Healthcare Provider Visits Research Articles

Impact of adalimumab on clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and sick leave in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: an observational study from five Central and Eastern European countries.

BackgroundPatients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are substantial users of healthcare resources due to chronic and potentially disabling disease. This study assessed the impact of adalimumab on clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and sick leave in patients with AS in five Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries.MethodsThis was an observational study in the routine clinical setting. Patients diagnosed with AS and starting treatment with originator adalimumab were followed for 12 months by assessing disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS]) and physical function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]). Data on healthcare resource utilization and sick leave were collected prospectively and compared with historical data before adalimumab initiation, as well as between treatment responders and non-responders defined by BASDAI-50.ResultsThe total effectiveness population comprised 450 patients with on average long-standing AS, high disease activity, and functional impairment. At 12 months of adalimumab therapy, mean ASDAS and BASFI scores were in the range of low disease activity and normal physical function, respectively. The mean number of hospital admissions, hospital inpatient days, and healthcare provider visits were decreased by 67.9, 83.0, and 46.3%, respectively. The number and length of sick leaves were decreased by 65.6 and 81.4%, respectively. Reductions were higher in treatment responders than non-responders.ConclusionOriginator adalimumab in routine clinical practice in five CEE countries produced clinically meaningful improvements in disease activity and physical function, and it was associated with reductions in healthcare resource utilization and sick leave.

Abstract 16866: Sex Differences in Access to Care Before Acute Myocardial Infarction: Does the Health Care System Matter?

Introduction: Access to high-quality health care for young women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) lags behind that of men. Whether access to care varies based on the health care system remains unknown. We evaluated sex differences in pre-AMI access to care in young patients with AMI across countries. Methods: We utilized data from the GENESIS-PRAXY and VIRGO cohorts, which included young ( < 55 yrs) AMI patients hospitalized in countries with public (Canada, Spain, Australia) or private (United States [US], Switzerland) health care systems (2009-13). We collected data on demographics, CV risk, and psychosocial factors. Pre-AMI access to care was defined as: having a primary health care provider, difficulties in access to primary/specialist care, primary health care visits/diagnostic tests for cardiac symptoms (12 months prior to AMI). Sex-stratified analysis by health care system was performed. Results: Among 4,689 AMI patients (58% women, mean age 47±6 yrs), 64% were from the US and 22% from Canada. Compared with men, women had more CV risk factors, higher rates of depression/stress and lower socioeconomic status (SES) (Table); more strikingly in the US. Across countries, 70% of patients had a primary health care provider. However, women experienced more difficulties accessing primary (21% vs. 15%) or specialist care (27% vs. 20%, all p<.001) versus men. Women in the US reported cost barriers (47% vs. 5%), whereas women from other countries had difficulties in contacting primary health care providers (91% vs. 46%, all p<.001). Nevertheless, compared with men, women reported more primary health care provider visits (46% vs. 37%) and tests for cardiac symptoms (66% vs. 50%), regardless of health care system. Conclusions: In both public and privately funded health care systems, one-fifth of young AMI patients had poor pre-AMI access to care, despite a high-risk factor burden - especially among women in the US. Young women of low SES should be targeted for primary prevention.

Topical Estrogen Prescription Fill Rates for Women With a History of Breast Cancer Who Are Taking Hormone Therapy

