Primary care physician smoking screening and counseling for patients with chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines recommend smoking cessation treatment, including screening and counseling, for all smokers, including those with chronic diseases exacerbated by smoking. Physician treatment improves smoking cessation. Little data describes smoking treatment guideline uptake for patients with chronic cardiopulmonary smoking-sensitive diseases. OBJECTIVE: Describe U.S. primary care physician (PCP) smoking cessation treatment during patient visits for chronic cardiopulmonary smoking-sensitive diseases. METHODS: The National (Hospital) Ambulatory Medical Care Survey captured PCP visits. We examined smoking screening and counseling time trends for smokers with chronic diseases. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with smoking counseling for smokers with chronic smoking-sensitive diseases. RESULTS: From 2001-2009 smoking screening and counseling for smokers with chronic smoking-sensitive cardiopulmonary diseases were unchanged. Among smokers with chronic smoking-sensitive diseases, 50%-72% received no counseling. Smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio (OR)=6.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.85-8.83) and peripheral vascular disease (OR=4.50, 95% CI 1.72-11.75) were more likely to receive smoking counseling at chronic/preventive care visits, compared with patients without smoking-sensitive diseases. Other factors associated with increased smoking counseling included non-private insurance, preventive and longer visits, and an established PCP. Asthma and cardiovascular disease showed no association with counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation counseling remains infrequent for smokers with chronic smoking-sensitive cardiopulmonary diseases. New strategies are needed to encourage smoking cessation counseling.

Is emergency department closure resulting in increased distance to the nearest emergency department associated with increased inpatient mortality?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We seek to determine whether patients living in areas affected by emergency department (ED) closure, with subsequent increased distance to the nearest ED, have a higher risk of inpatient death from time-sensitive conditions. METHODS: Using the California Office of Statewide Health and Planning Development database, we performed a nonconcurrent cohort study of hospital admissions in California between 1999 and 2009 for patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, sepsis and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We used generalized linear mixed-effects models comparing adjusted inpatient mortality for patients experiencing increased distance to the nearest ED versus no change in distance. RESULTS: Of 785,385 patient admissions, 67,577 (8.6%) experienced an increase in distance to ED care because of an ED closure. The median change for patients experiencing an increase in distance to the nearest ED was only 0.8 miles, with a range of 0.1 to 33.4 miles. Patients with an increase did not have a significantly higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.09). In subgroups, we also observed no statistically significant differences in adjusted mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction, stroke, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sepsis. We did not observe any significant variations in mortality for time-sensitive conditions in sensitivity analyses that incorporated a lag effect of time after change in distance, allowance for a larger affected population, or removal of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from the acute myocardial infarction subgroup. CONCLUSION: In this large population-based sample, less than 10% of the patients experienced an increase in distance to the nearest ED, and of that group, the majority had less than a 1-mile increase. These small increased distances to the nearest ED were not associated with higher inpatient mortality among time-sensitive conditions.

Antimicrobial resistance in uncomplicated urinary tract infections in 3 California EDs.

BACKGROUND: Increased trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) resistance has led to changes in empiric treatment of female urinary tract infections (UTI) in the emergency department (ED), particularly increased use of fluoroquinolones (Acad Emerg Med.2009;16(6):500-507). Whether prescribing changes have affected susceptibility in uropathogens is unclear. Using narrow-spectrum agents and therapy tailored to local susceptibilities remain important goals. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study is to characterize the susceptibility patterns of uropathogens among ambulatory female ED patients with UTI. Its secondary goal is to identify demographic or clinical factors predictive of resistance to narrow-spectrum agents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of women with suspected UTI referred to a trial of computer kiosk-aided treatment of UTI in 3 Northern California EDs. Demographic and clinical data were gathered from the kiosk and chart, and features associated with resistance were identified by bivariate and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-three participants, aged 15 to 84 years, were diagnosed with UTI and cultured. One hundred thirty-five (48%) of cultures were positive, with full susceptibilities reported (81% Escherichia coli). Only 2 isolates (1.5%) were fluoroquinolone resistant. Resistance to TMP/SMX was 18%, to nitrofurantoin 5%, and to cefazolin 4%. Seventy-four percent were sensitive to all 3 narrow-spectrum agents. Resistance to narrow-spectrum agents did not vary significantly by diagnosis, age, recent UTI, or any clinical or demographic factors; but overall, there was a trend toward lower resistance rates in our population than in our hospitals' published antibiograms. CONCLUSION: In our population of ambulatory female ED patients, resistance to TMP/SMX is just below the 20% threshold that the Infectious Disease Society of America recommends for continued empiric use (Clin Infect Dis.1999;29(4):745-758, Clin Infect Dis.2011;52(5):e103-120), whereas resistance to other narrow-spectrum agents, such as nitrofurantoin and cephalexin, may be lower than published antibiograms for our sites. Fluoroquinolone resistance remains very low.

