis was associated with unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. Antibiotic overuse may be reduced by developing treatment strategies that deemphasize nonspecific clinical findings that contribute to physician overestimation error.

Referral practices for spinal surgery are poorly predicted by clinical guidelines and opinions of primary care physicians.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is common. Although surgery can benefit selected patients, variation in surgical referrals reduces overall access to care. OBJECTIVES: To compare the actual referral practices for patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine with recommendations for surgical referral based on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and family physician (FP) opinions. RESEARCH DESIGN: An expert panel of primary and specialist physicians, using a Delphi process, came to a consensus on referral recommendations from CPGs based on a series of clinical vignettes. The vignettes were also presented to practicing FPs in Ontario, Canada, to determine their preferences for (or likelihood of) referral. SUBJECTS: We assembled a 10-member multispecialty expert panel. Practicing FPs were randomly sampled, stratified by county, and their patients were sampled purposefully by the FP. MEASURES: Respondents, both panelists and FPs, were asked to rate the appropriateness of surgical referral for a series of clinical vignettes. Patients reported their clinical symptoms and whether they had been referred to a surgeon. Using random-effects probit regression, predictions were compared with actual referral. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and area under the curve (AUC) was measured. RESULTS: Consensus of the panel on recommendations for referral was achieved after 2 iterations (Cronbach alpha = 0.96). Based on responses from 107 patients and 61 FPs, we found poor concordance of both predicted FP preferences (AUC 0.57) and CPG recommendations (AUC 0.64) with actual referral. CONCLUSIONS: Referral practices are poorly predicted by CPG recommendations and individual FP opinions, based on clinical factors. Understanding other nonclinical factors may be more important in reducing variation in referrals and improving access.

In the eye of the beholder: preferences of patients, family physicians, and surgeons for lumbar spinal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey to all orthopedic and neurosurgeons, a random sample of family physicians (FPs) and patients in Ontario, Canada. OBJECTIVE: To identify the dominant clinical factors influencing patient and physician preferences for lumbar spinal surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgery on the degenerative lumbar spine offers significant benefit for patients with moderate-severe symptoms failing nonoperative treatment. Referring FPs have little appreciation of factors that identify the ideal surgical candidate. Differences in preferences may lead to wide variation in referrals and impedes the shared decision-making process. METHODS: We used conjoint analysis, a rigorous method for eliciting preferences, to determine the importance that respondents place on decisions for lumbar spinal surgery. We identified 6 clinical factors (walking tolerance, pain duration, severity, neurologic symptoms, typical onset, and dominant location of pain) and presented hypothetical vignettes to participants who rated their preference for surgery. Data were analyzed using random-effects ordered probit regression models and the importance of each clinical factor relative to the others was determined. RESULTS: We obtained responses from 131 surgeons, 202 FPs, and 164 patients. We found that FPs had the highest overall preferences for surgery and surgeons had the lowest. Surgeons placed the highest importance on the location of pain. FPs considered neurologic symptoms, walking tolerance, and severity to be of similar importance. Pain severity, walking tolerance, and duration of pain were the most important factors for patients in deciding for surgery. Orthopedic (over neurosurgical) surgeons had a lower preference for surgery (P < 0.05). Older patients (P < 0.03) and previous surgical consultation (P < 0.03) had greater patient preferences for surgery. CONCLUSION: Different preferences for surgery exist between surgeons, FPs, and patients. FPs may reduce over- and under-referrals by appreciating surgeons' importance on location of pain (leg vs. back). Surgeons and FPs may improve the shared decision-making process by understanding that patients place high importance on quality of life symptoms.

Attitudes of primary care physicians and their patients about home blood pressure monitoring in Ontario.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) to improve blood pressure control, but the attitudes of primary care physicians and their hypertensive patients towards its use are not known. METHODS: A 28-item self-administered survey about home blood pressure monitoring was mailed to a random sample of 1418 primary care physicians in Ontario and 765 (55%) were returned. Of the 478 physicians treating hypertension, 299 agreed to give surveys to their hypertensive patients. We received 149 patient surveys. RESULTS: The majority of primary care physicians (63%) often or almost always encouraged their hypertensive patients to monitor their own blood pressure at home. Only 13%, however, preferred home blood pressure monitoring to office or ambulatory readings for diagnostic purposes and 19%, to guide therapy. Physicians had concerns about patients becoming preoccupied with home monitoring (70%) and the accuracy of home devices (65%). Most patients (78%) had a device at home, and 84% indicated that their doctor encouraged them to measure blood pressure. Yet, 80% received no advice from their physician on the type of device to purchase, only 8% had specific training on proper measurement technique, 68% did not regularly take the results to the doctor and 39% did nothing specific about alarming readings. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians prefer office or ambulatory to home readings to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. While home monitoring is popular among patients, its clinical usefulness is undermined by the lack of reliable purchasing information, standard measurement protocols, proper training on measurement technique and specific instructions on handling and interpreting results.