To evaluate how often women with a history of breast cancer who are taking hormone therapy (HT) filled prescriptions for topical estrogens and whether this frequency varied over time and by type of HT used. We performed a retrospective cohort study using medical and outpatient drug claims from a large commercial claims database for the years 2010-2015. Women younger than age 65 years taking HT for breast cancer were classified as users of 1) tamoxifen only, 2) aromatase inhibitor(s) only, or 3) any other or multiple HTs. Our outcome variable was filling a prescription for topical estrogen in a given year. We used multivariable logistic regression models estimated with generalized estimating equations to determine whether the fill rate varied over time and by HT category adjusting for age, receipt of surgical or radiation treatment, types of outpatient health care provider visits, and comorbidities. We identified 352,118 records from 176,012 unique patients (mean age 54.3 years, range 18-64 years) who met eligibility criteria. Aromatase inhibitors were used more commonly (56.0% of patient-years) than tamoxifen (38.8%). Overall, 3.0% (range 2.9-3.1%) of women filled any topical estrogen prescription in a given calendar year. More than half of filled topical estrogen prescriptions were for tablets (57.0%) with the remainder for creams (25.8%) and rings (17.3%). In adjusted analyses, the fill rate for women taking tamoxifen was significantly less (2.4%; 95% CI 2.3-2.5%) than for women taking aromatase inhibitors (3.3%; 95% CI 3.2-3.4%). There was a small but statistically significant increase in fill rates across years (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04). A small proportion of women with a history of breast cancer who were taking HT filled a topical estrogen prescription, with significant differences by type of HT. More evidence is needed to inform national guidelines regarding safety and appropriate use of topical estrogens in this patient population.

PMH71 - AN ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH OUTCOMES BY PATIENT ACTIVATION LEVEL IN THE EU5

The aim was to examine the relationship between levels of patient activation (knowledge, skill, and confidence in health management) and health outcomes across multiple conditions. Data from the 2017 EU5 (n=62,000; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK) Kantar Health PaCeR (patient-centered research) platform was used. Adults were surveyed using stratified random sampling based on gender and age to ensure representativeness to the general population. Patients self-reported a physician diagnosis of depression, type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic pain, or psoriasis. The Patient Activation Measure®1,2 or PAM® consists of four levels. Level 1 or “disengaged and overwhelmed” indicates lowest patient activation while level 4 or “maintaining behaviors and pushing further” indicates highest activation. Outcomes included healthcare provider (HCP) visits, health-related quality of life (HRQoL; SF-12v23 mental component summary [MCS] and physical component summary [PCS] scores), and work and activity impairment4. Across all conditions, higher patient activation was associated with a greater percentage of patients with HCP visits, improved HRQoL, and less activity impairment. The percent of patients with HCP visits increased as patient activation increased ranging from 90.3% to 99.3%. Higher levels of patient activation corresponded to better health. Across all conditions, there was a clinically meaningful difference in MCS which ranged from 4.27 (level 1) to 8.04 (level 4). T2D patients at the highest activation level had the highest MCS (50.27), whereas patients with depression had the lowest MCS (38.09). PCS scores across all conditions and activation levels were lower than the general population. Higher patient activation scores were associated with less activity impairment and this was most pronounced for patients with depression (54.6% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.05) or T2D (45.3% vs. 31.0%, p < 0.05). Understanding where patients fall on the activation continuum can inform communications to increase patients’ activation and improve health outcomes.

Study protocol: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, two-arm, placebo control trial investigating the feasibility and safety of immunoglobulin treatment in COPD patients for prevention of frequent recurrent exacerbations

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the airways, associated with frailty, disability, co-morbidity, and mortality. Individuals with COPD experience increased risk and rates of acute exacerbation as their lung disease worsens. Current treatments to prevent acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) are only modestly effective. New therapies are needed to improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes for individuals living with COPD and especially for those prone to frequent recurrent AECOPD. Recent research has suggested an association of gammaglobulin or immunoglobulin G levels with AECOPD and a favorable effect of an immunoglobulin treatment on the frequency of recurrent AECOPD, healthcare provider visits, treatments, and hospitalizations. However, control trials are required to confirm this apparent association and therapeutic effect. This study aims to assess if intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is feasible, safe, tolerable, and potentially effective in reducing the frequency of recurrent AECOPD.Methods/designAdult COPD patients at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) will be recruited to partake in a randomized double-blind, parallel, two-arm, placebo control trial. Eligible patients will be administered either IVIG or normal saline following 1:1 randomization and every 4 weeks for 1 year. The primary outcome of feasibility will be determined by recruitment, patient adherence, safety and tolerance, success of the follow-up procedures, and outcome measurement. The safety and tolerability will be assessed through adverse events, adherence, and study withdrawals. Efficacy trends will be investigated by assessing incidence rates of AECOPD, improvement in quality of life, and healthcare services use and cost.DiscussionThe study results will inform larger studies designed to confirm a clinically significant therapeutic effect in identifiable populations which would be a major advance in the care of COPD patients.Trial registration numberClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03018652 and NCT02690038.

