BackgroundHalf of women undergoing mammography have dense breasts. Mandatory dense breast notification and educational materials have been shown to confuse women, rather than empower them.ObjectiveThis study used a mixed method, multi-stakeholder approach to assess acceptability of an interactive, computer-animated agent that provided breast density information to women and changes in knowledge, satisfaction, and informational needs.DesignA pre-post survey and qualitative focus groups assessed the acceptability of the computer-animated agent among women. An anonymous, online survey measuring acceptability was delivered to a multi-stakeholder group.ParticipantsEnglish-speaking, mammography-eligible women ages 40–74 were invited and 44 women participated in one of nine focus groups. In addition, 14 stakeholders representing primary care, radiology, patient advocates, public health practitioners, and researchers completed the online survey.InterventionsA prototype of a computer-animated agent was delivered to women in a group setting; stakeholders viewed the prototype independently.Main MeasuresData collected included open-ended qualitative questions that guided discussion about the content and form of the computer-animated agent. Structured surveys included domains related to knowledge, acceptability, and satisfaction. Stakeholder acceptability was measured with a series of statements about aspects of the intervention and delivery approach and are reported as the proportion of respondents who endorsed each statement.Key ResultsSix of 12 knowledge items demonstrated improvement post-intervention, satisfaction with the agent was high (81%), but the number of unanswered questions did not improve (67% vs. 54%, p?=?0.37). Understanding of the distinction between connective and fatty tissue in the breast did not increase (30% vs. 26%, p?=?0.48). Results of the multi-stakeholder survey suggest broad acceptability of the approach and agent.ConclusionsFindings highlight the benefits of a brief interactive educational exposure as well as misperceptions that persisted. Results demonstrate the need for an evidence-based, accessible intervention that is easy to understand for patients.

BackgroundEffective type 2 diabetes care remains a challenge for patients including those receiving primary care in safety net settings.ObjectiveThe Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education (PRIDE) trial team and leaders from a regional department of health evaluated approaches to improve care for vulnerable patients.DesignCluster randomized controlled trial.PatientsAdults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes seeking care across 10 unblinded, randomly assigned safety net clinics in Middle TN.InterventionsA literacy-sensitive, provider-focused, health communication intervention (PRIDE; 5 clinics) vs. standard diabetes education (5 clinics).Main MeasuresParticipant-level primary outcome was glycemic control [A1c] at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included select health behaviors and psychosocial aspects of care at 12 and 24 months. Adjusted mixed effects regression models were used to examine the comparative effectiveness of each approach to care.Key ResultsOf 410 patients enrolled, 364 (89%) were included in analyses. Median age was 51 years; Black and Hispanic patients represented 18% and 25%; 96% were uninsured, and 82% had low annual income level (

BackgroundHuman connection is at the heart of medical care, but questions remain as to the effectiveness of interpersonal interventions. The purpose of this review was to characterize the associations between patient–provider interpersonal interventions and the quadruple aim outcomes (population health, patient experience, cost, and provider experience).MethodsWe sourced data from PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycInfo (January 1997–August 2017). Selected studies included randomized controlled trials and controlled observational studies that examined the association between patient–provider interpersonal interventions and at least one outcome measure of the quadruple aim. Two abstractors independently extracted information about study design, methods, and quality. We characterized evidence related to the objective of the intervention, type and duration of intervention training, target recipient (provider-only vs. provider–patient dyad), and quadruple aim outcomes.ResultsSeventy-three out of 21,835 studies met the design and outcome inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of research was moderate to high for most included studies; 67% of interventions targeted the provider. Most studies measured impact on patient experience; improvements in experience (e.g., satisfaction, patient-centeredness, reduced unmet needs) often corresponded with a positive impact on other patient health outcomes (e.g., quality of life, depression, adherence). Enhanced interpersonal interactions improved provider well-being, burnout, stress, and confidence in communicating with difficult patients. Roughly a quarter of studies evaluated cost, but the majority reported no significant differences between intervention and control groups. Among studies that measured time in the clinical encounter, intervention effects varied. Interventions with lower demands on provider time and effort were often as effective as those with higher demands.DiscussionSimple, low-demand patient–provider interpersonal interventions may have the potential to improve patient health and patient and provider experience, but there is limited evidence that these interventions influence cost-related outcomes.

