Developing and describing a typology of lucid episodes among people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined lucid episodes among people living with late-stage Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PLWD) and then developed a typology of these episodes to help characterize them. METHODS: Family caregivers of PLWD provided information about witnessed episodes, including proximity to death, cognitive status, duration, communication quality, and circumstances prior to lucid episodes on up to two episodes (caregiver N = 151; episode N = 279). Latent class analysis was used to classify and characterize empirically distinct clusters of lucid episodes. RESULTS: Four lucid episode types were identified. The most common type occurred during visits with family and among PLWD who lived > 6 months after the episode. The least common type coincided with family visits and occurred within 7 days of the PLWD's death. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that multiple types of lucid episodes exist; not all signal impending death; and some, but not all, are precipitated by external stimuli.

A Single-Center Retrospective Evaluation of Decision-Making and Factors Motivating Hand Transplant Candidates.

INTRODUCTION: Advancements in vascularized composite allotransplantation have made hand transplants possible for persons living with upper limb loss. Hand transplantation is not a life-saving procedure, but rather a quality-of-life enhancing procedure; hence the risk of morbidity and mortality must be weighed against improvements in function and appearance. This study explored the decision-making process of patients evaluated for hand transplantation. METHODS/APPROACH: A qualitative case series study using retrospective chart data of evaluations was conducted between January 1, 2011 and February 28, 2020. Notes were extracted and read by three reviewers. Each case was summarized noting similarities and differences. FINDINGS: Nine patients underwent evaluation. Eight were no longer under evaluation and did not receive transplant; one was still undergoing evaluation. Patient motivations for evaluation were dissatisfaction with prostheses or self-image, chronic pain, performing activities of daily living, occupation, burden placed on caregivers, and concerns about overuse of non-affected limbs. Patients chose not to pursue transplantation due to rehabilitation time, immunosuppression, alternative treatments, and social and financial challenges. The clinical team discontinued evaluations due to unmet evaluation requirements, medical contraindications, or treatment alternatives. Different modes of shared decision-making were present depending on the party most heavily featured in the charts as driving decisions. DISCUSSION: This was an examination of shared decision-making with hand transplant candidates who did not proceed to transplant. Reasons for choosing alternative strategies for management were multifactorial. Lessons learned regarding patient motivations and shared decision-making can inform future interventions to better support patients.

Acute Kidney Injury Survivor Care Following Hospital Discharge: A Mixed-Methods Study of Nephrologists and Primary Care Providers.

Rationale & Objective: Widespread delivery of high-quality care for acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors after hospital discharge requires a multidisciplinary team. We aimed to compare management approaches between nephrologists and primary care providers (PCPs) and explored strategies to optimize collaboration. Study Design: Explanatory sequential mixed-methods study using a case-based survey followed by semi-structured interviews. Setting & Participants: Nephrologists and PCPs providing AKI survivor care at 3 Mayo Clinic sites and the Mayo Clinic Health System were included. Outcomes: Survey questions and interviews elucidated participants' recommendations for post-AKI care. Analytical Approach: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey responses. Qualitative data analysis used deductive and inductive strategies. A connecting and merging approach was used for mixed-methods data integration. Results: 148 of 774 (19%) providers submitted survey responses (24/72 nephrologists and 105/705 PCPs). Nephrologists and PCPs recommended laboratory monitoring and follow-up with a PCP shortly after hospital discharge. Both indicated that the need for nephrology referral, and its timing should be dictated by clinical and non-clinical patient-specific factors. There were opportunities for improvement in medication and comorbid condition management in both groups. Incorporation of multidisciplinary specialists (eg, pharmacists) was recommended to expand knowledge, optimize patient-centered care, and alleviate provider workload. Limitations: Survey findings may have been affected by non-response bias and the unique challenges facing clinicians and health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were from a single health system, and their views or experiences may differ from those in other health systems or serving different populations. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team-based model of post-AKI care may facilitate implementation of a patient-centered care plan, improve adherence to best practices, and reduce clinician and patient burden. Individualizing care for AKI survivors based on clinical and non-clinical patient-specific factors is needed to optimize outcomes for patients and health systems.

