Prevalence of menopausal symptoms among mid-life women: findings from electronic medical records.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among women prescribed hormone therapy (HT) using electronic medical record data from a regional healthcare organization. METHODS: Retrospective data from the Reliant Medical Group from 1/1/2006-12/31/2011 were assessed for 102 randomly-selected patients. Study eligibility criteria included: females aged 45 to 65; prescribed oral or transdermal HT; no history of breast cancer, venous thromboembolism, stroke, gynecological cancer, or hysterectomy; continuously enrolled in the health plan for 1 year before and after the first observed HT prescription. Prevalence of menopause-related symptoms was analyzed descriptively at both the patient and visit levels. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 54 years. The most common menopausal symptoms were: hot flushes (40%), night sweats (17%), insomnia (16%), vaginal dryness (13%), mood disorders (12%), and weight gain (12%). Among the 102 patients, 163 individual visits listing menopausal symptoms were identified, of which hot flushes (71 visits) were the most common symptom identified. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide recent data on the types of menopausal symptoms experienced by mid-life women prescribed HT. Electronic medical records may be a rich source of data for future studies of menopausal symptoms in this population.

Infusion-related reactions with pegloticase, a recombinant uricase for the treatment of chronic gout refractory to conventional therapy.

BACKGROUND: In clinical trials of pegloticase, a PEGylated uricase developed for treatment of gout refractory to conventional therapy, infusion-related reactions (IRs) were the second most frequent adverse event reported. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide a detailed account of IRs with pegloticase therapy. METHODS: Data from 2 replicate, 6-month randomized trials and an open-label extension study were pooled. Infusions of pegloticase (8 mg) were administered biweekly or monthly; all patients received prophylaxis (antihistamine, acetaminophen, and corticosteroid) and were tested for urate levels prior to each infusion. An IR was defined by protocol as any otherwise unexplained adverse event or cluster of temporally related events occurring during or within 2 hours of infusion. RESULTS: Infusion-related reactions occurred in 94 (45%) of 208 patients receiving pegloticase; 10 patients reported IRs at first infusion and 84 during subsequent infusions. Chest discomfort (15%), flushing (12%), and dyspnea (11%) were the most common symptoms. Most IRs were rated mild or moderate; 7% were rated severe. All IRs resolved with slowing, interrupting, or stopping the infusion. No patient required blood pressure or ventilatory support. Infusion-related reactions were associated with loss of pegloticase urate-lowering efficacy: 91% of all IRs occurred in patients with preinfusion serum uric acid concentrations (sUA) greater than 6 mg/dL. For patients sustaining preinfusion sUA of less than 6 mg/dL, IRs occurred in fewer than 1 per 100 infusions. CONCLUSIONS: Phase 3 trial data combined with post hoc analyses demonstrated that knowledge of sUA preceding each pegloticase infusion and cessation of therapy when urate-lowering efficacy is lost provide a means to optimize the safety of pegloticase in clinical practice.

