Effects of a Home-Based Intervention on HIV Prevention Health Behaviors in Pregnant/Postpartum Kenyan Women: Estimating Moderating Effects of Depressive Symptoms.

We estimated effects of maternal depressive symptoms, utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), on women's HIV prevention behaviors in Migori County, Kenya. Pregnant women ≥ 18 years old, with gestational age of < 37 weeks, were randomized into standard care or three home visits (2 during pregnancy, 1 postpartum) promoting couple HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) and HIV prevention. Of 105 female participants, 37 (35.24%) reported depressive symptoms and 50 (47.62%) were HIV-positive. Three Poisson regressions with robust variance (univariable, multivariable, and multivariable with depressive symptoms/study arm interaction) were modeled for three outcomes: CHTC, infant HIV testing, health-seeking postpartum. In multivariable analysis with interaction, a moderating trend for the interaction between depressive symptoms and individual health-seeking was observed (p-value = 0.067). Women scoring ≤ 9 (n = 68) on the PHQ-8 and participating in home visits were 1.76 times more likely to participate in individual health-seeking compared to participants in standard care (ARR 1.76, 95% CI 1.17-2.66).

Pathways for HIV Prevention Behaviors Following a Home-Based Couples Intervention for Pregnant Women and Male Partners in Kenya.

Pregnancy is a time of heightened HIV risk, but also a phase when a couple can prioritize family health. We conducted secondary analysis of a home-based intervention in rural Kenya to explore couple-level adherence to HIV prevention behaviors. The intervention included health education, relationship-building skills, and Couples HIV Testing and Counseling. Pregnant women were randomized to the intervention (n = 64) or standard care (n = 63) along with male partners. Of 96 couples, 82 (85.0%) were followed to 3 months postpartum, when 31.0% of couples reported perfect adherence to HIV prevention. In logistic regression, intervention condition couples had three-fold higher odds of perfect adherence (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.01-9.32). A structural equation model found the intervention had moderate effects on couple communication, large effects on couple efficacy to take action around HIV, which in turn improved HIV prevention behaviors (CFI = 0.969; TLI = 0.955; RMSEA = 0.049). Strengthening couple communication and efficacy may help prevent the spread of HIV to infants or partners around the time of pregnancy.

Examining the Relationship Between Individual Characteristics, Community-Level Traits, Multidimensional Empowerment, and Maternal Health Care Utilization in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Introduction The Islamic Republic of Pakistan's maternal mortality ratio is particularly high, and the nation ranks 126 out of 149 countries on the Human Development Report-Gender Inequality Index. This is because Pakistani women have low levels of empowerment, make limited economic contributions, and underutilization of maternal health care. The aim of this study is to create a multidimensional index of women's empowerment and assess the association between this index and maternal health care utilization in Pakistan, controlling for individual characteristics and community-level traits. Methods Data from the 2012-2013 Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys were employed to investigate the relationship between this index and the latent construct of maternal health care utilization. Results Using exploratory factor analysis, four indicators of maternal health care utilization were loaded onto a single latent factor. Multivariate analyses found support for the association between empowerment and health care utilization, despite adjustments for individual and area level factors. Positive associations between education, wealth, and maternal health care utilization were found. Conclusions Although we find support for the association of educational attainment with maternal health care utilization, the multidimensional women's empowerment index was independently a consistent associate of maternal health care utilization. This illustrates a complex mechanism with both-education and empowerment, being necessary for improved maternal health care utilization. Policy makers seeking to improve outcomes should expand their focus beyond simply improving rates of education to examining effects of cultural norms which constrain the independence of women in making decisions about their own health care.

Management and leadership competencies among spiritual care managers.

Both the healthcare and religious landscapes in the United States are rapidly changing. Despite the dynamic environment that spiritual care managers face, many do not receive management training prior to assuming their roles and many receive little or no training once they are in their roles. This study used mixed methods to examine the applicability of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) competency model to spiritual care manager roles. Interviews were conducted with 10 spiritual care managers across the country, using a Behavioral Event Interviewing (BEI) methodology. Interviews were quantitatively analyzed by using Natural Language Processing and qualitatively analyzed by thematic approach using NVIVO. The results found the EXECUTION domain to be the most discussed theme, followed by RELATIONS, TRANSFORMATION, and BOUNDARY SPANNING. Collectively these analyses suggest the NCHL Leadership Competency Model can provide a useful framework for understanding the roles and development needs of spiritual care managers.

Inpatient Diagnosis of Delirium and Encephalopathy: Coding Trends in 2011-2018.