Caregiver appraisals of lucid episodes in people with late-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Introduction: Little is known about how family caregivers who witness unexpected and spontaneous communication among people in late stages of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) appraise these episodes of lucidity (EL). Methods: In an electronic, cross-sectional survey for former and current caregivers who participate in UsAgainstAlzheimer's A-LIST®, participants who reported witnessing an EL were asked how positive and stressful ELs were, if they made or changed decisions based on an EL, and what resources they sought out to explain ELs. Results: Caregivers reported 72% of ELs to be quite a bit or very positive, 17% to be stressful, and 10% to be both stressful and positive. Twelve percent of caregivers changed care plans because of ELs and 13% sought out information about ELs. Discussion: These exploratory data suggest caregiver reactions to EL vary. Caregivers may change or postpone care decisions due to EL, and few resources exist to address caregiver queries about EL.

Optimising transitions of care for acute kidney injury survivors: protocol for a mixed-methods study of nephrologist and primary care provider recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects nearly 20% of all hospitalised patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Long-term complications can be partially attributed to gaps in kidney-focused care and education during transitions. Building capacity across the healthcare spectrum by engaging a broad network of multidisciplinary providers to facilitate optimal follow-up care represents an important mechanism to address this existing care gap. Key participants include nephrologists and primary care providers and in-depth study of each specialty's approach to post-AKI care is essential to optimise care processes and healthcare delivery for AKI survivors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study uses survey and interview methodology to assess nephrologist and primary care provider recommendations for post-AKI care, including KAMPS (kidney function assessment, awareness and education, medication review, blood pressure monitoring and sick day education) elements of follow-up, the role of multispecialty collaboration, and views on care process-specific and patient-specific factors influencing healthcare delivery. Nephrologists and primary care providers will be surveyed to assess recommendations and clinical decision-making in the context of post-AKI care. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact test will be used to compare results between groups. This will be followed by semistructured interviews to gather rich, qualitative data that explains and/or connects results from the quantitative survey. Both deductive analysis and inductive analysis will occur to identify and compare themes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been reviewed and deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board at Mayo Clinic (IRB 20-0 08 793). The study was deemed exempt due to the sole use of survey and interview methodology. Results will be disseminated in presentations and manuscript form through peer-reviewed publication.

Development and Feasibility of a Multidisciplinary Approach to AKI Survivorship in Care Transitions: Research Letter.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors are at heightened risk for poor short- and long-term health outcomes. Even among those who recover after an AKI episode, the risk for chronic kidney disease is 4- to 6-fold higher than in patients without AKI, underscoring the importance of identifying methods to improve AKI survivorship. Objective: The purpose of this report was to describe the development and feasibility of a novel multidisciplinary approach to caring for AKI survivors at care transitions (ACT). Design: Observational process improvement initiative. Setting: Single academic medical center in the United States. Patients: The studied population was adults with stage 3 AKI not discharging on dialysis who were established with a primary care provider (PCP) at our institution. Methods: An electronic health record tool was developed prior to implementation to identify AKI survivors. The ACT program encompassed engaging patients in the hospital, delivering education by nephrology-trained nurses before discharge, completing recommended laboratory testing after discharge, and conducting structured kidney-focused follow-up with a pharmacist and a PCP within 7 to 14 days after discharge. Patients could be referred for nephrology evaluation at the discretion of the PCP. Results: Preliminary data demonstrated that most AKI survivors of interest could be identified, educated, and followed up with this model. This strategy appeared feasible, scalable, and maximized the unique expertise of each member of the multidisciplinary team. Limitations: Small sample size, future assessment of process, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes needed. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary ACT workflow supported by clinical decision support was feasible and addressed gaps in existing care transition models. Team-based care delivery in primary care appears to be a mechanism to extend the capacity for kidney health monitoring for AKI survivors.

