Behavioral Health Comorbidities Research Articles

Interventions for behavioral health comorbidities in the hospice setting: a scoping review.

Behavioral health (BH) comorbidities in hospice patients are widespread and impact important outcomes, including symptom burden, quality of life, and caregiver wellbeing. However, evidence-based BH interventions tailored for the hospice setting remain understudied. We conducted a scoping review with the objective of mapping studies of interventions for BH comorbidities in the hospice setting. We included empirical studies among hospice patients of interventions with BH outcomes. We abstracted data on study design, intervention type, and patient characteristics. Our search generated 7,672 unique results, of which 37 were ultimately included in our analysis. Studies represented 16 regions, with the United Kingdom (n=13) most represented. The most frequent intervention type was complementary and alternative interventions (n=13), followed by psychotherapeutic interventions (n=12). Most of the studies were either pilot or feasibility investigations. Fifteen studies employed a randomized controlled trial design. The most frequently utilized measurement tools for BH outcomes included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Seventeen studies demonstrated statistically significant results in a BH outcome measure. BH conditions prevalent among hospice patients that were the focus of intervention efforts included depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and general psychological distress. No study focused on trauma-related disorders or substance use disorders. This scoping review reveals a concerning gap in research regarding evidence-based BH interventions in hospice settings, especially in the U.S. Despite extensive utilization of hospice care services and the high prevalence of BH conditions among hospice patients, randomized controlled trials focused on improving BH outcomes remain scant. The current BH practices, like the widespread use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, may not be rooted in robust evidence, underscoring an urgent need for investment in hospice research infrastructure and tailored clinical trials to test behavioral approaches to mitigate mental health outcomes at the end of life.

Timing of treatment for opioid use disorder among birthing people

BackgroundThe number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) has increased over time. Although effective treatment options exist, little is known about the extent to which women receive treatment during pregnancy and at what stage of pregnancy care is initiated. MethodsUsing a national private health insurance claims database, we identified women aged 13–49 who gave birth in 2006–2019 and had an OUD or nonfatal opioid overdose (NFOO) diagnosis during the year prior to or at delivery. We then identified women who received their first OUD treatment prior to or during pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated how rates and timing of the initial OUD treatment changed over time. Furthermore, we examined factors associated with early initiation of OUD treatment among birthing people. ResultsOf the 7057 deliveries from 6747 women with OUD or NFOO, 63.3 % received any OUD treatment. Rates of OUD treatment increased from 42.9 % in 2006 to 69 % in 2019. Of those treated, in 2006, 54.5 % received their first treatment prior to conception and 24.2 % initiated care during the 1st trimester. In 2019, 68.9 % received their first treatment prior to conception, and 15.1 % initiated care during the 1st trimester. The percentage of women who were first treated in the 2nd trimester or later decreased from 21.2 % in 2006 to 16.1 % in 2019. Factors associated with early treatment initiation include being 25 years or older (age 25–34: aOR, 1.51, 95 % CI, 1.28–1.78; age 35–49: aOR, 1.82, 95 % CI, 1.39–2.37), living in urban areas (aOR, 1.28; 95 % CI, 1.05–1.56), having pre-existing behavioral health comorbidities such as anxiety disorders (aOR, 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.40–2.32), mood disorders (aOR, 1.63; 95 % CI, 1.02–2.61), and substance use disorder other than OUD (aOR, 2.56; 95 % CI, 2.03–3.32). ConclusionOverall, rates of OUD treatment increased over time, and more women initiated OUD treatment prior to conception. Despite these improvements, over one-third of pregnant women with OUD/NFOO either received no treatment or did not initiate care until the 3rd trimester in 2019. Future research should examine barriers to OUD treatment initiation among pregnant women.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN THE HOSPICE SETTING: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Hospice is a model of care for individuals with a life expectancy of less than six months who choose to focus their treatment on quality-of-life rather than extending life. In 2019, half of all Medicare decedents elected to receive hospice care. Behavioral health comorbidities are prevalent in hospice patients; approximately 40% experience significant depression and/or anxiety. Such comorbidities are associated with poor outcomes including increased physical symptoms, worse function, and lower quality-of-life. Despite the impact of behavioral health comorbidities on hospice patient outcomes, little research has focused on the use of behavioral health interventions in the hospice setting. We conducted a scoping review to characterize the types of behavioral health interventions administered to patients receiving hospice care. We searched four databases, generating 6,842 unique citations over any time period. 70 texts were reviewed and 31 were retained for analysis. Studies examined both psychotherapeutic (n=10) and psychopharmacologic (n=10) interventions, as well as other non-pharmacologic interventions (n=11). Duration of study follow-up was available for 17 of the studies, ranging from six days to six months. 14 studies reported information on interventionists, who were most commonly music (n=3) or massage therapists/acupuncturists (n=3). Average interventions were 47 minutes for six sessions. 18 studies presented statistically significant results related to primary outcomes, most commonly depression (n=9), anxiety (n=6), and pain (n=4). Our findings demonstrate a dearth of behavioral health interventions targeting hospice patients, suggesting the need for increased research and clinical focus on developing, evaluating, and implementing behavioral health interventions in the hospice setting.