BACKGROUND: Ten medical societies have called for scientific literature to integrate research on delirium and encephalopathy, while physicians continually debate how to accurately document diagnoses of acute confusional states. OBJECTIVE: To promote this integration, we evaluated trends in diagnoses of delirium and encephalopathy among hospitalized adults and physician specialties, incorporating transitions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 and the International Classification of Disease, tenth edition. METHODS: Using the 2011-2018 IBM MarketScan datasets, we identified delirium/encephalopathy patients aged ≥18 years using International Classification of Disease 9/10 codes among hospitalized patients. We identified physician specialties associated with the hospitalization and comorbidities within one year before the diagnosis of delirium or encephalopathy. Log-binomial models were used to evaluate diagnostic trends, adjusting for age, gender, insurance, and comorbidities. RESULTS: We identified 10,509 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of delirium and 94,438 with encephalopathy between 2011 and 2018. Although the number of patients with either diagnosis increased over time, the use of delirium diagnosis was less than it was for encephalopathy compared with 2011 after adjusting for covariates (adjusted risk ratio 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 0.48). During the 8 years, neurologists and internists increased their use of both diagnoses, whereas only psychiatrists increased their use of delirium. Family practice physicians and nurse practitioners presented no significant change in either diagnosis for this timeframe. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that refined diagnostic codes and criteria may alter trends among clinicians in diagnosing delirium and/or encephalopathy. Additional diagnostic clarity may be necessary to support refined diagnoses among family practice physicians and nurse practitioners.

Exploring a Need for a Cardiometabolic Disease Staging System as a Computerized Clinical Decision Support Tool: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Although cardiometabolic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, computerized tools for risk assessment of cardiometabolic disease are rarely integral components of primary care practice. Embedding cardiometabolic disease staging systems (CMDS) into computerized clinical decision support systems (CDSS) may assist with identifying and treating patients at greatest risk for developing cardiometabolic disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the current approach to medical management of obesity and the need for CMDS designed to aid medical management of people living with obesity, at risk of being obese, or diabetic at the point of care. METHODS: Using a general inductive approach, this qualitative research study was guided by an interpretive epistemology. The method included semistructured, in-depth interviews with primary care providers (PCPs) from university-based community health clinics. The literature informed the interview protocol and included questions on PCPs' experiences and the need for a tool to improve their ability to manage and prevent complications from overweight and obesity. RESULTS: PCPs (N=10) described their current approaches and emphasized behavioral treatments consisting of combined diet, physical activity, and behavior therapy as the first line of treatment for people who were overweight or obese. Results suggest that beneficial features of CDSS include (1) clinically relevant and customizable support, (2) provision of a comprehensive medical summary with trends, (3) availability of patient education materials and community resources, and (4) simplicity and ease of navigation. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CMDS via a CDSS could enable PCPs to conduct comprehensive cardiometabolic disease risk assessments, supporting clinical management of overweight, obesity, and diabetes. Results from this study provide unique insights to developers and researchers by identifying areas for design optimization, improved end user experience, and successful adoption of the CDSS.

Adapting an Interdisciplinary Learning Health System Framework for Academic Health Centers: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: Learning health systems (LHSs), defined as a systematic process for aligning science, informatics, and clinical practice to integrate providers, researchers, and patients as active participants in an evidence-based care continuum, can provide an ideal environment for academic health centers to rapidly adopt evidence-based guidelines and translate research into practice. However, few LHS frameworks are specifically adapted for academic health centers. The authors wanted to identify the definitions, components, and other features of LHSs to develop an interdisciplinary LHS framework for use within academic health centers. METHOD: The authors conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify definitions, components, and other features of LHSs that are useful to academic health centers. In January 2021, they searched PubMed, Academic Search Premier, and Scopus databases and identified English-language, peer-reviewed articles pertaining to LHS, LHS frameworks, organization, components, and models. Since the phrase learning health system is relatively new terminology, they conducted a supplemental review with alternative phrases, including embedded research and coordinated or collaborative research network . They used the Knowledge to Action (KTA) Framework to integrate the generation and flow of research into practice. RESULTS: The primary review retrieved 719 articles and the supplemental review retrieved 209; of these, 49 articles were retained to synthesize common definitions, components, and other features of LHS frameworks. Seven structural components of LHSs were identified: organization and collaborations, performance, ethics and security, scientific approaches, data, information technology, and patient outcomes. An adapted interdisciplinary LHS framework was developed that incorporated research and learning engines derived from the KTA and adaptations of common components and other features within the reviewed articles to fit the interests of providers, researchers, and patients within academic health centers. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted LHS framework can be used as a dynamic foundation for development and organization of interdisciplinary LHSs within academic health centers.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham COVID-19 Collaborative Outcomes Research Enterprise: Developing an institutional learning health system in response to the global pandemic.