Cost of opioid medication abuse with and without tampering in the USA.

ObjectiveTo provide per-patient estimates of the economic burden for opioid medication abuse with and without tampering.Patients and methodsAdults in the US who participated in the 2010 and/or 2011 National Health and Wellness Survey were resurveyed to provide information on use and abuse of prescription opioids in the previous 3 months. Participants (N=20,885) were categorized as those who abused and tampered (n=107), abused without tampering (n=118), those who reported using of opioids as prescribed (n=981), and non-opioid controls (n=19,679). Average wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and health care unit costs from the Truven MarketScan database were applied to self-reported work impairment (absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment) and health care resource utilization (health care provider visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and drug rehabilitation) to estimate indirect and direct medical costs, respectively. Estimated mean costs for these groups were compared using analysis of variance, and generalized linear models were used to compare costs adjusted for confounders.ResultsThose who abused and tampered had significantly higher mean indirect (work impairment: $3,614 vs $2,938, p<0.05) and direct (health care use: $23,328 vs $4,514, p<0.001) costs over 3 months than those who abused without tampering. This included higher mean incremental costs for non-opioid-related medical visits ($14,180 vs $2,236, p<0.001), opioid-related medical visits ($8,790 vs $2,223, p<0.001), and drug rehabilitation ($358 vs $55, p<0.001). Increased total direct costs were associated with tampering after adjusting for confounders (p<0.001). Median incremental costs were also higher among those who tampered.ConclusionTampering with prescription opioid medications is associated with significantly increased medical costs compared to abuse without tampering. Reducing tampering may provide net health care savings.

Effective Patient-Provider Communication For Newly Diagnosed Patients In A Primary Care Setting: A Quantitative Study

Ralston Lockett, BSN, RN - FNP StudentMyra Michelle DeBose, PhD, MSN, MSEd, RN - Faculty AdvisorPrairie View A &amp; M University - College of Nursing - Graduate Program - Houston, TXBackground: There are newly diagnosed patients in primary care settings with depressive symptomsdue to lack of communication from providers. The aim of this proposed study is to assess newlydiagnosed patients who may express depressive symptomology. Establishing a sound relationshipbetween patients and providers is essential for a trusting relationship. Patient-centeredcommunication increases better health outcomes in primary care settings. There is reason to believethat missed opportunities between patient-providers can decrease patient compliance and increasedepression.Research Hypothesis: Newly diagnosed patients that receive effective provider communication willhave a decrease in depressive symptoms as compared to newly diagnosed patients who do not receiveeffective communication.Methodology: This study uses a longitudinal, quasi-experimental research design, conveniencesampling. Up to 80 newly diagnosed patients who did not receive effective communication will beevaluated for approximately six months. The primary setting will be 2 urban area clinics in Houston,Texas. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), will be used within 30 days afterthe initial healthcare provider visit to assess depressive symptoms.Results: Depressive symptoms will be measured using the (CES-D) assessment tool of 20 – items. Thetool assesses how frequently an individual experienced depressive symptoms within a week. Inaddition, a 45 min post visit survey regarding provider communication will be sent after 30 days.Sample analysis will include diagnosis and literacy level. Participants will be asked to identify preferredmethods of communicating with their provider.Significance: There is a correlation between depressive symptoms and lack of effective communicationwith patients in a primary care setting. Poor identification of patient’s mental health status andengagement in plan of care can lead to poor patient health outcomes, increase health care costs, anddisparities to under-privilege communities.

Health Behaviors and Preventive Healthcare Utilization Among African-American Attendees at a Faith-Based Public Health Conference: Healthy Churches 2020.

Unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity along with lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the marked health disparities in chronic diseases among African-Americans. Faith-based public health conferences offer a potential opportunity to improve health literacy and change health behaviors through health promotion within this population, thereby reducing health disparities. This study examined the self-reported health behaviors and preventive healthcare utilization patterns of 77 participants at a predominantly African-American faith-based public health conference, Healthy Churches 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of attendees to assess their health behaviors (diet and physical activity), preventive healthcare utilization (annual healthcare provider visits), and health-promoting activities at their places of worship. The results indicate that attendees of a faith-based public health conference have adequate preventive healthcare utilization, but suboptimal healthy behaviors. Our findings support the need for ongoing health-promoting activities with an emphasis on diet and physical activity among this population.

A Novel Mobile App and Population Management System to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis flares have a profound effect on patients, causing pain and disability. However, flares often occur between regularly scheduled health care provider visits and are, therefore, difficult to monitor and manage. We sought to develop a mobile phone app combined with a population management system to help track RA flares between visits.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to implement the mobile app plus the population management system to monitor rheumatoid arthritis disease activity between scheduled health care provider visits over a period of 6 months.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial that lasts for 6 months for each participant. We aim to recruit 190 patients, randomized 50:50 to the intervention group versus the control group. The intervention group will be assigned the mobile app and be prompted to answer daily questionnaires sent to their mobile devices. Both groups will be assigned a population manager, who will communicate with the participants via telephone at 6 weeks and 18 weeks. The population manager will also communicate with the participants in the intervention group if their responses indicate a sustained increase in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. To assess patient satisfaction, the primary outcomes will be scores on the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication as well as the Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interactions questionnaire at 6 months. To determine the effect of the mobile app on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, the primary outcome will be the Clinical Disease Activity Index at 6 months.ResultsThe trial started in November 2016, and an estimated 2.5 years will be necessary to complete the study. Study results are expected to be published by the end of 2019.ConclusionsThe completion of this study will provide important data regarding the following: (1) the assessment of validated outcome measures to assess rheumatoid arthritis disease activity with a mobile app between routinely scheduled health care provider visits, (2) patient engagement in monitoring their condition, and (3) communication between patients and health care providers through the population management system.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02822521, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02822521 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xed3kGPd)

Impact of the severity of hypoglycemia on health - Related quality of life, productivity, resource use, and costs among US patients with type 2 diabetes

AimsTo explore the association between hypoglycemia severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity, health care resource utilization (HCRU), and costs among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsData were from the 2013 US National Health and Wellness Survey. This analysis included adults with treated T2DM. Participants were categorized based upon their self-reported experience in the previous 3 months: no hypoglycemia, non-severe hypoglycemia, or severe hypoglycemia. Validated instruments were used to measure HRQoL and productivity; HCRU was based on participant-reported health care provider (HCP) and emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Multivariable models tested for trends across the severity groups. ResultsThe analysis included 3630 participants—1729 (47.6%) with non-severe hypoglycemia and 172 (4.7%) with severe hypoglycemia. Mental and physical component scores and utility scores were significantly associated with hypoglycemia severity (P < 0.001 for each). Similar trends were observed for absenteeism (P < 0.001), presenteeism (P = 0.005), HCP and ED visits (P ≤ 0.002), and hospitalizations (P < 0.001). Annual HCRU costs associated with increasingly severe hypoglycemia were $6908, $7132, and $15,410, respectively (P < 0.001), and productivity costs were $7248, $7493, and $12,167, respectively (P = 0.008). ConclusionHypoglycemia severity appears to be related to reduced HRQoL and productivity, which are mirrored by increased direct and indirect costs.