Recommendation forLong-term Management ofAdult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder inMilitary Populations, Veterans, andDependents: A Narrative Review.

In addition to the higher burden of mental health disease in the military, there is a compounding antecedent association between behavioral health comorbidities and the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in this population. Despite the low prevalence of new-onset ADHD in adults globally, the rate of stimulant (i.e., amphetamines) prescription is increasing. Stimulants can exacerbate mental health disease (often masquerading as ADHD symptomatology), precluding optimal treatment of the underlying etiology and imposing unnecessary dangerous side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of stimulants for managing adult ADHD. A nine-member multidisciplinary team reviewed a PubMed search with the terms "adult," "ADHD," and "stimulant." Targeted PubMed and Google Scholar searches for "adult ADHD" paired with Food and Drug Administration -approved ADHD medications and Google Scholar literature using forward and reverse snowballing methods were performed for high-quality studies focusing on long-term treatment in ADHD. An evidence table and clinical algorithm were developed from the review. Of the 1,039 results, 50 articles were fully reviewed, consisting of 21 descriptive and experimental studies, 18 observational, and 11 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Illustrative cases within the structured discussion of the results highlighted ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities, risks, harms, and benefits of stimulant use, medication mechanisms of action, and limitations of the current evidence. The dearth of high-quality studies on long-term ADHD management in adults fails to establish a causal relationship between stimulant use and physiological harm. Despite mixed evidence supporting the benefit of stimulants, there is clear evidence regarding the risk of harm. The serious risks of stimulants include arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, sudden death, psychosis, and worsening of behavioral health disease. Additionally, there is a possible long-term risk of harm due to chronic sympathetic load (i.e., cardiovascular system remodeling). Stimulants pose a greater risk for addiction and abuse compared to other evidence-based nonstimulant medications that have similar effectiveness. Both stimulants and nonstimulants might promote favorable neuroanatomical changes for long-term improvement of ADHD symptoms, but nonstimulants (atomoxetine) have the pharmacological advantage of also mitigating the effects of sympathetic load (sympatholysis) and anxiety (anxiolysis). Given the physiological uncertainty of extended stimulant use for adults, especially older adults with vulnerable cardiovascular systems, clinicians should proceed cautiously when considering initiating or sustaining stimulant therapy. For long-term treatment of ADHD in adults, clinicians should consider nonstimulant alternatives (including behavioral therapy) due to the comparatively lower side effect risk and the possible additional benefit in patients with behavioral health comorbidities. Long-term safety of stimulant use for adults with ADHD is uncertain, as existing studies are limited in quality and duration. This is particularly important for military populations with higher rates of mental health conditions. Managing ADHD and related conditions requires prioritizing cardiovascular safety, especially for older adults. Nonstimulant options can be helpful, especially in comorbid psychiatric disease. Before treating ADHD, ruling out and controlling other behavioral health conditions is essential to avoid masking or worsening underlying issues and reducing unnecessary medication side effects.

The development and initial feasibility testing of D-HOMES: a behavioral activation-based intervention for diabetes medication adherence and psychological wellness among people experiencing homelessness.