Introduction: As a local response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) established the UAB COVID-19 Collaborative Outcomes Research Enterprise (CORE), an institutional learning health system (LHS) to achieve an integrated health services outcomes and research response. Methods: We developed a network of expertise and capabilities to rapidly develop and deploy an institutional-level interdisciplinary LHS. Based upon a scoping review of the literature and the Knowledge to Action Framework, we adopted a LHS framework identifying contributors and components necessary to developing a system within and between the university academic and medical centers. We used social network analysis to examine the emergence of informal work patterns and diversified network capabilities based on the LHS framework. Results: This experience report details three principal characteristics of the UAB COVID-19 CORE LHS development: (a) identifying network contributors and components; (b) building the institutional network; and (c) diversifying network capabilities. Contributors and committees were identified from seven components of LHS: (a) collaborative and executive leadership committee, (b) research coordinating committee, (c) oversight and ethics committee, (d) thematic scientific working groups, (e) programmatic working groups, (f) informatics capabilities, and (g) patient advisory groups. Evolving from the topical interests of the initial CORE participants, scientific working groups emerged to support the learning system network. Programmatic working groups were charged with developing a comprehensive and mutually accessible COVID-19 database. Discussion: Our LHS framework allowed for effective integration of multiple academic and medical centers into a cohesive institutional-level learning system. Network analysis indicated diversity of institutional disciplines, professional rank, and topical focus pertaining to COVID-19, with each center leveraging existing institutional responsibilities to minimize gaps in network capabilities. Conclusion: Incorporating an adapted LHS framework designed for academic medical centers served as a foundational resource supporting further institutional-level efforts to develop agile and responsive learning networks.

Features That Middle-aged and Older Cancer Survivors Want in Web-Based Healthy Lifestyle Interventions: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of older cancer survivors, it is imperative to optimize the reach of interventions that promote healthy lifestyles. Web-based delivery holds promise for increasing the reach of such interventions with the rapid increase in internet use among older adults. However, few studies have explored the views of middle-aged and older cancer survivors on this approach and potential variations in these views by gender or rural and urban residence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the views of middle-aged and older cancer survivors regarding the features of web-based healthy lifestyle programs to inform the development of a web-based diet and exercise intervention. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we conducted 10 focus groups with 57 cancer survivors recruited from hospital cancer registries in 1 southeastern US state. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic and content analyses with NVivo (version 12.5, QSR International). RESULTS: A total of 29 male and 28 female urban and rural dwelling Black and White survivors, with a mean age of 65 (SD 8.27) years, shared their views about a web-based healthy lifestyle program for cancer survivors. Five themes emerged related to program content, design, delivery, participation, technology training, and receiving feedback. Cancer survivors felt that web-based healthy lifestyle programs for cancer survivors must deliver credible, high-quality, and individually tailored information, as recommended by health care professionals or content experts. Urban survivors were more concerned about information reliability, whereas women were more likely to trust physicians' recommendations. Male and rural survivors wanted information to be tailored to the cancer type and age group. Privacy, usability, interaction frequency, and session length were important factors for engaging cancer survivors with a web-based program. Female and rural participants liked the interactive nature and visual appeal of the e-learning sessions. Learning from experts, an attractive design, flexible schedule, and opportunity to interact with other cancer survivors in Facebook closed groups emerged as factors promoting program participation. Low computer literacy, lack of experience with web program features, and concerns about Facebook group privacy were important concerns influencing cancer survivors' potential participation. Participants noted the importance of technology training, preferring individualized help to standardized computer classes. More rural cancer survivors acknowledged the need to learn how to use computers. The receipt of regular feedback about progress was noted as encouragement toward goal achievement, whereas women were particularly interested in receiving immediate feedback to stay motivated. CONCLUSIONS: Important considerations for designing web-based healthy lifestyle interventions for middle-aged and older cancer survivors include program quality, participants' privacy, ease of use, attractive design, and the prominent role of health care providers and content experts. Cancer survivors' preferences based on gender and residence should be considered to promote program participation.

Development and Piloting of a Home-Based Couples Intervention During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Southwestern Kenya.

Engaging both partners of a pregnant couple can enhance prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and promote family health. We developed and piloted an intervention to promote couple collaboration in health during pregnancy and postpartum in southwestern Kenya. We utilized formative data and stakeholder input to inform development of a home-based couples intervention. Next, we randomized pregnant women to intervention (n = 64) or standard care (n = 63) arms, subsequently contacting their male partners for enrollment. In the intervention arm, lay health workers conducted couple home visits, including health education, couple relationship and communication skills, and offers of couple HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) services. Follow-up questionnaires were conducted 3 months postpartum (n = 114 women, 86 men). Baseline characteristics and health behaviors were examined by study arm using t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analyses. Of the 127 women randomized, 96 of their partners participated in the study. Of 52 enrolled couples in the intervention arm, 94% completed at least one couple home visit. Over 93% of participants receiving couple home visits were satisfied and no adverse social consequences were reported. At follow-up, intervention couples had a 2.78 relative risk of having participated in CHTC during the study period compared with standard care couples (95% confidence interval: 1.63-4.75), and significant associations were observed in other key perinatal health behaviors. This pilot study revealed that a home-based couples intervention for pregnant women and male partners is acceptable, feasible, and has the potential to enhance CHTC and perinatal health behaviors, leading to improved health outcomes.