Aiming to Improve Readmissions Through InteGrated Hospital Transitions (AIRTIGHT): a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite years of intense focus, inpatient and observation readmission rates remain high and largely unchanged. Hospitals have little, robust evidence to guide the selection of interventions effective at reducing 30-day readmissions in real-world settings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if implementation of recent recommendations for hospital transition programs is effective at reducing 30-day readmissions in a population discharged to home and at high-risk for readmission. DESIGN: A non-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial ( Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT02763202) conducted at two hospitals in Charlotte, North Carolina. PATIENTS: A total of 1876 adult patients, under the care of a hospitalist, and at high risk for readmissions. INTERVENTION: Random allocation to a Transition Services (TS) program (n = 935) that bridges inpatient, outpatient, and home settings, providing patients virtual and in-person access to a dedicated multidisciplinary team for 30-days, or usual care (n = 941). MAIN MEASURE: Thirty-day, unplanned, inpatient, or observation readmission rate. KEY RESULTS: The 30-day readmission rate was 15.2% in the TS group and 16.3% in the usual care group (RR 0.93; 95% [CI, 0.76 to 1.15]; P = 0.52). There were no significant differences in readmissions at 60 and 90 days or in 30-day Emergency Department visit rates. Patients, who were referred to TS and readmitted, had less Intensive Care Unit admissions 15.5% vs. 26.8% (RR 0.74; 95% [CI, 0.59 to 0.93]; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: An intervention inclusive of contemporary recommendations does not reduce a high-risk population's 30-day readmission rate. The high crossover to usual care (74.8%) reflects the challenge of non-participation that is ubiquitous in the real-world implementation of population health interventions. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov ; registration ID number: NCT02763202, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02763202.

Aiming to Improve Readmissions Through InteGrated Hospital Transitions (AIRTIGHT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hospital readmissions remain highly prevalent despite being the target of policies and financial penalties. Evidence comparing the effectiveness and costs of interventions to reduce readmissions is lacking, leaving healthcare systems with little guidance on how to improve quality and avoid costly penalties. Effective interventions likely need to bridge inpatient and outpatient settings, incorporate information technology, and use dedicated providers. Such complex innovations will require rigorous evaluation. The framework of quality improvement research provides an approach that both improves care locally and contributes to closing the current knowledge gaps for readmissions. In this trial, we will study a comprehensive intervention that incorporates these recommendations into an integrated practice unit, called transition services, with an aim of reducing 30-day readmission rates. METHODS/DESIGN: We describe a nonblinded, pragmatic, controlled trial with two parallel groups comprising an evaluation of the effect of referral to a provider-led integrated practice unit, inclusive of comprehensive multidisciplinary care, dedicated paramedicine providers, and virtual visits, on 30-day readmission rates for high-risk hospitalized patients. An automated risk-scoring system will randomly generate referrals to either transition services or usual care for 1520 hospitalized patients who score as high-risk for readmission. Transition services will then engage with patients in the hospital setting using a patient navigator and provide bridging outpatient services for the 30 days following discharge. All outcome data are retrieved electronically from administrative medical records. After reapplication of inclusion and exclusion criteria at the time of hospital discharge, analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle such that patients will be analyzed on the basis of the referral group to which they were initially randomized. DISCUSSION: The hospital transition program under study is complex and integrates the latest recommendations for readmission reduction strategies. As healthcare systems innovate to address readmissions through such complex interventions, there is significant benefit for stakeholders to have a clear understanding of the potential reach, cost, and real-world effectiveness. The pragmatic methods described here provide a template for conducting quality improvement research that fits seamlessly into existing care delivery and improvement efforts, leading to better-informed strategic decisions and the investments necessary to transform care and value for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02763202 . Registered 3 March 2016 (retrospectively registered).

