Can prediction models for hospital readmission be improved by incorporating patient-reported outcome measures? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the roles, challenges, and implications of using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in predicting the risk of hospital readmissions. METHODS: We systematically searched four bibliometric databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 1 January 2000 and 15 June 2023 and used validated PROMs to predict readmission risks for adult populations. Reported studies were analysed and narratively synthesised in accordance with the CHARMS and PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 2858 abstracts reviewed, 23 studies met predefined eligibility criteria, representing diverse geographic regions and medical specialties. Among those, 19 identified the positive contributions of PROMs in predicting readmission risks. Seven studies utilised generic PROMs exclusively, eleven used generic and condition-specific PROMs, while 5 focussed solely on condition-specific PROMs. Logistic regression was the most used modelling approach, with 13 studies aiming at predicting 30-day all-cause readmission risks. The c-statistic, ranging from 0.54 to 0.84, was reported in 22/23 studies as a measure of model discrimination. Nine studies reported model calibration in addition to c-statistic. Thirteen studies detailed their approaches to dealing with missing data. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the potential of PROMs to enhance predictive accuracy in readmission models, while acknowledging the diversity in data collection methods, readmission definitions, and model evaluation approaches. Recognizing that PROMs serve various purposes beyond readmission reduction, our study supports routine data collection and strategic integration of PROMs in healthcare practices to improve patient outcomes. To facilitate comparative analysis and broaden the use of PROMs in the prediction framework, it is imperative to consider the methodological aspects involved.

Web-Based Health Information Seeking by People Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Investigation of the Multiple Sclerosis Online Course.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have afforded people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) access to telehealth consultations, diagnostic tools, and monitoring. Although health care professionals remain the most trusted source of information, the internet has emerged as a valuable resource for providing MS-related information, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, people living with MS are increasingly seeking educational content for a range of topics related to the self-management of MS; however, web-based information seeking remains largely underevaluated. To address this gap and ensure that web-based health-related information is accessible and engaging, this study used qualitative methods to analyze the reflections from participants of web-based educational programs for people living with MS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the motivations, behaviors, and expectations of web-based health information seeking for people living with MS. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews for 38 people living with MS 1 month after they completed the novel MS Online Course, which provided information on modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors for people living with MS. Of the 38 participants, 22 (58%) completed the intervention course and 16 (42%) completed the standard care course. Inductive thematic analysis was used within a qualitative paradigm, and 2 authors coded each interview separately and arrived at themes with consensus. RESULTS: We identified 2 themes: motivation to learn and MS information on the web. The diagnosis of MS was described as a pivotal moment for precipitating web-based information seeking. People living with MS sought lifestyle-related information to facilitate self-management and increase control of their MS. Although social media sites and MS websites were considered useful for providing both support and information, discretion was needed to critically appraise information. Recognizable institutions were frequently accessed because of their trustworthiness. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided novel insights into the motivations of people living with MS for seeking web-based health information. Furthermore, their preferences for the content and format of the web-based information accessed and their experiences and reactions to this information were explored. These findings may guide educators, researchers, and clinicians involved in MS care to optimize the engagement and processing of web-based health information seeking by people living with MS.

Longitudinal associations between quality of diet and disability over 7.5 years in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Modifiable lifestyle factors, including diet, have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, but prospective evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to examine prospective relationships between quality of diet and subsequent disability over 7.5 years in an international cohort of people living with MS (pwMS). METHODS: Data from 602 participants in the HOLISM (Health Outcomes and Lifestyle In a Sample of people with Multiple sclerosis) study were analysed. Quality of diet was assessed using the modified Diet Habits Questionnaire (DHQ). Disability was assessed using the Patient-determined MS Severity Score (P-MSSS). Characteristics of disability were assessed by log-binomial, log-multinomial and linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates, as appropriate. RESULTS: Higher baseline total DHQ scores (>80-89, >89%) were associated with lower risks of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23, 0.91 and aRR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26, 0.89, respectively), and with less P-MSSS accrual (aß = -0.38, 95% CI -0.78, 0.01 and aß = -0.44, 95% CI -0.81, -0.06). Of the DHQ domains, fat subscore was most strongly associated with subsequent disability. Participants with reducing baseline-to-2.5- years total DHQ scores had greater risk of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18, 6.53) and higher P-MSSS accrual (aß = 0.30, 95% CI 0.01, 0.60). Participants reporting baseline meat and dairy consumption had greater risk of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.06, 95% CI 1.23, 3.45 and aRR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25, 3.25) and higher P-MSSS accrual (aß = 0.28, 95% CI 0.02, 0.54 and aß = 0.43, 95% CI 0.16, 0.69, respectively). However, reported meat consumption was confounded by quality of diet. Changes in meat or dairy consumption from baseline were inconsistently associated with subsequent disability. CONCLUSIONS: We show for the first time robust long-term associations between quality of diet and subsequent disability progression in pwMS. Subject to replication, dietary modification may represent a point of intervention for reducing disability in pwMS.

