Comparative Effectiveness of Virtual Versus In-person Visits for Abdominal Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of telemedicine in improving healthcare access and reducing costs. This study aimed to assess order compliance in the virtual versus in-person setting for the initial evaluation of abdominal pain (AP) prior to and during the pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of virtual and in-person outpatient gastroenterology visits for AP were identified through natural language processing from January 2019 through September 2021 at the Cleveland Clinic main campus and regional hospitals in Ohio. We assessed the number and type of orders placed for patients and measured compliance through order completion. This study received Institutional Review Board approval (IRB 21-514). RESULTS: Among 20,356 patients at their initial visit, 79% had orders placed, of which 40% had pandemic in-person visits, 13% had pandemic virtual visits, and 47% had pre-pandemic in-person visits. Patients seen virtually were 65.1% less likely to complete orders compared to patients seen in-person (p < 0.001) during the pandemic. Patients seen in a pandemic virtual setting were 71.0% less likely to complete imaging orders (p < 0.001), 82.6% less likely to complete procedure orders (p < 0.001), and 60.5% less likely to complete lab orders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with in-person visits, patients seen virtually for their first presentation of AP were less likely to complete labs, imaging, and endoscopic evaluations. In-person visits were more successful with patient order completion during the pandemic. These findings highlight that virtual visits for AP, despite convenience, may compromise care delivery and warrant additional care coordination to achieve compliance with medical recommendations.

The Natural History of Asymptomatic Gallstones: A Longitudinal Study and Prediction Model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the high prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones (AGs), there are limited data on their natural history. We aimed to determine the rate of symptom development in a contemporary population, determine factors associated with progression to symptomatic gallstones (SGs), and develop a clinical prediction model. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort design. The time to first SG was shown using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariable competing risk (death) regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with SGs. A prediction model for the development of SGs after 10 years was generated and calibration curves were plotted. Participants were patients with AGs based on ultrasound or computed tomography from the general medical population. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2016, 22,257 patients (51% female) with AGs were identified; 14.5% developed SG with a median follow-up period of 4.6 years. The cumulative incidence was 10.1% (±0.22%) at 5 years, 21.5% (±0.39%) at 10 years, and 32.6% (±0.83%) at 15 years. In a multivariable model, the strongest predictors of developing SGs were female gender (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.39-1.61), younger age (HR per 5 years, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.14-1.16), multiple stones (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.25-2.61), gallbladder polyps (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.14-3.05), large stones (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.80-2.29), and chronic hemolytic anemia (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.33-2.72). The model showed good discrimination (C-statistic, 0.70) and calibration. CONCLUSIONS: In general medical patients with AGs, symptoms developed at approximately 2% per year. A predictive model with good calibration could be used to inform patients of their risk of SGs.

Video Consent for Colonoscopy Improves Knowledge Retention and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Informed consent for endoscopy is variable across institutions and remains understudied in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This study aims to standardize informed consent for screening and diagnostic colonoscopies with a supplemental video tool that includes the key components of informed consent. METHODS: A video tool was developed that incorporated the key components of informed consent for colonoscopy. In addition, a 7-question survey was developed to query patients on core aspects of informed consent and satisfaction with the informed consent process. Patients undergoing elective outpatient colonoscopy with conscious sedation were randomized to traditional consent or consent with the addition of a video tool. A pilot study determined the sample size. Traditional consent was standard of practice before the procedure. Patients in the video tool group watched the video tool in the preprocedure area followed by traditional consent. Both groups had the opportunity to address questions with the attending physician before the procedure. All patients were contacted 1 to 2 days following the colonoscopy to answer the question survey. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were eligible for participation, and 91 were included in the final data analysis. Subjects in the video tool group demonstrated significantly higher recall of key aspects of informed consent and higher satisfaction with the informed consent process versus the traditional consent group. The history of prior colonoscopy was similar between both groups. Mean endoscopy operation metrics were not negatively impacted by the inclusion of the video tool. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing screening and diagnostic colonoscopies who received informed consent supplemented by a video tool had a higher recall of core aspects of informed consent and higher satisfaction with the process, with no impact on procedural times.

Comparative Effectiveness of Commercial Bowel Preparations in Ambulatory Patients Presenting for Screening or Surveillance Colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) is associated with reduced adenoma detection. However, limited research has examined the impact of different commercial bowel preparations (CBPs) on IBP and adenoma detection. We aim to determine whether type of CBP used is associated with IBP or adenoma detection. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated outpatient, screening or surveillance colonoscopies performed in the Cleveland Clinic health system between January 2011 and June 2017. IBP was defined by the Aronchick scale. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to assess the association between CBP type and IBP and adenoma detection. Fixed effects were defined as demographics, comorbidities, medication use, and colonoscopy factors. Random effect of individual endoscopist was considered. RESULTS: Of 153,639 colonoscopies, 75,874 records met inclusion criteria. Median age was 54; 50% were female; 17.7% had IBP, and adenoma detection rate was 32.6%. In adjusted analyses, compared to GoLYTELY, only NuLYTELY [OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.60, 0.72)] and SuPREP [OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.40, 0.69)] were associated with reduced IBP. Adenoma detection did not vary based on the type of bowel preparation used. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients referred for screening or surveillance colonoscopy, choice of CBP was not associated with adenoma detection. Decisions about CBP should be based on other factors, such as tolerability, cost, or safety.

Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Epidemiology, Etiopathogenesis, and Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a complex array of disease processes with variable epidemiologic penetrance, genetic antecedents, and phenotypic presentations. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of primary and secondary EIMs as well as salient treatment strategies utilized. RECENT FINDINGS: While the genetic antecedents remain incompletely understood, the treatment armamentarium for EIMs has expanded with new pharmaceutical drug classes that effectively treat IBD. EIMs are an increasingly recognized complication of IBD that require prompt recognition, multidisciplinary management, and a multifaceted therapeutic approach. This review highlights the complexities and ramifications of EIM management and offers therapeutic guidance.

Educational Targets to Reduce Medication Errors by General Surgery Residents.

OBJECTIVE: Hospitalized patients are exposed to more than 1 medication error per day, but there are limited data concerning the factors associated with medication order errors made by general surgery residents. The objective of this study was to identify patterns in medication order errors amongst general surgery residents, which may provide educational targets to reduce medication errors by this population of providers. DESIGN: This study used a retrospective cohort design to review inpatient medication orders placed via a computerized physician order entry system by general surgery residents at a single academic medical center from July 2011 to February 2018. SETTING: A single large academic medical center located in the Midwest, United States. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery residents completing residency between July 2011 and February 2018 and their respective inpatient medication orders. RESULTS: Of 571,811 included medication orders placed by 169 unique general surgery residents, 4.2% (n = 24,177) triggered pharmacist intervention, and 11 (0.001%) resulted in significant near-miss events. Of orders requiring pharmacist intervention, most were either duplicate therapies (n = 8703, 36.1%) or errors in renal dosing (n = 7576, 31.3%). Error rates were higher within pharmaceutical classes ordered less frequently, with the notable exception of antimicrobials and anticoagulants, which accounted for 20.1% (n = 5280) and 13.5% (n = 3270) of all order errors, respectively. In a multivariable model, errors were more likely to occur in the intensive care unit versus other units (OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.14-1.29) and in August versus other months (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.01-1.17), but were independent of other resident and order characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that resident medication order errors are common and are associated with specific therapeutic classes, the beginning of academic years, and intensive care unit patients. These findings represent potential targets for educational interventions and highlight the role of interdisciplinary teams in providing quality surgical care.

Modifiable Factors Associated with Quality of Bowel Preparation Among Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) is a common problem in hospitalized patients; however, little is known about how to prevent IBP. In a large, multihospital system, we evaluated the association between modifiable factors and IBP rate. METHODS: We reviewed data from adult (≥18 years) inpatients undergoing colonoscopy between January 2011 and June 2017. Colonoscopies performed in the intensive care unit or lacking descriptions of bowel preparation quality were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with IBP. A counterfactual analysis was performed to assess the potential contribution of modifiable factors to IBP. RESULTS: Of 8,819 patients that were included (median age of 64 years; 50.5% female), 51% had IBP. Patients with IBP stayed in the hospital one day longer than those with adequate bowel preparation (P < .001). Modifiable factors associated with IBP include opiate use within three days of colonoscopy (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.18, 1.45), colonoscopy performed after 12:00 pm (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.1, 1.41), and solid diet the day before colonoscopy (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18, 1.59). In the counterfactual analysis, if all patients avoided these three conditions, adjusted IBP rates were reduced by 5.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Among hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy, IBP rates are high and associated with an increased length of stay. Avoiding opiates before colonoscopy, performing colonoscopy before noon, and maintaining patients on a liquid diet or nil per os might significantly reduce IBP rates.

Association of Adenoma and Proximal Sessile Serrated Polyp Detection Rates With Endoscopist Characteristics.