Patients' Perspectives on Plans Generated During Primary Care Visits and Self-Reported Adherence at 3 Months: Data From a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective primary care necessitates follow-up actions by the patient beyond the visit. Prior research suggests room for improvement in patient adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to understand patients' views on their primary care visits, the plans generated therein, and their self-reported adherence after 3 months. METHODS: As part of a large multisite cluster randomized pragmatic trial in 3 health care organizations, patients completed 2 surveys-the first within 7 days after the index primary care visit and another 3 months later. For this analysis of secondary outcomes, we combined the results across all study participants to understand patient adherence to care plans. We recorded patient characteristics and survey responses. Cross-tabulation and chi-square statistics were used to examine bivariate associations, adjusting for multiple comparisons when appropriate. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess how patients' intention to follow, agreement, and understanding of their plans impacted their plan adherence, allowing for differences in individual characteristics. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to characterize the patient's self-reported plans and reasons for adhering (or not) to the plan 3 months later. RESULTS: Of 2555 patients, most selected the top box option (9=definitely agree) that they felt they had a clear plan (n=2011, 78%), agreed with the plan (n=2049, 80%), and intended to follow the plan (n=2108, 83%) discussed with their provider at the primary care visit. The most common elements of the plans reported included reference to exercise (n=359, 14.1%), testing (laboratory, imaging, etc; n=328, 12.8%), diet (n=296, 11.6%), and initiation or adjustment of medications; (n=284, 11.1%). Patients who strongly agreed that they had a clear plan, agreed with the plan, and intended to follow the plan were all more likely to report plan completion 3 months later (P<.001) than those providing less positive ratings. Patients who reported plans related to following up with the primary care provider (P=.008) to initiate or adjust medications (P≤.001) and to have a specialist visit were more likely to report that they had completely followed the plan (P=.003). Adjusting for demographic variables, patients who indicated intent to follow their plan were more likely to follow-through 3 months later (P<.001). Patients' reasons for completely following the plan were mainly that the plan was clear (n=1114, 69.5%), consistent with what mattered (n=1060, 66.1%), and they were determined to carry through with the plan (n=887, 53.3%). The most common reasons for not following the plan were lack of time (n=217, 22.8%), having decided to try a different approach (n=105, 11%), and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the plan (n=105, 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients' initial assessment of their plan as clear, their agreement with the plan, and their initial willingness to follow the plan were all strongly related to their self-reported completion of the plan 3 months later. Patients whose plans involved lifestyle changes were less likely to report that they had "completely" followed their plan. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03385512; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03385512. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/30431.

Long-term safety of pegloticase in chronic gout refractory to conventional treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term safety (up to 3 years) of treatment with pegloticase in patients with refractory chronic gout. METHODS: This open-label extension (OLE) study was conducted at 46 sites in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Patients completing either of two replicate randomised placebo-controlled 6-month trials received pegloticase 8 mg every 2 weeks (biweekly) or every 4 weeks (monthly). Safety was evaluated as the primary outcome, with special interest in gout flares and infusion-related reactions (IRs). Secondary outcomes included urate-lowering and clinical efficacy. RESULTS: Patients (n=149) received a mean±SD of 28±18 pegloticase infusions and were followed for a mean of 25±11 months. Gout flares and IRs were the most frequently reported adverse events; these were least common in patients with a sustained urate-lowering response to treatment and those receiving biweekly treatment. In 10 of the 11 patients with a serious IR, the event occurred when uric acid exceeded 6 mg/dl. Plasma and serum uric acid levels remained <6 mg/dl in most randomised controlled trial (RCT)-defined pegloticase responders throughout the OLE study and were accompanied by sustained and progressive improvements in tophus resolution and flare incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile of long-term pegloticase treatment was consistent with that observed during 6 months of RCT treatment; no new safety signals were identified. Improvements in clinical status, in the form of flare and tophus reduction initiated during RCT pegloticase treatment in patients maintaining goal range urate-lowering responses were sustained or advanced during up to 2.5 years of additional treatment.

Primary care providers' knowledge, beliefs and treatment practices for gout: results of a physician questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine primary care providers' gout knowledge and reported treatment patterns in comparison with current treatment recommendations. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of a random sample of US primary care physicians to assess their treatment of acute, intercritical and tophaceous gout using published European and American gout treatment recommendations and guidelines as a gold standard. RESULTS: There were 838 respondents (response rate of 41%), most of whom worked in private practice (63%) with >16 years experience (52%). Inappropriate dosing of medications in the setting of renal disease and lack of prophylaxis when initiating urate-lowering therapy (ULT) accounted for much of the lack of compliance with treatment recommendations. Specifically for acute podagra, 53% reported avoidance of anti-inflammatory drugs in the setting of renal insufficiency, use of colchicine at a dose of ≤2.4 mg/day and no initiation of a ULT during an acute attack. For intercritical gout in the setting of renal disease, 3% would provide care consistent with the recommendations, including initiating a ULT at the appropriate dose with dosing titration to a serum urate level of ≤6 mg/dl and providing prophylaxis. For tophaceous gout, 17% reported care consistent with the recommendations, including ULT use with dosing titration to a serum urate level of ≤6 mg/dl and prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Only half of primary care providers reported optimal treatment practices for the management of acute gout and <20% for intercritical or tophaceous gout, suggesting that care deficiencies are common.