Risk of postoperative bleeding after dental procedures in patients on warfarin: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures in warfarinized patients and the possible risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: The CoaguChek System was used to obtain an in-office international normalized ratio (INR) value for 122 patients (240 appointments), of which the mean age was 57.0 ± 15.9 years and 50% were males. Demographic and clinical information were obtained retrospectively from dental and medical records. RESULTS: Five episodes (mean INR: 2.0 ± 0.8) of persistent bleeding were identified; 4 were after extractions and 1 was after implant placement. The frequency of bleeding was 4.8%, if only considering surgical procedures. Postoperative bleeding was significantly higher (P < .05) in patients who were taking anti-thrombotic medications in addition to warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of persistent bleeding after invasive dental procedures in warfarinized patients but the risk appears to increase with the use of concomitant anti-thrombotic medications.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and oral bleeding complications after invasive dental treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of oral bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, we included dental patients who had invasive dental treatment and were taking an SSRI medication. Data collected included demographics, medical history, dental visits and procedures, and use of adjunctive measures to control bleeding. Primary outcomes included documentation of return visits or phone calls to the dental clinic or emergency department (ED) for oral bleeding, and oral bleeding or use of blood products for inpatients. RESULTS: There were 92 patients taking SSRIs who had 145 invasive procedure visits, consisting of extractions, implant surgery, alveoloplasty, periodontal surgery, subgingival scaling and root planning, and biopsy. There were 110 extraction visits yielding a total of 167 extractions. Among all patients, there was 1 return visit to the clinic and 1 telephone call with a chief complaint of oral bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of oral bleeding complications after invasive dental treatment is low to negligible in patients on SSRI medications.

Frequency of bleeding following invasive dental procedures in patients on low-molecular-weight heparin therapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures in patients on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review of patients who underwent invasive dental procedures while on LMWH therapy was conducted. The following information was obtained: demographics, medical history, social history, medications, relevant laboratory values, postoperative bleeding events, and use of local hemostatic agents and blood products. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (21 men) were identified with 42 dental appointments. The mean age was 48 years (range, 16 to 78 years). Thirty-seven patients (90%) were on LMWH therapy for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Thirty-one patients (76%) were on concomitant medications that may potentiate bleeding. Multiple dental extractions (range, 2 to 14 teeth) were performed during 19 dental appointments. Twenty-one appointments were for single-tooth extraction and 2 were for soft tissue biopsies. Three patients (7%) had postextraction bleeding events. All 3 patients were on LMWH (enoxaparin) and warfarin therapy concurrently. One patient had persistent bleeding after extraction of 4 teeth (international normalized ratio, 1.6), which was successfully controlled with topical thrombin, administration of vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma, and discontinuation of enoxaparin and warfarin. Postoperative bleeding in the other 2 patients was managed successfully with local hemostatic measures and home care instructions. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that, although postoperative bleeding in patients on LMWH therapy alone is rare to nonexistent, patients on warfarin and LMWH may be at increased risk of bleeding after invasive dental procedures.

The frequency of bleeding complications after invasive dental treatment in patients receiving single and dual antiplatelet therapy.

BACKGROUND: The dental literature suggests that a patient's antiplatelet medication schedule should not be altered before invasive dental procedures. The authors conducted a study to examine the frequency of bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures in patients taking antiplatelet medications. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 43 dental patients who were receiving single or dual antiplatelet therapy, the authors conducted a chart review of patient records and examining documentation of the medical history. They collected demographic data; medical history; medication history; social history; presence of preoperative infection at any dental visit as evidenced by swelling, purulence or periapical radiolucency; number and type of invasive dental visits; emergency department visits; types of dental procedures performed; use of adjunctive perioperative local hemostatic measures (for example, topical thrombin, absorbable gelatin compressed sponge, sutures); blood products used preoperatively and postoperatively; and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (67 percent) were receiving dual antiplatelet therapy. There were 88 invasive-procedure visits consisting of extractions, periodontal surgery, and subgingival scaling and root planing. The authors found no differences between patients receiving single or dual antiplatelet therapy for all variables, most notably the number of invasive-procedure visits, total extractions and adjunctive hemostatic measures. There were no documented episodes of prolonged postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of oral bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures was low to negligible for patients who were receiving single or dual antiplatelet therapy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The risks of altering or discontinuing use of antiplatelet medications far outweigh the low risk of postoperative oral bleeding complications resulting from dental procedures.

Utility of an international normalized ratio testing device in a hospital-based dental practice.

OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to evaluate the utility of an in-office international normalized ratio (INR) testing device in identifying patients with INR test values considered out of the normal range for dental procedures. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved use of an INR testing device to obtain INR test values in the dental office for patients thought to be at risk of experiencing bleeding complications after undergoing invasive dental procedures. The authors recorded demographic, social and medical history data, as well as clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease. The authors considered an INR out of range if it was greater than or equal to 1.4 for patients with potential liver disease and greater than 3.5 for patients receiving warfarin. RESULTS: The authors completed an in-office INR test for 66 patients receiving warfarin whose INR had not been tested within the preceding 48 hours and 34 patients suspected of having liver disease. Eleven (17 percent) patients receiving warfarin and seven (21 percent) patients suspected of having liver disease had INR values considered out of range. Dental treatment was deferred for eight of 11 patients in the warfarin group who had INR values in the range of 3.6 to 7.4, while three others had dental procedures without bleeding complications. Six of seven patients who had documented or suspected liver disease and an out-of-range INR (range 1.5-2.5) underwent their dental procedures without experiencing bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an in-office INR test indicated a high incidence of elevated INR values. The results of this study point to the importance of obtaining current INR values before performing invasive dental procedures for patients receiving warfarin therapy whose INR values have not been tested recently, and for patients thought to be at risk of developing or having liver disease.

Patients speak: what's really important about bedside interactions with physician teams.

BACKGROUND: Although it may take up relatively little time, hospitalized patients' interactions with their physicians are important elements of their hospital experience. PURPOSE: We conducted a qualitative study to explore what is important to patients about bedside interactions with their physician teams. METHODS: We interviewed medical inpatients and used grounded theory methodology to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS: We recruited 17 patients from an academic medical center including a university hospital and a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. We found that important aspects of patient-team interactions included the exchange of information, evidence of caring from their team, involvement in teaching, knowing the team members, and bedside manner. Patients also described team characteristics that were important to them such as team attributes and intrateam collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: This model clarifies the aspects of bedside interactions that patients value and will allow physicians to focus their limited time to the benefit of their patients.

Implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines for preoperative cardiac risk assessment in a general medicine preoperative clinic: improving efficiency and preserving outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) publishes recommendations for cardiac assessment of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery with the intent of promoting evidence-based, efficient preoperative screening and management. We sought to study the impact of guideline implementation for cardiac risk assessment in a general internal medicine preoperative clinic. METHODS: The study was an observational cohort study of consecutive patients being evaluated in an outpatient preoperative evaluation clinic before and after implementation of the ACC/AHA guideline. Data was gathered by retrospective abstraction of hospital and clinic charts using standard definitions. 299 patients were reviewed prior to guideline implementation and their care compared to 339 consecutive patients after the guideline was implemented in the clinic. RESULTS: Guideline implementation led to a reduction in exercise stress testing (30.8% before, 16.2% after; p<0.001) and hospital length of stay (6.5 days before, 5.6 days after; p=0.055). beta-Blocker therapy increased after the intervention (15.7% before; 34.5% after; p<0.001) and preoperative test appropriateness improved (86% before to 94.1% after; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines for cardiac risk assessment prior to noncardiac surgery in an internal medicine preoperative assessment clinic led to a more appropriate use of preoperative stress testing and beta-blocker therapy while preserving a low rate of cardiac complications.

What effect does inpatient physician specialty and experience have on clinical outcomes and resource utilization on a general medical service?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of internal medicine specialty and physician experience on inpatient resource use and clinical outcomes on an academic general medicine service. DESIGN: A 1-year retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, Michigan. PATIENTS: Two thousand six hundred seventeen admissions to the general medicine service from July 2001 to June 2002, excluding those for whom data were incomplete (n = 18). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Length of stay (LOS) and total hospital costs were used to measure resource utilization. Hospital mortality and 14-day and 30-day readmission rates were used to measure clinical outcomes. Adjusted mean LOS was significantly greater for rheumatologists (0.56 days greater; P =.002) and endocrinologists (0.38 days greater; P =.03) compared to general internists. Total costs were lower for general internists compared to endocrinologists ($1100 lower; P =.01) and rheumatologists ($431 lower; P =.07). Hospitalists showed a trend toward reduced LOS compared to all other physicians (0.31 days lower; P =.06). The top two deciles of physicians stratified by recent inpatient general medical experience showed significantly reduced LOS compared to all other physicians (0.35 days lower; P =.04). No significant differences were seen in readmission rates or in-hospital mortality among the various physician groups. CONCLUSIONS: General internists had lower lengths of stay and costs compared to endocrinologists and rheumatologists. Hospitalists showed a trend toward reduced LOS compared to all other physicians. Recent inpatient general medicine experience appears to be a determinant of reduced inpatient resource use.