Usability Evaluation of a Smartphone Medication Reminder Application in Patients Treated With Short-term Antibiotic.

Medication adherence is poor in persons with chronic disease, especially in those with multiple chronic diseases, one of which is a psychological disorder. Social support, medication education, and external reminders have been identified as facilitators of adherence. Mobile health applications have the potential to enhance adherence; however, it is unknown if publicly available applications are user-friendly and useful. We aimed to examine the usability and feasibility of the "MediSafe" medication reminder application in adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome undergoing short-term antibiotic therapy and a "Medfriend" from their social support network (N = 14). A mixed-methods study was conducted. All patient participants used the MediSafe application daily for 14 days. Ease of use, ease of learning, and satisfaction scales were rated highest by both patient participants and Medfriends, whereas usefulness was rated lowest by both groups, with Medfriends' usefulness rating significantly lower than that of patient participants. Telephone interviews identified patient participants found the application instrumental in facilitating medication adherence, and Medfriends viewed themselves as active participants in the patient participants' care. The MediSafe medication reminder application is easy to use and accepted by both patients and their designated Medfriend. The MediSafe is instrumental in facilitating short-term antibiotic adherence and social support engagement.

ASA Classification Pre-Endoscopic Procedures: A Retrospective Analysis on the Accuracy of Gastroenterologists.

OBJECTIVES: Before an endoscopic procedure, an evaluation to assess the risk of sedation is performed by the gastroenterologist. To risk stratify based on medical problems, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scores are used routinely in the preprocedure evaluation. The objective of our study was to evaluate among physicians the ASA score accuracy pre-endoscopic procedures. METHODS: At a single tertiary-care center an institutional review board-approved retrospective study was performed. Upper endoscopies performed from May 2012 through August 2013 were reviewed; data were collected and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and linear weighted kappa analysis for agreement (≤0.20 is poor agreement, 0.21-0.40 is fair, 0.41-0.60 is moderate, 0.61-0.80 is good, and 0.81-1.00 is very good). RESULTS: The mean ASA scores by the gastroenterologist compared with the anesthesiologist were 2.28 ± 0.56 and 2.78 ± 0.60, respectively, with only fair agreement (weighted kappa index 0.223, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.113-0.333; 48% agreement). The mean ASA scores for gastroenterologists compared with other gastroenterologists were 2.26 ± 0.5 and 2.26 ± 0.44, respectively, with poor agreement (weighted kappa index 0.200, 95% CI 0.108-0.389; 68% agreement). Agreement on ASA scores was only moderate between the gastroenterologist and himself or herself (weighted kappa index 0.464, 95% CI 0.183-0.745; 75% agreement). CONCLUSIONS: Gastroenterologists performing preprocedure assessments of ASA scores have fair agreement with anesthesiologists, poor agreement with other gastroenterologists, and only moderate agreement with themselves. Given this level of inaccuracy, it appears that the ASA score pre-endoscopy is of limited significance.

Attainment of the Elusive: Attributions for Long-term Success in Kidney Transplantation.

Survival of a kidney transplant recipient beyond 2 decades is a relatively rare event. No studies have been conducted to describe individuals' longevity attributions, who have had their kidney transplant for many years. The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to examine longevity attributions of kidney transplant recipients who have had a kidney transplant for 25 years or longer. The initial sample was obtained from an informal support group that includes only those who have had their kidney transplant >25 years. A semistructured 1-hour interview was conducted over the phone, audio-taped, and transcribed. Data were examined using thematic content analyses. The sample consisted of 19 participants (7 males and 12 females) ranging in age from 43 to 67 years, with a mean age of 52.8 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.82). Transplants were performed between 26 and 36 years prior to the interviews, with a mean of 30.7 years (SD = 3.2). Emerging attributions included maintaining a healthy lifestyle, social support, positive attitude, faith, normalcy, participation in decision making, and luck. Prior to transplantation, patients were engaging in self-management behaviors, which many attributed to their success posttransplant. The findings of this study may provide insight and understanding for health-care providers and other transplant recipients regarding longevity attributions of those who have had their kidney transplants for over a quarter century. Future research should explore the impact of supporting kidney transplant recipients in self-management prior to and after transplantation.