BackgroundConcurrent use of benzodiazepines in opioid users has been linked to a higher risk of an emergency room visit or inpatient admission for opioid overdose and death from drug overdose. Further research is needed to confirm the findings and analyze contributing risk factors for opioid overdoses in a large commercially insured population.ObjectivesTo estimate the risk of opioid overdose associated with opioid users exposed to various combinations of opioid, benzodiazepine, and non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic therapy. To identify other factors that are associated with increased risk for opioid overdose.DesignRetrospective cohort study.PatientsNew start adult users of opioids, defined as naïve to opioids for 6 months, in Kaiser Permanente California regions from January 2013 through September 2017.Main MeasuresInpatient or emergency department admissions due to opioid-related overdose.Key ResultsA total of 2,241,530 patients were included in this study. Patients exposed to opioids, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics at any point during their follow-up were 60% more likely to overdose than those who were only exposed to opioids (p < 0.0001). Those exposed to opioids and benzodiazepines were 20% more likely to have an opioid-related overdose than those exposed to opioids only (p < 0.0001). Significant risk factors for opioid overdose included exposure to all three medication classes, higher opioid dosage strengths, elderly age (age = 65 years), history of previous overdose, and substance use disorder.ConclusionsResults from this study demonstrate a significant increase in risk of opioid overdose in patients exposed to combinations of sedative-hypnotics with opioids compared to those only taking opioids. Findings from this study provide evidence that opioids should be avoided in combination with benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, used at the lowest dose possible, and used with caution in the elderly, those with previous history of overdose, and those with substance use disorder at baseline.

BackgroundTo date, 38 states have enacted dense breast notification (DBN) laws mandating that mammogram reports include language informing women of risks related to dense breast tissue.ObjectiveNationally representative survey to assess the association between residing in a state with a DBN law and women’s awareness and knowledge about breast density, and breast cancer anxiety.DesignInternet survey conducted in 2018 with participants in KnowledgePanel®, an online research panel.ParticipantsEnglish-speaking US women ages 40–59 years without a personal history of breast cancer who had received at least one screening mammogram (N?=?1928; survey completion rate 68.2%).Main Measures(1) Reported history of increased breast density, (2) knowledge of the increased risk of breast cancer with dense breasts, (3) knowledge of the masking effect of dense breasts on mammography, and (4) breast cancer anxiety.Key ResultsWomen residing in DBN states were more likely to report increased breast density (43.6%) compared with women residing in non-DBN states (32.7%, p?

BackgroundKetogenic diets have been highlighted as a way to lose weight while experiencing reduced hunger. The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) induces ketosis but may be difficult to maintain.ObjectiveTo track weight loss for individuals initiating PSMF versus all other diets (e.g., balanced, high protein) for up to 5 years.DesignRetrospective cohort studyParticipantsAdults who discussed the PSMF with a clinician between 2007 and 2014InterventionInitiating the PSMF diet versus other dietsMeasuresThe main outcome was percent weight change up to 5 years. Demographic and health data were collected using electronic health records. We fit regression models including age, sex, race, insurance, new medication prescriptions, and specialist visit to identify the effect of PSMF diet on percent weight change. We grouped patients by percent weight change at each year (= 5% loss, 4% loss to 4% gain, = 5% gain) and used Pearson ?2 tests to compare proportions.ResultsOf 1,403 eligible patients, 879 (63%) started the PSMF. The PSMF group was slightly younger (52 vs. 54 years, p < 0.01) and had a higher body mass index (41.9 kg/m2 vs. 40.4 kg/m2, p < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, the PSMF group averaged 3% more weight loss than the other group over the 5-year follow-up (95% CI - 3.5, - 2.0, p < 0.001). PSMF patients lost more weight initially, but by year 4, there was no difference between diets (1.6% versus 1.3%, PSMF versus other diets, p = 0.12). Patients starting the PSMF were more likely to experience = 5% weight loss at 1 year (55% vs 20%, p < 0.001) and 3 years (33% vs. 23% p < 0.05), but not 5 years (34% vs 29%, p = 0.16, PSMF versus other diets, respectively).ConclusionsIn clinical practice, the PSMF achieves rapid weight loss in the first 6 months, but only a small percentage of patients maintained significant weight loss long term.