Compared to stably housed peers, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have lower rates of ideal glycemic control, and experience premature morbidity and mortality. High rates of behavioral health comorbidities and trauma add to access barriers driving poor outcomes. Limited evidence guides behavioral approaches to support the needs of PEH with diabetes. Lay coaching models can improve care for low-resource populations with diabetes, yet we found no evidence of programs specifically tailored to the needs of PEH. We used a multistep, iterative process following the ORBIT model to develop the Diabetes Homeless Medication Support (D-HOMES) program, a new lifestyle intervention for PEH with type 2 diabetes. We built a community-engaged research team who participated in all of the following steps of treatment development: (1) initial treatment conceptualization drawing from evidence-based programs, (2) qualitative interviews with affected people and multi-disciplinary housing and healthcare providers, and (3) an open trial of D-HOMES to evaluate acceptability (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, exit interview) and treatment engagement (completion rate of up to 10 offered coaching sessions). In step (1), the D-HOMES treatment manual drew from existing behavioral activation and lay health coach programs for diabetes as well as clinical resources from Health Care for the Homeless. Step (2) qualitative interviews (n = 26 patients, n = 21 providers) shaped counseling approaches, language and choices regarding interventionists, tools, and resources. PTSD symptoms were reported in 69% of patients. Step (3) trial participants (N = 10) overall found the program acceptable, however, we saw better program satisfaction and treatment engagement among more stably housed people. We developed adapted treatment materials for the target population and refined recruitment/retention strategies and trial procedures sensitive to prevalent discrimination and racism to better retain people of color and those with less stable housing. The research team has used these findings to inform an NIH-funded randomized control pilot trial. We found synergy between community-engaged research and the ORBIT model of behavioral treatment development to develop a new intervention designed for PEH with type 2 diabetes and address health equity gaps in people who have experienced trauma. We conclude that more work and different approaches are needed to address the needs of participants with the least stable housing.

Using Principles of an Adaptation Framework to Adapt a Transdiagnostic Psychotherapy for People With HIV to Improve Mental Health and HIV Treatment Engagement: Focus Groups and Formative Research Study.

HIV treatment engagement is critical for people with HIV; however, behavioral health comorbidities and HIV-related stigma are key barriers to engagement. Treatments that address these barriers and can be readily implemented in HIV care settings are needed. We presented the process for adapting transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), for people with HIV receiving HIV treatment at a Southern US HIV clinic. Behavioral health targets included posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and safety concerns (eg, suicidality). The adaptation also included ways to address HIV-related stigma and a component based on Life-Steps, a brief cognitive behavioral intervention to support patient HIV treatment engagement. We applied principles of the Assessment, Decision, Administration, Production, Topical Experts, Integration, Training, Testing model, a framework for adapting evidence-based HIV interventions, and described our adaptation process, which included adapting the CETA manual based on expert input; conducting 3 focus groups, one with clinic social workers (n=3) and 2 with male (n=3) and female (n=4) patients to obtain stakeholder input for the adapted therapy; revising the manual according to this input; and training 2 counselors on the adapted protocol, including a workshop held over the internet followed by implementing the therapy with 3 clinic patients and receiving case-based consultation for them. For the focus groups, all clinic social workers were invited to participate, and patients were referred by clinic social workers if they were adults receiving services at the clinic and willing to provide written informed consent. Social worker focus group questions elicited reactions to the adapted therapy manual and content. Patient focus group questions elicited experiences with behavioral health conditions and HIV-related stigma and their impacts on HIV treatment engagement. Transcripts were reviewed by 3 team members to catalog participant commentary according to themes relevant to adapting CETA for people with HIV. Coauthors independently identified themes and met to discuss and reach a consensus on them. We successfully used principles of the Assessment, Decision, Administration, Production, Topical Experts, Integration, Training, Testing framework to adapt CETA for people with HIV. The focus group with social workers indicated that the adapted therapy made conceptual sense and addressed common behavioral health concerns and practical and cognitive behavioral barriers to HIV treatment engagement. Key considerations for CETA for people with HIV obtained from social worker and patient focus groups were related to stigma, socioeconomic stress, and instability experienced by the clinic population and some patients' substance use, which can thwart the stability needed to engage in care. The resulting brief, manualized therapy is designed to help patients build skills that promote HIV treatment engagement and reduce symptoms of common behavioral health conditions that are known to thwart HIV treatment engagement.

Correlates of Homelessness Among Adults with Personality Disorder.

