Multilevel Intervention to Improve Racial Equity in Access to Kidney Transplant.

BACKGROUND: African Americans (AAs) have reduced access to kidney transplant (KTX). Our center undertook a multilevel quality improvement endeavor to address KTX access barriers, focused on vulnerable populations. This program included dialysis center patient/staff education, embedding telehealth services across South Carolina, partnering with community providers to facilitate testing/procedures, and increased use of high-risk donors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a time series analysis from 2017 to 2021 using autoregression to assess trends in equitable access to KTX for AAs. Equity was measured using a modified version of the Kidney Transplant Equity Index (KTEI), defined as the proportion of AAs in South Carolina with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) vs the proportion of AAs initiating evaluation, completing evaluation, waitlisting, and undergoing KTX. A KTEI of 1.00 is considered complete equity; a KTEI of <1.00 is indicative of disparity. RESULTS: From January 2017 to September 2021, 11,487 ESKD patients (64.7% AA) were referred, 6,748 initiated an evaluation (62.8% AA), 4,109 completed evaluation (59.7% AA), 2,762 were waitlisted (60.0% AA), and 1,229 underwent KTX (55.3% AA). The KTEI for KTX demonstrated significant improvements in equity. The KTEI for initiated evaluations was 0.89 in 2017, improving to 1.00 in 2021 (p = 0.0045). Completed evaluation KTEI improved from 0.85 to 0.95 (p = 0.0230), while waitlist addition KTEI improved from 0.83 to 0.96 (p = 0.0072). The KTEI for KTX also improved from 0.76 to 0.91, which did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0657). CONCLUSIONS: A multilevel intervention focused on improving access to vulnerable populations was significantly associated with reduced disparities for AAs.

Surgical Outcomes Improvement and Health Inequity in a Regional Quality Collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Surgical quality improvement initiatives may impact sociodemographic groups differentially. The objective of this analysis was to assess the trajectory of surgical morbidity by race and age over time within a Regional Collaborative Quality Initiative. STUDY DESIGN: Adults undergoing eligible general surgery procedures in South Carolina Surgical Quality Collaborative hospitals were analyzed for the presence of at least 1 of 22 morbidities between August 2015 and February 2020. Surgery-level multivariable logistic regression assessed the racial differences in morbidity over time, stratified by age group (18 to 64 years, 65 years and older), and adjusting for potential patient- and surgical-level confounders. RESULTS: A total of 30,761 general surgery cases were analyzed, of which 28.4% were performed in Black patients. Mean morbidity rates were higher for Black patients than non-Black patients (8.5% vs 6.0%, p < 0.0001). After controlling for race and other confounders, a significant decrease in monthly mean morbidity through time was observed in each age group (odds ratio [95% CI]: age 18 to 64 years, 0.986 [0.981 to 0.990]; age 65 years and older, 0.991 [0.986 to 0.995]). Comparing morbidity rates from the first 4 months of the collaborative to the last 4 months reveals older Black patients had an absolute decrease in morbidity of 6.2% compared with 3.6% for older non-Black patients. Younger Black patients had an absolute decrease in morbidity of 4.7% compared with a 3.0% decrease for younger non-Black patients. CONCLUSIONS: Black patients had higher morbidity rates than non-Black patients even when controlling for confounders. The reasons for these disparities are not apparent. Morbidity improved over time in all patients with older Black patients seeing a larger absolute decrease in morbidity.

Lessons Learned from the Medical University of South Carolina Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) in Precision Medicine and Minority Men's Health.

The Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) in Precision Medicine for Minority Men's Health was established at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2015 to address disparities in the translation of precision medicine approaches among racial minority groups. This regional consortium focuses on three primary areas: (1) the development of a consortium of regional and national partners, (2) conducting transdisciplinary research examining synergistic effects of biological, social, physiological, and clinical determinants of chronic disease risks and outcomes, and (3) dissemination and implementation of precision medicine approaches, with an emphasis on reducing disparities in health care and outcomes among minority men. Given consistent calls to better translate precision medicine approaches and the focus of this consortium on addressing disparities among minority men, we provide an overview of our experience in developing the MUSC TCC, including barriers and facilitators to conducting translational research on minority men's health issues in the context of precision medicine. Lessons learned and areas for improvement include providing enough time to create consistent partnerships and community engagement to improve recruitment and retention, identifying unique ways to engage diverse partners from across the region and nation, and better approaches to dissemination and communication for large partnerships focusing on precision medicine.

Barriers and Facilitators of Stroke Recovery: Perspectives From African Americans With Stroke, Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals.

INTRODUCTION AND GOAL: Stroke is a serious health condition that disproportionally affects African-Americans relative to non-Hispanic whites. In the absence of clearly defined reasons for racial disparities in stroke recovery and subsequent stroke outcomes, a critical first step in mitigating poor stroke outcomes is to explore potential barriers and facilitators of poststroke recovery in African-American adults with stroke. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore poststroke recovery across the care continuum from the perspective of African-American adults with stroke, caregivers of African-American adults with stroke, and health care professionals with expertise in stroke care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study included in-depth key informant interviews with health care providers (n = 10) and focus groups with persons with stroke (n = 20 persons) and their family members or caregivers (n = 19 persons). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis according to the Social Ecological Model, using both inductive and deductive approaches. FINDINGS: Persons with stroke and their caregivers identified social support, resources, and knowledge as the most salient factors associated with stroke recovery. Perceived barriers to recovery included: (1) physical and cognitive deficits, mood; (2) medication issues; (3) lack of support and resources; (4) stigma, culture, and faith. Health care providers identified knowledge/information, care coordination, and resources in the community as key to facilitating stroke recovery outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Key findings from this study can be incorporated into interventions designed to improve poststroke recovery outcomes and potentially reduce the current racial-ethnic disparity gap.

Racial Disparities in Arterial Stiffness Between Healthy Whites and African Americans in the United States: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: African Americans (AAs) present with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors at younger ages than whites. Consequently, CVD and stroke occur at a higher incidence and at earlier decades in life in AA populations. Arterial stiffness is a predictor of CVD outcomes and partially explains the CVD risk experienced by racial minorities. We evaluated the differences in arterial stiffness observed in AAs and whites through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed and SCOPUS for comparative studies published March 1995 to November 29, 2017 comparing arterial stiffness assessments (pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and central blood pressure) between AAs and whites. Two independent reviewers examined 195 titles/abstracts, 85 full text articles and 11 articles were included in the meta-analysis using random effects modeling approaches. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 5060 white and 3225 AAs were included across 11 relevant studies. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) measures were statistically different between AAs and whites (mean difference = -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -[-0.67, -0.21], p = 0.0002). Aortic femoral pulse wave velocity was significantly different between AAs and whites (mean difference = -0.21, [95% CI] -0.35, -0.07, p = 0.003) regardless of sex. Augmentation index (AIx) and Augmentation index at a 75 beats per minutes heart rate (AIx @75) was also significantly different between AA and whites (mean difference = -4.36 [95% CI] = -6.59, -2,12, p = 0.0001 and -6.26, [95% CI] = -9.19, -3.33, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Racial disparities in arterial stiffness persist among African American racial groups in the United States. The lack of homogeneity in studies capturing racial disparities in cfPWV suggest that additional studies are needed to understand the magnitude of racial differences in African Americans and whites that might be clinically relevant.

A Mixed Methods Study of Tele-ICU Nursing Interventions to Prevent Failure to Rescue of Patients in Critical Care.