Study protocol for an online lifestyle modification education course for people living with multiple sclerosis: the multiple sclerosis online course (MSOC).

BACKGROUND: People living with multiple sclerosis (plwMS) seek access to information on evidence-based lifestyle-related risk factors associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). As the internet has made delivery of lifestyle information increasingly accessible and cost-effective, we designed the Multiple Sclerosis Online Course (MSOC) to deliver a multimodal lifestyle modification program for plwMS. Two MS online courses were developed: the intervention course based on lifestyle recommendations of the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) program and the standard-care course representing standard lifestyle recommendations from other MS websites. We examined for feasibility in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), where satisfactory completion and accessibility were achieved across both study arms. From this success, a protocol for a larger RCT was developed to examine the effectiveness of MSOC in improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and other health outcomes in plwMS. METHODS/DESIGN: This single-blinded RCT will recruit n = 1,054 plwMS. Participants in the intervention arm will receive access to a MSOC with seven modules providing evidence-based information on the OMS program. Participants in the control group will receive access to a MSOC of identical format, with seven modules providing general MS-related information and lifestyle recommendations sourced from popular MS websites, e.g. MS societies. Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline and at 6, 12, and 30 months after course completion. The primary endpoint is HRQoL, as measured by MSQOL-54 (both physical and mental health domains) at 12 months following course completion. Secondary outcomes are changes to depression, anxiety, fatigue, disability, and self-efficacy as measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient-Determined Disease Steps and University of Washington Self-Efficacy Scale, respectively, assessed at each timepoint. Further assessments will include quantitative post-course evaluation, adoption and maintenance of behaviour change from follow-up survey data, and qualitative analysis of participants' outcomes and reasons for course completion or non-completion. DISCUSSION: This RCT aims to determine whether an online intervention course delivering evidence-based lifestyle modification recommendations based on the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis program to plwMS is more effective at improving HRQoL, and other health outcomes post-intervention, compared with an online standard-care course. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered prospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, www.anzctr.org.au , identifier ACTRN12621001605886. DATE OF REGISTRATION: 25 November 2021.

Diminishing Basic Science Research Experience Among United States Cardiothoracic Surgery Trainees.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing concern regarding the attrition of surgeon-scientists. To understand the decline of basic science research (BSR), it is essential to examine trends in research conducted by trainees. We hypothesized that, over recent decades, cardiothoracic (CT) surgery trainees have published fewer BSR articles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT surgeons at United States training institutions in 2020 who completed training in the past three decades, excluding international trainees, were analyzed (1991-2000: n = 148; 2001-2010: n = 228; 2011-2020: n = 247). Publication records were obtained from Scopus. Articles with medical subject heading terms involving molecular/cellular or animal research were classified as BSR using the National Institutes of Health iCite Translation module. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: While the proportion of surgeons who published a first-author paper during training remained stable over the past two decades (178/228 [78.1%] versus 189/247 [76.5%], P = 0.7427), the proportion who published a first-author BSR paper decreased significantly (135/228 [59.2%] versus 96/247 [38.9%], P < 0.0001). Among surgeons who published a first-author paper in training, the total papers published by each trainee did not change over the past two decades (3.5 versus 3.3 first-author papers per 10 y of training, P = 0.8819). However, the number of BSR papers published during training decreased significantly (1.7 versus 0.8 first-author papers per 10 y of training, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: CT surgery trainees are publishing fewer BSR papers. Additional efforts are needed to increase exposure of trainees to BSR and reaffirm that BSR is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit for academic surgeons.

Analyzing the Scholarly Impact of Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Using the Relative Citation Ratio.

