Interrupted Time Series Studies Research Articles

Hepatitis B screening to reduce the risk of viral reactivation in gynecologic oncology patients receiving chemotherapy at a regional tertiary cancer center: A quality improvement initiative.

e18628 Background: In 2020, ASCO released a Provisional Clinical Opinion recommending universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening prior to systemic chemotherapy to reduce the risk of reactivation and associated morbidities. There is limited data for HBV prevalence and risk factors in gynecologic oncology. In gynecologic oncology patients at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, median baseline screening rate over 6 months was 0%. Our aim was to increase the rate of HBV screening to 70% in gynecologic oncology patients initiating chemotherapy over 6 months and compare real-world efficacy of risk factor-based vs. universal screening. Methods: We performed an interrupted time series study using the Model for Improvement methodology. Four interventions were introduced to address identified screening barriers: provider education, standardization of a testing protocol, integration with existing clinical workflow, and biweekly feedback reports. These were modified in response to outcomes and stakeholder feedback in Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Process and outcome measures data were collected by chart review and analyzed on statistical process control and run charts. Retrospective chart review collected demographic and disease data including Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hepatitis risk factors. Results: From Dec 1/20 to Nov 30/21, there were 381 new chemotherapy initiations in gynecology patients. The proportion of physicians screening increased significantly from 0% to 85%, and HBV monthly screening rates increased significantly from 0% to 72.2% by month 8 and were sustained for 4 months at last analysis. The integrated clinic screening protocol and feedback report interventions were each associated with increased screening rates. Of 330 unique patients initiating chemotherapy, 175 were screened (53%). Although ≥95% lacked data for 4 CDC hepatitis risk factors, 60.9% had ≥1 risk factor, and 11.2% had ≥2. HBV surface antigen (HBSAg) was non-reactive in all screened patients, but anti-HBV core (HBc) antibody was reactive in 5 (2.9%), indicative of prior infection. Real world risk factor-based screening in those with ≥1 CDC risk factor would have only identified 3/5 seropositive patients. In the screened population, risk-factor based screening had sensitivity 60%, specificity 38.8%, PPV 2.8%, NPV 97.1%. There were no HBV reactivations. Conclusions: Implementation of 4 interventions to increase HBV screening in gynecologic oncology patients receiving chemotherapy significantly improved screening rates, achieving our target at 8 months with sustained improvement. Risk-factor based screening lacks sensitivity compared to universal screening which may impact management. Lessons learned from this initiative may be applicable to other interventions to reduce infectious morbidity in oncologic populations.

Long-term impact of pre-incision antibiotics on children born by caesarean section: a longitudinal study based on UK electronic health records.

Since changes in the national guidance in 2011, prophylactic antibiotics for women undergoing caesarean section are recommended prior to skin incision, rather than after the baby's umbilical cord has been clamped. Evidence from randomised controlled trials conducted outside the UK has shown that this reduces maternal infectious morbidity; however, the prophylactic antibiotics also cross the placenta, meaning that babies are exposed to them around the time of birth. Antibiotics are known to affect the gut microbiota of the babies, but the long-term effects of exposure to high-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics around the time of birth on allergy and immune-related diseases are unknown. We aimed to examine whether or not in-utero exposure to antibiotics immediately prior to birth compared with no pre-incisional antibiotic exposure increases the risk of (1) asthma and (2) eczema in children born by caesarean section. This was a controlled interrupted time series study. The study took place in primary and secondary care. Children born in the UK during 2006-18 delivered by caesarean section were compared with a control cohort delivered vaginally. In-utero exposure to antibiotics immediately prior to birth. Asthma and eczema in children in the first 5 years of life. Additional secondary outcomes, including other allergy-related conditions, autoimmune diseases, infections, other immune system-related diseases and neurodevelopmental conditions, were also assessed. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care databases and the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database. Previously published linkage strategies were adapted to link anonymised data on mothers and babies in these databases. Duplicate practices contributing to both THIN and the CPRD databases were removed to create a THIN-CPRD data set. In the THIN-CPRD and HES data sets, records of 515,945 and 3,945,351 mother-baby pairs were analysed, respectively. The risk of asthma was not significantly higher in children born by caesarean section exposed to pre-incision antibiotics than in children whose mothers received post-cord clamping antibiotics, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.05) for diagnosis of asthma in primary care and an incidence rate ratio of 1.05 (95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.11) for asthma resulting in a hospital admission. We also did not find an increased risk of eczema, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.94 to1.03) and an incidence rate ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.71 to 1.29) for diagnosis in primary care and hospital admissions, respectively. It was not possible to ascertain the exposure to pre-incision antibiotics at an individual level. The maximum follow-up of children was 5 years. There was no evidence that the policy change from post-cord clamping to pre-incision prophylactic antibiotics for caesarean sections during 2006-18 had an impact on the incidence of asthma and eczema in early childhood in the UK. There is a need for further research to investigate if pre-incision antibiotics have any impact on developing asthma and other allergy and immune-related conditions in older children. This study is registered as researchregistry3736. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 30. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Impact of first UK COVID-19 lockdown on hospital admissions: Interrupted time series study of 32 million people.