The management of acute uncomplicated cystitis in adult women by family physicians in Canada.

INTRODUCTION: There are few Canadian studies that have assessed prescribing patterns and antibiotic preferences of physicians for acute uncomplicated cystitis. A cross-Canada study of adult women with symptoms of acute cystitis seen by primary care physicians was conducted to determine current management practices and first-line antibiotic choices. METHODS: A random sample of 2000 members of The College of Family Physicians of Canada were contacted in April 2002, and were asked to assess two women presenting with new urinary tract symptoms. Physicians completed a standardized checklist of symptoms and signs, indicated their diagnosis and antibiotics prescribed. A urine sample for culture was obtained. RESULTS: Of the 418 responding physicians, 246 (58.6%) completed the study and assessed 446 women between April 2002 and March 2003. Most women (412 of 420, for whom clinical information about antibiotic prescriptions was available) reported either frequency, urgency or painful urination. Physicians would have usually ordered a urine culture for 77.0% of the women (95% CI 72.7 to 80.8) and prescribed an antibiotic for 86.9% of the women (95% CI 83.3 to 90.0). The urine culture was negative for 32.8% of these prescriptions. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (40.8%; 95% CI 35.7 to 46.1), followed by fluoroquinolones (27.4%; 95% CI 22.9 to 32.3) and nitrofurantoin (26.6%; 95% CI 22.1 to 31.4). CONCLUSION: Empirical antibiotic prescribing is standard practice in the community, but is associated with high levels of unnecessary antibiotic use. While trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is the first-line empirical antibiotic choice, fluoroquinolone antibiotics have become the second most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotic for acute cystitis. The effect of current prescribing patterns on community levels of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli may need to be monitored.

Validation of a decision aid to assist physicians in reducing unnecessary antibiotic drug use for acute cystitis.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, use of a decision aid based on 4 clinical items would have reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for acute cystitis by 30% compared with usual physician care. METHODS: We assessed the decision aid in a different population of females seen in community-based practice. Between April 7, 2002, and March 20, 2003, 225 Canadian family physicians recorded clinical findings, urine dip test results, and treatment decisions for 331 females with suspected cystitis. The number of decision aid items present was determined for each patient, and the sensitivity and specificity of decision aid recommendations for empirical antibiotics were determined using the gold standard of a positive urine culture result (> or =10(2) colony-forming units per milliliter). Total antibiotic prescriptions, unnecessary prescriptions (for negative culture results), and recommendations for urine cultures were determined and compared with physician management. RESULTS: Three of the original decision aid variables (dysuria, the presence of leukocytes [greater than a trace amount], and the presence of nitrites [any positive]) were associated with having a positive urine culture result (P < or = .001), but 1 variable (symptoms for 1 day) was not (P = .96). A simplified decision aid incorporating the 3 significant variables (empirical antibiotics without culture if > or =2 variables present; otherwise obtain a culture and wait for results) had a sensitivity of 80.3% (167/208) and a specificity of 53.7% (66/123). Following decision aid recommendations would have reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 23.5%, unnecessary prescriptions by 40.2%, and urine cultures by 59.0% compared with physician care (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSION: A simple 3-item decision aid could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic drug prescriptions and urine culture testing in females with symptoms of acute cystitis.

Mobile phone-based remote patient monitoring system for management of hypertension in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Rising concern over the poor level of blood-pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients has prompted searches for novel ways of managing hypertension. The objectives of this study were to develop and pilot-test a home BP tele-management system that actively engages patients in the process of care. METHODS: Phase 1 involved a series of focus-group meetings with patients and primary care providers to guide the system's development. In Phase 2, 33 diabetic patients with uncontrolled ambulatory hypertension were enrolled in a 4-month pilot study, using a before-and-after design to assess its effectiveness in lowering BP, its acceptability to users, and the reliability of home BP measurements. RESULTS: The system, developed using commodity hardware, comprised a Bluetooth-enabled home BP monitor, a mobile phone to receive and transmit data, a central server for data processing, a fax-back system to send physicians' reports, and a BP alerting system. In the pilot study, 24-h ambulatory BP fell by 11/5 (+/-13/7 SD) mm Hg (both P < .001), and BP control improved significantly. Substantially more home readings were received by the server than expected, based on the preset monitoring schedule. Of 42 BP alerts sent to patients, almost half (n = 20) were due to low BP. Physicians received no critical BP alerts. Patients perceived the system as acceptable and effective. CONCLUSIONS: The encouraging results of this study provide a strong rationale for a long-term, randomized, clinical trial to determine whether this home BP tele-management system improves BP control in the community among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Community-acquired antibiotic resistance in urinary isolates from adult women in Canada.