INTRODUCTION: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently developed the relative citation ratio (RCR), calculated as article citations benchmarked to NIH-funded publications in the same field. Here, we characterized the scholarly impact of academic cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons and their research using the RCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a database of 992 CT surgeons, we calculated the RCR for all articles published by each surgeon since 1980 using the NIH iCite database. All data were collected from publicly available online sources. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or as odds ratios (ORs) for multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Where RCR 1.00 indicates equal impact as an NIH-funded publication, the RCR among all 37,402 CT surgery articles was 0.84 (0.33-1.83) and the RCR among NIH-funded CT surgery articles was 1.07 (0.53-2.17). CT surgeons exhibited a career median RCR of 0.82 (0.54-1.13) and maximum RCR of 6.20 (3.04-13.57). Predictors of career median RCR >1.00 included female gender (OR 2.23, P = 0.001), thoracic subspecialization (OR 2.50, P < 0.001), full professor rank (OR 1.89, P = 0.001), and NIH funding (OR 1.75, P = 0.001). Predictors of career maximum RCR >50th percentile among CT surgeons included male gender (OR 1.87, P = 0.030), thoracic subspecialization (OR 2.05, P < 0.001), full professor rank (OR 4.89, P < 0.001), NIH funding (OR 3.17, P < 0.001), and career duration (OR 1.03, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first assessment of the NIH-validated RCR for academic CT surgery. CT surgery research is highly impactful, although gender disparities persist with respect to the highest-impact research of our specialty.

Ten year follow-up of high-risk patients treated during the early experience with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The long-term clinical performance of transcatheter heart valves (THV) is unknown. AIMS: This study assessed the clinical outcomes, rate of structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to 10-year follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing TAVI for native aortic valve stenosis or failed aortic surgical bioprosthesis, between 2005 and 2009 at our institution were included. A total of 235 consecutive patients. RESULTS: At the time of TAVI mean age was 82.4 ± 7.9 years. All patients were judged to be high risk, with a STS score > 8 in 53.6%. THVs implanted were the Cribier-Edwards (20.9%), Edwards SAPIEN (77.4%) or CoreValve (1.7%). Mortality at 1, 5, and 10-year follow-up was 23.4%, 63%, and 91.6%, respectively. Of the total cohort, 15 patients had structural valve deterioration/bioprosthetic valve failure, with a cumulative incidence at 10-years of 6.5% (95% CI 3.3%, 9.6%). The rate of SVD/BVF at 4, 6, 8, and 10 years was 0.4%, 1.7%, 4.7%, and 6.5%, respectively. Nine patients had moderate SVD and six patients had severe SVD. Of the six patients with severe SVD, two patients had reintervention (one patient had redo TAVR, and the second had surgical aortic valve replacement). Survivors (n = 19) at 10-year follow-up, had a mean gradient of 14.0 ± 7.6 mmHg and aortic regurgitation ≥moderate in 5%. Quality of life measures in 10-year survivors demonstrated ADLs 6/6 in 43.8%, and ambulation without a mobility aid of 62.5%. CONCLUSION: Using early generation balloon expandable THVs in a high-risk population, there was a low rate of structural valve deterioration and valve failure at 10-year follow-up. This study provides insights into the long-term performance of transcatheter heart valves and patients self-reported derived benefits.

Stressful life events and depression and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional analysis of an international cohort.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between stressful life events (SLEs) and health outcomes in people living with multiple sclerosis (plwMS), beyond relapse, are not well-established. We examined associations between SLEs and fatigue and symptoms of depression in plwMS. METHODS: 948 participants were queried whether they had experienced any of the 16 SLEs (Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale) in the preceding 12 months. SLEs were summated to estimate SLE number and SLE load (weighted for the degree of associated stress). Cross-sectional associations between SLE (number, load and individual) and fatigue, and depressive symptoms were examined using log-binomial or log-multinomial regression adjusted for age, sex, relapse symptoms, education, MS type at baseline, disability, fatigue, comorbidity, depression, and antidepressant/antifatigue medications, as appropriate. Sub-analyses restricted to SLEs with a negative emotional impact were performed. RESULTS: Median SLE number and load were 2 (IQR 1-2) and 57 (IQR 28-97), respectively. SLE number and load were not associated with a higher prevalence of fatigue, or depressive symptoms, even when restricting analyses to SLEs with a perceived negative emotional impact. A new relationship or family member with a negative impact was associated with a threefold and 2.5-fold higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, respectively. Serious illness was associated with a 28% higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Psychological support for SLEs, and/or intervention targeted to SLE appraisal, may be beneficial in mitigating the adverse effects of SLEs with a perceived negative emotional impact on depressive symptoms in plwMS. Potential associations between serious illness and increased prevalence of depressive symptoms may warrant further investigation.

