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Hospital-at-Home Interventions vs In-Hospital Stay for Patients With Chronic Disease Who Present to the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Arsenault-Lapierre, G, Henein, M, Gaid, D, Le Berre, M, Gore, G, Vedel, I
JAMA network open. 2021;(6):e2111568
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hospitalizations are costly and may lead to adverse events; hospital-at-home interventions could be a substitute for in-hospital stays, particularly for patients with chronic diseases who use health services more than other patients. Despite showing promising results, heterogeneity in past systematic reviews remains high. OBJECTIVE To systematically review and assess the association between patient outcomes and hospital-at-home interventions as a substitute for in-hospital stay for community-dwelling patients with a chronic disease who present to the emergency department and are offered at least 1 home visit from a nurse and/or physician. DATA SOURCES Databases were searched from date of inception to March 4, 2019. The databases were Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, CINAHL, Health Technology Assessment, the Cochrane Library, OVID Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials in which the experimental group received hospital-at-home interventions and the control group received the usual in-hospital care. Patients were 18 years or older with a chronic disease who presented to the emergency department and received home visits from a nurse or physician. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Risk of bias was assessed, and a meta-analysis was conducted for outcomes that were reported by at least 2 studies using comparable measures. Risk ratios (RRs) were reported for binary outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes. Narrative synthesis was performed for other outcomes. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes of interest were patient outcomes, which included mortality, long-term care admission, readmission, length of treatment, out-of-pocket costs, depression and anxiety, quality of life, patient satisfaction, caregiver stress, cognitive status, nutrition, morbidity due to hospitalization, functional status, and neurological deficits. RESULTS Nine studies were included, providing data on 959 participants (median age, 71.0 years [interquartile range, 70.0-79.9 years]; 613 men [63.9%]; 346 women [36.1%]). Mortality did not differ between the hospital-at-home and the in-hospital care groups (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.61-1.15; I2 = 0%). Risk of readmission was lower (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; I2 = 31%) and length of treatment was longer in the hospital-at-home group than in the in-hospital group (mean difference, 5.45 days; 95% CI, 1.91-8.97 days; I2 = 87%). In addition, the hospital-at-home group had a lower risk of long-term care admission than the in-hospital care group (RR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.74; I2 = 0%). Patients who received hospital-at-home interventions had lower depression and anxiety than those who remained in-hospital, but there was no difference in functional status. Other patient outcomes showed mixed results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that hospital-at-home interventions represent a viable substitute to an in-hospital stay for patients with chronic diseases who present to the emergency department and who have at least 1 visit from a nurse or physician. Although the heterogeneity of the findings remained high for some outcomes, particularly for length of treatment, the heterogeneity of this study was comparable to that of past reviews and further explored.
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Cost-analysis of persistent hyperkalaemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients under nephrology care in Italy.
Provenzano, M, De Francesco, M, Iannazzo, S, Garofalo, C, Andreucci, M, Genualdo, R, Borrelli, S, Minutolo, R, Conte, G, De Nicola, L
International journal of clinical practice. 2020;(5):e13475
Abstract
AIM: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperkalaemia (HK) (potassium level ≥ 5.0 mEq/L) is associated with poor clinical outcomes. This study provides novel insights by comparing management costs of CKD patients with normokalaemia vs those with persistent HK regularly followed in renal clinics in Italy. METHODS To this aim, a Markov model over life-time horizon was developed. Time to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and time to death in CKD patients were derived from an observational multi-centre database including 1665 patients with non-dialysis CKD stage 1-5 under nephrology care in Italy (15 years follow-up). Resource use for CKD and HK management was obtained from the observational database, KDIGO international guidelines, and clinical expert opinion. RESULTS Results showed that patients with normokalaemia vs persistent HK brought an average per patient lifetime cost-saving of €16 059 besides delayed onset of ESRD by 2.29 years and increased survival by 1.79 years with increment in total survival and dialysis-free survival in normokalaemia that decreased from early to advanced disease. Cost-saving related to normokalaemia increased at more advanced CKD; however, it was already evident at early stage (3388.97€ at stage 1-3a). OWSA confirmed cost-saving associated with normokalaemia across all parameter variations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This model is the first to simulate the impact of HK in non-dialysis CKD patients on economic and clinical outcomes using real-world data from nephrology clinics. In these patients, persistent HK results into higher lifetime costs, besides poorer clinical outcomes, that are evident since the early stages of CKD. Maintaining normokalaemia should therefore be of main concern in CKD treatment planning to improve long-term economic and clinical outcomes.