BackgroundAdherence to prescribed medications is connected with, but is not a guarantee of, improved disease management and health outcomes. It remains unclear whether underlying health disparities exist among patients adherent to therapy and whether differences in outcomes vary by race and residential areas of the country.ObjectiveTo determine the extent of racial and regional variation in outcomes within 5 years of oral antidiabetic drug initiation among veterans adherent to therapy.DesignRetrospective cohort study of 83,265 US Veterans Health Administration data, 2002–2014PatientsUS veterans with uncomplicated diabetes and taking oral antidiabetic agentsMain MeasuresVeterans initially adherent to oral antidiabetic therapy were followed for up to 5 years, and comparisons focused on differences between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black veterans across geographic region and residential type (urban or rural). Outcomes included composite cardiovascular events, composite cerebrovascular events, or all-cause mortality using Poisson and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.Key ResultsCardiovascular event and all-cause mortality rates differed by race and region, while urban/rural differences were evident for cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality. For non-Hispanic Blacks, the mortality rate was half that compared to non-Hispanic Whites (6.5 [95% CI 5.8–7.2] versus 13.3 [95% CI 12.9–13.8], p?

BackgroundAs healthcare reimbursement shifts from being volume to value-focused, new delivery models aim to coordinate care and improve quality. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model is one such model that aims to deliver coordinated, accessible healthcare to improve outcomes and decrease costs. It is unclear how the types of delivery systems in which PCMHs operate differentially impact outcomes. We aim to describe economic, utilization, quality, clinical, and patient satisfaction outcomes resulting from PCMH interventions operating within integrated delivery and finance systems (IDFS), government systems including Veterans Administration, and non-integrated delivery systems.MethodsWe searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from 2004 to 2017. Observational studies and clinical trials occurring within the USA that met PCMH criteria (as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), addressed ambulatory adults, and reported utilization, economic, clinical, processes and quality of care, or patient satisfaction outcomes.ResultsSixty-four studies were included. Twenty-four percent were within IDFS, 29% were within government systems, and 47% were within non-IDFS. IDFS studies reported decreased emergency department use, primary care use, and cost relative to other systems after PCMH implementation. Government systems reported increased primary care use relative to other systems after PCMH implementation. Clinical outcomes, processes and quality of care, and patient satisfaction were assessed heterogeneously or infrequently.DiscussionPublished articles assessing PCMH interventions generally report improved outcomes related to utilization and cost. IDFS and government systems exhibit different outcomes relative to non-integrated systems, demonstrating that different health systems and populations may be particularly sensitive to PCMH interventions. Both the definition of PCMH interventions and outcomes measured are heterogeneous, limiting the ability to perform direct comparisons or meta-analysis.

BackgroundPrimary care practices increasingly rely on the growing workforce of nurse practitioners (NPs) to meet primary care demand. Understanding teamwork between NPs and physicians in primary care practices is critically important.ObjectiveWe assessed teamwork between NPs and physicians practicing within the same primary care practice and determined how teamwork affects their job satisfaction, intent to leave their current job, and quality of care.DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from both NPs and physicians in New York State in 2017.Participants584 participants (398 NPs and 186 physicians) from 476 primary care practices completed the survey yielding a 27% response rate for NPs and 12% for physicians.Main MeasuresThe survey tool contained validated measures of teamwork and three outcomes: job satisfaction, intent to leave, and perceived quality of care. Simple and multi-level multivariable regression models were built.Key ResultsMost participants (76%) were either moderately satisfied or very satisfied with their job (NP sample: 75%; physician sample: 77%) and about 10% intended to leave their current job (NP sample: 11%; physician sample: 9%). The average perceived quality of care was the same across NP and physician samples with a mean of 8.5 on a 11 point scale. After controlling for confounders, a higher organizational-level teamwork score was associated with higher job satisfaction (cumulative OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.85-4.88), lower odds of intent to leave (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.09-0.74), and higher perceived quality of care (b=1.00; 95% CI: 0.77-1.23).ConclusionsThis study produced evidence about NP-physician teamwork in primary care practices. We found the vast majority of NPs and physicians reported favorable teamwork, and that teamwork affects clinician job satisfaction and intent to leave as well as perceived quality of care in their practices.