Although personality disorders (PDs) are more common among persons experiencing homelessness than the general population, few studies have investigated the risk of experiencing homelessness among persons with PDs. This study seeks to identify the demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral health correlates of past-year homelessness among persons with antisocial, borderline, and schizotypal PDs. Nationally representative data of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States was used to identify correlates of homelessness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations between variables and homeless status were summarized prior to conducting several multivariate logistic regression models to identify correlates of homelessness. Main findings revealed positive associations between poverty, relationship dysfunction, and lifetime suicide attempt with homelessness. In the antisocial PD (ASPD) and borderline PD (BPD) models, comorbid BPD and ASPD, respectively, were associated with higher odds of past-year homelessness. Findings underscore the importance of poverty, interpersonal difficulties, and behavioral health comorbidities on homelessness among persons with ASPD, BPD, and schizotypal PD. Strategies to promote economic security, stable relationships, and interpersonal functioning may buffer against the effects of economic volatility and other systemic factors that could contribute to homelessness and persons with PD.

Telemedicine for unhealthy alcohol use in adults living with HIV in Alabama using common elements treatment approach: A hybrid clinical efficacy-implementation trial protocol

BackgroundUnhealthy alcohol use is an unaddressed barrier to achieving and maintaining control of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Integrated screening, treatment of common behavioral and mental health comorbidities, and telemedicine can improve alcohol treatment and HIV clinical and quality of life outcomes for rural and underserved populations. ObjectiveIn a randomized controlled clinical trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of telephone-delivered Common Elements Treatment Approach (T-CETA), a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy protocol, on unhealthy alcohol use, HIV, other substance use and mental health outcomes among predominantly rural adults with HIV receiving care at community clinics in Alabama. MethodsAdults with HIV receiving care at four selected community clinics in Alabama will receive a telephone-delivered alcohol brief intervention (BI), and then be assigned at random (stratified by clinic and sex) to no further intervention or T-CETA. Participants will be recruited after screening positively for unhealthy alcohol use or when referred by a provider. The target sample size is 308. The primary outcome will be change in the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) at six- and 12-months post-enrollment. Additional outcomes include HIV (retention in care and viral suppression), patient-reported mental health (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress), and quality of life. A range of implementation measures be evaluated including T-CETA provider and client acceptability, feasibility, cost and cost-effectiveness. ConclusionsThis trial will inform alcohol treatment within HIV care programs, including the need to consider comorbidities, and the potential impact of alcohol interventions on HIV and quality of life outcomes.

Using the Past to Understand the Future of U.S. and Global Smoking Disparities: A Birth Cohort Perspective

Using the Past to Understand the Future of U.S. and Global Smoking Disparities: A Birth Cohort Perspective

Maximizing Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy.

Arguably significant progress and improvement in the medical and surgical treatments of seizures and epilepsy in children have occurred; however, there have been relatively fewer efforts in optimizing the care of lifestyle complications related to the disease state. Many patients have significant behavioral and mental health comorbidities, including ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), which should be treated. After epilepsy surgery, only seizure freedom results in improved quality of life (QOL). Improved compliance leads to better seizure control and ensuring that caregivers have a rescue treatment helps empower patients. Education and improving seizure illness perception is beneficial. Cannabidiol may have benefits other than seizure control. The majority of children are mainly concerned about the stigma attached to having epilepsy. Driving affecting older children is discussed. Restrictions on these children should be minimized and enabling regular activities maximized.

Trends and distinct profiles of persons who inject drugs in the United States, 2015–2019

Drug injection represents a major health problem in the US, with severe health consequences including the transmission of blood-borne infections. An examination of the most recent trends in drug injection is warranted by the fast-evolving drug epidemic and recent policy changes such as the federal funding ban on needle exchange programs. This research examines current drug injection trends, patterns, and socioeconomic and behavioral profiles of people who inject drugs (PWID). Data were derived from the 2002 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). After examining the annual prevalence of drug injection since 2002, a latent class analysis was conducted to identify drug injection and other substance misuse patterns among PWID using the latest (2015–2019) NSDUH datasets. Associations between class membership and behavioral health comorbidities and treatment receipt were also assessed. The drug injection prevalence among US adults aged 18–64 increased from 0.21% in 2002/2004 to 0.36% in 2017/2019. Three distinctive groups were identified: the heroin injection group (45.2%), the methamphetamine injection group (28.0%), and the multi-drug injection group (26.8%). The methamphetamine injection group reported greater risks of experiencing serious psychological distress, suicidality, and limited substance use treatment. Special attention is needed for those who primarily injected methamphetamine. Programs to promote harm reduction and increase access to addiction treatment need to be expanded in at-risk communities while accounting for their distinct socioeconomic and drug use/misuse profiles.

Prescription Drug Misuse Among U.S. Mothers of Minor Children in 2015-2019: Trends, Profiles, and Behavioral Health Comorbidities.

