The role of symptom reduction in improving health-related quality of life through brief cognitive behavioral therapy.

Brief cognitive behavior therapy (bCBT) is effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders and improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the mechanisms through which cognitive behavior therapy impact HRQoL are not well understood. This study evaluated whether anxiety and depression symptom reduction is a mechanism of treatment for HRQoL outcomes. METHOD: Using secondary data from a multisite, pragmatic, randomized trial, this study evaluated bCBT vs enhanced usual care in 16 VA community-based outpatient clinics. Ordinary least-squares path analysis testing multiple mediators was used to evaluate the role of change in depression and anxiety symptoms in the relationship between treatment condition and HRQoL. RESULTS: Receiving bCBT (vs. enhanced usual care) was significantly negatively associated with change (reduction) in depression and anxiety scores. The indirect effect of treatment on mental HRQoL was significant with change in depression scores as mediator. A similar pattern was observed for physical HRQoL and change in anxiety scores as mediator. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms as a mechanism through which bCBT for depression promoted improvements in HRQoL, with important implications for understanding how CBT impacts functioning, as well as the utility of bCBT in nontraditional mental health settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02466126.

Comparative Effectiveness of Surveillance Colonoscopy Intervals on Colorectal Cancer Outcomes in a National Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Surveillance colonoscopy is recommended to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC)-related morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The comparative effectiveness of varying colonoscopy intervals on CRC outcomes among patients with IBD is unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed CRC within a cohort of 77,824 patients with IBD during 2000 to 2015 in the National Veterans Health Administration. We examined the association between colonoscopy surveillance intervals on CRC stage, treatment, or all-cause and cancer-specific mortality. The interval of colonoscopy prior to CRC diagnosis was categorized as those performed within <1 year, 1 to 3 years, 3 to 5 years, or none within 5 years. RESULTS: Among 566 patients with CRC-IBD, most (69.4%) did not have colonoscopy within 5 years prior to CRC diagnosis, whereas 9.7% had colonoscopy within 1 year prior to diagnosis, 17.7% within 1 to 3 years, and 3.1% between 3 and 5 years. Compared with no surveillance, colonoscopy within 1 year (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.82), and 1 to 3 years (adjusted odds ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32-0.98) were less likely to be diagnosed at late stage. Regardless of IBD type and duration, colonoscopy within 1 year was associated with a lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In a national cohort of patients with CRC-IBD, colonoscopy within 3 years prior to CRC diagnosis was associated with early tumor stage at diagnosis, and colonoscopy within 1 year was associated with a reduced all-cause mortality compared with no colonoscopy. Our findings support colonoscopy intervals of 1 to 3 years in patients with IBD to reduce late-stage CRC and all-cause mortality.

Presence of PTSD is Associated with Clinical and Functional Impact in Veterans with Depression Treated in Community-Based Clinics.

Providers in non-traditional mental health settings (e.g., primary care, community medical clinics) face challenges involving patients who often present with multiple mental health conditions, but require rapid assessment and treatment. To help address this challenge, this study characterized differences in health symptom severity and mental health treatment perceptions between depressed Veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) served in community medical clinics. Relative to depressed Veterans without PTSD (N = 62), depressed Veterans with PTSD (N = 122) endorsed greater depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, pain, and insomnia symptoms, as well as lower functioning. Veterans with depression and PTSD also reported greater mental health needs, prior utilization of mental health services, and higher perceived importance of mental health treatment. Results highlight the complexity of comorbid mental health conditions frequently seen in community medical care clinics and suggest that patients with comorbid mental health difficulties may present with a complex array of mental health symptoms.

Factors Associated With Delay of Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We examined the frequency of and factors associated with delays in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis in the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we collected and analyzed data from the Veterans Health Administration's electronic health records. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to identify factors associated with a delay in diagnosis of HCC of more than 60 days following a red flag (defined as the earliest date at which a diagnosis of HCC could have been made, based on American Association for the Study of Liver Disease 2005 guidelines). We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the effects of delayed diagnosis on survival, adjusting for patient and provider characteristics. RESULTS: Among 655 patients with cirrhosis and a diagnosis of HCC from 2006 through 2011, 46.9% had a delay in diagnosis of more than 60 days following a red flag for HCC. Delays in diagnosis for more than 60 days were significantly associated with lack of provider adherence to the guidelines (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.82; 95% CI, 3.12-7.45), a diagnostic imaging evaluation instead of only measurement of alfa fetoprotein (adjusted OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.09-6.24), and diagnosis as an incidental finding during examination for an unrelated medical problem (compared with an HCC-related assessment) (adjusted OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.09-4.67). Diagnostic delays of 60 days or more were associated with lower mortality compared to patients without a delay in diagnosis (unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.47-0.68 and adjusted hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of veterans with cirrhosis have delays in diagnosis of HCC of 60 days or more after a red flag, defined by guidelines. Interventions are needed to improve timely follow-up of red flags for HCC and adherence to guidelines, to increase early detection of HCC.