Estimate of incidence and cost of recreational waterborne illness on United States surface waters

BackgroundActivities such as swimming, paddling, motor-boating, and fishing are relatively common on US surface waters. Water recreators have a higher rate of acute gastrointestinal illness, along with other illnesses including respiratory, ear, eye, and skin symptoms, compared to non-water recreators. The quantity and costs of such illnesses are unknown on a national scale.MethodsRecreational waterborne illness incidence and severity were estimated using data from prospective cohort studies of water recreation, reports of recreational waterborne disease outbreaks, and national water recreation statistics. Costs associated with medication use, healthcare provider visits, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, lost productivity, long-term sequelae, and mortality were aggregated.ResultsAn estimated 4 billion surface water recreation events occur annually, resulting in an estimated 90 million illnesses nationwide and costs of $2.2- $3.7 billion annually (central 90% of values). Illnesses of moderate severity (visit to a health care provider or ED) were responsible for over 65% of the economic burden (central 90% of values: $1.4- $2.4 billion); severe illnesses (result in hospitalization or death) were responsible for approximately 8% of the total economic burden (central 90% of values: $108- $614 million).ConclusionRecreational waterborne illnesses are associated with a substantial economic burden. These findings may be useful in cost-benefit analysis for water quality improvement and other risk reduction initiatives.

Pain associated with health and economic burden in France: results from recent National Health and Wellness Survey data.

PurposeThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pain among French adults and assess the impact of pain on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), activity impairment, and health care resource use (HRU).Patients and methodsRespondents from the 2015 France National Health and Wellness Survey (N=19,173) were categorized by self-reported pain (experienced pain in the past 12 months vs no pain) and compared on HRQoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2: Mental Component Summary, Physical Component Summary, and Short Form-6 Dimensions health utilities), activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire), employment status, and HRU (health care provider visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations). Bivariate analyses examined differences between pain groups stratified by age, sex, income, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores.ResultsPain prevalence was 20.2% (n=4007). Mean Physical Component Summary decrements with pain ranged from 3.4 to 8.1 points among those aged <35 years to those aged 45–54 years, respectively. Results for Mental Component Summary and Short Form-6 Dimensions scores followed similar patterns. Regardless of income, sex, or CCI group, pain was associated with significant decrements on all HRQoL measures (for all, p<0.05). The impact of pain on activity impairment was lowest among those <35 years; this impact was higher in middle age and then tapered off among those aged ≥75 years. Pain was associated with greater activity impairment and more health care provider visits across income, sex, and CCI groups (for all, p<0.05). Generally, emergency room visits were more common among those with pain across age, sex, and CCI, but they were only significantly associated with pain in the lower income group (p<0.01). Pain was associated with significantly more hospitalizations across age and income groups.ConclusionResults suggest pain negatively affects HRQoL, activity impairment, and HRU across demographic subgroups. These findings help underscore the considerable health and economic burden of pain in France.

The burden of multiple sclerosis in Japan

Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Few studies have examined the effect of MS on patient outcomes in Japan. The study aim was to quantify MS burden in Japan by comparing MS respondents to matched controls on patient outcomes.Materials and methods: Data from seven administrations of the nationally representative Japan National Health and Wellness Survey (2009–2014 and 2016) were used (n = 181,423). Respondents self-reporting MS diagnosis were compared with respondents not reporting MS. Matched controls were selected using propensity scores. Respondents with MS and matched controls were compared on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), work productivity and activity impairment, healthcare resource utilization, and costs. Comparisons were made using Chi-square tests or one-way ANOVAs.Results: A total of 96 respondents with MS and 480 matched controls were included in the analyses. MS respondents reported worse mental (44.35 vs 47.51, p < .05), physical (33.11 vs 49.04, p < .001), and role (37.78 vs 47.11, p < .001) component summary scores (minimally important difference is 3.0). Additionally, MS respondents reported decrements on every health profile sub-scale (p < .001) and 5-Level EuroQoL-5 Dimensions outcome (p < .01). MS respondents also reported more healthcare provider visits (13.78 vs 6.13) and hospitalizations (3.02 vs 0.70; both, p < .001), leading to higher direct costs. For work productivity and activity impairment, MS respondents reported more absenteeism (17.50% vs 5.57%), presenteeism (38.11% vs 21.62%), overall work impairment (46.68% vs 25.27%), and activity impairment (46.88% vs 24.90%, all, p < .001), leading to higher indirect costs.Limitations: Japan NHWS data are cross-sectional, and causal relationships cannot be established. Due to the self-reported nature of the data, responses could not be independently verified.Conclusions: Results suggest MS in Japan is associated with poorer HRQoL and greater work and activity impairment, healthcare resource use, and costs. Improved MS management could benefit both patients and society.

