Racial Variation in the Relationship of Glycemic Control with Fracture Risk in Elderly Patients with Diabetes.

We investigated racial variation in glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) with fracture risk in geriatric patients with diabetes. Compared to an HbA1c of 7.0-7.9% [53-63 mmol/mol], HbA1c ≥9.0% [≥75 mmol/mol] was associated with increased fracture risk among Blacks and those of Unknown race only. This increase was attenuated in Blacks after accounting for the relative frequency of patient-provider interaction.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures - 2019 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists. METHODS: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts. RESULTS: New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutrition, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of patients undergoing bariatric procedures - 2019 update: cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPG) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists boards of directors in adherence to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPG, algorithms, and checklists. METHODS: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts. RESULTS: New or updated topics in this CPG include contextualization in an adiposity-based, chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based, and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current healthcare arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence-based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE PERIOPERATIVE NUTRITION, METABOLIC, AND NONSURGICAL SUPPORT OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC PROCEDURES - 2019 UPDATE: COSPONSORED BY AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS/AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY, THE OBESITY SOCIETY, AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METABOLIC & BARIATRIC SURGERY, OBESITY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION, AND AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.

Objective: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists. Methods: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts. Results: New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health-care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest). Conclusion: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues. A1C = hemoglobin A1c; AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ABCD = adiposity-based chronic disease; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; ADA = American Diabetes Association; AHI = Apnea-Hypopnea Index; ASA = American Society of Anesthesiologists; ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; BMI = body mass index; BPD = biliopancreatic diversion; BPD/DS = biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; CI = confidence interval; CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CRP = C-reactive protein; CT = computed tomography; CVD = cardiovascular disease; DBCD = dysglycemia-based chronic disease; DS = duodenal switch; DVT = deep venous thrombosis; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EFA = essential fatty acid; EL = evidence level; EN = enteral nutrition; ERABS = enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; G4G = Guidelines for Guidelines; GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease; GI = gastrointestinal; HCP = health-care professional(s); HTN = hypertension; ICU = intensive care unit; IGB = intragastric balloon(s); IV = intravenous; LAGB = laparoscopic adjustable gastric band; LAGBP = laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication; LGP = laparoscopic greater curvature (gastric) plication; LRYGB = laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; LSG = laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; MetS = metabolic syndrome; NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH = nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OA = osteoarthritis; OAGB = one-anastomosis gastric bypass; OMA = Obesity Medicine Association; OR = odds ratio; ORC = obesity-related complication(s); OSA = obstructive sleep apnea; PE = pulmonary embolism; PN = parenteral nutrition; PRM = pulmonary recruitment maneuver; RCT = randomized controlled trial; RD = registered dietician; RDA = recommended daily allowance; RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; SG = sleeve gastrectomy; SIBO = small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; TOS = The Obesity Society; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; T1D = type 1 diabetes; T2D = type 2 diabetes; VTE = venous thromboembolism; WE = Wernicke encephalopathy; WHO = World Health Organization.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY PROTOCOL FOR STANDARDIZED PRODUCTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES, ALGORITHMS, AND CHECKLISTS - 2017 UPDATE.

Clinical practice guideline (CPG), clinical practice algorithm (CPA), and clinical checklist (CC, collectively CPGAC) development is a high priority of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE). This 2017 update in CPG development consists of (1) a paradigm change wherein first, environmental scans identify important clinical issues and needs, second, CPA construction focuses on these clinical issues and needs, and third, CPG provide CPA node/edge-specific scientific substantiation and appended CC; (2) inclusion of new technical semantic and numerical descriptors for evidence types, subjective factors, and qualifiers; and (3) incorporation of patient-centered care components such as economics and transcultural adaptations, as well as implementation, validation, and evaluation strategies. This third point highlights the dominating factors of personal finances, governmental influences, and third-party payer dictates on CPGAC implementation, which ultimately impact CPGAC development. The AACE/ACE guidelines for the CPGAC program is a successful and ongoing iterative exercise to optimize endocrine care in a changing and challenging healthcare environment. ABBREVIATIONS: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ACC = American College of Cardiology ACE = American College of Endocrinology ASeRT = ACE Scientific Referencing Team BEL = best evidence level CC = clinical checklist CPA = clinical practice algorithm CPG = clinical practice guideline CPGAC = clinical practice guideline, algorithm, and checklist EBM = evidence-based medicine EHR = electronic health record EL = evidence level G4GAC = Guidelines for Guidelines, Algorithms, and Checklists GAC = guidelines, algorithms, and checklists HCP = healthcare professional(s) POEMS = patient-oriented evidence that matters PRCT = prospective randomized controlled trial.

