Self-administered prescriptions of oral steroids and antibiotics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: are we doing more harm than good?

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often given a prescription for a short course of oral steroids and antibiotics for self-administration during an acute exacerbation. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of such prescriptions on medical care utilization, and steroids and antibiotics intake. This retrospective cohort study included patients with moderate to severe COPD participating in a self-management programme. We compared the number of unplanned medical visits (including hospitalizations) and the utilization of systemic steroids (number of short courses, number of days on treatment) and antibiotics (number of treatments) over a period of six months following registration to the programme in patients who received such a prescription and those who did not. Data were collected from hospital and community pharmacy files. A total of 89 patients were included; 46 received a self-administered prescription. During the study period, we found no difference between the two groups in the number of unplanned medical visits. However, we observed small but significant differences in the number of short courses of Prednisone (P = 0.018) and antibiotics (P = 0.006). This translated in an important difference in the number of days on steroids over the same period (;Prescription' group: 26; controls: 8; P = 0.005). Self-administered prescriptions may increase steroids and antibiotics utilization in patients with moderate to severe COPD, without reducing the number of unplanned medical visits.

A review and analysis of the clinical- and cost-effectiveness studies of comprehensive health promotion and disease management programs at the worksite: 1998-2000 update.

PURPOSE: This article is the fifth in a series of critical reviews of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies of comprehensive, multifactorial health promotion and disease management programs conducted in worksites. As with the previous reviews, the purpose of this article is to review and assess the randomized control trials that have focused on both clinical and cost outcomes of worksite health promotion and disease management programs. For this current review, a new category of quasi-experimental studies has been added because this represents a major new trend in such interventions over the last 2 years. Comprehensive worksite programs are those that provide an ongoing, integrated program of health promotion and disease prevention that integrates specific components into a coherent, ongoing program that is consistent with corporate objectives and includes program evaluations of both clinical and cost outcomes. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted using a multistage process that included MEDLINE, ERIC, ADI, EDGAR, CARL, Inform, and Lexis-Nexis databases and direct inquiries to worksite researchers. INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: The search identified 27 new studies to which the following inclusion criteria were applied: research conducted in the United States; results published in English; methodological quality of nonexperimental (pre- and postmeasures but no comparison group); quasi-experimental to randomized control trials; and both clinical and cost outcomes. Exclusion criteria were studies outside of the United States; non-English publications; and clinical or cost outcomes only. Fifteen studies remained for this review. FINDINGS EXTRACTION METHODS: Findings extraction and analysis of the 15 studies was done by extracting the relevant population, intervention design, clinical results, and cost outcomes from the published article. As in previous reviews, findings are summarized in a table format that extracts and describes each study by the following: (1) study author(s); (2) corporate site; (3) purpose of the evaluation; (4) employee population; (5) percentage of program participants; (6) number of employees included in the evaluation; (7) brief description of the intervention; (8) evaluation design; (9) evaluation period; (10) outcomes; (11) research rating; and (12) findings. FINDINGS SYNTHESIS: Based on these 15 studies, a methodological critique was conducted with brief reference to appropriate prior studies. Conclusions regarding study quality and new trends over the time period of 1998 to 2000 are discussed. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Results from randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental designs suggest that providing individualized risk reduction for high risk employees within the context of comprehensive programming is the critical element of worksite interventions. Despite the many limitations of the current methodologies of the 15 new studies, the vast majority of the research to date indicates positive clinical and cost outcomes.

A review of mind/body therapies in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with implications for the elderly.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive, but not systematic, review of the research on complementary and alternative treatments, specifically mind/body techniques, on musculoskeletal disease was conducted at Stanford University. The goals of the review were to establish a comprehensive literature review and provide a rationale for future research carrying the theme of "successful aging." METHODS: Computerized searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Stanford Library, Dissertation Abstracts, Lexus-Nexus, the Internet as well as interviews conducted with practitioners and the elderly. Mind/body practices evaluated were: social support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, the placebo effect, imagery, visualization, spiritual/energy healing, music therapy, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. Studies published after 1990 were the priority, but when more recent literature was scarce, other controlled studies were included. RESULTS: Mind/body techniques were found to be efficacious primarily as complementary treatments for musculoskeletal disease and related disorders. Studies provided evidence for treatment efficacy but most apparent was the need for further controlled research. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewers found a dearth of randomized controlled research conducted in the US. There is a lack of studies with which to determine appropriate dosage and understand the mechanisms by which many of the practices work. Anecdotal evidence, some controlled research, clinical observation, as well as the cost effectiveness and lack of side effects of the mind/body treatments make further investigation a high priority.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among elderly persons: one-year analysis of a Blue Shield Medicare supplement.