Despite the persistent and elevated risks of prescription drug misuse (PDM) among parenting mothers in the United States, few population-based studies of this phenomenon have been conducted. To address this gap, the present study examined the latest PDM trends and patterns among parenting mothers and assessed their behavioral health comorbidities and treatment utilization. Data were derived from a nationally representative U.S. sample of parenting mothers recruited for the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. After examining PDM trends since 2015, we conducted a latent class analysis to identify distinctive PDM patterns among mothers reporting past-year PDM (n = 3,042). Associations between class membership and behavioral health comorbidities/treatment receipt were tested. We found increasing PDM trends among unmarried Hispanic mothers since 2015, whereas no notable changes were observed for other racial/ethnic groups. Of the mothers reporting past-year PDM, nearly 50% were likely to misuse prescription stimulants with alcohol/marijuana (17.9%) or multiple prescription drugs (31.7%). Specifically, the Poly-Prescription Drug Misuse group reported greater risks of illicit drug use and mental disorders than the Prescription Opioids Misuse group. Our findings suggest that special attention is needed for PDM among unmarried Hispanic (for recent increasing trends) and White (for persistently higher rates) mothers as well as mothers misusing multiple prescription drugs. Their distinctive PDM patterns as well as heightened behavioral health comorbidities and low treatment receipt suggest the need for a screening and treatment referral system that addresses the unique treatment needs and barriers facing parenting mothers.

Development of a Telephone-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for People Living with HIV who are Hazardous Drinkers.

Alcohol use among people living with HIV (PWH) has been increasingly recognized as an important component of HIV care. Transdiagnostic treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), that target core processes common to multiple mental health and substance-related problems, may be ideal in HIV treatment settings where psychological and behavioral health comorbidities are high. In advance of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), the overall objective of this study was to systematically adapt an ACT-based intervention originally developed for smoking cessation, into an ACT intervention for PWH who drink at hazardous levels. Consistent with the ADAPT-ITT model, the adaptation progressed systematically in several phases, which included structured team meetings, three focus group discussions with PWH (N = 13), and in-depth interviews with HIV providers (N = 10), and development of standardized operating procedures for interventionist training, supervision, and eventual RCT implementation. The procedures described here offer a template for transparent reporting on early phase behavioral RCTs.

Behavioral Health Risk Factors for Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use in Adolescence.

Adolescent nonmedical prescription opioid use is associated with overdose and other adverse outcomes, but its risk factors are poorly understood. Data were drawn from a prospective cohort study of Los Angeles, California, high school students. At baseline (mean age = 14.6 years), students completed self-report screening measures of problem alcohol, cannabis, and drug use and 6 mental health problems (major depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hypomania or mania). Past 6-month nonmedical prescription opioid use (yes or no) was assessed across 7 semiannual follow-ups. Among baseline never users of nonmedical prescription opioids (N = 3204), average past 6-month prevalence of new nonmedical prescription opioid use across the 42-month follow-up was 4.4% (range 3.5%-6.1%). In a multivariable model co-adjusting for 9 baseline behavioral problems and other factors, major depression, hypomania or mania, cannabis, alcohol, and other drug use problems were associated with increased odds of nonmedical prescription opioid use over follow-ups. Cumulative indices of behavioral health comorbidity showed successively greater odds of subsequent nonmedical prescription opioid use for students with 1 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.79-5.01), 2 (OR: 8.79; 95% CI: 5.95-12.99), or 3 (OR: 9.69; 95% CI: 5.63-16.68) vs 0 baseline substance use problems, and similar increases were associated with increasing number of mental health problems (1 [OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03-2.88] to all 6 [OR: 3.98; 95% CI: 1.09-14.82] vs 0). Behavioral health problems may be associated with increased risk of subsequent nonmedical prescription opioid use during mid to late adolescence, with successively greater risk for those with greater behavioral health comorbidity. In pediatric clinical practice or school-based prevention, behavioral health screeners may be useful for identifying youth at high risk for nonmedical prescription opioid use.

Integrating Behavioral Health and Serious Illness Care in a Post-COVID-19 Environment.

Individuals with serious medical illnesses experience high rates of comorbid behavioral health conditions. Behavioral health comorbidity affects outcomes in serious illness care. Despite this consequence, behavioral health remains siloed from serious illness care. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors presented a conceptual model of behavioral health integration into serious illness care. In this column, the authors reflect on this model in the context of the challenges and opportunities posed by COVID-19.