Association Between Patient Portal Access and Viral Suppression Among People Living with HIV in a Large Southeastern Clinical Cohort

BackgroundViral suppression (VS) among people living with HIV (PLWH), the goal of the HIV care continuum, leads to improved patient outcomes and decreased HIV transmission. Patient portals are online tools that enable patient interaction with healthcare systems and may increase patient engagement and improve health outcomes. We examined whether portal access was associated with VS among PLWH.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study among PLWH aged ≥18 years who had ≥1 HIV healthcare provider visit at the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic (Nashville, Tennessee) from January 1, 2011–December 31, 2015. Patient portal access was defined as being registered for a portal account at any point in the year prior. VS was defined as having ≥1 viral load (VL) measured and the last VL ≤200 copies/ml within a given year. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) of VS was estimated with modified Poisson regression and robust standard errors for multiple outcomes per individual. Models were adjusted for all covariates in the Figure and for year since first kept appointment. Missing data were multiply imputed.ResultsThe study population included 4,237 PLWH; median age was 43 years (IQR 33–50), 78% were male, 41% were black, and 60% reported male–male sexual contact (MSM). Of the 57% who had portal access during the study period, median age was 42 years (IQR 31–49), 86% were male, 30% were black, and 75% were MSM. In adjusted analysis, portal access was independently associated with improved VS (aRR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.16–1.21 vs. no portal access) (Figure). Increasing age and sexual contact (vs. injection drug use) remained associated with improved VS; black race (vs. white race), lower socioeconomic status, and higher baseline VL remained associated with poor VS after accounting for portal access (Figure).ConclusionPortal access was independently associated with improved VS, although sociodemographic disparities in VS persisted. Additionally, there were sociodemographic disparities in patient portal access. There may be important unmeasured confounders such as health literacy and educational attainment. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine whether patient portal access leads to improved VS among PLWH.Disclosures P. Rebeiro, NIH: Grant Investigator, Research grant; G. Jackson, Vanderbilt Center for Effective Health Communication: Grant Investigator, Research grant; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Grant Investigator, Research grant; American Medical Informatics Association: Board Member, Research support; A. Pettit, NIH/NIAID - K08AI104352: Grant Investigator, Research grant

THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SACUBITRIL-VALSARTAN REGISTRY: RATIONALE AND BASELINE DEMOGRAPHICS

Sacubitril-valsartan is approved in Canada for treatment of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction based on results from the landmark PARADIGM-HF Trial. There is a paucity of real world data describing the impact of this novel therapy on healthcare utilization (HCU) including healthcare provider visits, the need for additional diagnostic imaging/laboratory testing as well as potential avoidance of CRT/ICD. To measure the system impact of sacubitril-valsartan on HF care in BC, Cardiac Services BC and BC’s Heart Failure Network have created a Provincial registry to identify and track outcomes for patients initiated on this therapy. This is a multicentre Provincial cohort of 178 patients initiated on sacubitril-valsartan between March 2016-April 2017. Baseline demographic data was captured at the time of drug initiation. We present here a descriptive analysis of our initial study cohort based on NYHA functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), baseline renal function and treatment with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The majority of patients in the BC Registry initiated on sacubitril-valsartan had either NYHA II (74.7%) or NYHA III (11.2%) functional symptoms. A baseline LVEF < 40% was present in 94% of patients. Echocardiography was the primary diagnostic imaging modality for baseline assessment of LVEF. The mean eGFR was 64.3±18.3 mL/min (n=165) with a median eGFR of 63 mL/min (IQR 49,77). Only one patient had an eGFR < 30 ml/min. Prior to initiation of sacubitril-valsartan, GDMT for HFrEF including beta-blocker, ACEi/ARB and MRA was employed in 70.2% of those enrolled in the registry, however only 24.7% (n=44) of those on triple-therapy were receiving optimal guideline recommended doses. Target doses of beta-blockers, ACEi/ARB and MRA were achieved in 67.4% (n=120), 70% (n=125) and 38.2% (n=68) respectively of registry participants. Early data from the BC sacubitril-valsartan registry suggests that this therapy is being used in appropriate patients with respect to symptoms, LVEF and renal function. There is a significant care gap related to optimal dosing of GDMT with under-treatment across all drug classes prior to initiation of sacubitril-valsartan. Barriers to up-titration of GDMT must be explored. As a next step in quality assurance, we will link registry data with Provincial administrative data sets to determine the real world impact of sacubitril-valsartan on HCU in the BC context.