Importance: Research demonstrates adenoma detection rate (ADR) and proximal sessile serrated polyp detection rate (pSSPDR) are associated with endoscopist characteristics including sex, specialty, and years in practice. However, many studies have not adjusted for other risk factors associated with colonic neoplasia. Objective: To assess the association between endoscopist characteristics and polyp detection after adjusting the factors included in previous studies as well as other factors. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted in the Cleveland Clinic health system with data from individuals undergoing screening colonoscopies between January 2015 and June 2017. The study analyzed data using methods from previous studies that have demonstrated significant associations between endoscopist characteristics and ADR or pSSPDR. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to examine 7 endoscopist characteristics associated with ADRs and pSSPDRs after controlling for patient demographic, clinical, and colonoscopy-associated factors. Exposures: Seven characteristics of endoscopists performing colonoscopy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The ADR and pSSPDR, with a hypothesis created after data collection began. Results: A total of 16 089 colonoscopies were performed in 16 089 patients by 56 clinicians. Of these, 8339 patients were male (51.8%), and the median (range) age of the cohort was 59 (52-66) years. Analyzing the data by the methods used in 4 previous studies yielded an association between endoscopist and polyp detection; surgeons (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.28-0.83]) and nongastroenterologists (OR, 0.50 [95% CI 0.29-0.85]) had reduced odds of pSSPDR, which was similar to results in previous studies. In a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, ADR was not significantly associated with any endoscopist characteristic, and pSSPDR was only associated with years in practice (odds ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.83-0.89] per increment of 10 years; P < .001) and number of annual colonoscopies performed (odds ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.09] per 50 colonoscopies/year; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: The differences in ADRs that were associated with 7 of 7 endoscopist characteristics and differences in pSSPDRs that were associated with 5 of 7 endoscopist characteristics in previous studies may have been associated with residual confounding, because they were not replicated in this analysis. Therefore, these characteristics should not influence the choice of endoscopist for colorectal cancer screening. However, clinicians further from their training and those with lower colonoscopy volumes have lower adjusted pSSPDRs and may need additional training to help increase pSSPDRs.

Patient-Initiated Colonoscopy Scheduling Effectively Increases Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We identified patients without medical record evidence of up-to-date colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and sent an invitation letter to self-schedule a colonoscopy without requiring prior primary care or gastroenterologist consultation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response rate to the letter and factors associated with colonoscopy completion. METHODS: A computer algorithm invited patients not up to date with CRC screening, with an INR < 1.5, and living within 300 miles of the Cleveland Clinic main campus through a letter. Patients scheduled a colonoscopy through a dedicated phone line without any prior physician consultation. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic variables were extracted from the EMR through natural language algorithms. We analyzed the percentage of patients who completed a colonoscopy within 6 months of sending the letter and factors associated with colonoscopy completion. RESULTS: A total of 145,717 letters were sent. 1451 patients were deceased and excluded from analysis. 3.8% (5442) of letter recipients completed a colonoscopy. The strongest factors associated with colonoscopy completion on multivariate analysis included family history of polyps (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.3, 4.2) or CRC (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7, 2.5). Other factors included younger age, male gender, married status, closer distance to endoscopy center, number of visits in the year prior, statin use, and diabetes. There were no immediate procedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-initiated colonoscopy in response to letter invitation for CRC screening is effective and safe with safeguards established a priori. Consultation with a gastroenterologist or primary care physician is not necessary prior to colonoscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate patient-initiated colonoscopy for CRC cancer screening.

Frequency, Timing, and Types of Medication Ordering Errors Made by Residents in the Electronic Medical Records Era.

OBJECTIVES: To describe associations between resident level of training, timing of medication orders, and the types of inpatient medication ordering errors made by internal medicine residents. METHODS: This study reviewed all inpatient medication orders placed by internal medicine residents at a tertiary care academic medical center from July 2011 to June 2015. Medication order errors were measured by pharmacists' reporting of an error via the electronic medical record during real-time surveillance of orders. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess associations between resident training level (postgraduate year [PGY]), medication order timing (time of day and month of year), and rates of medication ordering errors. RESULTS: Of 1,772,462 medication orders placed by 335 residents, 68,545 (3.9%) triggered a pharmacist intervention in the electronic medical record. Overall and for each PGY level, renal dose monitoring/adjustment was the most common order error (40%). Ordering errors were less frequent during the night and transition periods versus daytime (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-0.96, and aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.95, respectively). Errors were more common in July and August compared with other months (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09). Compared with PGY2 residents, both PGY1 (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), and PGY3 residents (aOR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.03-1.10) were more likely to make medication ordering errors. Throughout the course of the academic year, the odds of a medication ordering error decreased by 16% (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Despite electronic medical records, medication ordering errors by trainees remain common. Additional supervision and resident education regarding medication orders may be necessary.

Value-Based Health Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with significant resource utilization and health care burden. It is emerging as a global disease affecting an increasing proportion of the population. Along with evolving epidemiological trends, the paradigm of managing IBD has also changed. With a burgeoning repertoire of therapeutic options, improved use of health informatics, and emphasis on health care value, the treatment paradigm for IBD has experienced seismic shifts. In this review, we focused on value-based health care (VBHC)-a health care model that emphasizes monitoring outcomes to emphasize patient-centered, cost-effective IBD patient care. Several quality initiatives have been developed worldwide, and successful models of care were created for proper implementation of these initiatives. Although there are significant challenges to scale these models to a national level, it is still possible to successfully implement VBHC models within health systems to improve the quality of care provided to patients with IBD.