Contexte: Les patients qui survivent à un épisode d'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) courent un risque plus élevé de mauvais résultats cliniques à court et à long terme. Même chez les patients qui se rétablissent, le risque de progression vers l'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) demeure de quatre à six fois plus élevé que chez les patients n'ayant jamais eu d'épisode d'IRA. Il est donc essentiel d'identifier des méthodes permettant d'améliorer la survie à un épisode d'IRA. Objectif: L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire l'élaboration et la faisabilité d'une nouvelle approche multidisciplinaire pour la prise en charge des survivants d'un épisode d'IRA en transition de soins (Approche multidisciplinaire en Transition de Soins­AmTS). Type d'étude: Initiative d'amélioration des processus menée par observation. Cadre: Un seul centre médical universitaire aux États-Unis. Sujets: La population étudiée était constituée d'adultes atteints d'IRA de stade 3 sans traitements de dialyse à leur sortie et qui avaient été mis en contact avec un fournisseur de soins primaires (FSP) dans l'établissement. Méthodologie: Avant la mise en œuvre de l'intervention, un outil de dossier de santé électronique a été développé pour identifier les survivants à un épisode d'IRA. Le programme de l'AmTS comprenait la participation des patients pendant leur séjour à l'hôpital, une formation donnée par des infirmières formées en néphrologie avant le congé, les tests de laboratoire recommandés après la sortie de l'hôpital et un suivi structuré axé sur la santé rénale avec un pharmacien et un FSP dans les 7 à 14 jours suivant la sortie de l'hôpital. Il a été laissé à la discrétion des FSP d'aiguiller ou non leurs patients pour une évaluation en néphrologie. Résultats: Des données préliminaires ont démontré qu'il était possible d'identifier, d'informer et d'assurer le suivi de la plupart des sujets d'intérêt (des survivants à un épisode d'IRA) avec ce modèle. Cette stratégie a semblé réalisable, évolutive et apte à optimiser l'expertise individuelle des membres de l'équipe multidisciplinaire. Limites: Faible taille de l'échantillon; une évaluation future du processus, des résultats cliniques et des résultats rapportés par les patients est nécessaire. Conclusion: Le processus de cette AmTS soutenue par une aide à la prise de décision clinique s'est avéré réalisable et a permis de combler les lacunes des modèles de transition des soins existants. Dans le contexte des soins primaires, la prestation de soins en équipe semble être un mécanisme permettant d'étendre la capacité de surveillance de la santé rénale des survivants à un épisode d'IRA.

Randomized comparison of a reduced-visit prenatal care model enhanced with remote monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Standard prenatal care, consisting of 12-14 visits per pregnancy, is expensive and resource intensive, with limited evidence supporting the structure, rhythm, or components of care. Some studies suggest a reduced-frequency prenatal care model is as safe as the standard model of care for low-risk pregnant women, but evidence is limited. We developed and evaluated an innovative, technology-enhanced, reduced prenatal visit model (OB Nest). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of OB Nest, a reduced-frequency prenatal care model enhanced with remote home monitoring devices and nursing support. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center randomized controlled trial, composed of pregnant women, aged 18-36 years, recruited from an outpatient obstetric tertiary academic center in the Midwest United States. OB Nest care consisted of 8 onsite appointments with an obstetric provider; 6 virtual visits consisting of phone or online communication with an assigned nurse, supplemented with fetal Doppler and sphygmomanometer home monitoring devices; and access to an online community of pregnant women. Usual care consisted of 12 prescheduled prenatal clinic appointments with obstetric providers. Acceptability of OB Nest was measured by validated surveys of patient satisfaction with care at 36 weeks; perception of stress at 14, 24, and 36 weeks; and perceived quality of care at 36 weeks of gestation. Effectiveness was analyzed by comparing adherence to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended routine prenatal and ancillary services, maternal and fetal safety outcomes, and healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Three hundred pregnant women at <13 weeks of gestation were recruited and randomized to OB Nest or usual care (150 in each arm) using a minimization algorithm. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Compared to usual care, patients in OB Nest had higher satisfaction on a 100-point validated modified Littlefield and Adams Satisfaction scale (OB Nest = 93.9% vs usual care = 78.9%, P < .01). Pregnancy-related stress, measured, on a 0-2 point PreNatal Maternal Stress validated scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of stress, was lower among OB Nest participants at 14 weeks (OB Nest = 0.32 vs usual care = 0.41, P < .01) and at 36 weeks of gestation (OB Nest = 0.34 vs usual care = 0.40, P < .03). There was no statistical difference in perceived quality of care. Adherence to the provision of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists prenatal services was similar in both arms. Maternal and fetal clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Total reported nursing time was higher in OB Nest (OB Nest = 171.2 minutes vs usual care = 108.2 minutes, 95% confidence interval, 48.7-77.4). CONCLUSION: OB Nest is an innovative, acceptable, and effective reduced-frequency prenatal care model. Compared to routine prenatal care, OB Nest resulted in higher patient satisfaction and lower prenatal stress, while reducing the number of appointments with clinicians and maintaining care standards for pregnant women. This program is a step toward evidence-driven prenatal care that improves patient satisfaction.