Glycemic control and fracture risk in elderly patients with diabetes.

AIMS: Elderly patients with diabetes are at increased fracture risk. Although long exposure to hyperglycemia may increase fracture risk via adverse effects on bone metabolism, tight glycemic control may increase risk via trauma subsequent to hypoglycemia. We tested the prospective relationship between glycemic control and fracture risk in 10,572 elderly patients (age ≥65) with diabetes. METHODS: Geriatric patients with diabetes were drawn from Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Electronic Health Record. Baseline was defined as age at first HbA1c after the latter of age 65 or ICD 9 code for diabetes. Cox analysis was used to test the relationship of updated mean HbA1c (average HbA1c over follow-up) with time to first fracture since baseline. HbA1c was categorized as follows: <6.5% [<48mmol/mol]; 6.5-6.9% [48-52mmol/mol]; 7-7.9% [53-63mmol/mol]; 8-8.9% [64-74 mmol-mol]; ≥9% [≥75mmol/mol]. The number of BMI measurements was used as a surrogate for relative frequency of outpatient visits, i.e. patient-provider contacts. RESULTS: During follow-up, there were 949 fracture events. HbA1c demonstrated a cubic relationship with fracture risk (p<0.05). In analyses accounting for age, sex, race, and number of BMI measures (a surrogate for patient-provider interaction), compared to an HbA1c of 7-7.9%, HRs (95% CIs) were: HbA1c<6.5% HR=0.97 (0.82-1.14), 6.5-6.9% HR=0.80 (0.66-0.97), 8-8.9% HR=1.13 (0.92-1.40), ≥9% HR=1.19 (0.93-1.54). CONCLUSIONS: An HbA1c of 6.5-6.9% is associated with the lowest risk of fracture in elderly patients with diabetes. Risk associated with an HbA1c ≥9% may be a marker of infrequent patient-provider interaction.

The diabetes healthy outcomes program: results of free health care for uninsured at a federally qualified community health center.

BACKGROUND: Uninsured patients with diabetes are at increased risk for poor outcomes and often have limited access to health and prescription services necessary to manage diabetes. Hamilton Health Center, a federally qualified community health center, with support from the Highmark Foundation, implemented a Diabetes Healthy Outcomes Program (DHOP) for uninsured patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of DHOP that is designed to provide health care and supportive services for uninsured diabetic patients at a federally qualified community health center. METHODS: Mixed quantitative and qualitative analyses of participant outcomes and satisfaction were used to assess program effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 189 participants enrolled in DHOP over 2 years. Thirty-four (18%) participants had adequate glycemic control with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤ 7%. Overall, 105 participants received prescription drugs, 101 participants received eye care services, 23 participants received dental services, 45 received podiatry services, 37 received nutrition services, and 28 patients engaged in an exercise program. More participants (38%, 34) had controlled diabetes mellitus at study start than at the end (28%, 25). However, 30% versus 17% of participants with 2 HbA1c measurements achieved or maintained HbA1c ≤ 7% by the end of the program compared with the start. Participants who accessed more services were more likely to achieve glycemic control as measured by HbA1c (P > .01). CONCLUSION: Although 30% of participants improved or maintained glycemic control over 2 years, more were uncontrolled at the end than at study start. Participants who accessed more primary and specialty care services were more likely to achieve glycemic control. Multidisciplinary care may improve diabetes control in low-income patients.

Pathways to quality inpatient management of hyperglycemia and diabetes: a call to action.

Currently patients with diabetes comprise up to 25-30% of the census of adult wards and critical care units in our hospitals. Although evidence suggests that avoidance of hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) is beneficial for positive outcomes in the hospitalized patient, much of this evidence remains controversial and at times somewhat contradictory. We have recently formed a consortium for Planning Research in Inpatient Diabetes (PRIDE) with the goal of promoting clinical research in the area of management of hyperglycemia and diabetes in the hospital. In this article, we outline eight aspects of inpatient glucose management in which randomized clinical trials are needed. We refer to four as system-based issues and four as patient-based issues. We urge further progress in the science of inpatient diabetes management. We hope this call to action is supported by the American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Heart Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the International Diabetes Federation, and the Society of Hospital Medicine. Appropriate federal research funding in this area will help ensure high-quality investigations, the results of which will advance the field. Future clinical trials will allow practitioners to develop optimal approaches for the management of hyperglycemia in the hospitalized patient and lessen the economic and human burden of poor glycemic control and its associated complications and comorbidities in the inpatient setting.