Early mobilization after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: observational cohort study.

AIMS: Early mobilization is associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized older patients. We sought to determine the effect of a nurse-led protocol on mobilization 4 h after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) across different units of care. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort single-centre study of consecutive patients. We implemented a standardized protocol for safe early recovery and progressive mobilization in the critical care and cardiac telemetry units. We measured the time to first mobilization and conducted descriptive statistics to identify patient and system barriers to timely ambulation. We recruited 139 patients (82.5 years, SD = 6.7; 46% women). At baseline, patients who were mobilized early (≤4 h) and late (>4 h) did not differ, except for higher rates of diabetes (25.5% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.032) and peripheral arterial disease (8.2% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.003) in the late mobilization group. The median time to mobilization was 4 h [inter-quartile range (IQR) 3.25, 4]; 98 patients (70.5%) were mobilized successfully after 4 h of bedrest; 118 (84.9%) were walking by the evening of the procedure (<8 h bedrest); and 21 (15.1%) were on bedrest overnight and mobilized the following day. Primary reasons for overnight bedrest were arrhythmia monitoring (n = 10, 7.2%) and haemodynamic and/or neurological instability (n = 6, 4.3%); six patients (4.3%) experienced delayed ambulation due to system issues. Procedure location in the hybrid operating room and transfer to critical care were associated with longer bedrest times. CONCLUSION: Standardized nurse-led mobilization 4 h after TF TAVI is feasible in the absence of clinical complications and system barriers.

Self-reported ongoing adherence to diet is associated with lower depression, fatigue, and disability, in people with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: Increasingly, dietary improvements have been shown to have positive associations with health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, adhering to a MS-specific or high-quality diet may be a challenge. We therefore assessed the level of diet-adherence necessary to improve health outcomes of depression, fatigue, and disability. Methods: Data from an international population of pwMS followed over 7.5 years (n = 671) were analyzed. Self-reported diet quality via diet habits questionnaire (DHQ), and adherence to six MS-diets [Ashton Embry Best Bet, McDougall, Overcoming MS (OMS), Paleolithic (Paleo), Swank, and Wahls] were queried at two timepoints. Four levels of diet adherence were assessed: non-adherence at either timepoint; ceased at second timepoint; commenced at second timepoint; and ongoing at both timepoints. Associations between adherence to OMS and high-quality diet (DHQ score > median) with depression, fatigue, and disability, were assessed by log-binomial regression models adjusted for confounders. Results: Forty-two percent of pwMS reported ongoing-adherence to a MS-diet at both timepoints, OMS (33%), Swank (4%), Wahls (1.5%), other (<1%). Of these, only OMS-diet adherence was analyzed for associations due to data availability. Ongoing-adherence to the OMS-diet or a high-quality diet, was associated with lower depression compared to non-adherence [OMS: Risk ratios (RR) = 0.80, p = 0.021; DHQ: RR = 0.78, p = 0.009] and ceased-adherence (OMS: RR = 0.70, p = 0.008; DHQ: RR = 0.70, p = 0.010), respectively. Ongoing-adherence to OMS-diet was associated with lower fatigue (RR = 0.71, p = 0.031) and lower severe disability (RR = 0.43, p = 0.033) compared to ceased-adherence. Conclusion: Results suggest potential benefits of adherence to the OMS- or a high-quality diet on MS health outcomes, with ongoing-adherence likely best. Diet modification and maintenance may serve as a point of intervention to manage MS symptoms, especially depression, in pwMS.

Temporal Changes in Quality Indicators in a Regional System of Care After Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Historically, quality-of-care monitoring was performed separately for transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR, SAVR). Using consensus indicators, we provide a global report on the quality of care for treatment of aortic stenosis across the highest-volume treatments: transfemoral (TF) TAVR, isolated SAVR, and SAVR combined with coronary artery bypass graft. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients in a regional system of care. Primary endpoint was 30-day and 1-year mortality (2015-2019). Secondary endpoints included rate of new pacemaker, rate of readmission, and length of stay (2012-2019). Following multivariable logistic regressions, we developed mortality case-mix adjustment models to report risk estimates. Results: The proportion of patients receiving TAVR grew from 32% to 53% (2015-2019). Those receiving TF TAVR were significantly older, with higher rates of comorbidities. Observed 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality after TF TAVR decreased from 3.1% to 0.6% (P = 0.03), and 13.6% to 6.6% (P = 0.09), respectively; surgical mortality rates for isolated SAVR and SAVR combined with coronary artery bypass graft were low and did not change significantly over time, ranging from 0.3% to 1.4% and from 0.9% to 3.4%, respectively at 30 days, and from 0.9% to 3.4% and from 4.7% to 6.7 at 1 year. In the TF TAVR cohort, the observed vs expected ratio for 30-day and 1-year mortality decreased significantly from 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9, 3.5) to 0.3 (95% CI 0.1, 0.8), and from 1.3 (95% CI 0.9, 1.7) to 0.7 (95% CI 0.5, 0.99), respectively; no change occurred in risk-adjusted surgical mortality. Conclusions: Consensus quality indicators provide unique insights on the quality of care for patients receiving treatment for aortic stenosis.