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Malnutrition Screening and Assessment in the Cancer Care Ambulatory Setting: Mortality Predictability and Validity of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short form (PG-SGA SF) and the GLIM Criteria.
De Groot, LM, Lee, G, Ackerie, A, van der Meij, BS
Nutrients. 2020;(8)
Abstract
BACKGROUND A valid malnutrition screening tool (MST) is essential to provide timely nutrition support in ambulatory cancer care settings. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA SF) and the new Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria as compared to the reference standard, the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). METHODS Cross-sectional observational study including 246 adult ambulatory patients with cancer receiving in-chair intravenous treatment at a cancer care centre in Australia. Anthropometrics, handgrip strength and patient descriptive data were assessed. Nutritional risk was identified using MST and PG-SGA SF, nutritional status using PG-SGA and GLIM. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values and kappa (k) were analysed. Associations between malnutrition and 1-year mortality were investigated by Cox survival analyses. RESULTS A PG-SGA SF cut-off score ≥5 had the highest agreement when compared with the PG-SGA (Se: 89%, Sp: 80%, k = 0.49, moderate agreement). Malnutrition risk (PG-SGA SF ≥ 5) was 31% vs. 24% (MST). For malnutrition according to GLIM, the Se was 76% and Sp was 73% (k = 0.32, fair agreement) when compared to PG-SGA. The addition of handgrip strength to PG-SGA SF or GLIM did not improve Se, Sp or agreement. Of 100 patients who provided feedback, 97% of patients found the PG-SGA SF questions easy to understand, and 81% reported that it did not take too long to complete. PG-SGA SF ≥ 5 and severe malnutrition by GLIM were associated with 1-year mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS The PG-SGA SF and GLIM criteria are accurate, sensitive and specific malnutrition screening and assessment tools in the ambulatory cancer care setting. The addition of handgrip strength tests did not improve the recognition of malnutrition or mortality risk.
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Lab monitoring and acute care utilization during initiation of renin angiotensin aldosterone inhibitors or diuretics in chronic kidney disease.
Garlo, KG, Bates, DW, Seger, DL, Fiskio, JM, Charytan, DM
Medicine. 2019;(49):e17963
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Abstract
Renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) and diuretics are among the most frequently prescribed anti-hypertensives. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly at risk for electrolyte disturbances and kidney injury but the appropriate use of lab monitoring following RAASi or diuretic initiation is uncertain in CKD.We describe the frequency and time interval of lab monitoring during initiation of RAASi and diuretics in CKD and assess whether close lab monitoring associates with one-year risk of emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization.We evaluated an observational cohort of 8,217 individuals with stage 3-5 non-dialysis CKD newly prescribed a RAASi (52.3%) or diuretic (47.7%) from thirty-six primary care offices affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital between 2009 and 2011.Overall, 3306 (40.2%) individuals did not have pre-prescription labs done within 2 weeks, and 5957 (72.5%) did not have post-prescription labs done within 2 weeks which includes 524 (6.4%) individuals without post-prescription within 1 year. Close monitoring occurred in only 1547 (20.1%) and was more likely in individuals prescribed diuretics compared to RAASi (adjusted OR 1.39; 95%CI 1.20-1.62), with CKD stage 4,5 compared with stage 3 (adjusted OR 1.47; 95%CI 1.16-1.86) and with cardiovascular disease (adjusted OR 1.42; 95%CI 1.21-1.66). Close monitoring was not associated with decreased risk of ED visit or hospitalization.Close lab monitoring during initiation of RAASi or diuretics was more common in participants with cardiovascular disease and advanced CKD suggesting physicians selected high-risk individuals for close monitoring. As nearly 80% of individuals did not receive close lab monitoring there may be value in future research on electronic physician decision tools targeted at lab monitoring.