Understanding experiences of patients and family caregivers in the Mayo Clinic Care Transitions program: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Care transitions programs are increasingly used to improve care and reduce re-admission of patients after hospitalization. To learn from the experience of patients who have participated in the Mayo Clinic Care Transitions (MCCT) program and to understand the patient experience, we sought perspectives of patients, caregivers, and providers who worked with participants of the MCCT program. METHODS: Investigators interviewed 17 patients and nine of their caregivers about their experience with the MCCT program. Eight health care providers described provider experiences with the MCCT program. Data from semistructured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and evaluated through content analysis. Inductive coding methods were used to elicit themes about patient experience with the MCCT program. RESULTS: Patients, caregivers, and providers emphasized that the MCCT program prevented hospitalizations and contributed to the health and quality of life of participants. All three stakeholder groups emphasized the value of the home visit and provision of the visit on a patient's "home turf" as central to the program. Patients appreciated speaking to a provider without the stress and exertion of a trip to the clinic. Caregivers appreciated improved communication provided in the home visit and felt that home visits gave them peace of mind. Patients, caregivers, and providers also identified the need for improved phone triage and communication. CONCLUSION: Patients, caregivers, and providers acknowledged the care transitions problem and emphasized the benefits of seeing patients on their home turf rather than in an office visit. This qualitative study of patient, caregiver, and provider experiences further validates the importance of the MCCT program.

Choosing a women's health career.

BACKGROUND: In 2005, in response to a decline in residency applications in obstetrics and gynecology (OB GYN), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Presidential Task Force outlined strategies for attracting medical students to OB GYN. Application rates have increased since then, but little is known about which interventions are effective. We aimed to identify modifiable and nonmodifiable variables that may contribute to students choosing OB GYN for their careers; this information could be used to inform curriculum design, faculty development, and innovative exposures to women's health. METHODS: This qualitative study received institutional review board approval. Eligible participants were students who applied or recently matched into OB GYN residency programs from the class of 2014-2016 at our institution. Students were interviewed with open-ended questions and a Likert-type survey. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten qualitative interviews were completed and analyzed. Intrinsic themes such as the potential for a meaningful job in women's health, advocacy for women, or empowerment of women were identified as factors contributing to participant career choice. Extrinsic themes such as positive impressions during the clinical clerkship and welcoming teams were also identified. Most students indicated that the clerkship was the most influential experience. CONCLUSIONS: Participants identified important events, including some that even preceded medical school that guided them toward OB GYN. The data guide us to consider the importance of emphasizing the unique combination of characteristics in OB GYN and improving the learning environment in the clerkship as a way to encourage student recruitment.

Increasing the Connectivity and Autonomy of RNs with Low-Risk Obstetric Patients.