BACKGROUND: There are currently limited data regarding the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms causing community-acquired urinary tract infections among adult women in Canada. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the recommended first-line empirical antibiotic treatment, unless resistance of Escherichia coli to TMP-SMX exceeds 20%. OBJECTIVE: To assess current levels of TMP-SMX-resistant E coli in community-acquired cases of urinary tract infection in adult women. METHOD: Assessment of urine culture reports obtained from 21 laboratories across Canada, submitted by family physicians for women aged 16 years and older. RESULTS: In 2199 adult women with a positive urine culture, 1079 (49.1%) of pathogens isolated were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 660 (30.0%) were multidrug-resistant (resistant to two or more antibiotics). TMP-SMX resistance was seen in 245 of 1613 (15.2%) E coli isolates (95% CI 13.5 to 17.0). This proportion was higher in women 50 years of age and older (155 of 863 isolates [18.0%]; P=0.001), in British Columbia (70 of 342 isolates [20.5%]) and in Ontario (62 of 370 isolates [16.8%]) when compared with eastern provinces (65 of 572 isolates [11.4%]; P=0.001). Fluoroquinolone-resistant E coli occurred in 107 of 1557 (6.9%) isolates (95% CI 5.7 to 8.2), with the highest level found in British Columbia (54 of 341 isolates [15.8%]; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: TMP-SMX continues to be appropriate as first-line empirical treatment of acute cystitis in adult women in Canada, as resistance remains below 20%. However, TMP-SMX resistance is higher in older women and in some provinces. The level of fluoroquinolone-resistant E coli is highest in British Columbia.

Early childhood caries and infant oral health: Paediatricians' and family physicians' knowledge, practices and training.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of early childhood caries and to examine the current preventive oral health-related practices and training among Canadian paediatricians and family physicians who provide primary care to children younger than three years. METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was mailed to a random sample of 1928 paediatricians and family physicians. RESULTS: A total of 1044 physicians met the study eligibility criteria, and of those, 537 returned completed surveys, resulting in an overall response rate of 51.4% (237 paediatricians and 300 family physicians). Six questions assessed knowledge of early childhood caries; only 1.8% of paediatricians and 0.7% of family physicians answered all of these questions correctly. In total, 73.9% of paediatricians and 52.4% of family physicians reported visually inspecting children's teeth; 60.4% and 44.6%, respectively, reported counselling parents or caregivers regarding teething and dental care; 53.2% and 25.6%, respectively, reported assessing children's risk of developing tooth decay; and 17.9% and 22.3%, respectively, reported receiving no oral health training in medical school or residency. Respondents who felt confident and knowledgeable and who considered their role in promoting oral health as "very important" were significantly more likely to carry out oral health-related practices. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of paediatricians and family physicians reported including aspects of oral health in children's well visits, a reported lack of dental knowledge and training appeared to pose barriers, limiting these physicians from playing a more active role in promoting the oral health of children in their practices.

Antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infection: the importance of diagnostic uncertainty.

OBJECTIVES: Antibiotic misuse for viral upper respiratory tract infections (URI) in children is a significant problem. We determined the influence on antibiotic prescribing of clinical features that may increase concern about possible bacterial infection (age, appearance, fever) in children with URI. STUDY DESIGN: We created 16 scenarios of children with URI and distributed them by mail survey to 540 pediatricians and family practitioners in Ontario, Canada. The association of patient clinical features, parental pressure, and physician characteristics with antibiotic prescribing was determined through the use of logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 257 physicians responded (48%). Poor appearance (OR, 6.50; 95% CI, 5.06 to 3.84), fever above 38.5 degrees C (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.82), and age older than 2 years (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.85 to 2.78) were associated with prescribing, whereas parental pressure was not. Physician characteristics associated with antibiotic use were family practitioner (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.96), increasing number of patients seen per week (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.08 for every 20-patient increase), and increasing physician age (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.24, 5-year increments). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical factors, which may lead physicians to be concerned about possible bacterial infection in children, are associated with antibiotic use for pediatric URI.