SummaryBackgroundUncontrolled infection and lockdown measures introduced in response have resulted in an unprecedented challenge for health systems internationally. Whether such unprecedented impact was due to lockdown itself and recedes when such measures are lifted is unclear. We assessed the short- and medium-term impacts of the first lockdown measures on hospital care for tracer non-COVID-19 conditions in England, Scotland and Wales across diseases, sexes, and socioeconomic and ethnic groups.MethodsWe used OpenSAFELY (for England), EAVEII (Scotland), and SAIL Databank (Wales) to extract weekly hospital admission rates for cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (excluding COVID-19) from the pre-pandemic period until 25/10/2020 and conducted a controlled interrupted time series analysis. We undertook stratified analyses and assessed admission rates over seven months during which lockdown restrictions were gradually lifted.FindingsOur combined dataset included 32 million people who contributed over 74 million person-years. Admission rates for all three conditions fell by 34.2% (Confidence Interval (CI): -43.0, -25.3) in England, 20.9% (CI: -27.8, -14.1) in Scotland, and 24.7% (CI: -36.7, -12.7) in Wales, with falls across every stratum considered. In all three nations, cancer-related admissions fell the most while respiratory-related admissions fell the least (e.g., rates fell by 40.5% (CI: -47.4, -33.6), 21.9% (CI: -35.4, -8.4), and 19.0% (CI: -30.6, -7.4) in England for cancer, cardiovascular-related, and respiratory-related admissions respectively). Unscheduled admissions rates fell more in the most than the least deprived quintile across all three nations. Some ethnic minority groups experienced greater falls in admissions (e.g., in England, unscheduled admissions fell by 9.5% (CI: -20.2, 1.2) for Whites, but 44.3% (CI: -71.0, -17.6), 34.6% (CI: -63.8, -5.3), and 25.6% (CI: -45.0, -6.3) for Mixed, Other and Black ethnic groups respectively). Despite easing of restrictions, the overall admission rates remained lower in England, Scotland, and Wales by 20.8%, 21.6%, and 22.0%, respectively when compared to the same period (August-September) during the pre-pandemic years. This corresponds to a reduction of 26.2, 23.8 and 30.2 admissions per 100,000 people in England, Scotland, and Wales respectively.InterpretationHospital care for non-COVID diseases fell substantially across England, Scotland, and Wales during the first lockdown, with reductions persisting for at least six months. The most deprived and minority ethnic groups were impacted more severely.FundingThis work was funded by the Medical Research Council as part of the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing study as part of National Core Studies (MC_PC_20030). SVK acknowledges funding from the Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00022/2), and the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office (SPHSU17). EAVE II is funded by the Medical Research Council (MR/R008345/1) with the support of BREATHE – The Health Data Research Hub for Respiratory Health (MC_PC_19004), which is funded through the UK Research and Innovation Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and delivered through Health Data Research UK. BG has received research funding from the NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Wellcome Trust, Health Data Research UK, Asthma UK, the British Lung Foundation, and the Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing strand of the National Core Studies programme.

Indoor residual spraying with a non-pyrethroid insecticide reduces the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in a high-transmission area in northern Ghana.