A national depiction of children with return visits to the emergency department within 72 hours, 2001-2007.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of pediatric 72-hour return visits (RVs) to the emergency department (ED) between 2001 and 2007 and to determine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these RVs. METHODS: Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 2001 and 2007 were analyzed to estimate the frequency of RVs to EDs by children. Patient demographics and clinical variables were compared for RVs and non-RVs using the χ² test; RVs were further characterized using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2007, there was an annual average of 698,000 RVs by children (2.7% of all ED visits). The RV rate significantly increased from 2001 to 2007. Factors associated with an RV included age younger than 1 year or 13 to 18 years, arrival to the ED between 7 A.M. and 3 P.M., recent discharge from the hospital, and western region of the United States. During ED RVs, a complete blood count was more likely to be obtained, and the patient was more likely to be admitted. Insurance was not associated with an RV to the ED. On RV, patients were less likely to have a diagnosis related to trauma or injury. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database offers a national perspective into ED RVs in children. In this era of increasing utilization, these results can help physicians and policy makers address the unique needs of this population and create interventions that will optimize patient service while attempting to control potentially unnecessary RVs.

Outcomes Following Implementation of a Hospital-Wide, Multicomponent Delirium Care Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is associated with poor clinical outcomes that could be improved with targeted interventions. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multicomponent delirium care pathway implemented across seven specialty nonintensive care units is associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary objectives were reductions in total direct cost, odds of 30-day hospital readmission, and rates of safety attendant and restraint use. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 22,708 hospitalized patients (11,018 preintervention) aged ≥50 years encompassing seven nonintensive care units: neurosciences, medicine, cardiology, general and specialty surgery, hematology-oncology, and transplant. The multicomponent delirium care pathway included a nurse-administered delirium risk assessment at admission, nurse-administered delirium screening scale every shift, and a multicomponent delirium intervention. The primary study outcome was LOS for all units combined and the medicine unit separately. Secondary outcomes included total direct cost, odds of 30-day hospital readmission, and rates of safety attendant and restraint use. RESULTS: Adjusted mean LOS for all units combined decreased by 2% post intervention (proportional change, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P = .0087). Medicine unit adjusted LOS decreased by 9% (proportional change, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99; P = .028). For all units combined, adjusted odds of 30-day readmission decreased by 14% (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.93; P = .0002). Medicine unit adjusted cost decreased by 7% (proportional change, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P = .0002). CONCLUSION: This multicomponent hospital-wide delirium care pathway intervention is associated with reduced hospital LOS, especially for patients on the medicine unit. Odds of 30-day readmission decreased throughout the entire cohort.

Potential unintended consequences due to Medicare's "no pay for errors" rule? A randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention with internal medicine residents.

BACKGROUND: Medicare has selected 10 hospital-acquired conditions for which it will not reimburse hospitals unless the condition was documented as "present on admission." This "no pay for errors" rule may have a profound effect on the clinical practice of physicians. OBJECTIVE: To determine how physicians might change their behavior after learning about the Medicare rule. DESIGN: We conducted a randomized trial of a brief educational intervention embedded in an online survey, using clinical vignettes to estimate behavioral changes. PARTICIPANTS: At a university-based internal medicine residency program, 168 internal medicine residents were eligible to participate. INTERVENTION: Residents were randomized to receive a one-page description of Medicare's "no pay for errors" rule with pre-vignette reminders (intervention group) or no information (control group). Residents responded to five clinical vignettes in which "no pay for errors" conditions might be present on admission. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcome was selection of the single most clinically appropriate option from three clinical practice choices presented for each clinical vignette. KEY RESULTS: Survey administered from December 2008 to March 2009. There were 119 responses (71%). In four of five vignettes, the intervention group was less likely to select the most clinically appropriate response. This was statistically significant in two of the cases. Most residents were aware of the rule but not its impact and specifics. Residents acknowledged responsibility to know Medicare documentation rules but felt poorly trained to do so. Residents educated about the Medicare's "no pay for errors" were less likely to select the most clinically appropriate responses to clinical vignettes. Such choices, if implemented in practice, have the potential for causing patient harm through unnecessary tests, procedures, and other interventions.