Integrated Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Illness Intrusiveness in Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Progressive illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impart a high level of physical and psychological burden. Evidence-based psychotherapies hold the potential to improve perceptions of physical health impairment, yet few studies have documented these effects. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT) on disease-related illness intrusiveness. Methods: Participants were 175 Veterans with COPD and clinically elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety enrolled in a larger randomized trial (n = 99 randomized to bCBT, n = 76 to enhanced usual care; EUC). bCBT included up to six treatment sessions and optional booster sessions over a 4-month period. EUC entailed an assessment with documentation in the medical record. Primary outcomes focused on posttreatment changes on the Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (IIRS), an established measure of perceived impairment from a chronic health condition. Results: Illness intrusiveness improved for bCBT participants relative to EUC, after controlling for baseline IIRS scores, depression, and anxiety (p = .03, partial η2 = .03). Specific improvement was observed in the Instrumental subscale (p = .02), encompassing improved intrusiveness of COPD on daily activities and daily functioning. IIRS scores improved in the absence of changes in physical functioning. Conclusions: Illness intrusiveness was high among Veterans with COPD but improved over the course of bCBT. Integrated behavioral health interventions hold the potential to reduce disease intrusiveness. The IIRS may be a valuable tool to augment traditional assessment and measurement-based care approaches of behavioral health interventions for medically ill patients.

Hepatitis B Virus Screening and Reactivation in a National VA Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists.

BACKGROUND: Practice guidelines recommend screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prior to initiating treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. However, the adherence to these screening guidelines and the clinical outcomes of HBV reactivation following anti-TNF use are not well known. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Veterans Health Administration datasets for IBD patients with filled prescriptions for anti-TNFs from 2003 to 2011. Laboratory testing was used to define HBV screening status in the 12 months preceding anti-TNF initiation. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of HBV screening. Cases of potential HBV reactivation were identified using ICD-9 codes for HBV infection or acute liver failure or by medications used for HBV infection treatment, and manually reviewed for verification. RESULTS: We identified 3357 IBD patients with filled prescriptions for anti-TNF medications. The HBV testing prior to anti-TNF initiation was 8.1% in 2003 and increased to 43.2% by 2011, with an overall rate of 23.7%. In multivariate analysis, African-American race, facilities with a higher volume of IBD patients, and facilities with an academic affiliation were associated with a higher probability of HBV screening. We did not identify a single case of confirmed clinically relevant HBV reactivation after anti-TNF initiation during 7210 patient-years of medication use. CONCLUSIONS: HBV screening rates prior to anti-TNF initiation are low among IBD patients, but have increased over time. Despite low rates of screening, clinically significant HBV reactivation after anti-TNF initiation in this US cohort was nonexistent.

Determinants and Outcomes of Hospice Utilization Among Patients with Advance-Staged Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Veteran Affairs Population.

BACKGROUND: Hospice provides integrative palliative care for advance-staged hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but hospice utilization in HCC patients in the USA is not clearly understood. AIMS: We examined hospice use and subsequent clinical course in advance-staged HCC patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on a national, Veterans Affairs cohort with stage C or D HCC. We evaluated demographics, clinical factors, treatment, and clinical course in relation to hospice use. RESULTS: We identified 814 patients with advanced HCC, of whom 597 (73.3%) used hospice. Oncologist management consistently predicted hospice use, irrespective of HCC treatment [no treatment: OR 2.25 (1.18-4.3), treatment: OR 1.80 (1.10-2.95)]. Among patients who received HCC treatment, hospice users were less likely to have insurance beyond VA benefits (47.2 vs. 60.0%, p = 0.01). Among patients without HCC treatment, hospice users were older (62.2 [17.2] vs. 60.2 [14.0] years, p = 0.05), white (62.1 vs. 52.9%, p = 0.01), resided in the Southern USA (39.5 vs. 31.8%, p = 0.05), and had a performance score ≥ 3 (41.9 vs. 31.8%, p = 0.01). The median time from hospice entry to death or end of study was 1.05 [2.96] months for stage C and 0.53 [1.18] months for stage D patients. CONCLUSIONS: 26.7% advance-staged HCC patients never entered hospice, representing potential missed opportunities for improving end-of-life care. Age, race, location, performance, insurance, and managing specialty can predict hospice use. Differences in managing specialty and short-term hospice use suggest that interventions to optimize early palliative care are necessary.

