Deploying Patient-Facing Application Programming Interfaces: Thematic Analysis of Health System Experiences.

BACKGROUND: Health systems have recently started to activate patient-facing application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate patient access to health data and other interactions. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to ascertain health systems' understanding, strategies, governance, and organizational infrastructure around patient-facing APIs, as well as their business drivers and barriers, to facilitate national learning, policy, and progress toward adoption. METHODS: We performed a content analysis of semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of 10 health systems known to be leading adopters of health technology, having either implemented or planning to implement patient-facing APIs. RESULTS: Of the 10 health systems, eight had operational patient-facing APIs, with organizational strategy driven most by federal policy, the emergence of Health Records on iPhone, and feelings of ethical obligation. The two priority use cases identified were enablement of a patient's longitudinal health record and digital interactions with the health system. The themes most frequently cited as barriers to the increased use of patient-facing APIs were security concerns, an immature app ecosystem that does not currently offer superior functionality compared with widely adopted electronic health record (EHR)-tethered portals, a lack of business drivers, EHR vendor hesitation toward data sharing, and immature technology and standards. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal heterogeneity in health system understanding and approaches to the implementation and use of patient-facing APIs. Ongoing study, targeted policy interventions, and sharing of best practices appear necessary to achieve successful national implementation.

Variation in health system performance for managing diabetes among states in India: a cross-sectional study of individuals aged 15 to 49 years.

BACKGROUND: Understanding where adults with diabetes in India are lost in the diabetes care cascade is essential for the design of targeted health interventions and to monitor progress in health system performance for managing diabetes over time. This study aimed to determine (i) the proportion of adults with diabetes in India who have reached each step of the care cascade and (ii) the variation of these cascade indicators among states and socio-demographic groups. METHODS: We used data from a population-based household survey carried out in 2015 and 2016 among women and men aged 15-49 years in all states of India. Diabetes was defined as a random blood glucose (RBG) ≥ 200 mg/dL or reporting to have diabetes. The care cascade-constructed among those with diabetes-consisted of the proportion who (i) reported having diabetes ("aware"), (ii) had sought treatment ("treated"), and (iii) had sought treatment and had a RBG < 200 mg/dL ("controlled"). The care cascade was disaggregated by state, rural-urban location, age, sex, household wealth quintile, education, and marital status. RESULTS: This analysis included 729,829 participants. Among those with diabetes (19,453 participants), 52.5% (95% CI, 50.6-54.4%) were "aware", 40.5% (95% CI, 38.6-42.3%) "treated", and 24.8% (95% CI, 23.1-26.4%) "controlled". Living in a rural area, male sex, less household wealth, and lower education were associated with worse care cascade indicators. Adults with untreated diabetes constituted the highest percentage of the adult population (irrespective of diabetes status) aged 15 to 49 years in Goa (4.2%; 95% CI, 3.2-5.2%) and Tamil Nadu (3.8%; 95% CI, 3.4-4.1%). The highest absolute number of adults with untreated diabetes lived in Tamil Nadu (1,670,035; 95% CI, 1,519,130-1,812,278) and Uttar Pradesh (1,506,638; 95% CI, 1,419,466-1,589,832). CONCLUSIONS: There are large losses to diabetes care at each step of the care cascade in India, with the greatest loss occurring at the awareness stage. While health system performance for managing diabetes varies greatly among India's states, improvements are particularly needed for rural areas, those with less household wealth and education, and men. Although such improvements will likely have the greatest benefits for population health in Goa and Tamil Nadu, large states with a low diabetes prevalence but a high absolute number of adults with untreated diabetes, such as Uttar Pradesh, should not be neglected.