: Objective: RNs are adopting an ever-larger role in health care models designed to reduce costs, increase patient satisfaction, and improve patient outcomes. Most research exploring such models has focused on those involving physicians or advanced practice nurses rather than RNs. This study explored the perspectives of patients, RNs, and other providers regarding a new prenatal connected care model for low-risk patients aimed at reducing in-office visits and creating virtual patient-RN connections. METHODS: This qualitative evaluation was performed as part of a larger randomized controlled trial of the new care model. Individual interviews and asynchronous online focus groups were conducted with a total of 41 patients, up to 10 unit and connected care RNs, and up to 17 other providers (up to eight physicians and nine certified nurse midwives [CNMs]). RESULTS: Thematic analysis indicated that patients in the new care model valued connectedness and relationships with the connected care RNs, including the ability to contact them as needed outside the office setting. Patients also valued their relationships with physicians and CNMs. Physicians appreciated having more time to care for higher-risk patients, and the connected care RNs appreciated being able to work to a fuller scope of practice, although participants in all provider groups suggested the increased use of protocols and other systems to ensure patient safety and improve communication among providers. CONCLUSIONS: A prenatal connected care model for low-risk women allowed patients to decrease the number of scheduled in-person clinic visits with physicians or CNMs while building stronger nurse-patient relationships through virtual connected care visits with an RN. The results included increased patient satisfaction and greater autonomy for RNs, allowing them to work to a fuller scope of practice. Although the new model gave physicians more time in which to see higher-risk patients, CNM-patient relationships may have been limited.

Impact of childhood psoriasis on parents of affected children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) of parents. How pediatric psoriasis affects a parent's QoL is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of childhood psoriasis on the lives of the parents. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 31 parents of children with psoriasis. Narrative data were analyzed and a conceptual framework of the effects of childhood psoriasis on parents was developed. RESULTS: All parents reported that their child's psoriasis caused a substantial, negative impact on their own QoL. A conceptual framework showed a negative impact on health and self-care, emotional well-being, family and social function, personal well-being, and life pursuits. Emotional well-being was the most affected domain. LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to correlate psoriasis severity with parental QoL. CONCLUSION: Childhood psoriasis alters the QoL of parents in multiple ways. Information from this study can be used to develop a QoL instrument to explore treatment and support strategies for families affected by pediatric psoriasis.

Short-term and long-term effectiveness of a post-hospital care transitions program in an older, medically complex population.

BACKGROUND: Care transition programs can potentially reduce 30 day readmission; however, the effect on long-term hospital readmissions is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: We compared short-term (30 day) and long-term (180 day) utilization of participants enrolled in care transitions versus those matched referents eligible but not enrolled. DESIGN: This cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2011 until June 30, 2013 within a primary care academic practice. PARTICIPANTS: Patients at high risk for hospital readmission based on age and comorbid health conditions had participated in care transitions group (cases) or usual care (referent). MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcomes were 30, 90, and 180 day hospital readmissions.. Secondary outcomes included: mortality; emergency room visits and days; combined rehospitalizations and emergency room visits; and total intensive care unit days. Cox proportional hazard models using propensity score matching were used to assess rehospitalization, emergency room visits and mortality. Poisson regression models were used to compare the numbers of hospital days. KEY RESULTS: Compared to referent (n=365), Mayo Clinic Care Transitions patients exhibited a lower 30 day rehospitalization rate compared to referent; 12.4% (95% CI 8.9-15.7) versus 20.1% (95% CI 15.8-24.1%), respectively (P=0.002). At 180-days, there was no difference in rehospitalization between transitions and referent; 39.9% (95% CI 34.6-44.9%) versus 44.8% (95% CI 39.4-49.8%), (P=0.07). CONCLUSION: We observed a reduction in 30 day rehospitalization rates among those enrolled in care transitions compared to referent. However, this effect was not sustained at 180 days. More work is needed to identify how the intervention can be sustained beyond 30 days.

Effect of multiple chronic diseases on health care expenditures in childhood.

OBJECTIVES: To examine multiple chronic conditions and related health care expenditures in children. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all dependents of Mayo Clinic employees aged 0-17 on Jan 1, 2004 with continuous health benefits coverage for 4 years (N=14,727). Chronic conditions, health care utilization, and associated expenditures were obtained from medical and pharmacy claims. RESULTS: The most prevalent chronic conditions were asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12%), allergic rhinitis (11%), and behavior problems (9%). The most costly conditions were congenital anomalies, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and behavior problems ($9602, $4335, and $5378 annual cost per child, respectively). Annual health care expenditures increased substantially with the number of chronic conditions, and a small proportion of children with multiple chronic conditions accounted for a large proportion of health care costs. In addition, those with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to persist in the top 10th percentile spender group in year-to-year spending. CONCLUSION: Children with multiple chronic conditions accounted for a large proportion of health care expenditures. These children were also likely to persist as high spenders in the 4-year time frame. Further research into effective ways to manage the health care delivery for children with multiple chronic conditions is needed.