Background:Failure to rescue (FTR) is a benchmark of quality care. Limited evidence exists examining the influence of telemedicine intensive care units (tele-ICU) nursing interventions in preventing FTR. The purpose of this study was to characterize tele-ICU nursing interventions and to determine which combination of documented tele-ICU nursing interventions (DTNI) best predicts prevention of FTR in ICU patients with hospital-acquired conditions (HACs).Materials and Methods:We used convergent parallel mixed methods design to conduct qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of tele-ICU nurses (n = 19) from 11 US tele-ICU centers. Quantitative data, including demographics, DTNIs, severity of illness scores, and video assessment times from January 2016 to December 2016 were retrieved for ICU patients discharged from a multihospital health system with a tele-ICU center (n = 861). Findings from both qualitative and quantitative analyses were merged, compared, and contrasted.Results:FTR patients had higher severity of illness, longer video assessment by tele-ICU nurses, and were more likely to have DTNIs related to hemodynamic instability. Four themes emerged from qualitative analysis: fundamental tele-ICU nurse attributes, proactive clinical practice, effective collaborative relationships, and strategic use of advanced technology. Mixed methods analysis revealed convergence between DTNIs and tele-ICU nurses' characterizations of their practice.Conclusions:Tele-ICU nurses' characterizations of their practice closely align with DTNIs. Tele-ICU nursing practice to prevent FTR involves systems thinking and integration of many complex factors. Tele-ICU nurses can reduce the odds of FTR with focus on support and clinical coordination interventions that avoid hemodynamic instability in ICU patients with a diagnosed HAC.

Sex Differences in Patient-Reported Poststroke Disability.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that stroke has a differential impact in women compared to men. Women are more likely to survive strokes than men, yet they experience more severe strokes resulting in greater poststroke disability. However, few studies have characterized sex differences in functional ability after stroke. This study examined sex differences in long-term disability among stroke survivors. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Respondents were asked to rate their ability to perform 11 functional tasks. Univariate comparisons were completed to evaluate sex differences in performance, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the odds of reporting functional limitations. RESULTS: Five hundred fourteen men and 641 women stroke survivors completed the survey (mean age: 66.9 years). Approximately 75% of the sample reported having hypertension, 61% high cholesterol, 33% diabetes, 24% heart disease, 21% heart attack, and 16% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the predictive models, men were less likely to report "very difficult/can't do at all" in walking » mile (odds ratios [OR] = 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.90), climbing 10 steps (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.85), standing 2 hours (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87), stooping (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.39-0.68), reaching overhead (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97), carrying 10 pounds (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.59), and pushing large objects (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.5) compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes of men stroke survivors were significantly greater than women. The specific factors that contribute to sex differences in stroke-related outcomes are not entirely clear. Future research is needed to better understand these differences to ensure that equity of care is received.

Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in African American Women: An Integrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity significantly impacts mortality worldwide. Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. African American women in the United States have the highest rates of physical inactivity when compared with other gender/ethnic groups. A paucity of research promoting physical activity (PA) in African American women has been previously identified. The purpose of this review was to identify intervention strategies and outcomes in studies designed to promote PA in African American women. METHODS: Interventions that promoted PA in African American women published between 2000 and May 2015 were included. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE Complete databases. Data were abstracted and synthesized to examine interventions, study designs, theoretical frameworks, and measures of PA. RESULTS: Mixed findings (both significant and nonsignificant) were identified. Interventions included faith-based, group-based, and individually focused programs. All studies (n = 32) included measures of PA; among the studies, self-report was the predominant method for obtaining information. Half of the 32 studies focused on PA, and the remaining studies focused on PA and nutrition. Most studies reported an increase in PA or adherence to PA. This review reveals promising strategies for promoting PA. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should include long-term follow-up, larger sample sizes, and objective measures of PA. Additional research promoting PA in African American women is warranted, particularly in studies that focus on increasing PA in older African American women.

Access to Diabetes Care for Populations Experiencing Homelessness: an Integrated Review.