Vital-sign abnormalities as predictors of pneumonia in adults with acute cough illness.

PURPOSE: This study examines the strength of the association between vital-sign abnormalities, advanced age, and the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the evaluation of adults with acute cough illness. METHODS: A random sample of adult visits for acute cough to 15 EDs during the winter period of 2 consecutive years (2003-2005) was selected for medical record abstraction. Visits were initially sampled based on discharge diagnoses for a broad range of acute respiratory tract infection diagnoses. Participating sites were a national sample of EDs in Veterans Administration and non-Veterans Administration hospitals stratified across the US region. RESULTS: Of 4464 charts reviewed, 421 had a diagnosis of CAP based on physician discharge diagnosis and radiographic findings. Age greater than 50 years and vital-sign abnormality (including fever, hypoxemia, tachycardia, or tachypnea) were the only significant predictors of CAP. Hypoxemia had the strongest association with CAP diagnosis (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-5.0). A greater number of abnormalities were associated with a higher prevalence of CAP, from 12% with 1 abnormality to 69% with 4 vital-sign abnormalities (P < .001). Most vital-sign abnormalities were predictive of CAP regardless of age. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in vital-sign abnormalities are associated with a greater probability of CAP, and the strength of the association does not vary substantially by age.

Physician practice patterns: chest x-ray ordering for the evaluation of acute cough illness in adults.

OBJECTIVES: The authors examine which clinical factors contribute to the clinician suspicion of pneumonia, as well as the relationship between clinical factors, clinician suspicion of pneumonia, and ordering chest X-rays (CXR). METHODS: Three hundred consecutive adults presenting to the clinic with acute cough in the winter of 2003 were studied. Using standardized encounter forms, data were collected on sociodemographics, illness impact, symptoms, tobacco use, past medical history, vital signs, physical examination findings, chest X-ray result, and clinician diagnoses. Clinicians rated their suspicion of pneumonia on a 5-point Likert scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of clinician suspicion of pneumonia and of ordering of CXRs. RESULTS: Clinician suspicion of pneumonia was low in the majority of patients presenting for evaluation of cough (63%). Higher clinician suspicion of pneumonia was predicted by advanced patient age (odds ratio [OR]: 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.2-18.1]), shortness of breath (2.4; [1.0-6.0]), fever (5.5; [1.8-17.5]), tachycardia (3.8; [1.1-13.1]), rales (23.8; [5.7-98.7]), and rhonchi (14.6; [5.2-40.5]). CXRs were ordered in 19% of patients presenting with acute cough. Intermediate clinician suspicion of pneumonia (OR: 7.9; 95% CI: [2.8, 22.5]) (v. low suspicion), advanced patient age ([.greaterequal] 65 years) (9.2; [2.7, 31.6]) (v. ages 18-44 years), and decreased breath sounds on examination (5.1; [1.8, 14.3]) are independent predictors of ordering a CXR. Among patients with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia (n = 31), CXRs were ordered in only 61%. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced patient age and physical findings on chest examination influence clinician practice in obtaining CXRs, beyond their contribution to clinician suspicion of pneumonia. Physicians do not appear to endorse recommendations that the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia be based on or confirmed by CXR.

Characterization of viral agents causing acute respiratory infection in a San Francisco University Medical Center Clinic during the influenza season.

BACKGROUND: With use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a centrifugation-enhanced viral culture method, we characterized the viruses causing acute respiratory infection in adults during an influenza season. METHODS: During January-March 2002, nasopharyngeal wash specimens from previously healthy adults presenting with respiratory symptoms were evaluated for viral pathogens with centrifugation-enhanced viral culture and PCR. RESULTS: The diagnoses in 266 cases included unspecified upper respiratory infection (in 142 [54%] of the cases), acute bronchitis (42 [16%]), sinusitis (23 [9%]), pharyngitis (22 [8%]), and pneumonia (17 [6%]). The use of a shell vial assay and PCR identified a pathogen in 103 (39%) of the patients, including influenza A or B in 54, picornavirus in 28 (including rhinovirus in 24), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 12, human metapneumovirus in 4, human coronavirus OC43 in 2, adenovirus in 2, parainfluenza virus type 1 in 1, and coinfection with influenza and parainfluenza virus type 1 in 2. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that, even during the influenza season, rhinovirus and RSV are prevalent and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult acute respiratory infection before prescribing antiviral medication. Human coronavirus and human metapneumovirus did not play a substantial role. PCR was an especially useful tool in the identification of influenza and other viral pathogens not easily detected by traditional testing methods.