Cognitive and Perceptual Factors, Not Disease Severity, Are Linked with Anxiety in COPD: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine clinical factors-demographics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity, cognitive/perceptual variables (appraisal and coping)-and their relationship to clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety in a sample of veterans with COPD. METHOD: Participants included a sample of veterans with COPD, with or without comorbid congestive heart failure, and clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (n = 172, mean age = 65.3, SD = 8.1), who previously presented to an outpatient VA setting. Participants completed questionnaires examining COPD severity (respiratory impairment and dyspnea- and fatigue-related quality of life); perceptions of a stressor (COPD illness intrusiveness); perceptions of control (locus of health control, mastery over COPD, self-efficacy); coping strategies (adaptive and maladaptive); and anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Multivariable linear regressions revealed that anxiety was positively associated with more maladaptive coping and locus of control (attributed to other people), above and beyond disease severity, demographics, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cognitive and perceptual factors are concurrent with anxiety; however, longitudinal investigations are needed to fully understand this relationship. Future research should also focus on identifying optimal assessment and treatment procedures when evaluating and treating patients with COPD and symptoms of anxiety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01149772.

Delivery of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Medically Ill Patients in Primary Care: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the practical effectiveness and implementation potential of brief psychotherapies that integrate mental and physical health. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an integrated brief cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT), delivered by mental health providers in primary care, would improve depression, anxiety and quality of life for medically ill veterans. DESIGN: Pragmatic patient-randomized trial comparing bCBT to enhanced usual care (EUC). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 302 participants with heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were enrolled from two Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics. INTERVENTION: bCBT was delivered to 180 participants by staff mental health providers (n = 19). bCBT addressed physical and emotional health using a modular, skill-based approach. bCBT was delivered in person or by telephone over 4 months. Participants randomized to EUC (n = 122) received a mental health assessment documented in their medical record. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcomes included depression (Patient Health Questionnaire) and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life. Assessments occurred at baseline, posttreatment (4 months), and 8- and 12-month follow-up. KEY RESULTS: Participants received, on average, 3.9 bCBT sessions with 63.3% completing treatment (4+ sessions). bCBT improved symptoms of depression (p = 0.004; effect size, d = 0.33) and anxiety (p < 0.001; d = 0.37) relative to EUC at posttreatment, with effects maintained at 8 and 12 months. Health-related quality of life improved posttreatment for bCBT participants with COPD but not for heart failure. Health-related quality of life outcomes were not maintained at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated bCBT is acceptable to participants and providers, appears feasible for delivery in primary care settings and is effective for medically ill veterans with depression and anxiety. Improvements for both depression and anxiety were modest but persistent, and the impact on physical health outcomes was limited to shorter-term effects and COPD participants. Clinical trials.Gov identifier: NCT01149772.

Teaching Caregivers of Persons with Dementia to Address Pain.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of Preventing Aggression in Veterans with Dementia (PAVeD) with that of usual care in decreasing incidence of aggression (primary outcome) and pain and improving depression, pleasant events, caregiver burden, and patient-caregiver relationship quality (secondary outcomes). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months SETTING: Houston, TX. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 203 community-dwelling veterans with pain and dementia and their caregivers. INTERVENTION: PAVeD, 6 to 8 weekly sessions of 45-minute home visits with masters-level clinicians providing instruction to caregivers on recognizing pain, enhancing communication, and making daily activities pleasant and enjoyable, and at least two elective sessions. MEASUREMENTS: Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (primary outcome), Philadelphia Geriatric Pain Intensity Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Pleasant Events Schedule-AD, Burden Interview, Mutuality Scale (secondary outcomes), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in aggression incidence between intervention and control groups, although the PAVeD group had significantly better mutuality than controls. CONCLUSIONS: PAVeD may need to address a broader range and more in-depth coverage of aggression risk factors with person-centered tailoring to target certain types of distress. Interventions to prevent aggression may also need to address medical providers in addition to caregivers.