Contexte: Par le passé, la surveillance de la qualité des soins était réalisée séparément pour l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) et la chirurgie de remplacement valvulaire aortique (CRVA). À l'aide d'indicateurs consensuels, nous dressons un rapport général de la qualité des soins dans les traitements les plus courants de la sténose aortique : IVAC fémorale, CRVA seule et CRVA combinée à un pontage coronarien. Méthodologie: Une étude de cohorte observationnelle et rétrospective a été menée pour évaluer les patients consécutifs ayant fréquenté un système de santé régional. Le critère d'évaluation principal était le taux de mortalité à 30 jours et à 1 an (2015 à 2019). Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient le taux de nouveaux sti-mulateurs cardiaques, le taux de réadmission et la durée du séjour (2012 à 2019). Après des régressions logistiques multivariées, nous avons élaboré des modèles d'ajustement selon les groupes de cas pour le taux de mortalité afin d'estimer les risques. Résultats: La proportion de patients qui ont subi une IVAC est passée de 32 % à 53 % (2015 à 2019). Les patients qui ont subi une IVAC transfémorale étaient significativement plus vieux que ceux des autres groupes et présentaient un plus haut taux d'affections concomitantes. Les taux de mortalité de toute cause observés à 30 jours et à 1 an après une IVAC transfémorale ont respectivement diminué de 3,1 % à 0,6 % (P = 0,03) et de 13,6 % à 6,6 % (P = 0,09). Les taux de mortalité pour une CRVA seule et une CRVA combinée à un pontage coronarien étaient faibles et n'ont pas changé de manière significative au fil du temps : les taux de mortalité à 30 jours sont passés de 0,3 % à 1,4 % et de 0,9 % à 3,4 %, respectivement, et les taux de mortalité à 1 an, de 0,9 % à 3,4 % et de 4,7 % à 6,7 %, respectivement. Dans la cohorte ayant subi une IVAC transfémorale, le rapport du taux de mortalité observé par rapport au taux de mortalité attendu à 30 jours et à 1 an a diminué de manière significative, soit de 1,9 (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,9 à 3,5) à 0,3 (IC à 95 % : 0,1 à 0,8), et de 1,3 (IC à 95 % : 0,9 à 1,7) à 0,7 (IC à 95 % : 0,5 à 0,99), respectivement. Aucune variation n'a été notée quant au taux de mortalité ajusté selon les risques pour une intervention chirurgicale. Conclusions: Les indicateurs consensuels de la qualité fournissent des informations uniques sur la qualité des soins chez les patients traités pour une sténose aortique.

Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: A Large First-in-Human 13-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Favourable early outcomes have been reported following valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). However, reports of long-term outcomes are lacking. We aimed to evaluate early and late outcomes in a large first-in-human valve-in-valve TMVR 13-year experience. METHODS: All patients undergoing valve-in-valve TMVR in our centre from 2008 to 2021 were included. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes, defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium, were reported. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were analysed: mean age 76.8 ± 10.2 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 10.7 ± 6.8%, 55.4% female, 63.9% transapical access. Thirty-day mortality was 2.5% for the total population and 0.0% after transseptal TMVR. Maximum follow-up was 13.1 years. During a median follow-up of 3.4 years (interquartile range 1.8-5.3 years), 55 patients (46.2%) died, mainly from noncardiovascular causes. Valve hemodynamics were acceptable at 5 years, with 2.5% structural dysfunction. Patients treated from 2016 on (n = 68; 57.1%), following the advent of routine use of the Sapien 3 valve, CT screening, and transseptal access, were compared with those treated before 2016 (n = 51; 42.9%). Patients from 2016 on had a higher technical success rate (100.0% vs 94.1%; P = 0.04), shorter hospitalisation (P < 0.001), trending lower 30-day mortality (1.5% vs 3.9%; P = 0.4) and better 5-year survival (74.7% vs 41.1%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Valve-in-valve TMVR can be performed with little morbidity and low mortality. Mid- to long-term survival remains limited owing to advanced age and comorbidities. Structural bioprosthetic valve dysfunction was rare and redo TMVR feasible in selected patients. Outcomes continue to improve, but the role for valve-in-valve TMVR in lower surgical risk patients remains unclear.