Organizational, Cultural, and Psychological Determinants of Smart Infusion Pump Work Arounds: A Study of 3 U.S. Health Systems.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated nurse perceptions of smart infusion medication pumps to provide evidence-based insights on how to help reduce work around and improve compliance with patient safety policies. Specifically, we investigated the following 3 research questions: (1) What are nurses' current attitudes about smart infusion pumps? (2) What do nurses think are the causes of smart infusion pump work arounds? and (3) To whom do nurses turn for smart infusion pump training and troubleshooting? METHODS: We surveyed a large number of nurses (N = 818) in 3 U.S.-based health care systems to address the research questions above. We assessed nurses' opinions about smart infusion pumps, organizational perceptions, and the reasons for work arounds using a voluntary and anonymous Web-based survey. Using qualitative research methods, we coded open-ended responses to questions about the reasons for work arounds to organize responses into useful categories. RESULTS: The nurses reported widespread satisfaction with smart infusion pumps. However, they reported numerous organizational, cultural, and psychological causes of smart pump work arounds. Of 1029 open-ended responses to the question "why do smart pump work arounds occur?" approximately 44% of the causes were technology related, 47% were organization related, and 9% were related to individual factors. Finally, an overwhelming majority of nurses reported seeking solutions to smart pump problems from coworkers and being trained primarily on the job. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals may significantly improve adherence to smart pump safety features by addressing the nontechnical causes of work arounds and by providing more leadership and formalized training for resolving smart pump-related problems.

Relationship Between Process of Care and a Subsequent Increase in Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether low ratings of interactions with providers and health plans in 2013 were associated with increased systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) damage in 2015. METHODS: Data were derived from the Lupus Outcomes Study (LOS) annual surveys and include items from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans and Interpersonal Processes of Care Scale measuring dimensions of health care interactions. We used ordinary least squares regression to model the change in disease damage over a 2-year period, 2013-2015, as a function of ratings of multiple dimensions of interactions with providers and health plans, with and without adjustment for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and SLE and overall health status, and logistic regression to estimate the effect of the same matrix of variables on the probability of experiencing a minimum clinically important increase in damage. RESULTS: There were 566 LOS respondents who were followed from 2013-2015 and who rated their providers and health plans in 2013. After adjustment, persons with SLE rating their providers poorly in patient-provider communication experienced a significantly greater accrual of disease damage (odds ratio [OR] 0.23 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.09-0.38]) and were more likely to experience a minimum clinically important increase in damage (OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.25-4.39]). After adjustment, those rating their health plan poorly on care coordination experienced a significantly greater accrual of disease damage (OR 0.19 [95% CI 0.03-0.35]) and were more likely to experience a minimum clinically important increase in damage (OR 2.20 [95% CI 1.12-4.34]). CONCLUSION: Poor patient-provider communication and care coordination may result in increased disease damage.

Aspectos relevantes para el diseño de planes de salud sostenibles orientados a los grupos de interés. Una propuesta basada en la Guía ISO 26000: 2010 / Materiality analysis of health plans based on stakeholder engagement and the issues included at ISO 26000: 2010

Fundamentos: Los planes de salud de las comunidades autónomas pueden incorporar criterios de desarrollo sostenible en su elaboración. No se han realizado análisis al respecto o propuestas de elaboración e indicadores. El objetivo fue la elaboración de un panel de indicadores de seguimiento orientados al desarrollo sostenible que contribuyan a gestionar los impactos económicos, sociales y medioambientales de los sistemas sanitarios. Método: Se utilizó una variación del método RAND/UCLA o técnica de Delphi modificada. El proceso consistió en un análisis bibliográfico y de contexto de las materias y asuntos relacionados con sanidad y responsabilidad social tomando como base ISO 26000:2010. Se realizó una encuesta mediante muestreo intencional a una selección de 70 miembros expertos de los grupos de interés identificados y un grupo de discusión para determinar el consenso sobre los asuntos tratados en la encuesta. La investigación fue realizada en 2015. Resultados: De la revisión bibliográfica se obtuvieron 33 asuntos relacionados con sanidad incluidos en ISO 26000:2010. De la encuesta, 7 resultaron relevantes con alto consenso, 8 de relevancia y consenso medio y 18 con menor relevancia y alto nivel de disenso. El grupo de expertos excluyó 4 de los 18 asuntos con menor consenso. Conclusiones: 29 de los 33 asuntos incluidos en el trabajo, repartidos en las 7 materias fundamentales contenidas en la guía ISO 26000 de responsabilidad social, resultaron relevantes para los grupos de interés en relación con su posible inclusión en los planes de salud. Se elaboró un panel de indicadores (AU)