Patients' knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment: a population based study.

BACKGROUND: For patients to effectively manage gout, they need to be aware of the impact of diet, alcohol use, and medications on their condition. We sought to examine patients' knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment in order to identify barriers to optimal patient self-management. METHODS: We identified patients (≥18 years of age) cared for in the setting of a multispecialty group practice with documentation of at least one health care encounter associated with a gout diagnosis during the period 2008-2009 (n = 1346). Patients were sent a questionnaire assessing knowledge with regard to gout, beliefs about prescription medications used to treat gout, and trust in the physician. Administrative electronic health records were used to identify prescription drug use and health care utilization. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty patients returned surveys out of the 500 contacted for participation. Most were male (80%), white (94%), and aged 65 and older (66%). Only 14 (6%) patients were treated by a rheumatologist. Only a minority of patients were aware of common foods known to trigger gout (e.g., seafood [23%], beef [22%], pork [7%], and beer [43%]). Of those receiving a urate-lowering medication, only 12% were aware of the short-term risks of worsening gout with initiation. These deficits were more common in those with active as compared to inactive gout. CONCLUSION: Knowledge deficits about dietary triggers and chronic medications were common, but worse in those with active gout. More attention is needed on patient education on gout and self-management training.

Design and methods for a randomized clinical trial comparing three outreach efforts to improve screening mammography adherence.

BACKGROUND: Despite the demonstrated need to increase screening mammography utilization and strong evidence that mail and telephone outreach to women can increase screening, most managed care organizations have not adopted comprehensive outreach programs. The uncertainty about optimum strategies and cost effectiveness have retarded widespread acceptance. While 70% of women report getting a mammogram within the prior 2 years, repeat mammography rates are less than 50%. This 5-year study is conducted though a Central Massachusetts healthcare plan and affiliated clinic. All women have adequate health insurance to cover the test. METHODS/DESIGN: This randomized study compares 3 arms: reminder letter alone; reminder letter plus reminder call; reminder letter plus a second reminder and booklet plus a counselor call. All calls provide women with the opportunity to schedule a mammogram in a reasonable time. The invention period will span 4 years and include repeat attempts. The counselor arm is designed to educate, motivate and counsel women in an effort to alleviate PCP burden.All women who have been in the healthcare plan for 24 months and who have a current primary care provider (PCP) and who are aged 51-84 are randomized to 1 of 3 arms. Interventions are limited to women who become ≥ 18 months from a prior mammogram. Women and their physicians may opt out of the intervention study.Measurement of completed mammograms will use plan billing records and clinic electronic records. The primary outcome is the proportion of women continuously enrolled for ≥ 24 months who have had ≥ 1 mammogram in the last 24 months. Secondary outcomes include the number of women who need repeat interventions. The cost effectiveness analysis will measure all costs from the provider perspective. DISCUSSION: So far, 18,509 women aged 51-84 have been enrolled into our tracking database and were randomized into one of three arms. At baseline, 5,223 women were eligible for an intervention. We anticipate that the outcome will provide firm data about the maximal effectiveness as well as the cost effectiveness of the interventions both for increasing the mammography rate and the repeat mammography rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01332032.