BACKGROUND: Large scale surveys in the United States and abroad suggest that 35-60% of adults have used some form of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM). However, no studies to date have focused on predictors and patterns of CAM use among elderly persons. METHODS: The population surveyed were Californians enrolled in a Medicare risk product that offers coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic care. Surveys were mailed to 1597 members in 1997 and responses received by 728 (51% response rate). Health risk assessment data were also obtained at baseline and 12-15 months following enrollment in the plan. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine predictors of CAM use. RESULTS: Forty-one percent of seniors reported use of CAM. Herbs (24%), chiropractic (20%), massage (15%), and acupuncture (14%) were the most frequently cited therapies. CAM users tended to be younger, more educated, report either arthritis and/or depression/anxiety, not be hypertensive, engage in exercise, practice meditation, and make more frequent physician visits. Use of CAM was not associated with any observed changes in health status. Respondents also expressed considerable interest in receiving third-party coverage for CAM. Although 80% reported that they had received substantial benefit from their use of CAM, the majority (58%) did not discuss the use of these therapies with their medical doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that there is significant interest in and use of complementary/alternative medicine among elderly persons. These results suggest the importance of further research into the use and potential efficacy of these therapies within the senior population.

A review and analysis of the clinical and cost-effectiveness studies of comprehensive health promotion and disease management programs at the worksite: 1995-1998 update (IV).

The fourth in a series of critical reviews, this study examines the clinical and cost outcome evaluations of 10 worksite health promotion programs that were comprehensive, multifactorial, and directed at risk management. The studies, conducted between 1994 and 1998, indicate favorable clinical and cost outcomes and suggest characteristics of worksite interventions that may be critical for effectiveness.

Managing job strain: a randomized, controlled trial of an intervention conducted by mail and telephone.

A randomized, clinical intervention focused on alleviating job strain was conducted over 6 months by mail and/or telephone with a total of 136 employees of Bank of America. Both the mail and mail plus telephone interventions evidenced positive results, with the mail plus telephone intervention being the more effective. Given the relative low cost of such mediated interventions, the results provide a basis for the further development of interventions that may demonstrate both clinical and cost effectiveness.

Current trends in the integration and reimbursement of complementary and alternative medicine by managed care organizations (MCOs) and insurance providers: 1998 update and cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the status of managed care and insurance coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the integration of such services into conventional medicine. METHODS: A literature review and information search was conducted to determine which insurers had special policies for CAM. Telephone interviews were conducted with a definitive sample of 9 out of 10 new MCOs or insurers identified in 1998 and a cohort of eight MCOs and insurers who responded both to the original survey in 1997 and again in 1998 to determine trends. RESULTS: This study constitutes the results of the second year of a 3-year ongoing survey. For 1998, 10 MCOs and insurance carriers initiated CAM coverage. Survey results are analyzed for these 10 new providers as well as the results of a cohort of eight insurers surveyed in both 1997 and 1998 to determine current trends. A majority of the insurers interviewed offer some coverage for the following: nutrition counseling, biofeedback, psychotherapy, acupuncture, preventive medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapy. All new MCOs and insurers said that market demand was their primary motivation for covering CAM. Factors determining whether insurers would offer coverage for additional therapies included potential cost-effectiveness, consumer interest, demonstrable clinical efficacy, and state mandates. Among the most common obstacles listed to incorporating CAM into mainstream health care were lack of research on efficacy, economics, ignorance about CAM, provider competition and division, and lack of standards of practice. CONCLUSIONS: Consumer demand for CAM is motivating more MCOs and insurance companies to assess the benefits of incorporating CAM. Outcomes studies for both conventional and CAM therapies are needed to help create a health care system based upon treatments that work, whether they are conventional, complementary, or alternative.

A review of the incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine by mainstream physicians.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that between 30% and 50% of the adult population in industrialized nations use some form of complementary and/or alternative medicine (CAM) to prevent or treat a variety of health-related problems. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search identified 25 surveys conducted between 1982 and 1995 that examined the practices and beliefs of conventional physicians with regard to 5 of the more prominent CAM therapies: acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and massage. Six studies were excluded owing to their methodological limitations. RESULTS: Across surveys, acupuncture had the highest rate of physician referral (43%) among the 5 CAM therapies, followed by chiropractic (40%) and massage (21%). Rates of CAM practice by conventional physicians varied from a low of 9% for homeopathy to a high of 19% for chiropractic and massage therapy. Approximately half of the surveyed physicians believed in the efficacy of acupuncture (51%), chiropractic (53%), and massage (48%), while fewer believed in the value of homeopathy (26%) and herbal approaches (13%). CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that large numbers of physicians are either referring to or practicing some of the more prominent and well-known forms of CAM and that many physicians believe that these therapies are useful or efficacious. These data vary considerably across surveys, most likely because of regional differences and sampling methods, suggesting the need for more rigorous surveys using national, representative samples. Finally, outcomes studies are needed so that physicians can make decisions about the use of CAM based on scientific evidence of efficacy rather than on regional economics and cultural norms.