High-malaria burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa are shifting from malaria control towards elimination. Hence, there is need to gain a contemporary understanding of how indoor residual spraying (IRS) with non-pyrethroid insecticides when combined with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides, contribute to the efforts of National Malaria Control Programmes to interrupt transmission and reduce the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum infections across all ages. Using an interrupted time-series study design, four age-stratified malariometric surveys, each of ~2,000 participants, were undertaken pre- and post-IRS in Bongo District, Ghana. Following the application of three-rounds of IRS, P. falciparum transmission intensity declined, as measured by a >90% reduction in the monthly entomological inoculation rate. This decline was accompanied by reductions in parasitological parameters, with participants of all ages being significantly less likely to harbor P. falciparum infections at the end of the wet season post-IRS (aOR = 0.22 [95% CI: 0.19-0.26], p-value < 0.001). In addition, multiplicity of infection (MOI var ) was measured using a parasite fingerprinting tool, designed to capture within-host genome diversity. At the end of the wet season post-IRS, the prevalence of multi-genome infections declined from 75.6% to 54.1%. This study demonstrates that in areas characterized by high seasonal malaria transmission, IRS in combination with LLINs can significantly reduce the reservoir of P. falciparum infection. Nonetheless despite this success, 41.6% of the population, especially older children and adolescents, still harboured multi-genome infections. Given the persistence of this diverse reservoir across all ages, these data highlight the importance of sustaining vector control in combination with targeted chemotherapy to move high-transmission settings towards pre-elimination. This study also points to the benefits of molecular surveillance to ensure that incremental achievements are not lost and that the goals advocated for in the WHO's High Burden to High Impact strategy are realized.

Evaluation of an audit and feedback intervention to reduce gentamicin prescription errors in newborn treatment (ReGENT) in neonatal inpatient care in Kenya: a controlled interrupted time series study protocol

BackgroundMedication errors are likely common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In neonatal hospital care where the population with severe illness has a high mortality rate, around 14.9% of drug prescriptions have errors in LMICs settings. However, there is scant research on interventions to improve medication safety to mitigate such errors. Our objective is to improve routine neonatal care particularly focusing on effective prescribing practices with the aim of achieving reduced gentamicin medication errors.MethodsWe propose to conduct an audit and feedback (A&F) study over 12 months in 20 hospitals with 12 months of baseline data. The medical and nursing leaders on their newborn units had been organised into a network that facilitates evaluating intervention approaches for improving quality of neonatal care in these hospitals and are receiving basic feedback generated from the baseline data. In this study, the network will (1) be expanded to include all hospital pharmacists, (2) include a pharmacist-only professional WhatsApp discussion group for discussing prescription practices, and (3) support all hospitals to facilitate pharmacist-led continuous medical education seminars on prescription practices at hospital level, i.e. default intervention package. A subset of these hospitals (n = 10) will additionally (1) have an additional hospital-specific WhatsApp group for the pharmacists to discuss local performance with their local clinical team, (2) receive detailed A&F prescription error reports delivered through mobile-based dashboard, and (3) receive a PDF infographic summarising prescribing performance circulated to the clinicians through the hospital-specific WhatsApp group, i.e. an extended package.Using interrupted time series analysis modelling changes in prescribing errors over time, coupled with process fidelity evaluation, and WhatsApp sentiment analysis, we will evaluate the success with which the A&F interventions are delivered, received, and acted upon to reduce prescribing error while exploring the extended package’s success/failure relative to the default intervention package.DiscussionIf effective, these theory-informed A&F strategies that carefully consider the challenges of LMICs settings will support the improvement of medication prescribing practices with the insights gained adapted for other clinical behavioural targets of a similar nature.Trial registrationPACTR, PACTR202203869312307. Registered 17th March 2022.

Impact of Clinical Decision Support System Implementation at a Community Hospital With an Existing Tele-Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