Office evaluation and treatment of elderly patients with acute bronchitis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the office evaluation of seniors with uncomplicated acute bronchitis and to determine the association between elements of the clinical evaluation and antibiotic prescribing decisions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional chart review. SETTING: Seventy-seven community-based office practices in the Denver metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly fee-for-service Medicare patients. MEASUREMENTS: Medicare administrative data to identify patients with acute bronchitis; medical record review to confirm the diagnosis and record other clinical data. RESULTS: Of 198 elderly patients with acute bronchitis, the mean age+/-standard deviation was 76+/-8.6; 53% had at least one comorbid condition. Clinically important vital signs were frequently not recorded; temperature was missing from 34% of charts and pulse from 50% of charts. When recorded, significant vital sign abnormalities were uncommon, with 7% having a temperature of 100 degrees F and 8% having a pulse of 100 beats per minute or greater. However, antibiotics were prescribed to 83% of patients, with more than half of these prescriptions being for extended-spectrum antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics was more common in men than women (92% vs 78%, P=.007) but was not associated with clinical factors including vital sign measurement, vital sign results, chest radiography, patient age, duration of illness, or the presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of seniors with acute bronchitis are treated with antibiotics, regardless of patient characteristics or the type of evaluation received. Reducing inappropriate antibiotic use in seniors with acute bronchitis may depend on improving the evaluation of these patients and encouraging clinicians to act appropriately on the results.

Complementary and alternative medicine use and adherence with pediatric asthma treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for pediatric asthma is increasing. The authors of previous studies linked CAM use with decreased adherence to conventional asthma medicines; however, these studies were limited by cross-sectional design. Our objective was to assess the effect of starting CAM on pediatric adherence with daily asthma medications. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort study design. Telephone surveys were administered to caregivers of patients with asthma annually from 2004 to 2007. Dependent variables were percent missed doses per week and a previously validated "Medication Adherence Scale score." Independent variables included demographic factors, caregiver perception of asthma control, and initiation of CAM for asthma. We used multivariate linear regression to assess the relationship between medication adherence and previous initiation of CAM. RESULTS: From our longitudinal data set of 1322 patients, we focused on 187 children prescribed daily medications for all 3 years of our study. Patients had high rates of adherence. The mean percent missed asthma daily controller medication doses per week was 7.7% (SD = 14.2%). Medication Adherence Scale scores (range: 4-20, with lower scores reflecting higher adherence) had an overall mean of 7.5 (SD = 2.9). In multivariate analyses, controlling for demographic factors and asthma severity, initiation of CAM use was not associated with subsequent adherence (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study suggest that CAM use is not necessarily "competitive" with conventional asthma therapies; families may incorporate different health belief systems simultaneously in their asthma management. As CAM use becomes more prevalent, it is important for physicians to ask about CAM use in a nonjudgmental fashion.

A randomized trial of computer kiosk-expedited management of cystitis in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the efficiency and safety of an interactive computer kiosk module for the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: This was a prospective unblinded randomized trial. Women age 18 to 64 years seeking care for suspected UTI in three urban EDs were referred to a computer kiosk after triage. The kiosk evaluated women for uncomplicated UTI (based on patient report of at least one irritable voiding symptom within 7 days and absence of complicating features), and eligible patients were randomized to expedited management or usual ED care. Expedited management consisted of a brief clinician encounter to confirm computer kiosk responses and selection of one of four standard antibiotic regimens. Study outcomes included urine culture results, duration of ED visit, time to illness resolution, return visits, and satisfaction with care. RESULTS: Seventeen percent (n = 103) of 624 participants with suspected UTI fulfilled uncomplicated criteria and were randomized. Sixty-nine percent of these women had a positive urine culture. Compared with the control group, the computer-expedited management group had lower median visit duration (89 minutes, interquartile range [IQR] = 65 to 150 minutes vs. 146 minutes, IQR = 105 to 216 minutes) for a decrease of 57 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27 to 87, p = 0.004). They had similar time to illness resolution, number of return visits, and satisfaction with care. CONCLUSIONS: An interactive computer kiosk accurately, efficiently, and safely expedited the management of women with uncomplicated UTI in a busy, urban ED. Expanding the use of this technology to other conditions could help to improve ED patient flow.