A qualitative study of traditional healing practices among American Indians with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE: Although chronic pain is prevalent among American Indian (AI) populations, the use of traditional healing practices has not been widely investigated. The aim of this qualitative study was to solicit information from adult AIs with chronic pain regarding use of traditional health practices (THPs) for chronic pain and pain reduction. DESIGN: Prospective qualitative design. SETTING: The Min No Aya Win Human Services Center, Fond du Lac Band Reservation in Cloquet, MN, and the Center for American Indian Resources, Duluth, MN. PATIENTS: The cohort included 21 (10 women and 11 men) AI patients with chronic pain. INTERVENTION: A semi-structured interview guide was developed, and audiotaped interviews were conducted with all patients. OUTCOME MEASURE: Audiotaped interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis strategies were used to identify core concepts and categories for coding interview data. A qualitative software analysis program was used to facilitate data coding. RESULTS: A range of THP were described including smudging (burning sage), sweat lodge (ceremonial sauna), sema (ceremonial tobacco), feasting (strengthening process), pipes (ceremonial herb and tobacco), storytelling (nonhierarchical environment for verbal communication), and contact with a traditional healer (elder spiritual leader). The majority of individuals from the Reservation described prior exposure to THP; however, the majority of urban individuals reported limited exposure. Although the majority of individuals endorsed inclusion of THP in ambulatory-based pain treatment programs, recommendations for inclusion of specific practices were not systematically identified. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this qualitative study suggest AIs from this tribal community utilize THP, but which specific THPs should be included in an ambulatory-based pain treatment program will require further research.

Application of a novel socioeconomic measure using individual housing data in asthma research: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: A housing-based socioeconomic index (HOUSES) was previously developed to overcome an absence of socioeconomic status (SES) measures in common databases. HOUSES is associated with child health outcomes in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, but generalisability to other geographic areas is unclear. AIM: To assess whether HOUSES is associated with asthma outcomes outside Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA. METHODS: Using a random sample of children with asthma from Sanford Children's Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, USA, asthma status was determined. The primary outcome was asthma control status using Asthma Control Test and a secondary outcome was risk of persistent asthma. Home address information and property data were merged to formulate HOUSES. Other SES measures were examined: income, parental education (PE), Hollingshead and Nakao-Treas index. RESULTS: Of a random sample of 200 children, 80 (40%) participated in the study. Of those, 13% had poorly controlled asthma. Addresses of 94% were matched with property data. HOUSES had moderate-good correlation with other SES measures except PE. Poor asthma control rates were 31.6%, 4.8% and 5.6% for patients in the lowest, intermediate and highest tertiles of HOUSES, respectively (P=0.023). HOUSES as a continuous variable was inversely associated with poorly controlled asthma (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.21 per 1 unit increase of HOUSES, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05-0.89, P=0.035). HOUSES as a continuous variable was inversely related to risk of persistent asthma (OR: 0.36 per 1 unit increase of HOUSES, 95% CI, 0.12-1.04, P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: HOUSES appears to be generalisable and available as a measure of SES in asthma research in the absence of conventional SES measures.

Risk-stratification methods for identifying patients for care coordination.

BACKGROUND: Care coordination is a key component of the patient-centered medical home. However, the mechanism for identifying primary care patients who may benefit the most from this model of care is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of several risk-adjustment/stratification instruments in predicting healthcare utilization. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. METHODS: All adults empaneled in 2009 and 2010 (n = 83,187) in a primary care practice were studied. We evaluated 6 models: Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACGs), Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs), Elder Risk Assessment, Chronic Comorbidity Count, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Minnesota Health Care Home Tiering. A seventh model combining Minnesota Tiering with ERA score was also assessed. Logistic regression models using demographic characteristics and diagnoses from 2009 were used to predict healthcare utilization and costs for 2010 with binary outcomes (emergency department [ED] visits, hospitalizations, 30-day readmissions, and highcost users in the top 10%), using the C statistic and goodness of fit among the top decile. RESULTS: The ACG model outperformed the others in predicting hospitalizations with a C statistic range of 0.67 (CMS-HCC) to 0.73. In predicting ED visits, the C statistic ranged from 0.58 (CMSHCC) to 0.67 (ACG). When predicting the top 10% highest cost users, the performance of the ACG model was good (area under the curve = 0.81) and superior to the others. CONCLUSIONS: Although ACG models generally performed better in predicting utilization, use of any of these models will help practices implement care coordination more efficiently.