BackgroundPrimary care providers prescribe most long-term opioid therapy and are increasingly asked to taper the opioid doses of these patients to safer levels. A recent systematic review suggests that multiple interventions may facilitate opioid taper, but many of these are not feasible within the usual primary care practice.ObjectiveTo determine if opioid taper plans documented by primary care providers in the electronic health record are associated with significant and sustained opioid dose reductions among patients on long-term opioid therapy.DesignA nested case-control design was used to compare cases (patients with a sustained opioid taper defined as average daily opioid dose of =?30 mg morphine equivalent (MME) or a 50% reduction in MME) to controls (patients matched to cases on year and quarter of cohort entry, sex, and age group, who had not achieved a sustained taper). Each case was matched with four controls.ParticipantsTwo thousand four hundred nine patients receiving a =?60-day supply of opioids with an average daily dose of =?50 MME during 2011–2015.Main MeasuresOpioid taper plans documented in prescription instructions or clinical notes within the electronic health record identified through natural language processing; opioid dosing, patient characteristics, and taper plan components also abstracted from the electronic health record.Key ResultsPrimary care taper plans were associated with an increased likelihood of sustained opioid taper after adjusting for all patient covariates and near peak dose (OR = 3.63 [95% CI 2.96–4.46], p < 0.0001). Both taper plans in prescription instructions (OR = 4.03 [95% CI 3.19–5.09], p < 0.0001) and in clinical notes (OR = 2.82 [95% CI 2.00–3.99], p < 0.0001) were associated with sustained taper.ConclusionsThese results suggest that planning for opioid taper during primary care visits may facilitate significant and sustained opioid dose reduction.

BackgroundLow levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake continue among the most vulnerable (e.g., men who have sex with men) for HIV exposure in the USA. Providers of social and public health services (“psychosocial providers”) can help improve this situation by educating patients about PrEP before linking them to primary care providers (PCPs).ObjectiveTo identify predictors of psychosocial providers offering PrEP education to patients vulnerable to HIV infection by determining the frequency with which psychosocial providers offer PrEP education to patients.DesignLongitudinal overview of PrEP implementation in New York City.ParticipantsPsychosocial providers of HIV prevention and adjunct treatment services, such as medication adherence counseling in 34 community settings.Main MeasuresLongitudinal survey data collected in 2014–2016 (baseline) and 2015–2017 (1-year follow-up) from a 5-year longitudinal repeated measures study. Logistic regression modeling tested associations between baseline psychosocial provider-level and organization-level characteristics and frequency of PrEP education at baseline and 1-year follow-up.Key ResultsOut of 245 participants, the number of psychosocial providers offering PrEP education at least once in the past 6 months increased significantly from baseline (n?=?127, 51.8%) to 1-year follow-up (n?=?161, 65.7%). Participants with higher odds of offering PrEP education at baseline and at one1-year follow-up were more likely to have reported high levels of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and were also more likely to have received formal HIV prevention training.ConclusionsBoth IPC and HIV training are predictive of PrEP education, and this association was maintained over time. We recommend expanding educational outreach efforts to psychosocial providers to further improve PrEP education and also training in interprofessional collaboration. This is an important first step toward linking patients to PCPs who prescribe PrEP and may help improve PrEP uptake.

BackgroundWith continued growth in the older adult population, US federal and state costs for long-term care services are projected to increase. Recent policy changes have shifted funding to home and community-based services (HCBS), but it remains unclear whether HCBS can prevent or delay long-term nursing home placement (NHP).MethodsWe searched MEDLINE (OVID), Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase (from inception through September 2018); and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Joanna Briggs Institute Database, AHRQ Evidence-based Practice Center, and VA Evidence Synthesis Program reports (from inception through November 2018) for English-language systematic reviews. We also sought expert referrals. Eligible reviews addressed HCBS for community-dwelling adults with, or at risk of developing, physical and/or cognitive impairments. Two individuals rated quality (using modified AMSTAR 2) and abstracted review characteristics, including definition of NHP and interventions. From a prioritized subset of the highest-quality and most recent reviews, we abstracted intervention effects and strength of evidence (as reported by review authors).ResultsOf 47 eligible reviews, most focused on caregiver support (n = 10), respite care and adult day programs (n = 9), case management (n = 8), and preventive home visits (n = 6). Among 20 prioritized reviews, 12 exclusively included randomized controlled trials, while the rest also included observational studies. Prioritized reviews found no overall benefit or inconsistent effects for caregiver support (n = 2), respite care and adult day programs (n = 3), case management (n = 4), and preventive home visits (n = 2). For caregiver support, case management, and preventive home visits, some reviews highlighted that a few studies of higher-intensity models reduced NHP. Reviews on other interventions (n = 9) generally found a lack of evidence examining NHP.DiscussionEvidence indicated no benefit or inconsistent effects of HCBS in preventing or delaying NHP. Demonstration of substantial impacts on NHP may require longer-term studies of higher-intensity interventions that can be adapted for a variety of settings.RegistrationPROSPERO # CRD42018116198