Ileostomy creation in colorectal cancer surgery: risk of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomy creation is associated with postoperative dehydration and readmission; however, the effect on renal function is unknown. Our goal was to characterize the impact of ileostomy creation on acute and chronic renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery at a tertiary referral institution (2005-2011). The relationship between ileostomy creation and acute kidney injury (AKI)-related readmission, severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 12 mo (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), and onset of severe CKD over time was evaluated using multivariable logistic and Cox regression and adjusted using propensity score stratification. RESULTS: Among 619 patients, 84 (13%) had ileostomy. AKI-related readmission and severe CKD at 12 mo were more common among ileostomy patients (17% versus 2%, P < 0.01 and 13.3% versus 5%, P = 0.02, respectively). After propensity score adjustment, ileostomy was a significant predictor of AKI-related readmissions (odds ratio: 10.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-27.2), severe CKD at 12 mo (odds ratio: 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4-11.9), and onset of severe CKD over time (hazard ratio: 4.2; 95% CI, 2.3-6.6). CONCLUSIONS: Ileostomy creation is associated with increased risk of AKI-related readmissions and development of severe CKD. Future studies must focus on strategies to minimize kidney injury when ileostomy is a necessary component of colorectal cancer surgery and revisiting current indications for ileostomy creation.

Pain Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Dementia: Factors Associated with Undertreatment.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with no analgesic treatment in community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia and moderate-to-severe pain. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and two older adults (mean age = 79.27 years). METHODS: Guided by the Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization, participants completed questionnaires regarding predisposing (age, gender, race, educational level, care partner relationship), enabling (income), and need (pain interference, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning) characteristics. RESULTS: Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that participants with greater income (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63-0.99) and greater pain interference (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.99) were less likely to have no analgesic treatment. We also examined whether other factors such as depressive symptoms influenced the relationship between pain interference and pain treatment. Those with less pain interference were more likely to have no analgesic treatment (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08), but only if they had lower levels of depressive symptoms (b = -0.52, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The initiation of analgesic trials is complicated for individuals with dementia and comorbid pain and depressive symptomology. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective assessment and treatment procedures to best direct clinical care for this population.

Primary Tumor Resection and Multimodality Treatment for Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although controversial, recent data suggest a benefit associated with primary tumor resection (PTR) in metastatic colon cancer (mCC) patients. However, utilization of the various management strategies over time relative to surgery, in particular multimodality treatment (MMT), as well as the impact of age on treatment remains unclear. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort study of mCC patients in the National Cancer Data Base (1998-2009). Temporal trends in treatment utilization (chemotherapy, PTR alone, MMT) were evaluated. Using a landmark approach, the association between treatment, age, and risk of death was evaluated with multivariable Cox regression, including interaction. RESULTS: Among 103,100 mCC patients, PTR decreased 50.1 % during the study period, whereas MMT and chemotherapy increased 27.4 and 104.8 %, respectively (trend test, p < 0.001). Patients aged ≥75 years were the only group for whom PTR alone was the most common intervention over time and performed more commonly (33.8 %) than MMT (23.8 %) in the most recent study year. Relative to MMT, risk of death was higher for all other management strategies. The sequence of PTR and chemotherapy (reference-surgery first) did not affect risk of death (chemotherapy first-1.05 [0.95-1.15]), as long resection was a part of MMT (PTR alone-1.16 [1.08-1.23]). Patient age did not impact the relative benefit associated with competing management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Although the benefit associated with PTR in mCC patients is a function of MMT, PTR alone remains a common management strategy among older patients. Given the aging U.S. population, exploring provider biases and patient preferences may be necessary to optimize management of mCC patients.