Miralax with gatorade for bowel preparation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a very popular bowel preparation for colonoscopy. However, its large volume may reduce patient compliance, resulting in suboptimal preparation. Recently, a combination of Miralax and Gatorade has been studied in various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a lower volume and more palatable bowel preparation. However, results have varied. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis assessing the use of Miralax-Gatorade (M-G) vs. PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched (January 2014). RCTs on adults comparing M-G (238-255 g in 1.9 l that is 64 fl oz) vs. PEG (3.8-4 l) for bowel preparation before colonoscopy were included. The effects were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates of quality of bowel preparation (satisfactory, unsatisfactory, excellent), patient tolerance (nausea, cramping, bloating), and polyp detection by using odds ratio (OR) with fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria (N=1,418), with mean age ranging from 53.8 to 61.3 years. M-G demonstrated statistically significantly fewer satisfactory bowel preparations as compared with PEG (OR 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.98, P=0.04) but more willingness to repeat preparation (OR 7.32; 95% CI: 4.88-10.98, P<0.01). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in polyp detection (P=0.65) or side effects were apparent between the two preparations for nausea (P=0.71), cramping (P=0.84), or bloating (P=0.50). Subgroup analysis revealed similar results for split-dose M-G vs. split-dose PEG. CONCLUSIONS: M-G for bowel preparation before colonoscopy was inferior to PEG in bowel preparation quality while demonstrating no significant improvements in adverse effects or polyp detection. Therefore, PEG appears superior to M-G for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Airway assessment of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: In advance of endoscopic procedures, an evaluation to assess the risk of sedation is performed by the gastroenterologist. Based on regulations, gastroenterologists are required to perform an airway assessment. At this time, data supporting this regulation are limited; therefore, we evaluated airway assessment accuracy by gastroenterologists before endoscopic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective, single tertiary care center study was performed from May 2012 through August 2013. Patients who underwent an endoscopy or colonoscopy performed at the University of Missouri-Columbia with documented Mallampati scores were included in the analysis. Three primary cohorts of patients were included in our study: gastroenterologist versus anesthesiologist, gastroenterologist versus other gastroenterologists, and gastroenterologists versus themselves. Data were collected and recorded for patient age, body mass index, and Mallampati score. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and linear weighted kappa analysis for agreement. RESULTS: For gastroenterologists versus anesthesiologists and versus other gastroenterologists, the agreement on Mallampati scores was poor (weighted kappa index 0.103, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.0126 to 0.219; percentage of agreement 42% and 0.120, 95% CI -0.0211 to 0.260; percentage of agreement 46%, respectively). For gastroenterologists versus themselves for the same patient, the agreement on Mallampati scores was only moderate (weighted kappa index 0.420, 95% CI 0.119-0.722; percentage of agreement 65%). CONCLUSIONS: Gastroenterologists performing a preprocedure assessment using Mallampati scores have poor agreement with anesthesiologists and colleagues and only moderate agreement with themselves.

Feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: experience of early versus delayed feeding.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have demonstrated that feeding ≤4 hours after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a reasonable option. Many physicians, however, continue to delay feedings until the next day or 24 hours; therefore, we evaluated the safety and effect of early feeding (≤4 hours) after PEG placement in our tertiary care center. METHODS: A retrospective study of 444 patients who underwent PEG between June 2006 and December 2011 was performed. Early feeding was defined as feeding ≤4 hours and delayed feeding was defined as feeding >4 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and the Student t test. RESULTS: A total of 444 patients underwent PEG between June 2006 and December 2011. A majority of PEGs were performed on inpatients by gastroenterologists. The mean time of feeding after PEG was 3.2 ± 0.9 hours for the early group (n = 197) and 17.0 ± 10.0 hours for the delayed group (n = 247). No statistically significant differences were noted between the early (≤4 hours) feedings versus the delayed (>4 hours) feedings for overall morality within 30 days (P = 0.72) and overall complications (P = 1.00). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were noted between early versus delayed feeding for 24-hour mortality (P = 1.00), 24- to 72-hour mortality (P = 0.20), and 3-30 days mortality (P = 0.86). For each complication, there were no statistically significant differences noted between the two groups for wound infection (P = 0.52), melena (P = 0.26), vomiting (P = 0.42), leakage (P = 0.41), stomatitis (P = 0.13), aspiration pneumonia (P =1.00), and other complications (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Feeding ≤4 hours after PEG appears to be as safe as delayed feeding. Based on this study and the literature, strong consideration for the majority of patients should be undertaken to begin feeding within 4 hours after PEG.

Improving care access for new patients in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic: a novel approach.

BACKGROUND: We performed a quality initiative to improve our gastroenterology clinic access. METHODS: A prospective quality improvement initiative was implemented in 12/2012. RESULTS: From 10/2011-11/2012, 35.1% new patients were seen < or =10 days. After initiation of the quality improvement initiatives from 12/2012-1/2014, 75.2% new patients were seen < or =10 days (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: New patient access to subspecialty clinics can be improved with simple initiatives, staff education, and improved teamwork.