A review of mind-body therapies in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Part 1: Implications for the elderly.

BACKGROUND: A review of research on complementary and alternative treatments, specifically mind-body techniques, was conducted at Stanford University. The goals of the review were to establish a comprehensive literature review and to provide a rationale for future research concerning successful aging. METHODS: Computerized searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Stanford Library, Dissertation Abstracts, Lexus-Nexus, the Internet, and interviews conducted with practitioners. All studies since 1990 that examined mind-body treatments of cardiovascular disorders in the elderly were included. Mind-body practices evaluated were social support, cognitive-behavioral treatment, meditation, the placebo effect, hope, faith, imagery, spiritual healing, music therapy, hypnosis, yoga, t'ai chi, qigong and aikido. Studies conducted after 1990 were a priority, but when more recent literature was scarce, other studies using randomized, controlled trials were included. RESULTS: Mind-body techniques were found to be efficacious primarily as complementary and sometimes as stand-alone alternative treatments for cardiovascular disease-related conditions. Studies provided evidence for treatment efficacy, but the need for further controlled research was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewers found only a handful of randomized, controlled research studies conducted in the United States. As a result, there is a lack of replicated studies with which to determine appropriate treatment dosage and the mechanisms by which many of the practices work. Compelling anecdotal evidence, the presence of some controlled research, overall cost effectiveness, and the lack of side effects resulting from mind-body treatments make further investigation a high priority.

Current trends in the integration and reimbursement of complementary and alternative medicine by managed care, insurance carriers, and hospital providers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the status of managed care and insurance coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the integration of such services offered by hospitals. METHODS: A literature review and information search was conducted to determine which insurers had special policies for CAM and which hospitals were offering CAM. Telephone interviews were conducted with a definitive sample of 18 insurers and a representative subsample of seven hospitals. RESULTS: A majority of the insurers interviewed offered some coverage for the following: nutrition counseling, biofeedback, psychotherapy, acupuncture, preventive medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapy. Twelve insurers said that market demand was their primary motivation for covering CAM. Factors determining whether insurers would offer coverage for additional therapies included potential cost-effectiveness based on consumer interest, demonstrable clinical efficacy, and state mandates. Some hospitals are also responding to consumer interest in CAM, although hospitals can only offer CAM therapies for which local, licensed practitioners are available. Among the most common obstacles listed to incorporating CAM into mainstream health care were lack of research on efficacy, economics, ignorance about CAM, provider competition and division, and lack of standards of practice. CONCLUSIONS: Consumer demand for CAM is motivating more insurers and hospitals to assess the benefits of incorporating CAM. Outcomes studies for both allopathic and CAM therapies are needed to help create a health care system based upon treatments that work, whether they are mainstream, complementary, or alternative.

An intervention for enhancing compliance with screening recommendations for diabetic retinopathy. A bicoastal experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an intervention at both the provider and patient level can increase the utilization of diabetic retinal examination among diabetic patients and to compare the results from a comparable study conducted on the East Coast. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: For the regional intervention study, all diabetic patients 18 years or older who enrolled in a large network-based health maintenance organization (HMO) in California were identified (n = 19,397). The identified diabetic patients received educational materials and a notification of their prior diabetic retinal examination status. Also, their primary care physicians received the current American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for dilated retinal examinations and a list of patients due for diabetic retinal examination. RESULTS: There were 25 and 27% increases in the percentage of diabetic patients who received diabetic retinal examinations in 1995 compared with the percentages in 1993 and 1994, respectively. The increase in diabetic retinal examinations was most significant after the intervention (odds ratio = 1.4). Furthermore, the improvements in compliance after the intervention were almost identical between the studies implemented on the East and West Coasts. CONCLUSIONS: This study and the prior study demonstrate that such a "reminder" intervention can improve compliance with diabetic retinal screening recommendations. A generalizable intervention, such as this, may be applicable on a national level. For these programs to be successful, however, HMOs and physicians must have a collaborative relationship.