Efficacy and tolerability of pegloticase for the treatment of chronic gout in patients refractory to conventional treatment: two randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Patients with chronic disabling gout refractory to conventional urate-lowering therapy need timely treatment to control disease manifestations related to tissue urate crystal deposition. Pegloticase, monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated mammalian recombinant uricase, was developed to fulfill this need. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of pegloticase in managing refractory chronic gout. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Two replicate, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (C0405 and C0406) were conducted between June 2006 and October 2007 at 56 rheumatology practices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in patients with severe gout, allopurinol intolerance or refractoriness, and serum uric acid concentration of 8.0 mg/dL or greater. A total of 225 patients participated: 109 in trial C0405 and 116 in trial C0406. INTERVENTION: Twelve biweekly intravenous infusions containing either pegloticase 8 mg at each infusion (biweekly treatment group), pegloticase alternating with placebo at successive infusions (monthly treatment group), or placebo (placebo group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary end point was plasma uric acid levels of less than 6.0 mg/dL in months 3 and 6. RESULTS: In trial C0405 the primary end point was reached in 20 of 43 patients in the biweekly group (47%; 95% CI, 31%-62%), 8 of 41 patients in the monthly group (20%; 95% CI, 9%-35%), and in 0 patients treated with placebo (0/20; 95% CI, 0%-17%; P < .001 and <.04 for comparisons between biweekly and monthly groups vs placebo, respectively). Among patients treated with pegloticase in trial C0406, 16 of 42 in the biweekly group (38%; 95% CI, 24%-54%) and 21 of 43 in the monthly group (49%; 95% CI, 33%-65%) achieved the primary end point; no placebo-treated patients reached the primary end point (0/23; 95% CI, 0%-15%; P = .001 and < .001, respectively). When data in the 2 trials were pooled, the primary end point was achieved in 36 of 85 patients in the biweekly group (42%; 95% CI, 32%-54%), 29 of 84 patients in the monthly group (35%; 95% CI, 24%-46%), and 0 of 43 patients in the placebo group (0%; 95% CI, 0%-8%; P < .001 for each comparison). Seven deaths (4 in patients receiving pegloticase and 3 in the placebo group) occurred between randomization and closure of the study database (February 15, 2008). CONCLUSION: Among patients with chronic gout, elevated serum uric acid level, and allopurinol intolerance or refractoriness, the use of pegloticase 8 mg either every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks for 6 months resulted in lower uric acid levels compared with placebo. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00325195.

Adherence and occurrence of fractures after switching to once-monthly oral bisphophonates.

PURPOSE: Reducing dosing demands of medications generally increases adherence, although this relationship has not been demonstrated with the once-monthly oral bisphosphonates (BP). The study aim is to test whether switching from once-weekly BPs to once-monthly BPs improves adherence and fracture risk. METHODS: This is an interrupted times-series analysis of new users of once-weekly BPs in a nationwide administrative health database from 2003 to 2007. Participants include 1835 individuals who switched to once-monthly BPs and two propensity-matched comparator groups: 1835 individuals who switched to a different once-weekly BP, and 1835 who did not switch. We measured changes in adequate adherence pre- and post-switch as monthly medication possession ratio >0.80, and calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) of osteoporotic fractures. RESULTS: All study groups experienced major adherence failure in the first year of therapy: the proportion of adequate adherers was 42% among once-monthly switchers, 47% among once-weekly switchers, and 37% among nonswitchers. However, the once-monthly switch was associated with less adherence failure (4% fewer adherers per month pre-switch vs. 1% fewer adherers per month post-switch, p<0.000). There was no statistically significant change in adherence rates for the other groups. We did not detect significantly reduced fracture risk with once-monthly switch: 1 year post-switch, the fracture incidence risk ratios for once-monthly switchers relative to once-weekly switchers were IRR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.50-1.36, and IRR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.54-1.49, relative to nonswitchers). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the dosing demands of oral bisphosphonates from once-weekly to once-monthly decreased adherence failure but had an uncertain impact on fracture risk.