BackgroundLack of on-site antimicrobial stewardship expertise is a barrier to establishing successful programs. Tele-antimicrobial stewardship programs (TASPs) utilizing a clinical decision support system (CDSS) can address these challenges.MethodsThis interrupted time series study reports the impact of CDSS implementation (February 2020) within an existing TASP on antimicrobial usage in a community hospital. Segmented regression analysis was used to assess differences in antimicrobial usage from January 2018 through December 2021. Pre- and post-CDSS frequencies of intravenous vs oral antimicrobials, time to optimal therapy (TTOT), pharmacist efficiency (number of documented interventions per month), and percentage of hospitalized patients receiving antimicrobials were compared with descriptive statistics.ResultsImplementation of a CDSS into an existing TASP was associated with an immediate 11% reduction in antimicrobial usage (level change, P < .0001). Antimicrobial usage was already trending down by 0.25% per month (pre-CDSS slope, P < .0001) and continued to trend down at a similar rate after implementation (post-CDSS slope, P = .0129). Frequency of use of select oral agents increased from 38% to 57%. Median TTOT was 1 day faster (2.9 days pre-CDSS vs 1.9 days post-CDSS). On average, pharmacists documented 2.2-fold more interventions per month (198 vs 90) and patients received 1.03 fewer days of antimicrobials per admission post-CDSS.ConclusionsImplementation of a CDSS within an established TASP at a community hospital resulted in decreased antimicrobial usage, higher rates of oral usage, faster TTOT, and improved pharmacist efficiency.

Preventing Unintentional Injuries in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.

Unintentional injuries constitute the leading causes of death and long-term disabilities among children aged 5 to 15 years. We aimed to systematically review published literature on interventions designed to prevent unintentional injuries among school-aged children. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO and screened the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. We included randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series studies. The focus of included studies was on primary prevention measures. Two reviewers collected data on type of study design, setting, population, intervention, types of injuries, outcomes assessed, and statistical results. Of 30 179 identified studies, 117 were included in this review. Most of these studies were conducted in high-income countries and addressed traffic-related injuries. Evidence from included studies reveals that multicomponent educational interventions may be effective in improving safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in school-aged children mainly when coupled with other approaches. Laws/legislation were shown to be effective in increasing cycle helmet use and reducing traffic-related injury rates. Findings reveal the relevance of infrastructure modification in reducing falls and improving pedestrian safety among children. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of unintentional injury prevention interventions on injury, hospitalizations, and mortality rates and the impact of laws and legislation and infrastructure modification on preventing unintentional injuries among school-aged children.

Embedding evidence of early postoperative off-bed activities and rehabilitation in a real clinical setting in China: an interrupted time-series study

BackgroundPatients should be encouraged to mobilize with 24 h of caesarean section. However, the time of the first off-bed activity after surgery is usually 24 ~ 48 h in China. Due to the lack of knowledge of early off-bed activities, lack of attention to medical pain, and the absence of systematic evidence for the clinical transformation process. the aim of this study was showed that the application of evidence needs to be embedding in the real setting to construct the localization plan and achieve the effective result.MethodsTo establish evidence of the benefits of early postoperative off-bed activities on patients’ well-being based on a literature review. An interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The first and third periods were both five months (from February 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020), with a two-month interrupted time (from July 1st, 2019 to August 31st, 2019).ResultsEight clinical practices were retrieved from the literature and incorporated into the intervention. A total of 465 patients were included: 226 patients before and 239 patients after implementing the intervention. The average onset time of postoperative off-bed activities was significantly earlier after the intervention than before the intervention (20.01 vs. 31.89 h after the operation, P < 0.001). The 24-h off-bed rate increased from 30.94% before to 91.21% after the intervention (P < 0.001). The average pain score of patients decreased from 5.23 points before to 3.82 points after the intervention (P = 0.032). The average postoperative hospital stay was shortened from 5.06 days before to 3.51 days after the intervention (P < 0.001). In addition, the incidence rates of postoperative ileus (POI) and infection decreased from 5.38% and 2.65% before to 1.67% and 0.84% after the intervention, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe established an evidence-based nursing intervention. Evaluation of the effect of evidence-based practices should be considered in the clinical setting and include preoperative health education, effective analgesia management, and safety management.