When to feed after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Initiation of feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement has been debated. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed on early feeding compared with delayed feeding after PEG placement with varying results. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted examining early vs delayed feeding after placement of a PEG. METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases was conducted in January 2024. Peer-reviewed published RCTs comparing early feeding (≤4 h) with delayed feeding (>4 h) were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was completed using pooled estimates of overall complications, individual complications, mortality ≤72 h, and number of day 1 significant gastric residual volumes. RESULTS: Six RCTs (n = 467) were included in the analysis. Comparison of early feeding with delayed feeding after PEG showed no statistically significant differences for overall complications (P = 0.18), mortality ≤72 h (P = 0.3), and number of day 1 significant gastric residual volumes (P = 0.05). No differences were also noted for individual complications, including vomiting, wound infection, bleeding, or diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Feeding ≤4 h after PEG have no differences in minor and major complications compared with that of delayed feeding. Early feeding ≤4 h is safe and should be recommended in future guidelines.

Should Prophylactic Endotracheal Intubation Be Performed in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

No consensus exists on the standard of intraoperative airway management approach to prevent endoscopy complications in acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Eight years after our initial meta-analysis, we reassessed the effect of prophylactic endotracheal intubation in acute GI bleeding in hospitalized patients. Multiple databases were reviewed in 2024, identifying 10 studies that compared prophylactic endotracheal intubation (PEI) versus no intubation in acute upper GI bleeding in hospitalized patients. Outcomes of interest included pneumonia, length of hospital stay, aspiration, and mortality. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) using the random effects model was calculated for each outcome. In total, 11 studies (10 retrospective, one prospective) were included in the meta-analysis (n = 7,332). PEI demonstrated statistically significant higher odds of pneumonia (OR = 5.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.15-10.79; p < 0.01) and longer length of stays (MD = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.12-1.56; p = 0.02). However, mortality (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 0.78-3.64; p = 0.19) and aspiration (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 0.89-8.7; p = 0.08) were not statistically significant. PEI before esophagogastroduodenoscopy for hospitalized upper GI bleeding patients is associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia within 48 hours and prolonged hospitalization but no statistically significant increased risk of mortality or aspiration.

Remote Usability Testing to Facilitate the Continuation of Research.

Usability testing has historically been an in-person activity where test participants and evaluation researchers are co-located. Recruiting participants into usability studies can be a challenging endeavor especially when potential participants are concerned about time commitments and social distancing. The global COVID-19 pandemic has driven the development of remote usability testing methods. In this paper, we describe remote usability testing as it evolved during a pre-pandemic research study. We adapted our in-person usability evaluation methodology for a commercially available mHealth app to a remote usability testing methodology to accommodate potential participants during a more convenient participant-identified time. In doing so we met the needs, preferences, and availability of our participants and maintained research progress. Adapting to patient-centered needs through remote usability testing has the potential to facilitate continued research and engage potential participants due to its convenience, flexibility, and decrease constraints presented by geographic limits.

Patient Perspectives on Short-Course Pharmacotherapy: Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence.

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is a public health issue that contributes to poor health outcomes and health-care costs. Factors influencing long-term medication adherence are known; however, little is known about short-course medication adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study examined patient perspectives on adherence and factors that influence adherence to short-course pharmacotherapy in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. METHOD: Twenty-seven participants were interviewed to identify their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to thrice-daily, 14-day rifaximin. RESULTS: Participants were primarily female (89%), aged 18 to 65 years. Sixty-eight percent of interviewees were identified as "low-adherers," meaning the percentage of days with correct daily dosing of rifaximin was <80%. The final coding framework identified social/economic-related (family support and medication expense), system-related (relationship with provider and medication knowledge), condition-related (symptom severity), therapy-related (inconvenient dosing), and patient-related (forgetfulness and busyness of daily life) factors that influenced adherence. CONCLUSION: The resulting patient perspectives highlight a diverse set of factors that influence short-course adherence and the need for tailored interventions that address these various factors resulting in enhanced patient outcomes.

Adherence to Short-course Pharmacotherapy in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms. Adherence is crucial for pharmacologic management success. We examined 73 adult's objective adherence to rifaximin using the taxonomy for adherence. Demographic, quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, perceived stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), pain, and adherence data were collected. Impaired QOL, elevated psychological distress and perceived stress, and a significant number of ACE were reported at baseline. Average time to prescription initiation was 2.5 days. Once implemented, 92% missed midday dose and persisted 5 days beyond the prescribed dose. High-adherers reported lower pain levels post-rifaximin compared to low-adherers. Objective adherence was significantly lower than self-reported. Objective adherence was not predicted by above variables. Adherence to rifaximin is poor in those with IBS. Future research examining perceived barriers/facilitators toward rifaximin adherence may provide insight into patient-centered, modifiable targets for adherence interventions and improve patient-related outcomes.