Concussion and Risk of Chronic Medical and Behavioral Health Comorbidities.

While chronic neurological effects from concussion have been studied widely, little is known about possible links between concussion and long-term medical and behavioral comorbidities. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 9205 adult patients with concussion, matched to non-concussion controls from a hospital-based electronic medical registry. Patients with comorbidities before the index visit were excluded. Behavioral and medical comorbidities were defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes. Groups were followed for up to 10 years to identify comorbidity incidence after a concussion. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate associations between concussion and comorbidities after multi-variable adjustment. Patients with concussion were 57% male (median age: 31; interquartile range [IQR] = 23-48 years) at enrollment with a median follow-up time of 6.1 years (IQR = 4.2-9.1) and well-matched to healthy controls. Most (83%) concussions were evaluated in outpatient settings (5% inpatient). During follow-up, we found significantly higher risks of cardiovascular risks developing including hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-1.9), obesity (HR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0), and diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4-2.3) in the concussion group compared with controls. Similarly, psychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression (HR = 3.0, 95% CI: 2.6-3.5), psychosis (HR = 6.0, 95% CI: 4.2-8.6), stroke (HR = 2.1 95% CI: 1.5-2.9), and epilepsy (HR = 4.4, 95% CI: 3.2-5.9) were higher in the concussion group. Most comorbidities developed less than five years post-concussion. The risks for post-concussion comorbidities were also higher in patients under 40 years old compared with controls. Patients with concussion demonstrated an increased risk of development of medical and behavioral health comorbidities. Prospective studies are warranted to better describe the burden of long-term comorbidities in patients with concussion.

Burden of Behavioral Health Comorbidities on Outpatient Health Care Utilization by Active Duty Service Members With a First Documented mTBI.

More than 280,000 Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) between 2000 and 2019 (Q3). Previous studies of veterans have shown higher utilization of outpatient health clinics by veterans diagnosed with mTBI. Additionally, veterans with mTBI and comorbid behavioral health (BH) conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorders have significantly higher health care utilization than veterans diagnosed with mTBI alone. However, few studies of the relationship between mTBI, health care utilization, and BH conditions in the active duty military population currently exist. We examined the proportion of ADSMs with a BH diagnosis before and after a first documented mTBI and quantified outpatient utilization of the Military Health System in the year before and following injury. Retrospective analysis of 4,901,840 outpatient encounters for 39,559 ADSMs with a first documented diagnosis of mTBI recorded in the Department of Defense electronic health record, subsets of who had a BH diagnosis. We examined median outpatient utilization 1 year before and 1 year after mTBI using Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the results are reported with an effect size r. Outpatient utilization is compared by BH subgroups. Approximately 60% of ADSMs experience a first mTBI with no associated BH condition, but 17% of men and women are newly diagnosed with a BH condition in the year following mTBI. ADSMs with a history of a BH condition before mTBI increased their median outpatient utilization from 23 to 35 visits for men and from 32 to 42 visits for women. In previously healthy ADSMs with a new BH condition following mTBI, men more than tripled median utilization from 7 to 24 outpatient visits, and women doubled utilization from 15 to 32 outpatient visits. Behavioral health comorbidities affect approximately one-third of ADSMs following a first mTBI, and approximately 17% of previously healthy active duty men and women will be diagnosed with a new BH condition in the year following a first mTBI. Post-mTBI outpatient health care utilization is highly dependent on the presence or absence of BH condition and is markedly higher is ADSMs with a BH diagnosis in the year after a first documented mTBI.

Improved Utilization Amongst Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Multi-Disciplinary Medical Home Approach