Clinical Characteristics of Early-Onset Gout in Outpatient Setting.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with early-onset gout. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 327 adult patients with a first diagnosis of gout from 2008 to 2016 using the database of a multispecialty group practice in New England. Patients were classified into the following groups: age 30 years or younger at first diagnosis (group 1), age 31-40 years (group 2), and age over 40 years (group 3). The clinical characteristics and treatment of gout were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: We identified 87 patients in group 1 and 140 patients in group 2. Group 3 included 100 patients randomly chosen from the 7216 patients with a first diagnosis at age over 40 years. Patients within group 1 had significantly higher serum uric acid (sUA) levels at the time of diagnosis and a more prominent family history of gout. Younger patients (groups 1 and 2) had a significantly higher body mass index than patients over 40 years of age (group 3). A substantial number of younger patients also had hypertension or hyperlipidemia. The majority of younger patients met the 2012 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines for initiating urate-lowering therapy (ULT) on the basis of frequency of gout attacks, whereas the majority of patients over 40 years of age met the guidelines for ULT on the basis of chronic kidney disease. Patients over 40 years of age were more likely to achieve an sUA level less than 6.0 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: Patients with a first diagnosis of gout at age 40 years or younger frequently had cardiovascular risk factors and were less likely to achieve an sUA level less than 6.0 mg/dl compared with patients over 40 years of age who were treated in routine clinical practice. Clinicians should be aware that patients with early-onset gout may be an undertreated population with poor adherence to ULT and increased risk of recurrent gout and cardiovascular diseases.

A 4-year randomized trial comparing three outreach interventions to promote screening mammograms.

As population health has become a focus of health care payers and providers, interest has grown in mail, phone, and other forms of outreach for improving population rates of cancer screening. Translational research is needed to compare the effectiveness and cost of low- and high-intensity behavioral outreach interventions for promoting cancer screening. The purpose of the article is to compare the effectiveness in promoting biannual mammograms of three interventions delivered over 4 years to a primary care population with a high baseline mammography adherence of 83.3%. We randomized women aged 40-84 to reminder letter only (LO arm), letter + reminder call (RC arm), and two letters + counseling call (CC arm) involving tailored education and motivational interviewing. Mammography adherence (≥1 mammogram in the previous 24 months) at four time points was determined from insurance claims records. Over 4 years, 30,162 women were randomized. At the end of 4 years, adherence was highest in the RC arm (83.0%) compared with CC (80.8%) and LO (80.8%) arms (p = .03). Only 23.5% of women in the CC arm were reached and accepted full counseling. The incremental cost per additional mammogram for RC arm women was $30.45 over the LO arm cost. A simple reminder call can increase screening mammogram adherence even when baseline adherence is high. Some more complex behavioral interventions delivered by mail and phone as in this study may be less effective, due to limited participation of patients, a focus on ambivalence, lack of follow-up, and other factors.

Patient decision to initiate therapy for osteoporosis: the influence of knowledge and beliefs.

BACKGROUND: There are effective treatments to prevent osteoporotic fractures, but these treatments are underutilized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of patient characteristics, perceptions, knowledge and beliefs about osteoporosis on the decision to initiate osteoporotic treatment. PARTICIPANTS: We identified female members of a managed care plan who had a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density test and fulfilled World Health Organization criteria for osteoporosis. Patients were excluded if they received osteoporotic medications in the prior 6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were sent a questionnaire that included items assessing satisfaction with physician-patient communication, trust in the physician, osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs, beliefs about prescription medications, and perceptions of barriers to medication use. Administrative electronic health records were used to identify prescription drug use and health care utilization. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-six women returned surveys and research authorization forms out of 465 contacted for participation. One hundred and thirty-five (57.2%) filled a prescription for an osteoporotic drug in the first 3 months after the DXA exam. The largest differences between initiators and non-initiators were in beliefs in the benefits of medications, and distrust of medications, with initiators believing more strongly in the benefits and effectiveness of medications (p < .001), and non-initiators reporting more distrust of medications (p < .001). Osteoporosis knowledge and the belief that osteoporosis is a serious disease were also related to therapy initiation in bivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Only 57% of patients initiated osteoporotic medication within 3 months of diagnosis. The decision to start osteoporosis treatment appeared to be related to a patient's beliefs in the effectiveness of osteoporosis medications and distrust of medications.

Identification of patients with arthritis and arthritis-related functional limitation using administrative data.