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Medications for pain relief in outpatient endometrial sampling or biopsy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Abbas, AM, Samy, A, El-Naser Abd El-Gaber Ali, A, Khodry, MM, Ahmed, MAM, El-Rasheedy, MI, Abdallah, KM, Mohammed, AE, Abdelbaky, WH, Raslan, OK, et al
Fertility and sterility. 2019;(1):140-148.e12
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the most effective analgesia for pain relief during the outpatient endometrial biopsy (OEB) or outpatient hysteroscopy with endometrial aspiration (EA). DESIGN Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Pre- or postmenopausal women undergoing OEB or outpatient hysteroscopy with EA for evaluation of uterine pathology. INTERVENTION(S): We conducted an electronic search of the following bibliographic databases: Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The intensity of pain during, immediately after, and 10-30 minutes after procedure assessed by the 10-cm visual analog scale. RESULT(S): Lidocaine spray was the most effective medication for reducing pain during OEB (P-score = 0.83) and immediately after OEB (P-score = 0.96). On the other hand, naproxen sodium was the most effective medication for reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy with EA (P-score = 1.00), followed by misoprostol plus lidocaine (P-score = 0.87). CONCLUSION(S): Lidocaine spray, either alone or with topical application of lidocaine, is the most effective medication for reducing the pain during and after the OEB. Naproxen sodium is the most effective analgesic option during outpatient hysteroscopy with EA.
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Health Effects of an Individualized Lifestyle Intervention for People with Psychotic Disorders in Psychiatric Outpatient Services: A Two Year Follow-up.
Blomqvist, M, Ivarsson, A, Carlsson, IM, Sandgren, A, Jormfeldt, H
Issues in mental health nursing. 2019;(10):839-850
Abstract
People with psychotic disorders experience to a great extent avoidable physical illnesses and early mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential effects for this group of participating in a lifestyle intervention. A multi-component nurse-led lifestyle intervention using quasi-experimental design was performed. Changes in biomedical and clinical measurements, self-reported health, symptoms of illness and health behavior were investigated. Multilevel modeling was used to statistically test differences in changes over time. Statistically significant changes were found in physical activity, HbA1c and waist circumference. A lifestyle intervention for people with severe mental illness can be beneficial for increasing physical activity.
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Integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy can increase physical activity and improve health of adult ambulatory care patients in a regional hospital: the Healthy4U randomised controlled trial.
Barrett, S, Begg, S, O'Halloran, P, Kingsley, M
BMC public health. 2018;(1):1166
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether a twelve-week, health coaching intervention could result in changes in physical activity, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in adults presenting to an ambulatory hospital clinic. METHODS Seventy-two participants who reported being insufficiently active were recruited from an ambulatory hospital clinic and randomised to an intervention group that received an education session and eight 30-min telephone sessions of integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy (MI-CBT), or to a control group that received the education session only. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at baseline, post-intervention (3-months) and follow-up (6-months). Secondary outcome measures (anthropometrics, physical activity self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, type 2 diabetes risk) were also assessed at the three time points. RESULTS At baseline, the mean age and body mass index of participants (n = 72, 75% females) were 53 ± 8 years and 30.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively. Treatment group influenced the pattern of physical activity over time (p < 0.001). The intervention group increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from baseline to post-intervention and remained elevated at follow-up by 12.9 min/day (95%CI: 6.5 to 19.5 min/day). In contrast, at follow-up the control group decreased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by 9.9 min/day (95%CI: -3.7 to -16.0 min/day). Relative to control, at follow-up the intervention group exhibited beneficial changes in body mass (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), physical activity self-efficacy (p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes risk (p < 0.001), and health-related quality of life (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a low contact coaching intervention results in beneficial changes in physical activity, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes that were maintained at follow-up in adults who report being insufficiently active to an ambulatory care clinic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR ACTRN12616001331426 . Registered 23 September 2016.
