Surgeon Understanding and Perceptions of Social Determinants of Health.

INTRODUCTION: Social determinants of health impact surgical outcomes. Characterization of surgeon understanding of social determinants of health is necessary prior to implementation of interventions to address patient needs. The study objective was to explore understanding, perceived importance, and practices regarding social determinants of health among surgeons. METHODS: Surgical residents and attending surgeons at a single academic medical center completed surveys regarding social determinants of health. We conducted semi-structured interviews to further explore understanding and perceived importance. A conceptual framework from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health informed the thematic analysis. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 47.9% (n = 69, 44 residents [63.8%], 25 attendings [36.2%]). Respondents primarily reported good (n = 29, 42.0%) understanding of social determinants of health and perceived this understanding to be very important (n = 42, 60.9%). Documentation occurred seldom (n = 35, 50.7%), and referrals occurred seldom (n = 26, 37.7%) or never (n = 20, 29.0%). Residents reported a higher rate of prior training than attendings (95.5% versus 56.0%, P < 0.001). Ten interviews were conducted (six residents, four attendings). Residents demonstrated greater understanding of socioeconomic positions and hierarchies shaped by structural mechanisms than attendings. Both residents and attendings demonstrated understanding of intermediary determinants of health status and linked social determinants to impacting patients' health and well-being. Specific knowledge gaps were identified regarding underlying structural mechanisms including the social, economic, and political context that influence an individual's socioeconomic position. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported understanding and importance of social determinants of health among surgeons were high. Interviews revealed gaps in understanding that may contribute to limited practices.

Experiences With Kidney Transplant Among Undocumented Immigrants in Illinois: A Qualitative Study.

Rationale & Objective: Noncitizen, undocumented patients with kidney failure have few treatment options in many states, although Illinois allows for patients to receive a transplant regardless of citizenship status. Little information exists about the experiences of noncitizen patients pursuing kidney transplantation. We sought to understand how access to kidney transplantation affects patients, their family, health care providers, and the health care system. Study Design: A qualitative study with virtually conducted semistructured interviews. Setting & Participants: Participants were transplant and immigration stakeholders (physicians, transplant center and community outreach professionals), and patients who have received assistance through the Illinois Transplant Fund (listed for or received transplant; patients could complete the interview with a family member). Analytical Approach: Interview transcripts were coded using open coding and were analyzed using thematic analysis methods with an inductive approach. Results: We interviewed 36 participants: 13 stakeholders (5 physicians, 4 community outreach stakeholders, and 4 transplant center professionals), 16 patients, and 7 partners. The following seven themes were identified: (1) devastation from kidney failure diagnosis, (2) resource needs for care, (3) communication barriers to care, (4) importance of culturally competent health care providers, (5) negative impacts of policy gaps, (6) new chance at life after transplant, and (7) recommendations for improving care. Limitations: The patients we interviewed were not representative of noncitizen patients with kidney failure overall or in other states. The stakeholders were also not representative of health care providers because they were generally well informed on kidney failure and immigration issues. Conclusions: Although patients in Illinois can access kidney transplants regardless of citizenship status, access barriers, and health care policy gaps continue to negatively affect patients, families, health care professionals, and the health care system. Necessary changes for promoting equitable care include comprehensive policies to increase access, diversifying the health care workforce, and improving communication with patients. These solutions would benefit patients with kidney failure regardless of citizenship.

Effects of race and test preparation resources on standardized test scores, a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Little research exists on the relationship between pre-examination resources, race, and standardized test outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of test preparation resources and race on test scores. METHODS: We surveyed medical students at an allopathic institution on the use of test preparation materials and their test scores. Students were grouped by self-identified race. Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) students were defined as Black/African American (AA), Hispanic/Latino (HL), Native American (NA) and multiple races. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 192 students completed the survey (response rate = 33%). URiM students reported more MCAT attempts than other students. No differences between scores existed between races. There was no association between scores and the use of test preparation resources. CONCLUSIONS: We found that URiM students took the MCAT more times than their peers; however, we found no racial/ethnic differences in examination preparation resources or scores.

Homozygous Factor V Leiden Complicated by Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report.

Homozygous factor V Leiden (FVL) is a rare condition, occurring in 0.2% of the white population. This disease's rarity and aggressive pathophysiology can represent a challenge even to the most experienced clinicians. We report a case of a 35-year-old white man, who presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of bilateral thigh swelling and pain. His past medical history included homozygous FVL mutation complicated by multiple venous thromboembolic events in the last decade, recent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertension. Despite being trialed for different anticoagulation therapies over 10 years, including warfarin (international normalized ratio (INR) goal 2 - 3), rivaroxaban, and dalteparin, he continued to thrombose. On admission, while on a therapeutic dose of dalteparin, he was diagnosed with extensive acute deep vein thrombosis involving the bilateral femoral and iliac veins, extending proximally to his IVC filter to the renal veins, and pulmonary embolisms in the bilateral lower lobes and right middle lobe. A heparin drip was initiated, and he developed progressive thrombocytopenia over 96 h. Heparin was discontinued, and he was switched to argatroban. He was diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with positive anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies and a serotonin release assay. His platelets trended up to normal levels 5 days after heparin discontinuation. He underwent multiple thrombectomies, thrombolysis, and angioplasty of the abdominal and lower extremity veins. The IVC filter was removed. Secondary thrombophilia workup was remarkable for a positive lupus anticoagulant, which had been negative in the past. The patient was bridged to warfarin, discharged with a higher INR goal of 3 - 3.5, and continuously monitored factor II activity (goal 15-30%). This case illustrates a patient with recurrent episodes of thromboembolic events because of homozygous FVL. This condition's pathophysiology and therapeutic approach has been well studied in heterozygous carriers; however, homozygous individuals represent <1% of cases. Given the rareness of the disease, there are no well-established therapeutic guidelines, and long-term anticoagulation remains the therapeutic cornerstone. This case emphasizes the challenges in managing patients with homozygous FVL and complications that can occur due to this gap in the literature. We suggest further case reports and research studies to shed light on this serious condition and its lifetime complications.

End Stage Kidney Disease in Non-citizen Patients: Epidemiology, Treatment, and an Update to Policy in Illinois.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is common in the U.S. There is no cure, and survival requires either dialysis or kidney transplant. Medicare provides coverage for most ESKD patients in the U.S., though non-citizens are excluded from most current policies providing standard ESKD care, especially regarding kidney transplants. Despite being eligible to be organ donors, non-citizens often have few avenues to be organ recipients-a major equity problem. Overall, transplants are cost-saving compared to dialysis, and non-citizens have comparable outcomes to the general population. We reviewed the literature regarding the vastly different policies across the U.S., with a focus on current Illinois policy, including updates regarding Illinois legislation which passed in 2014 providing non-citizens to receive coverage for transplants. Unfortunately, despite legislation providing avenues for transplants, funds were not allocated, and the bill has not had the impact that was expected when initially passed. We outline opportunities for improving current policies.