Hypertension control in ambulatory care patients with diabetes.

PURPOSE: Hypertension (HTN) control among diabetics is essential to preventing macrovascular complications. We investigated correlates of HTN control among a national sample of 1313 patients with diabetes receiving care in ambulatory care settings. METHODS: The current study employed extant data from the 2008 National Ambulatory Care Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between HTN control and candidate covariates, including race, income, provider, and facility characteristics, and patient demographic and health status indicators among patients with diabetes receiving care in ambulatory care facilities. RESULTS: Approximately 28.7% of patients achieved HTN control at the level of 130/80 mm Hg and 57.0% at 140/90 mm Hg. Patients seen at physician offices or academic medical center/hospital settings had greater probability of HTN control compared with outpatient departments and community health centers. Patients seen in academic medical centers or other hospital settings had the greatest probability of control (47.9% at 130/80 mm Hg and 70% at 140/90 mm Hg, P < .0001). Despite being more likely to be on antihypertensive medications, black patients with diabetes had the lowest probability of HTN control at the level of 140/90 mm Hg (41.1%) or 130/80 mm Hg (19.0%) compared with other race/ethnic groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes seen in diverse primary care settings had a low probability of having blood pressure (BP) controlled to the recommended levels. Care setting-specific policies may prove useful in improving BP control. Continued attention is still warranted for racial and ethnic disparities in HTN control.

"Pay-for-performance" as a quality improvement tool: perceptions and policy recommendations of physicians and program leaders.

BACKGROUND: Although pay-for-performance (P4P) compensation is widespread, questions have arisen about its efficacy in improving health care quality and consequences for vulnerable patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess perceptions of general internists and P4P program leaders regarding how to implement fair and effective P4P. METHODS: Qualitative investigation using in-depth interviews with P4P program leaders and focus groups with general internists. RESULTS: Internists emphasized a gradual and cautious approach to P4P implementation. They strongly recommended improving P4P measure validity and had detailed suggestions regarding how. Program leaders saw a need to implement perhaps imperfect programs but with continual improvement. Both groups advocated protecting vulnerable populations and made overlapping recommendations: improving measure validity; adjusting for patient characteristics; measuring improvements in quality (vs cutpoints); and providing incentives to physicians of vulnerable populations. Internists tended to favor explicit protections, while program leaders felt that P4P might inherently protect vulnerable patients by improving overall quality. DISCUSSION: Internists favored gradual P4P implementation, while P4P leaders saw an immediate need for implementation with iterative improvement. Both groups recommended specific measures to protect vulnerable populations such as improving measure validity, assessing improvements in quality, and providing special incentives to physicians of vulnerable populations.

Thyroid abnormalities in patients treated with lenalidomide for hematological malignancies: results of a retrospective case review.

Lenalidomide is an antiangiogenic drug associated with hypothyroidism. We describe a case-series of lenalidomide use in hematological cancers and the prevalence of thyroid abnormalities. We reviewed medical records of patients treated with lenalidomide at a single center form 2005 to 2010 and extracted demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. Of 170 patients with confirmed lenalidomide use (age 64.9 ± 15 years), 148 were treated for multiple myeloma and 6% had thyroid abnormalities attributable only to lenalidomide. In patients with a previous diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, the addition of lenalidomide therapy was associated with a higher incidence of subsequent TFTF abnormality (17%) as compared to patients with no previous diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction (6%) (P=0.0001). Many patients (44%) with pre-existing disease and a change in thyroid function before or while on lenalidomide had no further follow-up of their thyroid abnormalities, Of 20 patients who did not undergo any thyroid function testing either before starting or while on lenalidomide for a median of 9.4 months (± 6.5), 35% developed new symptoms compatible with hypothyroidism, including worsened fating, constipation or cold intolerance. Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction overlap with side effects of lenalidomide. Thyroid hormone levels are not regularly evaluated in patients on lenalidomide. While on this treatment, thyroid abnormalities can occur in patients with no previous diagnoses and in patients with pre-existing abnormalities. Because symptoms of thyroid dysfunction could be alleviated by appropriate treatment, thyroid function should be evaluated during the course of lenalidomide to improve patients quality of life.

Lifestyle therapy changes and hypercholesterolemia: identifying risk groups in a community sample of Blacks and Whites.