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Management of Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis, Part 1: Ambulatory Care-An Evidence-based Guideline From European Crohn's and Colitis Organization and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
Turner, D, Ruemmele, FM, Orlanski-Meyer, E, Griffiths, AM, de Carpi, JM, Bronsky, J, Veres, G, Aloi, M, Strisciuglio, C, Braegger, CP, et al
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2018;(2):257-291
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BACKGROUND The contemporary management of ambulatory ulcerative colitis (UC) continues to be challenging with ∼20% of children needing a colectomy within childhood years. We thus aimed to standardize daily treatment of pediatric UC and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)-unclassified through detailed recommendations and practice points. METHODS These guidelines are a joint effort of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the Paediatric IBD Porto group of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). An extensive literature search with subsequent evidence appraisal using robust methodology was performed before 2 face-to-face meetings. All 40 included recommendations and 86 practice points were endorsed by 43 experts in Paediatric IBD with at least an 88% consensus rate. RESULTS These guidelines discuss how to optimize the use of mesalamine (including topical), systemic and locally active steroids, thiopurines and, for more severe disease, biologics. The use of other emerging therapies and the role of surgery are also covered. Algorithms are provided to aid therapeutic decision-making based on clinical assessment and the Paediatric UC Activity Index (PUCAI). Advice on contemporary therapeutic targets incorporating the use of calprotectin and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring are presented, as well as other management considerations around pouchitis, extraintestinal manifestations, nutrition, growth, psychology, and transition. A brief section on disease classification using the PIBD-classes criteria and IBD-unclassified is also part of these guidelines. CONCLUSIONS These guidelines provide a guide to clinicians managing children with UC and IBD-unclassified management to provide modern management strategies while maintaining vigilance around appropriate outcomes and safety issues.
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An Integrated Clinic-Community Partnership for Child Obesity Treatment: A Randomized Pilot Trial.
Hoffman, J, Frerichs, L, Story, M, Jones, J, Gaskin, K, Apple, A, Skinner, A, Armstrong, S
Pediatrics. 2018;(1)
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Effective treatment of childhood obesity remains elusive. Integration of clinical and community systems may achieve effective and sustainable treatment. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of this integrated model are unknown. METHODS We conducted a randomized clinical trial among children aged 5 to 11 presenting for obesity treatment. We randomized participants to clinical care or clinical care plus community-based programming at a local parks and recreation facility. Primary outcomes were the change in child BMI at 6 months and the intensity of the program in treatment hours. Secondary outcomes included health behaviors, fitness, attrition, and quality of life. RESULTS We enrolled 97 children with obesity, and retention at 6 months was 70%. Participants had a mean age of 9.1 years and a mean baseline BMI z score of 2.28, and 70% were living in poverty. Intervention participants achieved more treatment hours than controls (11.4 vs 4.4, SD: 15.3 and 1.6, respectively). We did not observe differences in child BMI z score or percent of the 95th percentile at 6 months. Intervention participants had significantly greater improvements in physical activity (P = .010) and quality of life (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS An integrated clinic-community model of child obesity treatment is feasible to deliver in a low-income and racially diverse population. As compared with multidisciplinary treatment, the integrated model provides more treatment hours, improves physical activity, and increases quality of life. Parks and recreation departments hold significant promise as a partner agency to deliver child obesity treatment.
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Current management and treatment of patients with stable coronary artery diseases presenting to cardiologists in different clinical contexts: A prospective, observational, nationwide study.
De Luca, L, Temporelli, PL, Lucci, D, Gonzini, L, Riccio, C, Colivicchi, F, Geraci, G, Formigli, D, Maras, P, Falcone, C, et al
European journal of preventive cardiology. 2018;(1):43-53
Abstract
Background Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Few studies document the complete sequence of investigation of the overall stable CAD population during outpatient visits or hospitalisation. Aim To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on current management of patients with stable CAD. Methods START (STable coronary Artery diseases RegisTry) was a prospective, observational, nationwide study aimed at evaluating the presentation, management, treatment and quality of life of stable CAD patients presenting to cardiologists during outpatient visits or discharged from cardiology wards. Results Over a 3-month period, 5070 consecutive patients were enrolled in 183 participating centres: 72% managed by a cardiologist during outpatient or day hospital visits and 28% discharged from cardiology wards. The vast majority of patients (87%) received a coronary angiography (86% of patients managed during outpatient visits and 90% during hospitalisation; p < 0.0001). Outpatients more frequently received optimal medical therapy (OMT; i.e. aspirin or thienopyridine, β-blockers and statins) compared to hospitalised patients (70.2% vs 67.1%; p = 0.03). A personalised diet was prescribed in 58% (60.5% in outpatients and 52.9% in those admitted to hospitals; p < 0.0001), physical activity programmes were suggested in 65% (69.4% and 54.3%; p < 0.0001) and smoking cessation was recommended in 71% of currently smoking patients (73.2% and 65.2%; p = 0.02). Conclusions In this large, contemporary registry, patients with stable CAD discharged from cardiology wards more commonly underwent diagnostic imaging procedures and less frequently received OMT or lifestyle modification programmes compared to patients manged by cardiologists during outpatient visits.