A qualitative study of the experience of lower extremity wounds and amputations among people with diabetes in Philadelphia.

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions among people with type 2 diabetes about foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations. This was a qualitative observational study utilizing open-ended, semistructured interviews of 39 people with diabetes who were purposively selected because they had either a foot ulcer (n = 19) or a lower extremity amputation (n = 20). Interviews were audio-recorded, deidentified, and entered into NVivo 10.0 for coding and analysis. Our integrated analytic approach combined inductively and deductively derived codes that were applied to all transcripts. Coded data were summarized and examined for patterns. Participants' description of the relationship between diabetes and their foot ulcer or amputation revealed a limited understanding of the disease process. Disruption and loss of independence was expressed whether the person had a foot ulcer or an amputation. Treatment recommendations for foot ulcers were viewed by most as extremely difficult. Amputation was a feared outcome, but some learned to adapt and, at times felt that the amputation enhanced their quality of life. Clinicians have assumed that a focus on limb salvage is preferred over a major amputation. However, because of the complexity of care requiring frequent healthcare provider visits, the frequency of care failure, the frequency of recurrence, and mortality associated with having had a foot ulcer, it may be more appropriate for clinicians to prioritize quality-of-life salvage. Foot ulcer treatment failure may be due to a lack of providers' understanding of the impact of treatment on a patient's life.

Diminished Trust of Healthcare Providers, Risky Lifestyle Behaviors, and Low Use of Health Services: A Descriptive Study of Rural Adolescents.

The purpose of our study was to determine the extent to which individual characteristic variables predict trust of healthcare provider (HCP), lifestyle behaviors, and use of health services among adolescents attending public high school in rural Indiana. The sample included 224 individuals surveyed in 9th grade or 12th grade required courses. Trust of HCP and lifestyle behaviors were predicted using hierarchical multiple regression; number of HCP visits and emergency department (ED) visits in the past 12 months were predicted using negative binomial regression. This sample of adolescents living in a rural area reported riskier lifestyle behaviors than another sample of adolescents, lower trust of HCP than adults in general, and fewer HCP and ED visits than adolescents in general. Our study supports the need for school-based health services in rural areas and the opportunity for school nurses to act as care coordinators for marginalized youth.

Folic acid use by women with epilepsy: Findings of the Epilepsy Birth Control Registry.

To determine the prevalence and predictors of folic acid (FA) use by women with epilepsy (WWE) at risk of unintended pregnancy. These retrospective data come from the Epilepsy Birth Control Registry (EBCR) web-based survey of 1144 WWE in the community, 18-47years, who provided demographic, epilepsy, AED, contraception, pregnancy, healthcare visits and FA data. We report prevalence and predictors of FA use in relation to risk of pregnancy (not at risk, at risk, seeking pregnancy, pregnant), demographics, seizure types and AED and contraception categories. 368 (47.6%) of the 773 WWE at risk of unintended pregnancy in the EBCR took FA supplement. Being at risk was a significant predictor in comparison to WWE not at risk (OR=1.464 [1.103-1.944], p=0.008). In comparison to WWE at risk, FA use trended greater for WWE actively seeking pregnancy (29/47, 61.7% v 368/773, 47.6%; p=0.0605) and was greater for pregnant WWE (17/19, 89.5% v 368/773, 47.6%; p=0.0007). Demographic predictors for WWE at risk were race (p=0.003), education (p=0.012) and income (0.043) with significantly greater FA use by Caucasians than minorities and direct correlations between FA use and levels of education and household income. Seizure type, AED use, category and dosage, polytherapy and contraceptive category were not predictors. A healthcare provider visit during the year prior to the survey was not a predictor. Prevalence of FA use was similar following visits with gynecologists - 51.7%, neurologists - 48.7% and primary care - 48.6%. FA supplementation by prescription was greater for WWE at risk on AED versus no AED (190/355, 53.5% v 3/13, 23.1%; p=0.045). Low prevalence of preconception FA use may reflect a need for more education. In addition, further research is needed to provide definitive evidence that FA reduces congenital malformations in the offspring of WWE.