Surviving & Thriving; a healthy lifestyle app for new US firefighters: usability and pilot study protocol.

In the United States (US), new firefighters' fitness and health behaviors deteriorate rapidly after fire academy graduation. Over the long-term, this increases their risks for chronic diseases. This study protocol describes the proposed usability testing and pilot study of a newly designed and developed healthy lifestyle smartphone app, "Surviving & Thriving", tailored towards young US firefighters. "Surviving & Thriving" will provide interactive educational content on four lifestyle factors; nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and resilience, and include a personalized journey, habit tracker, and elements of gamification to promote engagement and long-term healthy behavior change. The first phase of the app development entails alpha testing by the research team and pre-beta testing by a fire service expert panel which will help refine the app into a pre-consumer version. Upon completion of the full app prototype, beta 'usability' testing will be conducted among new fire academy graduates from two New England fire academies to collect qualitative and quantitative feedback via focus groups and satisfaction surveys, respectively. A last phase of piloting the app will evaluate the app's efficacy at maintaining/improving healthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health metrics, and physical fitness metrics. We will also evaluate whether firefighters' perceived "health cultures" scores (ratings of each fire station's/fire department's environments as to encouraging/discouraging healthy behaviors) modify the changes in health metrics after utilizing the app for three to six months. This novel user-friendly app seeks to help new firefighters maintain/improve their health and fitness more effectively, reducing their risk of lifestyle-related chronic disease. Firefighters who can establish healthy habits early in their careers are more likely to sustain them throughout their lives.

The Feasibility of a Web-Based Educational Lifestyle Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Modifiable lifestyle factors are important to aid people with multiple sclerosis in the self-management of their disease. Current self-management programs are limited by their face-to-face mode of delivery but there is immense potential with the internet to deliver these programs effectively. Objective: The aims of this study are to assess the feasibility of a digitalized educational lifestyle self-management program for people with MS. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, people with MS were randomly allocated to participate in a 6-week tailored web-based educational lifestyle program or 6-week generic standard-care educational course, and were blinded to their allocation. Participants were recruited through multiple sclerosis (MS) Societies in four countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The primary outcome was to assess acceptability of the program defined as percentage completion of all modules at 6-weeks post-course commencement. Secondary outcomes included evaluating participant responses to the follow-up survey across three domains: accessibility, learnability, and desirability. Results: Thirty-five participants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US completed the baseline survey and were randomized. Four participants were deemed ineligible due to incomplete baseline data; therefore, nine out of 15 and eight out of 16 participants completed 100% of the course in the intervention and standard-care arm courses, respectively. Conclusions: This study found that this web-based educational lifestyle program is a feasible means of delivering educational content to people with MS via the internet according to our a priori targets of >40% of participants in the intervention arm, and >25% in the control arm to completing 100% of the course. It is therefore appropriate to evaluate this intervention further in a large, randomized controlled trial. Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12621000245897).

Evidence-based surgery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is frequently performed for acute cholecystitis and symptomatic cholelithiasis. Considerable variation in the execution of key steps of the operation remains. We conducted a systematic review of evidence regarding best practices for critical intraoperative steps for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: We identified 5 main intraoperative decision points in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: (1) number and position of laparoscopic ports; (2) identification of cystic artery and duct; (3) division of cystic artery and duct; (4) indications for subtotal cholecystectomy; and (5) retrieval of the gallbladder. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were queried for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews were included for analysis, and evidence quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Results: Fifty-two articles were included. Although all port configurations were comparable from a safety standpoint, fewer ports sometimes resulted in improved cosmesis or decreased pain but longer operative times. The critical view of safety should be obtained for identification of the cystic duct and artery but may be obtained through fundus-first dissection and augmented with cholangiography or ultrasound. Insufficient evidence exists to compare harmonic-shear, clipless ligation against clip ligation of the cystic duct and artery. Stump closure during subtotal cholecystectomy may reduce rates of bile leak and reoperation. Use of retrieval bag for gallbladder extraction results in minimal benefit. Most studies were underpowered to detect differences in incidence of rare complications. Conclusion: Key operative steps of laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be informed by both compiled data and surgeon preference/patient considerations.