Using an Adaptive, Self-Directed Web-Based Learning Module to Enhance Residents' Medical Knowledge Prior to a New Clinical Rotation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of self-directed adaptive learning on internal medicine residents' knowledge prior to a new clinical rotation is not known. METHODS: We developed an adaptive, online, self-directed spaced repetition module and determined the effect on medical knowledge acquisition. We randomized postgraduate year 1 internal medicine residents into two groups. The intervention group (n = 27) received an electronic version of the clinical rotation curriculum as portable document format (PDF) files and participated in the online module, delivered via Moodle, a free, open-source learning management system. The non-intervention group (n = 27) only received the PDF files. All residents participated in a medical knowledge test at baseline and 3 months later. RESULTS: Both groups were similar at study baseline in terms of age, trainee type, years since graduation, results at United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, 2, In-Training Examination (ITE), and pre-intervention evaluation. There was a statistically significant improvement in scores on the post-intervention medical knowledge assessment for the intervention group when compared with the non-intervention group (24.2 ± 15.4% vs. 8.6 ± 9.9%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: An online, self-directed, adaptive spaced repetition-learning module can offer a simple and effective method to increase the medical knowledge present at the start of residents' clinical rotations.

Recipient But Not Donor Adiponectin Polymorphisms Are Associated With Early Posttransplant Hepatic Steatosis in Patients Transplanted for Non-Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Indications.

OBJECTIVES: De novo steatosis after liver transplant is common and can occur in up to one-third of patients who are transplanted for liver disease other than for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Genetic factors may influence posttransplant steatosis; in a posttransplant setting, donor or recipient genetic factors could also play roles. Genetic polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene have been associated with metabolic syndrome in the pretransplant setting. We aimed to assess the association between donor and recipient adiponectin polymorphisms and early posttransplant hepatic steatosis identified on liver biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected for 302 liver transplant patients who underwent protocol biopsies for hepatitis C. Of these, 111 patients had available biopsies and donor/recipient DNA. Patients with grade 1 steatosis or greater (35% of patients) were compared with patients without posttransplant steatosis with respect to clinical features and donor/recipient adiponectin polymorphism genotypes. RESULTS: Patients who developed posttransplant steatosis and those without steatosis were similar with respect to individual components of metabolic syndrome. The adiponectin polymorphisms rs1501299 G/G and rs17300539 G/G genotypes in recipients were associated with early posttransplant graft steatosis. We found no associations between graft steatosis and donor adiponectin polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene of recipients (but not donors) are associated with early de novo posttransplant hepatic steatosis, independent of components of metabolic syndrome.

Mechanisms and Management of Acute Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis represents a disorder characterized by acute necroinflammatory changes of the pancreas and is histologically characterized by acinar cell destruction. Diagnosed clinically with the Revised Atlanta Criteria, and with alcohol and cholelithiasis/choledocholithiasis as the two most prominent antecedents, acute pancreatitis ranks first amongst gastrointestinal diagnoses requiring admission and 21st amongst all diagnoses requiring hospitalization with estimated costs approximating 2.6 billion dollars annually. Complications arising from acute pancreatitis follow a progression from pancreatic/peripancreatic fluid collections to pseudocysts and from pancreatic/peripancreatic necrosis to walled-off necrosis that typically occur over the course of a 4-week interval. Treatment relies heavily on fluid resuscitation and nutrition with advanced endoscopic techniques and cholecystectomy utilized in the setting of gallstone pancreatitis. When necessity dictates a drainage procedure (persistent abdominal pain, gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction, biliary obstruction, and infection), an endoscopic ultrasound with advanced endoscopic techniques and technology rather than surgical intervention is increasingly being utilized to manage symptomatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis by performing a cystogastrostomy.

Gallstones: Watch and wait, or intervene?

Gallstones are common in the United States, affecting an estimated 1 in 7 adults. Fortunately, they are asymptomatic in up to 80% of cases, and current guidelines do not recommend cholecystectomy unless they cause symptoms. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones, acute cholecystitis, and gallstone pancreatitis.

Extraosseous Calcification of the Esophagus: Clinicopathologic Correlates of Esophageal Mucosal Calcinosis.

Esophageal mucosal calcinosis (EMC) is a rare cause of dysphagia with high morbidity. We present a patient who experienced melena and 3 months of solid and liquid dysphagia along with bilateral lower extremity pain, erythema, and edema later determined to be calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), or calciphylaxis. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed nodularity and linear ulcerations in the upper third of the esophagus. Histology showed active inflammation and ulceration with small foci of subepithelial and intraepithelial calcification consistent with EMC. There is no known treatment for this disorder. Sodium thiosulfate, typically used to treat CUA, did not improve her dysphagia.