OBJECTIVE: To examine diet and exercise lifestyle therapy change (LTC), behaviors and their relation to hypercholesterolemia in a community sample of Blacks and Whites. DESIGN: Latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to identify homogeneous subgroups of community dwelling Blacks and Whites related to LTC for hypercholesterolemia. LCA is a statistical technique used to identify subgroups of individuals who share a similar pattern of responses to a set of observations. The relation between hypercholesterolemia and latent class membership was assessed. PARTICIPANTS: Adults age 18 and over who participated in a county-level adaptation of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Hypercholesterolemia (absence or presence). RESULTS: Eleven unique latent classes of LTC behavior emerged from LCA models. Exercisers and Fat Reducers represented between 19% and 29% of each race-sex group. Latent class membership probabilities varied substantially across race and sex. Only Black women had a class of Contemplators (21.5%). Overall, men and Blacks with self reported hypercholesterolemia were more likely to engage only in fat reduction but not increase in vegetable consumption, reduction of fat or regular exercise (odds ratios range from 1.8-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of diet and exercise related LTC behaviors in relation to self-reported hypercholesterolemia can help to identify, understand and tailor culturally and sex specific interventions based on the proportions of men and women in different latent classes.

High quality care and ethical pay-for-performance: a Society of General Internal Medicine policy analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pay-for-performance is proliferating, yet its impact on key stakeholders remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: The Society of General Internal Medicine systematically evaluated ethical issues raised by performance-based physician compensation. RESULTS: We conclude that current arrangements are based on fundamentally acceptable ethical principles, but are guided by an incomplete understanding of health-care quality. Furthermore, their implementation without evidence of safety and efficacy is ethically precarious because of potential risks to stakeholders, especially vulnerable patients. CONCLUSION: We propose four major strategies to transition from risky pay-for-performance systems to ethical performance-based physician compensation and high quality care. These include implementing safeguards within current pay-for-performance systems, reaching consensus regarding the obligations of key stakeholders in improving health-care quality, developing valid and comprehensive measures of health-care quality, and utilizing a cautious evaluative approach in creating the next generation of compensation systems that reward genuine quality.

Exploring socioeconomic variations in diabetes control strategies: impact of outcome expectations.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have suggested socioeconomic differences in outcome expectations for diabetes. This paper explores outcome expectations of adults of varied socioeconomic status with type 2 diabetes, examining differences between African Americans and whites. DESIGN: A qualitative study using focus groups of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was based on the constant comparative method, assisted by qualitative analysis software. Research was done in outpatient clinics in both a community health center and tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-one participants, 46% African American, 54% with household income less than or equal to $40,000, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects discussed coping mechanisms, including self-control, compliance discipline, and denial regarding diabetes. RESULTS: Behavior control was typified as (1) beliefs about controlling diabetes and (2) beliefs about controlling one's behavior aside from diabetes control. Patients described a range of strategies, including beliefs as self-efficacy, confidence and willingness to take on self-management, and. positive and negative outcome expectations about ability to modify the natural course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Those of higher socioeconomic status espoused more positive outcome expectations and self-efficacy, while poorer subjects reported more negative outcome expectations. Factors such as perception of control may contribute to root causes of socioeconomic disparities seen in diabetes outcomes. INTERVENTIONS to increase compliance should address class-specific disease perceptions. Practical support that builds on patients' preferred strategies could help improve diabetes disparities.

Behind-the-scenes of patient-centered care: content analysis of electronic messaging among primary care clinic providers and staff.

BACKGROUND: Transitions to patient-centered health care, the increasing complexity of care, and growth in self-management have all increased the frequency and intensity of clinical services provided outside office settings and between visits. Understanding how electronic messaging, which is often used to coordinate care, affects care is crucial. A taxonomy for codifying clinical text messages into standardized categories could facilitate content analysis of work performed or enhanced via electronic messaging. OBJECTIVE: To codify electronic messages exchanged among the primary care providers and the staff managing diabetes patients at an academic medical center. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 27,061 electronic messages exchanged among 578 providers and staff caring for a cohort of 639 adult primary care patients with diabetes between April 1, 2003 and October 31, 2003. SUBJECTS: Providers and staff using locally developed electronic messaging in an academic medical center's adult primary care clinic. MEASURES: Raw data included clinical text message content, message ID, thread ID, and user ID. Derived measures included user job classification, 35 flags codifying message content, and a taxonomy grouping the flags. RESULTS: Messages contained diverse content: communications with patients, families, and other providers (47.2%), diagnoses (25.4%), documentation (33%), logistics and support functions (29.6%), medications (32.9%), and treatments (28.9%). All messages could be classified; 59.5% of messages addressed 2 or more content areas. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic content analysis of provider and staff electronic messages yields specific insight regarding clinical and administrative work carried out via electronic messaging.