Clinical and cost outcomes of multifactorial, cardiovascular risk management interventions in worksites: a comprehensive review and analysis.

This paper is a critical review of the clinical and cost outcome evaluation studies of multifactorial, comprehensive, cardiovascular risk management programs in worksites. A comprehensive international literature search conducted under the auspices of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute identified 17 articles based on 12 studies that examined the clinical outcomes of multifactorial, comprehensive programs. These articles were identified through MEDLINE, manual searches of recent journals, and through direct inquiries to worksite health promotion researchers. All studies were conducted between 1978 and 1995, with 1978 being the date of the first citation of a methodologically rigorous evaluation. Of the 12 research studies, only 8 utilized the worksite as both the unit of assignment and as the unit of analysis. None of the studies analyzed adequately for cost effectiveness. Given this limitation, this review briefly considers the relevant worksite research that has demonstrated cost outcomes. Worksite-based, multifactorial cardiovascular intervention programs reviewed for this article varied widely in the comprehensiveness, intensity, and duration of both the interventions and evaluations. Results from randomized trials suggest that providing opportunities for individualized, cardiovascular risk reduction counseling for high-risk employees within the context of comprehensive programming may be the critical component of an effective worksite intervention. Despite the many limitations of the current methodologies of the 12 studies, the majority of the research to date indicates the following: (1) favorable clinical and cost outcomes; (2) that more recent and more rigorously designed research tends to support rather than refute earlier and less rigorously designed studies; and (3) that rather than interpreting the methodological flaws and diversity as inherently negative, one may consider it as indicative of a robust phenomena evident in many types of worksites, with diverse employees, differing interventions, and varying degrees of methodological sophistication. Results of these studies reviewed provide both cautious optimism about the effectiveness of these worksite programs and insights regarding the essential components and characteristics of successful programs.

[Experiences with various scores in evaluating the prognosis of postoperative intensive care patients]. / Erfahrungen mit verschiedenen Scores zur Beurteilung der Prognose bei postoperative Intensivtherapiepatienten.

At the intensive care unit of the Clinic for General and Abdominal Surgery and the Clinic for Emergency Medicine in Mainz, various scores (APACHE II score, HIS, TISS, ASA score), laboratory parameters (serum creatinine, white blood count, platelet count, serum lactate, serum elastase, Quick), body temperature, age as well as presence of a malignant underlying or associated disease, were analyzed with regard to their prognostic significance in 169 postoperative admissions. Apart from univariate analysis (Wilcoxon test) and a multivariate analysis (stepwise logistic regression), the value of the scores is demonstrated on the basis of sensitivity, specificity and correctness, as well as the behaviour of the scores at certain decisive points (cut-off point). Of the parameters studied, the APACHE II score, the HISS, the TISS and serum lactate had a significant influence on the outcome of intensive care. Examination of these scores and serum lactate at different decisive points (false-positive rate of 0%, point of highest sensitivity, point of maximal correctness) showed the TISS to have the best results. The TISS has, with a sensitivity of 100%, a false-positive rate of 41%, compared with 55% for the HIS, 81% for the APACHE II and 82% for serum lactate. With a false-positive rate of 0%, the sensitivity of the TISS is only 10%, of APACHE II and serum lactate 5% and of the HIS 0%. The patient with the highest HIS score has survived. The serum lactate level is another good parameter that is a lot easier to determine and is comparable to the APACHE II score and the HIS in its prognostic significance. Thus, scores are suitable for the estimation of the prognosis in certain patient groups. However, insufficient discrimination between patients who die and patients who survive means that these parameters cannot be used for individual therapeutic decisions in severely ill patients. The decision between the institution or cessation of intensive care is made by the physician or the medical team. Due to the use of prognostic factors, such as scores, decision-making can be objectified and therefore made easier.

The ecology of work and health: research and policy directions for the promotion of employee health.

This article identifies new research and policy directions for the field of worksite health in the context of the changing American workplace. These directions are viewed from an ecological perspective on worksite health and are organized around three major themes: (1) the joint influence of physical and social environmental factors on occupational health, (2) the effects of nonoccupational settings (e.g., households, the health care system) on employee well-being and the implications of recent changes in these settings for worksite health programs, and (3) methodological issues in the design and evaluation of worksite health programs. Developments in these areas suggest that the field of worksite health may be undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift away from individually oriented wellness programs (provided at the worksite and aimed primarily at changing employees' health behavior) and toward broader formulations emphasizing the joint impact of the physical and social environment at work, job-person fit, and work policies on employee well-being.