Preoperative cancer cachexia and short-term outcomes following surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cachexia is an important measure of physiologic reserve associated with worse survival and represents an actionable factor for the cancer population. However, the incidence of cachexia in surgical cancer patients and its impact on postoperative outcomes are currently unknown. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolling patients having elective cancer surgery (2012-2014) at a Veterans Affairs tertiary referral center. Preoperative cancer cachexia (weight loss ≥5% over 6-mo period before surgery) was the predictor of interest. The primary outcome was 60-d postoperative complications (VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program). Patients were grouped by body mass index (BMI) category (<25, 25-29.9, ≥30), and interaction between cachexia and BMI was tested for the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between preoperative cachexia and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 253 patients, 16.6% had preoperative cachexia, and 51.8% developed ≥ 1 postoperative complications. Complications were more common in cachectic patients (64.3% versus 49.3%, P = 0.07). This association varied by BMI category, and interaction analysis was significant for those with normal or underweight BMI (BMI < 25, P = 0.03). After multivariate modeling, in patients with normal or underweight BMI, preoperative cachexia was associated with higher odds of postoperative complications (odds ratios, 5.08 [95% confidence intervals, 1.18-21.88]; P = 0.029). Additional predictors of complications included major surgery (3.19 [1.24-8.21], P = 0.01), ostomy (4.43 [1.68-11.72], P = 0.003), and poor baseline performance status (2.31 [1.05-5.08], P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer cachexia is common in surgical patients, and is an important predictor of postoperative complications, though its effect varies by BMI. As a modifiable predictor of worse outcomes, future studies should examine the role of cachexia treatment before cancer surgery.

Age as a predictive factor of mental health service use among adults with depression and/or anxiety disorder receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared mental health service utilization by treatment modality and determined predictive factors of use among younger-adult (18-35 years), middle-aged adult (36-64 years), and older-adult veterans (65+ years) with a newly recognized diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety disorder. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from the Veterans Health Administration National Patient Care Database outpatient and inpatient treatment files during the 2010 fiscal year (N = 583,692). RESULTS: Younger adults were the most likely to use mental health services, followed by middle-aged adults and then older adults. Age was found to be one of the greatest predictors of utilization of mental health services, with odds of use being threefold among younger adults compared with older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Continued efforts are needed to improve the awareness of, access to, and receipt of mental health services in veterans, particularly older adults, with depression and anxiety disorders. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Time Trends, Clinical Characteristics, and Risk Factors of Chronic Anal Fissure Among a National Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is a common problem that causes significant morbidity. Little is known about the risk factors of CAF among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIM: To study the clinical characteristics and prevalence of CAF among a cohort of IBD patients. METHODS: We performed a population-based study on IBD patients from the National Veterans Affairs administrative datasets from 1998 to 2011. IBD and AF were identified by ICD-9 diagnosis codes. RESULTS: We identified 60,376 patients with IBD between the ages of 18-90 years, 94% males, 59% diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 88% were Caucasians. The overall prevalence of CAF was 4% for both males and females. African Americans (AA) were two times more likely to have CAF compared to Caucasians (8 vs. 4%; OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-20.2, p = 0.0001) or Hispanics (8 vs. 4.8%; OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-25.2, p = 0.0001). The prevalence of CAF significantly dropped with age from 7% at age group 20-50 to 1.5% at 60-90 (p = 0.0001). CD patients were two times more likely to have CAF than UC patients (6 vs. 3%; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-18.2, p = 0.0001). The initial diagnosis of CAF occurred within 14 years after the initial diagnosis of IBD in 74.5% patients. CONCLUSIONS: CAF is more prevalent among IBD than what is reported in the general population and diagnosed after the diagnosis of IBD. CAF is more prevalent among patients with CD, younger patients, and AA. The current results lay the groundwork for further outcome studies relate to anal fissure such as utilization, hospitalization, and cost.

Postoperative transitional care needs in the elderly: an outcome of recovery associated with worse long-term survival.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize transitional care needs (TCNs) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and examine their association with age and impact on overall survival (OS). BACKGROUND: TCNs after cancer surgery represent additional burden for patients and are associated with higher short-term mortality. They are not well-characterized in CRC patients, particularly in the context of a growing elderly population, and their effect on long-term survival is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of CRC patients (N = 486) having curative surgery at a tertiary referral center (2002-2011) was conducted. Outcomes included TCNs (home health or nonhome destination at discharge) and OS. Patients were compared on the basis of age: young (<65 years), old (65-74 years), and oldest (≥75 years). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association of age with TCNs, and OS was compared on the basis of TCNs and stage, using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: TCNs were required by 130 patients (27%). The oldest patients had highest TCNs (49%) compared with the other age groups (P < 0.01), with rehabilitation services as their primary TCNs (80%). After multivariate analysis, patients 75 years or older had significantly increased TCN risk (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.5). TCN was associated with worse OS for patients with early- and advanced stage CRC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TCNs after CRC surgery are common and significantly increased in patients 75 years or older, represent an outcome of postoperative recovery, and are associated with worse long-term survival. Preoperative identification of higher risk populations should be used for patient counseling, advanced preoperative planning, and to implement strategies targeted at minimizing TCNs.