Background Worldwide, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most common monogenetic disorder. SCD is costly to the American health care system: $460,151 per patient for the 100,000 affected US patients. Biological and behavioral health comorbidities with limited hospital resources contributed to a cost increase in SCD readmissions at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) from 2012-2016, after a long history of decline. With increasing census, in FY16 the 30-day SCD readmission rate was 33.7%, up from 22.5% in FY14. The average SCD length of stay was 6.7 days, compared with an expected length of 4.2 days. The number of ED visits for SCD patients in FY17 was projected to be double that of FY14. The percent of ED returns in 3 days was projected to be triple that of FY14. Method The VCU Adult SCD Medical Home (ASCMH) was funded and launched to address this issue, based on the success of a pilot that showed cost savings of $333,000 for 5 patients in 12 months. The SCD ASCMH officially began January 1,2018 with a two-year pilot funding period. The ASCMH was structured and designed using quality improvement (QI) principles and consisted of multidisciplinary teams to coordinate inpatient care, emergency care, and ambulatory care respectively. Evaluation compared utilization during CY 2017 (pre-intervention) versus CY 2019 (2 years post intervention). For all patients we compared the average 30-day readmission rate, the average length of stay (ALOS), the average 3-Day ED return rate, the number of ED discharges, the numbers of inpatient days, inpatient discharges, and outpatient visits, the number of patients who used the ED, and total VCU charges. Results Among 541 (2017) and 592 (2019) SCD adults, including 40.6% males and 59.4% females, comparing pre-intervention to intervention, average utilization and VCU charges were either numerically or statistically significantly reduced. Mean 30-day readmission rates were reduced (31.60% vs 20.40%) ALOS was reduced (5.6 days vs 4.3 days), inpatient days were reduced (5313 days vs 3340 days), and total charges were significantly reduced ($15,664,895 vs $13,939,842). Conclusion At VCU, a multi-disciplinary ASCMH that featured intensive case management (CM) reduced annual utilization and cost savings for adult SCD patients. CM program elements that were most effective should be studied in the future and next steps should include a randomized controlled trial that can demonstrate evidence of their efficacy in strengthening and improving utilization Table Disclosures Smith: Emmaeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; GlycoMimetics, Inc.: Consultancy; Novartis, Inc.: Consultancy, Other: Investigator, Research Funding; Shire, Inc.: Other: Investigator, Research Funding; Imara: Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy; Ironwood: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Other: Investigator; Health Resources and Services Administration: Other: Investigator, Research Funding; NHLBI: Research Funding; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: Other: Investigator, Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Shire: Research Funding.

Impact of Behavioral Health Comorbidities on Health Care Costs Among Japanese Patients With Cancer.

Little is known about how behavioral health (BH) conditions affect health care costs of patients with cancer in Japan. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the magnitude of general medical claims expenditures for individuals with cancer who use or do not use BH services in Japan. The study used a health insurance claims database for more than 3 million enrollees in Japan. All health plan enrollees (18 y or older) who had tumors without metastasis or metastatic solid tumors defined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index were included in the study (n= 20,260). Measurements included total claims expenditures for BH and medical services. The proportion of enrollees using BH services was 12.8%. BH service users accounted for 17.7% of total health service spending. Mean annual cost of total health care services were 1.5 times higher in BH users than those with no BH use, whereas the median was 1.8 times higher. Mean annual medical cost alone for BH users was 1.3 times higher than that for non-BH users, whereas the median was 1.5 times higher. The findings suggest the importance for the Japanese medical system to address BH needs of patients with cancer and introduce fiscal efficiencies to cancer care. Strategic implementation of effective integrated care services for patients with cancer should be considered in Japan.

Outcomes and Predictors of Postoperative Pain Improvement Following Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allograft Transplant for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft transfer (PJCAT) is an emerging treatment option for management of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLTs). This series reports on outcomes and identifies predictors for success following PJCAT for isolated OCLTs. We reviewed 33 consecutive patients who underwent PJCAT by a single surgeon from 2013 to 2017. Preoperative demographic factors (age, body mass index [BMI], tobacco use, behavioral health comorbidity, and ankle pain visual analog score [VAS]) and OCLT morphologic data were collected. Outcomes included postoperative improvements in VAS and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and clinical success/failure. Results of 7 second-look arthroscopies and complications are provided. Categorical data are reported as frequencies, and statistical means with P values are reported for continuous variables. We had a mean 3.5 years of follow-up. Improvement in ankle pain VAS following isolated PJCAT was 51% (P < .001). For the first 16 consecutive patients in whom complete AOFAS scores were available, 40% (P < .001) improvement occurred. Presence of 1 or more behavioral health diagnoses was a risk factor for decreased pain relief, while moderate to severe preoperative pain (VAS >5.9) predicted improved postoperative pain relief. Age, BMI, tobacco use, and OCLT morphology did not affect outcomes. For treatment of large, high-stage OCLTs, PJCAT resulted in 40% to 50% improvement in ankle pain and disability within 3.5 years. The results may be better in patients with moderate to severe preoperative pain but worse in those with preexisting behavioral health diagnoses. Level IV, retrospective case series.