Background: Health plans of the Spanish autonomous communities can incorporate sustainable development criteria in its development. There have been no analysis or proposals about development and indicators. The goal is to add a contribution to help build better health plans aimed at sustainable development and help to manage economic, social and environmental impacts of health systems criteria. Methods: We used a variation of the RAND/UCLA or modified Delphi technique method. The process consisted of a bibliographical and context matters and issues related to health and social responsibility analysis based on ISO 26000: 2010. A survey by deliberately to a selection of 70 expert members of the identified stakeholders was carried out and a discussion group was held to determine the consensus on the issues addressed in the survey sample. The research was conducted in 2015. Results: From the literature review 33 health issues included in ISO 26000:2010 were obtained. 7 survey proved relevant high consensus, 8 relevance and average consensus and 18 with less relevance and high level of dissent. The expert group excluded 4 of the 18 subjects with less consensus. Conclusions: 29 issues included 33 at work, divided into 7 subjects contained in the guide ISO 26000 of social responsibility, were relevant stakeholders regarding possible inclusion in health plans. Considering the direct relationship published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) among the issues ISO 26000 and the economic, social and environmental indicators in GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) in its G4 version, a panel with monitoring indicators related to relevant issues were elaborated (AU)

Healthy universities: an example of a whole-system health-promoting setting.

The health-promoting settings approach is well established in health promotion, with organisational settings being understood as complex systems able to support human wellbeing and flourishing. Despite the reach and evident importance of higher education as a sector, 'healthy universities' has not received high-level international leadership comparable to many other settings programmes. This study explores how the concept of a healthy university is operationalised in two case study universities. Data collection methods included documentary analysis, observation field notes and semi-structured interviews with staff and students. Staff and students understood the characteristics of a healthy university to pertain to management processes relating to communication and to a respectful organisational ethos. Enhancers of health and wellbeing were feeling valued, being listened to, having skilled and supportive line managers and having a positive physical environment. Inhibitors of health and wellbeing were having a sense of powerlessness and a lack of care and concern. The concept of the healthy university has been slow to be adopted in contrast to initiatives such as healthy schools. In addition to challenges relating to lack of theorisation, paucity of evidence and difficulties in capturing the added value of whole-system working, this study suggests that this may be due to both their complex organisational structure and the diverse goals of higher education, which do not automatically privilege health and wellbeing. It also points to the need for a whole-university approach that pays attention to the complex interactions and interconnections between component parts and highlights how the organisation can function effectively as a social system.

Actividades para captar y vacunar a la población susceptible en la Comunidad Valenciana / Activities to catch up and vaccinate the susceptible population in Valencian Community, Spain

La Organización Mundial de la Salud en su revisión del Plan de eliminación del sarampión y la rubéola remarcó la necesidad de evaluar las coberturas vacunales y desarrollar estrategias para mejorarlas y eliminar las bolsas de baja cobertura vacunal. Existe evidencia del papel que pueden jugar los sistemas de información vacunal para mejorar estas coberturas. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir las acciones realizadas a partir del Sistema de Información Vacunal de la Comunidad Valenciana en la mejora de las coberturas vacunales. Se trata de un sistema integral que permite le gestión de los programas de vacunación. Está conectado con otros sistemas de manera que se facilita la toma de decisiones relacionadas con las vacunaciones, tanto clínicas como epidemiológicas o de gestión. Respecto al papel que juega en la mejora de las coberturas vacunales, el Sistema de Información Vacunal facilita la realización de todas las alternativas que se han demostrado efectivas: cálculo de coberturas y difusión de resultados, actividades de captación activa, colaboración con los servicios de vigilancia epidemiológica, gestión de la logística de las vacunas. Se puede concluir, por tanto, que el Sistema de Información Vacunal es una herramienta útil para mejorar las coberturas vacunales y contribuir así a la eliminación del sarampión y la rubéola (AU)

Eliminating measles and rubella and preventing congenital rubella infection plan of WHO highlighted the need to assess vaccination coverage and develop strategies to improve it and eliminate pockets of low immunization coverage. It exists evidence about the potential role of immunization information systems to improve coverage. The aim of this article is to describe the actions taken from the Vaccine Information System of Valencian Community addressed to improve the vaccination coverage. The Vaccine Information System is a comprehensive information system that allows the management of vaccination programs. It is connected to other systems so that decisions related to vaccinations as clinical and epidemiological management is facilitated. Regarding the role in improving vaccination coverage, the Vaccine Information System facilitates the implementation of all alternatives that have been proven effective: calculate coverage and feedback of results, active recruitment, cooperate with the epidemiological surveillance and logistics management of vaccines. We can conclude, therefore, that the Vaccine Information System is a useful tool to improve vaccination coverage and thus contribute to the elimination of measles and rubella (AU)