Genetic Variants in Interleukin-28B Are Associated with Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Complications in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have shown that host interleukin-28B (IL28B) genetic polymorphisms are associated with insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the clinical relevance of this relationship is unclear. AIMS: We examined the association between IL28B genotype for rs12980275 and risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study of prospectively recruited male veterans with chronic HCV. We employed logistic regression analysis and adjusted for patients' age, race, body mass index, and hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 528 participants were recruited (mean age 59.1 years; 38.5 % African-American; 40.3 % advanced fibrosis). Of these, 36.1 % were homozygous for favorable AA allele for rs12980275, 49.0 % were heterozygous (AG), and 14.0 % were homozygous for the unfavorable allele (GG). Prevalence of diabetes was significantly lower in patients with both favorable alleles (AA) than that with at least one unfavorable IL28B G allele (21.1 vs. 30.2 %, p = 0.02). Similarly, patients who were homozygous for the favorable alleles had lower prevalence of diabetes-related complications than patients with any unfavorable IL28B allele (5.7 vs. 12.2 %, p = 0.01). This association did not change after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and stage of hepatic fibrosis (adjusted ORdiabetes 0.56, 95 % CI 0.35-0.89; ORdiabetes-related complications 0.47, 95 % CI 0.23-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have favorable AA IL28B alleles have a lower prevalence of diabetes and related complications compared with patients with unfavorable IL28B rs12980275 genotype. IL28B genotype information may be used to counsel HCV patients regarding their individualized risk of diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

Clinical and psychosocial variables associated with behavioral intentions to undergo surveillance endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with Barrett's esophagus do not adhere to guideline-recommended endoscopic surveillance. Among patient factors related to cancer prevention behaviors, patients' stated behavioral intention is a strong predictor of behavior performance. Little is known about the patient factors associated with having a strong behavioral intention to pursue surveillance endoscopy. This study explores the association of clinical and psychosocial variables and behavioral intention to pursue surveillance endoscopy among patients with Barrett's Esophagus and no or low-grade dysplasia. METHODS: Potential subjects were screened using electronic medical records of a regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a pathologically confirmed Barrett's esophagus registry. Eligible participants were recruited by a mailer or phone call and completed a questionnaire to measure six distinct psychosocial factors, their behavioral intention to undergo surveillance endoscopy, and various demographic and clinical variables. Univariate and multivariate linear regression identified the relation of behavioral intention with each of six psychosocial variables. RESULTS: One-hundred and one subjects consented and returned surveys. The analytical sample for this study consists of the 94% of surveys with complete responses to the behavior intention items. Three of the six psychosocial domains were statistically significant predictors of intention in both univariate and adjusted univariate analysis (salience/coherence ß = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45-0.76, P <0.01; self-efficacy ß = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10-0.51, P <0.01; and social influence ß = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08-0.33, P <0.01). In a multivariate analysis only salience/coherence (ß = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-0.88, P <0.01) remained statistically significant predictor of intention. CONCLUSION: This study established the validity of a scale to measure psychosocial variables associated with behavioral intentions to undergo surveillance endoscopy. Results demonstrate the importance of assessing self-efficacy, social influences, and bottom-line belief in the value of surveillance endoscopy when evaluating a patient's likelihood of completing surveillance endoscopy.

Interprofessional Curriculum Delivery: Experience of a Primary Care Education Program.

Few post-graduate training programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes structured clinical experiences to teach interprofessional care. To address this need, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Academic Affiliations funded the Centers of Excellence in Primary Care Education (CoEPCE) from 2011-2019 to provide interprofessional curricula for health profession trainees (HPTs), including physician residents, nurse practitioner residents, pharmacy residents, and psychology residents. We examined changes over time in curricular domains, system impacts, and program practices based on HPT survey data and the qualitative evaluation of narrative feedback. An annual survey was administered to participants. Indirect standardized ratios were calculated for interprofessional professional education (IPE) program domains, system impacts, and program practices. Qualitative responses were coded based on curricular domains and key program components. The study cohort included 369 HPTs. Site and profession standardized indirect ratios across all professions indicated improvements in curricular domains, system impacts, and program practices, with significant differences observed for associated health HPTs as compared to other HPTs for performance improvement. Qualitative data indicated that profession was associated with differences in perceptions of the curriculum. Although improvements occurred over time, our findings support the need for the thoughtful consideration of profession-specific identity characteristics when designing interprofessional curricula.