OBJECTIVE: To develop algorithms on the basis of administrative data to identify patients with arthritis and arthritis-related functional limitation (AFL). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: In this retrospective study, 361 enrollees of a health plan underwent a clinical examination to confirm arthritis and assessment of functional limitation on the basis of responses to the health assessment questionnaire. Administrative data were obtained on these subjects and included arthritis drugs dispensed, as well as outpatient and emergency department diagnoses and procedures (including radiographic studies, arthritis procedures, and laboratory tests). Composite risk scores for arthritis and AFL were created on the basis of the association of arthritis-related healthcare utilization with confirmed arthritis and AFL. Algorithms were then developed on the basis of the composite risk scores using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The algorithm using the arthritis composite score to identify arthritis patients had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.74, sensitivity of 75 percent and specificity of 57 percent. Similarly, the algorithm using the AFL composite score to identify patients with AFL had an AUC of 0.73, sensitivity of 62 percent, and specificity of 75 percent. CONCLUSION: The developed algorithms will enable health plans to screen their enrollees for persons with arthritis and AFL. This will facilitate enrollment of patients with arthritis and AFL in disease management programs and/or targeted interventions.

Efficacy of a Work Disability Prevention Program for People with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Single-Blind Parallel-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Work disability rates are high among people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Effective disability preventive programs are needed. We examined the efficacy of a modified vocational rehabilitation approach delivered by trained occupational therapists and physical therapists on work limitation and work loss over 2 years among people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: Eligibility criteria for this single-blind, parallel-arm randomized trial included ages 21-65 years, 15 or more hours/week employment, a self-reported doctor-diagnosed rheumatic or musculoskeletal condition, and concern about staying employed. The intervention consisted of a 1.5-hour meeting, an action plan, written materials on employment supports, and telephone calls at 3 weeks and 3 months. Control group participants received the written materials. The primary outcome was the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) output job demand subscale. The secondary outcome was work loss. Intent-to-treat analyses were performed. RESULTS: Between October 2011 and January 2014, 652 individuals were assessed for eligibility. A total of 287 participants were randomized: 143 intervention and 144 control participants. In total, 264 participants (92%) completed 2-year data collection. There was no difference in the mean ± SD WLQ change scores from baseline to 2-year followup (-8.6 ± 1.9 intervention versus -8.3 ± 2.2 control; P = 0.93). Of the 36 participants who experienced permanent work loss at 2 years, 11 (8%) were intervention participants and 25 (18%) control participants (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The intervention did not have an effect on work limitations but reduced work loss. The intervention can be delivered by trained rehabilitation therapists.

Consequences of poor compliance with bisphosphonates.

BACKGROUND: Prior research on the ability of bisphosphonates to prevent fractures and related health care utilization has been based on high levels of compliance achievable in clinical trial settings. This study was undertaken to assess rates of osteoporotic fractures and health care utilization as a function of bisphosphonate compliance in usual clinical practice. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used 2000-2004 pharmacy and medical claims data from 45 large U.S. employers. Our sample included persons diagnosed with osteoporosis, aged 40 years or older, and who initiated use of either alendronate or risedronate. Main outcome measures were medication compliance, rates of osteoporotic fracture, and costs for inpatient care, outpatient services, and prescription drugs. RESULTS: We identified 17,988 new users of bisphosphonate therapy. After 1 to 3 years of follow-up, only 30.6% to 42.9% of patients could achieve high compliance (80%-100%), 17.4%-23.0% moderate compliance (79%-40%), and 33.8%-52.0% had low compliance (0%-39%). Multivariate models of fracture risk showed benefits (p<10) with compliance levels of at least 60%, after which no risk benefit could be detected. Multivariate models of health care costs showed statistically significant (p<.05) total costs savings of $859 to $366 per year with high to moderate compliance levels. However, individuals achieving less than 40% compliance had no detectable decrease in inpatient or outpatient costs to offset the increase in drug costs. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in fracture risk and overall health costs can be detected in individuals achieving as little as 60% to 40% compliance with bisphosphonates. However, as many as 34% of patients in the first year of therapy and 52% by the third year will not reach even the minimal compliance levels required to receive benefits.

Implementation and process evaluation of three interventions to promote screening mammograms delivered for 4 years in a large primary care population.