Associations between Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life Differ Based on Multiple Sclerosis Phenotype.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuroinflammatory disorder, occurs as non-progressive or progressive phenotypes; both forms present with diverse symptoms that may reduce quality of life (QoL). Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors has been associated with higher QoL in people with MS; whether these associations differ based on MS phenotype is unknown. Cross-sectional self-reported observational data from 1108 iConquerMS participants were analysed. Associations between lifestyle behaviors and QoL were assessed by linear regression, and phenotype differences via moderation analyses. Diet, wellness, and physical activity, but not vitamin D or omega-3 supplement use, were associated with QoL. Specifically, certain diet types were negatively associated with QoL in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and positively associated in progressive MS (ProgMS). Participation in wellness activities had mixed associations with QoL in RRMS but was not associated in ProgMS. Physical activity was positively associated with QoL in RRMS and ProgMS. Phenotype differences were observed in diet and wellness with physical QoL, and physical activity with most QoL subdomains. Our findings show lifestyle behaviors are associated with QoL and appear to differ based on MS phenotype. Future studies assessing timing, duration, and adherence of adopting lifestyle behaviors may better inform their role in MS management.

Assessing Lifestyle Behaviours of People Living with Neurological Conditions: A Panoramic View of Community Dwelling Australians from 2007-2018.

Neurological disorders pose a substantial health and economic burden to the individual and society, necessitating strategies for effective prevention and disease management. Lifestyle behaviours play a role in risk and management of some neurological disorders; however, overlap between lifestyle behaviours across disorders has not been well explored. We used log-binomial regression to assess associations of selected lifestyle behaviours in community-dwelling Australians (n = 192,091), some of whom self-reported Alzheimer's disease (AD), motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) or stroke. Of six lifestyle behaviours, undertaking physical activity was inversely associated with the presence of all neurological disorders except PD. Smoking was positively associated with MND and stroke, and inversely associated with PD. Participants with AD and stroke shared inverse associations with cognitive engagement, face-to-face social interaction and stress-reducing activities, and MS was positively associated with online social interaction and stress-reduction activities. Of eleven food and beverage consumption categories, no associations were seen in MND, ten categories were inversely associated with people with AD or stroke, and six of these with PD. Vegetable and soft drink consumption were associated with MS. Further detailed assessment of commonalities in lifestyle behaviours across neurological disorders may inform potential strategies for risk reduction across disorders.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a "Real World" Population: Insights From a Prospective Canadian Database.

BACKGROUND: Documentation of quality of life (QOL) of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a Canadian Cardiovascular Society quality indicator. National results have not been reported to date. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study including all TAVI patients, irrespective of surgical risk, treated between January 2016 and June 2019 as documented in the British Columbia TAVI Registry. QOL was measured at baseline, 30 days, and 1 year, using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score (KCCQ-OS). We used linear regression modelling to examine factors associated with 30-day changes in QOL, logistic regression modelling to identify predictors of sustaining a poor outcome, and Cox regression modelling to ascertain risk estimates of the effect of QOL on 1-year mortality. RESULTS: The cohort included 1706 patients (742 women [43.5%]); median age 83 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 77, 86). Median (IQR) baseline KCCQ-OS was 45 (28.2, 67), indicating severe impairment. Patients alive at 1 year (91.3%) reported a mean improvement of 24.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.7-25.6) points in the KCCQ-OS at 30 days, which was sustained at 1 year (25.3; 95% CI, 23.8, 26.8). Older age, lower baseline health status, lower aortic valve gradient, lower hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and non-transfemoral access were associated with worse 30-day QOL. At 1 year, 65% of patients had a favorable outcome; additional risk factors for 1-year mortality (8.7%) were male sex, New York Heart Association Class IV, severe pulmonary and renal disease, diabetes, and in-patient status. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI is associated with significant early improvement in QOL, which is sustained at 1 year. The inclusion of QOL can support treatment decisions and patient-centred evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Les données sur la qualité de vie (QdV) des patients après l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) sont un indicateur de qualité de la Société canadienne de cardiologie. Jusqu'à ce jour, les résultats nationaux n'ont pas été présentés. MÉTHODES: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte observationnelle portant sur tous les patients ayant subi une IVAC, sans tenir compte du risque lié à l'intervention chirurgicale, qui ont été traités entre janvier 2016 et juin 2019 selon le registre d'IVAC de la Colombie-Britannique. L'évaluation de la QdV a été établie au début, 30 jours après et 1 an après au moyen du score global au Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (SG-KCCQ). Nous avons utilisé le modèle de régression linéaire pour examiner 30 jours après les facteurs associés aux changements dans la QdV, le modèle de régression logistique pour déterminer les prédicteurs du maintien d'issues médiocres et le modèle de régression de Cox pour établir les estimations du risque en fonction des effets de la QdV sur la mortalité 1 un après. RÉSULTATS: La cohorte regroupait 1 706 patients (742 femmes [43,5 %]); l'âge médian était de 83 ans (écart interquartile [ÉI] : 77; 86). Le SG-KCCQ médian (ÉI) au début était de 45 (28,2; 67), soit une détérioration importante. Les patients en vie un an après (91,3 %) ont signalé une amélioration moyenne de 24,1 (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 22,7-25,6) points au SG-KCCQ 30 jours après, qui a été maintenue jusqu'à un an (25,3; IC à 95 %; 23,8; 26,8). L'âge avancé, l'état de santé initial inférieur, le gradient de la valve aortique plus faible, l'hémoglobine plus faible, la fibrillation auriculaire et l'accès non transfémoral ont été associés à une plus mauvaise qualité de vie 30 jours après. Un an après, 65 % des patients avaient des issues favorables; les facteurs additionnels de risque de mortalité un an après (8,7 %) étaient le sexe masculin, la classe IV selon la New York Heart Association, la pneumopathie et la néphropathie graves, le diabète et l'état du patient hospitalisé. CONCLUSIONS: L'IVAC est associée à une amélioration précoce significative de la QdV, qui est maintenue un an après. L'inclusion de la QdV peut contribuer aux décisions de traitement et à l'évaluation axée sur le patient.