A survivorship care plan for breast cancer survivors: extended results of a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Prevailing wisdom suggests that implementation of a survivorship care plan (SCP) will address deficits in survivorship care planning and delivery for cancer patients. Here, we present 24-month results of a randomized clinical trial on health service and patient-reported outcomes among breast cancer patients transferred to their primary care physician for follow-up care. The 24-month assessments represent the long-term benefit and sustainability of the implantation of a SCP. METHODS: In all, 408 patients with early-stage breast cancer were randomized to the SCP or control group. Patient self-completed questionnaires, supplemented with telephone interviews, during the 24-month study period assessed health service and patient-reported outcomes. The primary outcome was cancer-specific distress. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, continuity and coordination of care, and health service outcomes such as adherence to guidelines. RESULTS: Over the course of 24 months, there were no differences between both groups in health service and patient-reported outcomes. Women from Quebec compared to those from Western Canada (p < 0.001), women within 2 years of completion of primary treatment compared to a longer period (p = 0.013), and those with a higher SF-36 mental component score compared to a lower score (p = 0.044) were positively associated with adherence to guidelines. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a SCP in the transition of survivorship care from cancer center to primary care did not contribute to improved health service or patient-reported outcomes in this study population. Therefore, additional research is needed before widespread implementation of a SCP in clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS OF CANCER SURVIVORS: The transition of survivorship care from cancer center to the primary care setting showed no negative effect on health service and patient-reported outcomes.

Coding algorithms for identifying patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis B or C virus using administrative data.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the use of administrative data to perform epidemiological and cost-effectiveness research on patients with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV, HCV), there are no data outside of the Veterans Health Administration validating whether International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes can accurately identify cirrhotic patients with HBV or HCV. The validation of such algorithms is necessary for future epidemiological studies. METHODS: We evaluated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ICD-9-CM codes for identifying chronic HBV or HCV among cirrhotic patients within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, a large network that includes a tertiary care referral center, a community-based hospital, and multiple outpatient practices across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. We reviewed a random sample of 200 cirrhotic patients with ICD-9-CM codes for HCV and 150 cirrhotic patients with ICD-9-CM codes for HBV. RESULTS: The PPV of 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient HCV codes was 88.0% (168/191, 95% CI: 82.5-92.2%), while the PPV of 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient HBV codes was 81.3% (113/139, 95% CI: 73.8-87.4%). Several variations of the primary coding algorithm were evaluated to determine if different combinations of inpatient and/or outpatient ICD-9-CM codes could increase the PPV of the coding algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: ICD-9-CM codes can identify chronic HBV or HCV in cirrhotic patients with a high PPV and can be used in future epidemiologic studies to examine disease burden and the proper allocation of resources.

Plan estratégico de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV). FuturAEDV 2013-2017 / Strategic Plan for the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV): FuturAEDV 2013-2017

ANTECEDENTES: La Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV) ha planteado la necesidad de definir un plan estratégico para adaptarse y anticiparse al nuevo escenario. OBJETIVOS: 1) Posicionar a la AEDV como una sociedad con capacidad de influencia en todo lo relacionado con la dermatología; 2) contribuir al desarrollo de la especialidad reforzando el prestigio de la misma y de sus profesionales; y 3) introducir en el seno de la Academia un modelo de funcionamiento y de pensamiento estratégico que permita anticiparse a los retos del futuro y que se transmita a las sucesivas juntas directivas. MÉTODOS: Análisis de las tendencias del sistema sanitario, diagnóstico de la situación actual de la AEDV y de la dermatología mediante un análisis interno a través de encuestas y entrevistas a los académicos, análisis de los puntos fuertes y débiles, así como las amenazas y oportunidades, declaración de la misión, y finalmente, la identificación, el desarrollo y la realización de un mapa estratégico con la priorización de las líneas de acción estratégicas. RESULTADOS: Se definió un mapa estratégico con 16 objetivos generales agrupados en 4 ejes (alcanzar la visión, clientes internos y externos, procesos internos e innovación), encuadrados en un plan de acción con 19 iniciativas y acciones concretas para cada una de ellas. La monitorización de su desarrollo la realizará el comité de seguimiento del plan estratégico, formado por la junta permanente y los responsables de los 9 comités técnicos encargados de llevar a cabo cada una de las iniciativas. Comentario: El plan funcional debe guiar la gestión de la AEDV hasta 2017 y su implantación le permitirá posicionarse como referente en cuanto a su modelo funcional y contribuir al desarrollo y prestigio de la especialidad