The optimal form of outreach to promote repeated, on time screening mammograms in primary care has not been established. The purpose of this study is to assess the implementation process and process outcomes for three interventions for promoting biannual screening mammography in a randomized trial. In a large urban primary care practice over a 4-year period, we randomized women aged 40-85 and eligible for mammograms to three interventions: reminder letter only (LO), reminder letter + reminder call (RC), and reminder letter + counseling call (CC). We tracked information system development, staff training, patient and provider recruitment, reach, dose delivered and received, fidelity, and context measures. Ninety-three of 95 providers approved participation by 80% (23,999) of age-eligible patients, of whom only 207 (0.9%) opted not to receive any intervention. Of 9161 initial reminder letters mailed to women coming due or overdue for mammograms, 0.8% were undeliverable. Of women in the RC and CC arms unresponsive to the first reminder letter (n = 3982), 71.4% were called and reached, and of those, 49.1% scheduled a mammogram. Only 33.4% of women reached in the CC arm received full counseling, and women in the CC arm were less likely to schedule a mammogram than those in the RC arm. Implementing mail and telephone mammography reminders is feasible and acceptable in a large urban practice and reaches a majority of patients. Many schedule a mammogram when reached. A reminder letter followed by a simple reminder call if needed may be the optimal approach to promoting screening mammograms.

Effects of conjugated equine estrogen on risk of fractures and BMD in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: results from the women's health initiative randomized trial.

UNLABELLED: Further analyses from the Women's Health Initiative estrogen trial shows that CEE reduced fracture risk. The fracture reduction at the hip did not differ appreciably among risk strata. These data do not support overall benefit over risk, even in women at highest risk for fracture. INTRODUCTION: The Women's Health Initiative provided evidence that conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) can significantly reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Additional analysis of the effects of CEE on BMD and fracture are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postmenopausal women 50-79 years of age with hysterectomy were randomized to CEE 0.625 mg daily (n = 5310) or placebo (n = 5429) and followed for an average 7.1 years. Fracture incidence was assessed by semiannual questionnaire and verified by adjudication of radiology reports. BMD was measured in a subset of women (N = 938) at baseline and years 1, 3, and 6. A global index was used to examine whether the balance of risks and benefits differed by baseline fracture risk. RESULTS: CEE reduced the risk of hip (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.94), clinical vertebral (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.93), wrist/lower arm (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47-0.72), and total fracture (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64-0.80). This effect did not differ among strata according to age, oophorectomy status, past hormone use, race/ethnicity, fall frequency, physical activity, or fracture history. Total fracture reduction was less in women at the lowest predicted fracture risk in both absolute and relative terms (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68-1.08). CEE also provided modest but consistent positive effects on BMD. The HRs of the global index for CEE were relatively balanced across tertiles of summary fracture risk (lowest risk: HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62-1.05; mid risk: HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.92-1.30; highest risk: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.88-1.23; interaction, p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: CEE reduces the risk of fracture and increases BMD in hysterectomized postmenopausal women. Even among the women with the highest risk for fractures, when considering the effects of estrogen on other important health outcomes, a summary of the burden of monitored effects does not indicate a significant net benefit.

Disclosure of medical errors: what factors influence how patients respond?

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of medical errors is encouraged, but research on how patients respond to specific practices is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether full disclosure, an existing positive physician-patient relationship, an offer to waive associated costs, and the severity of the clinical outcome influenced patients' responses to medical errors. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and seven health plan members participated in a randomized experiment in which they viewed video depictions of medical error and disclosure. DESIGN: Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental condition. Conditions varied in type of medication error, level of disclosure, reference to a prior positive physician-patient relationship, an offer to waive costs, and clinical outcome. MEASURES: Self-reported likelihood of changing physicians and of seeking legal advice; satisfaction, trust, and emotional response. RESULTS: Nondisclosure increased the likelihood of changing physicians, and reduced satisfaction and trust in both error conditions. Nondisclosure increased the likelihood of seeking legal advice and was associated with a more negative emotional response in the missed allergy error condition, but did not have a statistically significant impact on seeking legal advice or emotional response in the monitoring error condition. Neither the existence of a positive relationship nor an offer to waive costs had a statistically significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that full disclosure is likely to have a positive effect or no effect on how patients respond to medical errors. The clinical outcome also influences patients' responses. The impact of an existing positive physician-patient relationship, or of waiving costs associated with the error remains uncertain.