'They leave at least believing they had a part in the discussion': understanding decision aid use and patient-clinician decision-making through qualitative research.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores how patient decision aids (DAs) for antihyperglycemic agents and statins, designed for use during clinical consultations, are embedded into practice, examining how patients and clinicians understand and experience DAs in primary care visits. METHODS: We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with patients (n=22) and primary care clinicians (n=19), and videorecorded consultations (n=44). Two researchers coded all transcripts. Inductive analyses guided by grounded theory led to the identification of themes. Video and interview data were compared and organized by themes. RESULTS: DAs used during consultations became flexible artifacts, incorporated into existing decision making roles for clinicians (experts, authority figures, persuaders, advisors) and patients (drivers of healthcare, learners, partners). DAs were applied to different decision making steps (deliberation, bargaining, convincing, case assessment), and introduced into an existing knowledge context (participants' literacy regarding shared decision-making (SDM) and DAs). CONCLUSION: DAs' flexible use during consultations effectively provided space for discussion, even when SDM was not achieved. DAs can be used within any decision-making model. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clinician training in DA use and SDM practice may be needed to facilitate DA implementation and promote more ideal-type forms of sharing in decision making.

Telemonitoring increases patient awareness of health and prompts health-related action: initial evaluation of the TELE-ERA study.

INTRODUCTION: Telemonitoring is being increasingly used for chronic disease monitoring. Understanding elderly patients' feelings and perspectives toward telemonitoring is important to minimize any barriers to implementation in this population. METHODS: Twenty Tele-Era Trial participants completed qualitative interviews assessing opinions about their telemonitoring experience. Participants also rated telemonitoring on burden, communication with clinicians, impact on medical condition knowledge, and confidence in using the monitor. RESULTS: On an average, participants rated telemonitoring as minimally burdensome, rated themselves confident in using the monitor, and positively rated telemonitoring for clinical communication. Qualitative analysis revealed a predominant theme that telemonitoring increases patient awareness of their health and also that telemonitoring prompts action. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients find home telemonitoring to be an acceptable and satisfying experience that can increase their awareness of their health and provide a sense of safety in their home. Home telemonitoring can lead to earlier evaluation of decline in health status.

Effect of multiple chronic conditions among working-age adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the longitudinal effect on healthcare costs of multiple chronic conditions among adults aged 18 to 64 years. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort assessment of working-age employees and their dependents with continuous coverage in a self-funded health plan from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2007. Data were obtained from health benefit enrollment files and from medical and pharmacy claims. METHODS: Individuals were defined as having chronic conditions based on modification of a published method. The mean annual healthcare costs were estimated for individuals with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more chronic conditions. The probability of persistence in high-cost categories across years was estimated for individuals in each group. RESULTS: Overall, 75.3% of working-age adult enrollees had at least 1 chronic condition, 54.3% had multiple chronic conditions, and 16.5% had 5 or more chronic conditions. The cost of healthcare was higher among individuals with more chronic conditions for all ages. The mean medical cost per year for an individual with no chronic conditions was $2137, while that for an individual with 5 or more chronic conditions was $21,183. Enrollees with more chronic conditions had higher persistence in high-cost categories between years and persisted at these high costs for more years. CONCLUSIONS: While multiple chronic conditions are common in the population 65 years and older, they are also of great concern for the working-age population. Understanding how to effectively manage individuals with multiple chronic conditions is an important challenge. Effective care management focused on managing the patient as opposed to a condition has the potential to significantly affect healthcare costs.