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has decided that a Strategic Plan is needed to help the association adapt to new circumstances and anticipate future developments. OBJECTIVES: 1) To position the AEDV as a medical association that can exert an influence in everything related to dermatology. 2) To contribute to the development of the specialty, strengthening the prestige and reputation of dermatology and dermatologists. 3) To establish a model for operating and strategic thinking that can be handed on to successive Boards of Directors and will enable the Academy to identify future challenges. METHODS: The approach used to develop the Strategic Plan was as follows: analysis of trends in the health care system; assessment of the current situation of AEDV and of dermatology in general through an internal analysis based on surveys and interviews with academics; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; preparation of a mission statement; and identification, development, and implementation of a strategy map prioritizing strategic lines of action. RESULTS: The strategy map set out 16 general goals grouped into 4 main topics (achieving the vision, internal and external customers, internal processes, and innovation) and detailed in an action plan with 19 initiatives, each with specific actions. The plan will be monitored by the Strategic Plan Monitoring Committee, which is made up of the members of the Standing Committee and the chairs of the 9 Technical Committees responsible for implementing the initiatives. Comment: The Functional Plan should guide the management of AEDV until 2017, and its implementation will enable the association to contribute to the development and prestige of the specialty and position itself as a reference in terms of its functional model

Consenso sobre atención integral de las agudizaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (ATINA-EPOC). Parte VII / Consensus on integrated care of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ATINA-EPOC). Part VII

No disponible

Measurement of colorectal cancer test use with medical claims data in a safety-net health system.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening requires identification of unscreened individuals and tracking screening trends. A recent National Institutes of Health State of the Science Conference, "Enhancing Use and Quality of CRC Screening," cited a need for more population data sources for measurement of CRC screening, particularly for the medically underserved. Medical claims data (claims data) are created and maintained by many health systems to facilitate billing for services rendered and may be an efficient resource for identifying unscreened individuals. The aim of this study, conducted at a safety-net health system, was to determine whether CRC test use measured by claims data matches medical chart documentation. METHODS: The authors randomly selected 400 patients from a universe of 20,000 patients previously included in an analysis of CRC test use based on claims data 2002-2006 in Tarrant Co, TX. Claims data were compared with medical chart documentation by estimation of agreement and examination of test use over/underdocumentation. RESULTS: The authors found that agreement on test use was very good for fecal occult blood testing (κ = 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.90) and colonoscopy (κ = 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.96) and fair for sigmoidoscopy (κ = 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.49). Over- and underdocumentations of the 2 most commonly used CRC tests--colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing--were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Use of claims data by health systems to measure CRC test use is a promising alternative to measuring CRC test use with medical chart review and may be used to identify unscreened patients for screening interventions and track screening trends over time.

La Radiología y el efecto mariposa / No disponible

No disponible

Administrative simplification: adoption of a standard for a unique health plan identifier; addition to the National Provider Identifier requirements; and a change to the compliance date for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS) medical data code sets. Final rule.

This final rule adopts the standard for a national unique health plan identifier (HPID) and establishes requirements for the implementation of the HPID. In addition, it adopts a data element that will serve as an other entity identifier (OEID), or an identifier for entities that are not health plans, health care providers, or individuals, but that need to be identified in standard transactions. This final rule also specifies the circumstances under which an organization covered health care provider must require certain noncovered individual health care providers who are prescribers to obtain and disclose a National Provider Identifier (NPI). Lastly, this final rule changes the compliance date for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) for diagnosis coding, including the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) for inpatient hospital procedure coding, including the Official ICD-10-PCS Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2014.