Incremental burden of cardiovascular comorbidity and psoriatic arthritis among adults with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in five European countries

Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Individuals with psoriasis are at increased risk for other medical conditions, but little information quantifies the incremental burden of psoriasis-associated comorbidity among European adults, and data have generally been limited to clinical samples. To quantify the incremental burden of cardiovascular comorbidity and psoriatic arthritis among adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the general population of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (EU5). All measures were self-reported and came from the 2010-2013 EU5 National Health and Wellness Surveys (NHWS). Moderate-to-severe psoriasis was identified by >10% body surface area affected by psoriasis and/or use of therapies for moderate-severe disease. Outcomes were SF-12v2/SF-36v2 mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS, respectively), SF-6D health utility, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire and healthcare use in the past 6 months. Generalized linear models compared across cardiovascular comorbidity (CV) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) groups vs. non-CV or non-PsA groups with appropriate link functions to adjust for covariates. Among moderate-to-severe psoriasis respondents (n = 957), 19.8% (n = 190) reported CV comorbidity and 12.3% (n = 118) reported PsA. After adjustment for covariates, CV comorbidity was associated with 3.0 points lower MCS, 3.4 points lower PCS and 0.05 points lower SF-6D (all P < 0.01). Likewise, they had greater mean work impairment (48% vs. 33%), more activity impairment (48% vs. 37%), and more healthcare provider visits (8.8 vs. 6.9), emergency room visits (0.65 vs. 0.31) and hospitalizations (0.61 vs. 0.22) (all P < 0.05). Compared to non-PsA respondents, PsA respondents also had worse mean MCS (2.6 points), PCS (6.3 points) and SF-6D scores (0.07 points), and more work impairment (52% vs. 34%), activity impairment (54% vs. 38%) and healthcare provider visits (10.5 vs. 6.9) (all P < 0.05). CV comorbidity and PsA were associated with significant incremental burden among EU5 adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

A Modified Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System to Assess Diabetes Self-management Behaviors and Diabetes Care in Monterrey Mexico: A Cross-sectional Study.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of death from worldwide non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of diabetes in the Mexico (MX)–United States border states exceeds the national rate in both countries. The economic burden of diabetes, due to decreased productivity, disability, and medical costs, is staggering and increases significantly when T2DM-related complications occur. The purpose of this study was to use a modified behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) to describe the T2DM self-management behaviors, diabetes care, and health perception of a convenience sample of adults with T2DM in Monterrey, MX. This cross-sectional study design, with convenience sampling, was conducted with a convenience sample (n = 351) of adults in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, MX who self-reported a diagnosis of T2DM. Potential participants were recruited from local supermarkets. Twenty-six diabetes and health-related items were selected from the BRFSS and administered in face-to-face interviews by trained data collectors. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics. The mean age was 47 years, and the mean length of time with T2DM was 12 years. The majority was taking oral medication and 34% required insulin. Daily self-monitoring of feet was performed by 56% of the participants; however, only 8.8% engaged in blood glucose self-monitoring. The mean number of health-care provider visits was 9.09 per year, and glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) was assessed 2.6 times per year. Finally, only 40.5% of the participants recalled having a dilated eye exam. We conclude the modified BRFSS survey administered in a face-to-face interview format is an appropriate tool for assessing engagement in T2DM self-management behaviors, diabetes care, and health perception. Extension of the use of this survey in a more rigorous design with a larger scale survey is encouraged.