Diabetes, inflammation, and functional decline in older adults: findings from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (ABC) study.

OBJECTIVE: Age, diabetes, and elevated inflammatory markers independently increase the risk of functional decline. We examined the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the incident mobility limitation in older adults with and without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a cohort of 2,895 well-functioning adults aged 70-79 years, followed for development of persistent functional limitation over 3.5 years. Participants were assessed for the presence of diabetes according to fasting glucose and/or hypoglycemic medication use and were divided into three equal groups (tertiles) according to level of CRP or IL-6. Persistent functional limitation was defined as difficulty climbing 10 steps or walking one-quarter mile on two consecutive semiannual assessments. RESULTS: At baseline, 702 participants (24%) had diabetes. CRP values were (median +/- SD) 2.8 +/- 4.4 versus 3.7 +/- 5.4 for those with normal glucose and diabetes, respectively (P < 0.001). The unadjusted incidence of functional limitation associated with increased levels of CRP and IL-6 was greater among participants with diabetes. After adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates, persistent functional limitation for the highest tertile was greater compared with that for the lowest tertile of CRP or IL-6 for those with and without diabetes. CRP hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.3) versus 1.4 (1.1-1.6), respectively. IL-6 HRs were 1.8 (1.3-2.5) versus 1.6 (1.4-2.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In initially high-functioning older adults, those with diabetes and higher inflammatory burden had an increased risk of functional decline. Interventions at early stages to reduce inflammation may preserve function in these individuals.

Prevalence of influenza vaccination in a high-risk population: impact of age and race.

Participants in a Nashville Davidson County survey were queried regarding influenza vaccination, with the goal of developing strategies to improve vaccination coverage in the county. The Metropolitan Public Health Department used a locally adapted version of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in a random-digit-dialing phone survey with a sample of 7901 residents of Davidson County, Tennessee, about health-related behaviors. Out of 7233 fully completed surveys, data for 7016 were analyzed. Thirty-six percent of the respondents were male; 17% were aged 18-24, 40% were aged 25-44, 26% were aged 45-64, and 16% were aged 65 or older. Seventy-six percent were white. Forty-five percent reported a chronic illness, increasing their risk for complications from influenza; 11% had asthma, 7% diabetes, 25% hypercholesterolemia, and 28% hypertension. Predictors for receipt of influenza vaccine were older age, presence of a primary care provider, health insurance, and employment. Those with chronic diseases were more likely to be vaccinated when compared to the general population. Among those 65 and older, blacks were less likely to be vaccinated (OR = 0.57, CI = 0.43, 0.76). The substantial disparity in receipt of influenza vaccine reflects the lack of recommendations and policies for vaccination coverage and suggests the need for greater community-based efforts to improve the preventive health behaviors of healthcare professionals and the public. In addition, new vaccine delivery strategies and systematic vaccination marketing efforts may be needed to increase influenza vaccination rates in communities of color and other underserved populations.

Expectation and outlook: the impact of patient preference on arthritis care among African Americans.

We investigated beliefs of blacks with osteoarthritis (OA) regarding total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. These beliefs potentially related to the known racial disparity in the use of TKR. Ninety-four community-dwelling blacks aged 50 to 89 with knee OA in Harlem, NY, were assessed for arthritis knowledge, expectations, quality of life (QoL), and disability. Subjects have had OA for a median of 6 years and the disability was severe. Only 36% believed that TKR was likely to improve knee pain; 45% stated that TKR would not improve their current health. Mean QoL was 7.6 +/- 1.7 (max 10). Despite debilitating OA, African American patients perceive a high QoL, yet have low expectations from TKR and are therefore less likely to consider TKR as a treatment for OA.

Preferences for arthritis care among urban African Americans: "I don't want to be cut".

Despite greater disability from knee osteoarthritis among Blacks, Whites are 3-5 times more likely to have total knee replacement (TKR). The authors explored whether beliefs among Blacks about arthritis and surgery contribute to this disparity. Ninety-four Blacks, ages 50 to 89, with knee arthritis underwent semistructured qualitative interviews regarding disability, beliefs about arthritis, beliefs about TKR, and treatment preferences. Content analyses yielded 6 themes: preference for natural remedies, negative expectations of surgery, beliefs about God's control, preference for continuing in their current state, relationships with specialists, and fear of surgery or death. Given its high levels of disability, this cohort had low expectations of TKR. Culturally sensitive educational programs might improve patient altitudes and beliefs regarding TKR, ultimately increasing appropriate usage.