Greater Engagement with Health Information Is Associated with Adoption and Maintenance of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours in People with MS.

Health communication offers an important means for patients to make informed decisions for illness self-management. We assessed how the level of engagement with selected health information at baseline is associated with the adoption and maintenance of lifestyle behaviours at a 5-year follow-up in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Non-engagers were compared to engagers of information delivered online and print (medium), and with engagers who additionally attended a live-in workshop (high). Engagement was assessed against lifestyle behaviours by log-binomial regression. Information engagers had higher education, and were less likely to have severe disability, clinically significant fatigue, or obesity. Medium and high baseline engagement was associated with adopting healthy behaviours for omega 3 supplementation (RR = 1.70; 95%CI: 1.02-2.84), physical activity (RR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.03-4.55), and dairy non-consumption (RR = 3.98; 95%CI: 1.85-8.56) at 5 years; associations were stronger among high engagers. Only high baseline engagement was associated with maintaining behaviours from baseline to 5 years, specifically for omega-3 (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.06-1.49) and vitamin D supplementation (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.04-1.54) and dairy non-consumption (RR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10). Health communication that includes face-to-face information delivery and practical tools for implementation in daily living may be optimal for adopting and maintaining lifestyle behaviours in people with MS.

The Relationship Between Heart-Failure Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients Receiving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have had transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are at risk of hospitalization during the first year postprocedure. Few studies have examined the incidence of heart- failure hospitalizations (HFH) post-TAVR and the impact this has on subsequent hospitalizations and mortality. Our aim was to determine the incidence, predictors, and mortality associated with HFH post-TAVR. METHODS: We used prospectively collected data for all patients who underwent TAVR between August 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015; 742 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR during the study period were included. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year post-TAVR. RESULTS: Mean age was 80.9 ± 8.1, and 58.2% were men. Hospitalizations post-TAVR occurred in 20% of patients at 30 days and 59.7% at 1 year. Of patients hospitalized, HFH was the primary cause of hospitalization in 25.8% and 21.4% of patients at 30 days and 1 year post-TAVR, respectively. Patients with HFH at either 30 days or 1 year had higher subsequent rates of rehospitalization compared with patients who had non-HFH. Patients with HFH or non-HFH at 30 days had 1-year mortality rates of 23.1% and 21.4%, respectively, whereas those with HFH by 1 year had a higher 1-year rate of mortality compared with patients who had non-HFHs (25% vs 10.9%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HF accounts for a quarter of all hospitalizations post-TAVR and is associated with higher rates of subsequent rehospitalization and death compared with those who had non-HFH. Understanding predictors of readmissions post-TAVR will allow for better risk stratification and improve outcomes in patients receiving TAVR.