Identifying unrecognized peripheral arterial disease among asymptomatic patients in the primary care setting.

National initiatives to enhance recognition of the detrimental impact of peripheral arterial disease on the health of adult Americans have been advocated. The objective of this study was to evaluate a strategy for identifying patients with unrecognized peripheral arterial disease from among persons without known atherosclerotic disease in the primary care setting. A cross-sectional design was used. Participants were patients receiving care from a multispecialty group practice in Massachusetts between July 2002 and July 2003, with a scheduled appointment with a primary care physician. Persons 70 years of age or older who were not already known to have atherosclerotic disease were enrolled. In addition, persons aged 50-69 with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and/or smoking based on information derived from administrative databases, and not known to have atherosclerotic disease, were enrolled. Before the scheduled appointment, potential study participants completed a telephone interview to ascertain their medical history. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) of eligible patients was measured at the time of the scheduled primary care office visit. Peripheral arterial disease was diagnosed if 1 or both legs had an ABI of or=70 years, 45 (12.5%) were diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. Nine (2.5%) of 358 subjects aged 50-69 years were diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. The average total time (n = 52) for ABI testing was 13.7 (SD: +/-3.3) minutes. Patients aged >or=70 years required more time for ABI testing compared to those aged 50-69 (mean: 15.0 vs 13.0 minutes, p=0.04). Unrecognized asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease can be commonly detected among patients in the primary care setting who are not already known to have atherosclerotic disease. The yield from screening is substantially greater among unselected older patients compared with younger patients specifically identified as having risk factors for PAD. These findings should help inform the development and implementation of new initiatives to enhance the early detection of peripheral arterial disease among asymptomatic patients in the primary care setting.

A multi-modal intervention for Activating Patients at Risk for Osteoporosis (APROPOS): Rationale, design, and uptake of online study intervention material.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an innovative and effective educational intervention to inform patients about the need for osteoporosis treatment and to determine factors associated with its online uptake. METHODS: Postmenopausal women with a prior fracture and not currently using osteoporosis therapy were eligible to be included in the Activating Patients at Risk for OsteoPOroSis (APROPOS). Four nominal groups with a total of 18 racially/ethnically diverse women identified osteoporosis treatment barriers. We used the Information, Motivation, Behavior Skills conceptual model to develop a direct-to-patient intervention to mitigate potentially modifiable barriers to osteoporosis therapy. The intervention included videos tailored by participants' race/ethnicity and their survey responses: ranked barriers to osteoporosis treatment, deduced barriers to treatment, readiness to behavior change, and osteoporosis treatment history. Videos consisted of "storytelling" narratives, based on osteoporosis patient experiences and portrayed by actresses of patient-identified race/ethnicity. We also delivered personalized brief phone calls followed by an interactive voice-response phone messages aimed to promote uptake of the videos. RESULTS: To address the factors associated with online intervention uptake, we focused on participants assigned to the intervention arm (n = 1342). These participants were 92.9% Caucasian, with a mean (SD) age 74.9 (8.0) years and the majority (77.7%) had some college education. Preference for natural treatments was the barrier ranked #1 by most (n = 130; 27%), while concern about osteonecrosis of the jaw was the most frequently reported barrier (at any level; n = 322; 67%). Overall, 28.1% (n = 377) of participants in the intervention group accessed the videos online. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the participants who provided an email address had 6.07 (95% CI 4.53-8.14) higher adjusted odds of accessing their online videos compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: We developed and implemented a novel tailored multi-modal intervention to improve initiation of osteoporosis therapy. An email address provided on the survey was the most important factor independently associated with accessing the intervention online. The design and uptake of this intervention may have implications for future studies in osteoporosis or other chronic diseases.