Neck dissections in the United States from 2000 to 2006: volume, indications, and regionalization.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in neck dissection and regionalization. METHODS: This cross-sectional and longitudinal study used the years 2000, 2004, and 2006 data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Chi-square tests compared trends for total neck dissections and specific subsites. To test regionalization, we examined the distribution of procedures across hospital and procedure volume quartiles. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2006, the number of neck dissections increased from 18,112 to 22,918. Three-fourths of the total increase was associated with thyroid and parathyroid gland or skin neoplasms. There was an increase in neck dissections for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) subsites and no decline for the oropharynx and tongue base. Regionalization occurred as high-volume hospitals and providers performed a greater proportion of neck dissections over time. CONCLUSION: Neck dissections increased from the year 2000 to 2006. There were no decreases in neck dissections for certain subsites with a greater role for primary chemoradiotherapy. Regionalization has occurred.

Obstructive sleep apnea surgery practice patterns in the United States: 2000 to 2006.

OBJECTIVE: To determine obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical volume, types, costs, and trends. To explore whether specific patient and hospital characteristics are associated with the performance of isolated palate versus hypopharyngeal surgery and with costs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient medical facilities in the United States. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: OSA procedures were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2000, 2004, and 2006 and from State Ambulatory Surgery Databases and State Inpatient Databases for 2006 from four representative states (California, New York, North Carolina, and Wisconsin). National combined inpatient and outpatient surgery estimates for 2006 were generated using a combination of databases. Chi-square and regression analysis examined procedure volume and type and inpatient procedure costs. RESULTS: In 2006, an estimated 35,263 surgeries were performed in inpatient and outpatient settings, including 33,087 palate, 6561 hypopharyngeal, and 1378 maxillomandibular advancement procedures. The odds of undergoing isolated palate surgery were higher for younger (18-39 yrs) and black patients. Outpatient procedures were more common than inpatient procedures. Inpatient surgical volume declined from 2000 to 2006, but it was not possible to evaluate trends in total volumes. In 2006, mean costs were approximately $6000 per admission. For inpatient procedures in 2004 and 2006, costs were higher for hypopharyngeal (vs isolated palate) surgery, in rural hospitals, and for patients who were younger, with greater medical comorbidity, and with primary Medicaid coverage. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment is performed in 0.2 percent of all adults with OSA annually. Validation of the exploratory findings concerning procedure type and cost requires additional studies, ideally including adjustment for clinical factors.

Antimicrobial drug prescribing for pneumonia in ambulatory care.

To determine patterns and predictors of antimicrobial drug use for outpatients with community-acquired pneumonia, we examined office visit and pharmacy claims data of 4 large third-party payer organizations from 2000 to 2002. After patients with coexisting conditions were excluded, 4,538 patients were studied. Despite lack of coexisting conditions, fluoroquinolone use was commonly observed and increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 2000 to 2002 (24%-39%), while macrolide use decreased (55%-44%). Increased age correlated with increased fluoroquinolone use: 18-44 years (22%), 45-64 years (33%), and > or =65 years (40%) (p < 0.001). Increased use of fluoroquinolones occurred in healthy young and old patients alike, which suggests a lack of selectivity in reserving fluoroquinolones for higher risk patients. Clear and consistent guidelines are needed to address the role of fluoroquinolones in treatment of outpatient community-acquired pneumonia.

Appropriate antibiotic use: variation in knowledge and awareness by Hispanic ethnicity and language.

BACKGROUND: Recent campaigns are informing the public that antibiotics are inappropriate for viral respiratory infections. As little is known about their effect on populations challenged by less access to care, lower education, low income, low English proficiency, or non-mainstream cultural backgrounds, this study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and awareness in an ethnically diverse community. METHODS: A telephone survey in English or Spanish of a cross-sectional, random sample of 692 non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) and 300 Hispanics in Colorado. RESULTS: For all respondent groups, knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use for colds and bronchitis was low. Hispanics surveyed in Spanish, compared with non-Hispanic whites, had significantly lower knowledge about antibiotics for colds, higher knowledge for bronchitis, lower awareness about antibiotic resistance, and greater dissatisfaction if an antibiotic were not prescribed. In all comparisons, English-language Hispanics tended to reflect non-Hispanic white response patterns. Independent predictors of awareness were ethnicity, education, and age. Independent predictors of dissatisfaction were ethnicity, knowledge about antibiotic use for colds, and bronchitis. Ethnicity was an independent predictor of knowledge about the inappropriateness of antibiotics for colds and bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS: To bridge knowledge gaps, educational campaigns for all segments of the population are needed. Content should be responsive to heterogeneity within populations.