Cap-assisted colonoscopy versus standard colonoscopy: is the cap beneficial? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to improve visualization during colonoscopy, a transparent plastic cap or hood may be placed on the end of the colonoscope. Cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) has been studied and is thought to improve polyp detection. Numerous studies have been conducted comparing pertinent clinical outcomes between CAC and standard colonoscopy (SC) with inconsistent results. METHODS: Numerous databases were searched in November 2016. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult subjects that compared CAC to SC were included. Outcomes of total colonoscopy time, time to cecum, cecal intubation rate, terminal ileum intubation rate, polyp detection rate (PDR), and adenoma detection rate (ADR) were analyzed in terms of odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with fixed effect and random effects models. RESULTS: Five hundred eighty-nine articles and abstracts were discovered. Of these, 23 RCTs (n=12,947) were included in the analysis. CAC showed statistically significant superiority in total colonoscopy time (MD -1.51 min; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.67 to -0.34; P<0.01) and time to cecum (MD -0.82 min; 95%CI -1.20 to -0.44; P<0.01) compared to SC. CAC also showed better PDR (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.06-1.29; P<0.01) but not ADR (OR 1.11; 95%CI 0.95-1.30; P=0.20). In contrast, on sensitivity analysis, ADR was better with CAC. Terminal ileum intubation and cecal intubation rates demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.11 and P=0.73, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a transparent cap during colonoscopy improves PDR while reducing procedure times. ADR may improve in cap-assisted colonoscopy but further studies are required to confirm this.

Prophylactic clipping and post-polypectomy bleeding: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding after polypectomy is a common issue associated with colonoscopy. To help prevent post-polypectomy bleeding, many endoscopists place clips at the site. However, this practice remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the efficacy of clip placement in the prevention of post-polypectomy bleeding. METHODS: Multiple databases, including Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, and recent abstracts from major American meetings were searched in April 2016. Using the DerSimonian and Laird (random effects) model with odds ratio (OR), a meta-analysis was performed of post-polypectomy bleeding with prophylactic clip versus no prophylactic clip. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty potential articles and abstracts were discovered. Thirty-five articles were reviewed, with 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant difference in prophylactic clipping versus no prophylactic clipping for post-polypectomy bleeding in all polyps was found when all studies (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 0.56-4.00; P=0.42), only peer-reviewed studies where abstracts were excluded (OR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.42-1.69; P=0.63), and only randomized controlled trials (OR 1.24; 95% CI: 0.69-2.24; P=0.47) were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylactic clipping for all polypectomies does not seem to prevent post-polypectomy bleeding and should not be a routine practice. However, for large polyps (>2 cm), prophylactic clipping may or may not be beneficial in preventing post-polypectomy bleeding. Further studies are required to fully evaluate this subgroup.

Improving Maintenance Medication Adherence in Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Pilot Study.

Medication nonadherence in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may lead to suboptimal control of the disease, decreased quality of life, and poor outcomes. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, intervention mechanism, and potential effectiveness of a three-month continuous self-improvement (CSI) intervention to enhance medication adherence (MA) in adult nonadherent IBD patients. Adult IBD patients taking a daily or twice-daily dosed maintenance medication were screened electronically for two months to determine baseline MA levels. Nonadherent IBD participants were randomized to the CSI or the attention control (AC) intervention and monitored for three months. The CSI intervention consisted of a data evaluation and system refinement process in which system changes were identified and implemented. The AC group was given educational information regarding IBD disease process, extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD, and medical therapy. Demographic statistics, change scores for within and between-group differences, and effect size estimates were calculated. Nine nonadherent participants (medication adherence score <0.85) were eligible for randomization. The intervention was found feasible and acceptable. Although no statistically significant improvement in MA was found (P=0.14), adherence improved in 3 of 4 of the CSI group and 1 of 2 in the attention control group. The effect size calculation of 1.9 will determine the sample size for future study. The results of this pilot study showed the intervention was feasible and had a positive effect on MA change score and adherence levels. A larger fully powered study is needed to test of the effectiveness of this innovative intervention.

The effect of indomethacin in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a severe complication with substantial morbidity and mortality. Indomethacin has been identified to prevent this complication; however, the results using indomethacin have varied. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on the efficacy of rectally administered indomethacin in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). METHODS: A systematic search was performed in November 2012. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) in adult patients that compared rectally administered indomethacin versus placebo in prevention of PEP were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model to assess the primary outcome (PEP) and secondary outcomes (mild or moderate to severe PEP) using Review Manager 5.1. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria (n = 1422). The use of indomethacin near the time of ERCP demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in PEP (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.71; P < 0.01), mild PEP (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.86; P = 0.01), and moderate to severe PEP (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.83; P = 0.01) as compared with placebo. The number needed to treat with indomethacin to prevent 1 episode of pancreatitis is 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal indomethacin significantly reduced the incidence of PEP. We recommend using indomethacin before or just after the procedure in patients undergoing ERCP.