Plan de cuidados estándar de enfermería en artroplastia de cadera / Standard plan nursing care in hip arthroplasty

Los problemas derivados de una intervención de artroplastia de cadera afectan a prácticamente todos los patrones funcionales del paciente (Marjory Gordon), de ahí la importancia de que el personal sanitario implicado en el tratamiento y recuperación del paciente desarrolle su trabajo según un PLAN claramente definido, estándar y evaluable. Éste ha sido el objetivo principal del equipo de trabajo, sistematizar los cuidados para que al paciente no le afecten los problemas derivados de la variabilidad en su atención, recupere su movilidad e independencia lo antes posible y se eviten complicaciones postoperatorias, para lo cual se ha prestado especial atención en la implicación del propio paciente en su recuperación. Administrativamente, con un Plan de Cuidados se mejora el registro de todas las actividades de enfermería y se clarifican las responsabilidades de los miembros del equipo sanitario. En lo que respecta a la atención de enfermería, esta regulación en los cuidados se ha realizado siguiendo la taxonomía NANDA-NOC-NIC, resultando un plan estándar de cuidados basado en los Patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon, ya que los autores del presente Plan de atención creemos que éste es método muy fiable para realizar la valoración de un paciente, de la cual se derivarían los diagnósticos de enfermería adecuados y la evaluación continua del paciente. Concluimos que la aplicación de este Plan de Cuidados implicaría una mejora en la atención al paciente y en la organización del trabajo en la unidad de hospitalización de cirugía ortopédica y traumatológica. La validez del presente plan sería de tres años (AU)

The problems resulting from an intervention in hip, affect practically all functional patterns of the patient (Marjory Gordon), hence the importance of health personnel involved in treatment and recovery of the patient performing their work to a clearly defined standard and graded plan. This has been the main objective of the team work, to systematize care for the patient so that it does not affect the problems of variability in their care, recover their mobility and independence as soon as possible and to avoid postoperative complications, for which special attention is paid to involving patients in their own recovery. Administratively, a Care Plan will improve the registration of all nursing activities and clarify the responsibilities of health team members. With regard to nursing care, this care regulation has been made following the NANDA-NOC-NIC taxonomy, resulting in a standard plan of care based on Marjory Gordon's functional patterns, since the authors believe this is a very reliable method for conducting an assessment of the state of the patient, which would derive in the appropriate nursing diagnosis and ongoing evaluation of the patient. We conclude that the application of the Care Plan would mean an improvement in patient care and organization of work in the hospital units of trauma and orthopaedic surgery. The validity of this plan would be three years (AU)

Urban Indian voices: a community-based participatory research health and needs assessment.

This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project utilized a mixed-methods survey design to identify urban (Tulsa, OK) American Indian (AI) strengths and needs. Six hundred fifty AIs (550 adults and 100 youth) were surveyed regarding their attitudes and beliefs about their community. These results were used in conjunction with other community research efforts to inform program development, support proposals for external funding, and develop a comprehensive service system model to be implemented in the community.

Mitigation of medication mishaps via medication therapy management.

BACKGROUND: In 2006, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services incorporated the requirement for a Medication Therapy Management Program (MTMP) for individuals with Part D coverage to ensure that drug regimens provide optimal therapeutic outcomes through improved medication use, thereby reducing adverse drug events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an MTMP implemented for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug members enrolled with Health Alliance Plan (HAP) during 2006 and 2007. METHODS: Patient eligibility for MTMP was searched electronically. Clinical pharmacists researched medication histories and adherence and, through telephone contact, ascertained the patients' healthcare goals and needs. A patient-centered pharmacotherapy plan was created and implemented collaboratively with the patient's physician(s). To ensure that therapy goals were met, pharmacists performed follow-up interventions. Clinical outcomes and cost savings were compared for MTMP enrollees versus those declining enrollment. RESULTS: Average enrollment rate for the MTMP was 20% for 2006 and 2007. Nearly 60% of interventions involved changing therapy to improve efficacy and greater than 40% involved changing therapy to improve safety. Analysis of 2006 data revealed an overall improvement in electronically measurable clinical outcomes for MTMP enrollees versus individuals who declined enrollment, including a trend toward improved adherence to drug therapy for heart failure, insulin use, and a significant reduction in gastrointestinal bleeds (p = 0.001). Cost-savings analysis indicated a greater reduction in total prescription per member per month costs ($PMPM) of 17.2% for MTMP enrollees versus a 7% reduction for those who declined MTMP (p = 0.001). Patients who enrolled into the 2006 MTMP also saw a sustained positive effect in lowered $PMPM for prescription drugs in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: The HAP MTMP, conducted through telephone contacts, produced positive trends in improving clinical outcomes, reductions in pharmacy costs, and sustained pharmacy cost savings for patients who enrolled in the MTMP compared with patients who declined enrollment.