Populations experiencing homelessness with diabetes may encounter barriers to accessing comprehensive diabetes care to manage the condition, yet it is unclear to what extent this population is able to access care. We reviewed the literature to identify and describe the barriers and facilitators to accessing diabetes care and managing diabetes for homeless populations using the Equity of Access to Medical Care Framework. An integrated review of the literature was conducted and yielded 10 articles that met inclusion criteria. Integrated reviews search, summarize, and critique the state of the research evidence. Findings were organized using the dimensions of a comprehensive conceptual framework, the Equity of Access to Medical Care Framework, to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing care and managing diabetes. Barriers included competing priorities, limited access to healthy food, and inadequate healthcare resources. Facilitators to care included integrated delivery systems that provided both social and health-related services, and increased patient knowledge. Recommendations are provided for healthcare providers and public health practitioners to optimize diabetes outcomes for this population.

Effect of a smoking cessation intervention for women in subsidized neighborhoods: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community based participatory research (CBPR) developed, multi-level smoking cessation intervention among women in subsidized housing neighborhoods in the Southeastern US. METHODS: A total of n=409 women in 14 subsidized housing neighborhoods in Georgia and South Carolina participated in this group randomized controlled trial conducted from 2009 to 2013. Intervention neighborhoods received a 24-week intervention with 1:1 community health worker contact, behavioral peer group sessions, and nicotine replacement. Control neighborhoods received written cessation materials at weeks 1, 6, 12, 18. Random coefficient models were used to compare smoking abstinence outcomes at 6 and 12months. Significance was set a p<0.05. RESULTS: The majority of participants (91.2%) were retained during the 12-month intervention period. Smoking abstinence rates at 12months for intervention vs. control were 9% vs. 4.3%, p=0.05. Additional analyses accounting for passive smoke exposure in these multi-unit housing settings demonstrated 12month abstinence rates of 12% vs. 5.3%, p=0.016. However, in the multivariate regression analyses, there was no significant effect of the intervention on the odds of being a non-smoker (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.18-1.07). Intervention participants who kept coach visits, attended group sessions, and used patches were more likely to remain abstinent. CONCLUSIONS: This CBPR developed intervention showed potential to engage smokers and reduce smoking among women in these high-poverty neighborhoods. Effectiveness in promoting cessation in communities burdened with fiscal, environmental and social inequities remains a public health priority.

Institutionalization of community partnerships: the challenge for academic health centers.

Current public health priorities emphasize the elimination of health disparities, translational research, and transdisciplinary and community alliances. The Center for Community Health Partnerships is a proactive initiative to address new paradigms and priorities in health care through institutionalization of community-university partnerships. This report highlights innovative strategies and lessons learned.

Community advisory boards in community-based participatory research: a synthesis of best processes.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a paradigm to study and reduce disparities in health outcomes related to chronic disease. Community advisory boards (CABs) commonly formalize the academic-community partnerships that guide CBPR by providing a mechanism for community members to have representation in research activities. Researchers and funding agencies increasingly recognize the value of the community's contribution to research and acknowledge that community advisory boards are a key component of successful CBPR projects. In this article, we describe the best processes for forming, operating, and maintaining CABs for CBPR. We synthesize the literature and offer our professional experiences to guide formation, operation, and maintenance of CABs.

Validation of diabetes health-related quality-of-life instruments using cognitive interviewing with older African Americans.

The reliability and validity of two diabetes-specific quality-of-life instruments were examined with aging African Americans with limited literacy. Cognitive interviews with 15 persons and content analysis were conducted. Participants' mean age was 72 years, and 40% had less than a high school education. Most observed problems with the surveys related to comprehension and response categories. Respondents had difficulty distinguishing between certain functional limitations and/or level of satisfaction as being associated with chronic illness or aging. This study underscores the need for research with special populations on the appropriateness of instruments previously validated and shown reliable for more general populations. While cognitive interviewing is resource intensive, ignoring this investment may result in inappropriate interpretations about the effectiveness of interventions to improve care and outcomes, understand differences, and eliminate disparities.