Impact of a publicly funded pharmacy-dispensed naloxone program on fatal opioid overdose rates: A population-based study

BackgroundStudies examining the impact of pharmacy-dispensed naloxone programs on fatal opioid overdose rates are lacking. We examined the impact of the publicly funded Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP), implemented in June 2016, on provincial rates of opioid overdose deaths. MethodsWe conducted a population-based interrupted time-series study between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018. We considered a parsimonious model with terms for time, ONPP implementation, and time following the ONPP implementation. Models were adjusted for population characteristics, number of pharmacies and rate of naloxone distributed through non-pharmacy sites within provincial public health units. ResultsIn the parsimonious model, the ONPP was associated with a non-significant 9% reduction in the level of fatal opioid overdoses (rate ratio [RR] 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–1.06), a finding that was most pronounced in regions in the lowest tertile of implementation (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62–0.91). Following multivariable adjustment, there was an increase in the level (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.94–1.19) and slope change (RR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02–1.10) of fatal overdose rates. ConclusionThe ONPP is insufficient as a single intervention to meaningfully reduce rates of fatal opioid overdoses during a period in which the cause of these deaths shifted from prescription opioids to highly potent fentanyl analogs. Access to additional harm reduction, treatment, and other interventions is necessary to prevent deaths and optimize the health of people who use drugs.

Changes in mortality rate of the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series study in Korea.

Unlike other countries, South Korea did not implement a large-scale lockdown or closure of businesses to manage the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but relied on changes in population behaviours and early isolation and treatment of patients. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of such alternative strategies on the mortality of the general population. Mortality and monthly population data from 2013 to 2020 were obtained. A quasi-Poisson regression model adjusting for age structure, seasonality and time was used to evaluate whether underlying trends for monthly mortality rate have changed with the pandemic. Stratification analyses based on sex and location of deaths (inside vs outside of medical facilities) were conducted. The risk estimates showed no changes in non-accidental mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic [relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI), slope change: 1.00 (1.00, 1.01), step change: 0.99 (0.97, 1.01)] compared with those before the pandemic. In cause-specific analysis, there was an abrupt and sustained decrease in the mortality rate of respiratory diseases [RR (95% CI), step change: 0.81 (0.77, 0.84)]. In the analysis of deaths by location, an increase in non-accidental mortality [RR (95% CI), slope change: 1.01 (1.01, 1.02), step change: 1.16 (1.11, 1.22)] and several cause-specific mortalities was observed outside of medical facilities. The non-accidental mortality rate in South Korea for the first year of the pandemic followed the historical trends. However, there was a decrease in mortality associated with respiratory diseases, and an increase in mortality occurring outside of medical facilities. The findings may be attributed to changes in public behaviours, and availability of medical resources during the pandemic.

Evaluating interventions to facilitate opioid agonist treatment access among people who inject drugs in Toronto, Ontario during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

BackgroundIn March 2020, following a provincial COVID-19 emergency declaration, modifications to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) were introduced in Ontario, Canada to promote treatment access amid the pandemic and ongoing opioid overdose crisis. Modifications included federal exemptions to facilitate OAT prescription re-fills, extensions, and deliveries and interim treatment guidance emphasizing take-home (non-observed) doses and reduced urine drug screening for OAT patients.MethodsWe conducted an interrupted time series study using health administrative data from September 17th, 2019–September 21st, 2020, on 359 people who inject drugs with suspected opioid use disorder in Toronto, Ontario. We used segmented regression analyses to evaluate the joint effects of the provincial COVID-19 emergency declaration, federal OAT exemptions, and interim treatment guidance—all implemented between March 17th–23rd, 2020—on the weekly proportion of participants enrolled in OAT (i.e., ≥1 day(s) covered with methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone), with an opioid-related overdose (based on emergency department visits and hospitalizations), and who died (all-cause), and the weekly proportion of OAT-enrolled participants receiving take-home doses (i.e., ≥1 day(s) covered) and undergoing urine drug screening.ResultsPost-implementation, the interventions were associated with immediate absolute changes in OAT enrollment (+1.95%; 95% CI=0.04%–3.85%), receipt of take-home doses (+18.3%; 95% CI=13.2%–23.4%), and urine drug screening (-22.4%; 95% CI=[-26.9%]–[-17.9%]) and a gradual absolute increase of 0.56% in urine drug screening week-to-week (95% CI=0.27%–0.86%) beyond the pre-implementation trend. At 26 weeks post-implementation, OAT enrollment and urine drug screening approached pre-implementation levels whereas the increase in take-home doses was largely sustained (+15.0%; 95% CI=4.33%–25.6%). No post-implementation increases in opioid-related overdoses were observed. Death was not modelled (low event frequency).ConclusionChanges to OAT provision following provincial COVID-19 restrictions were associated with an immediate and sustained increase in take-home dose coverage among OAT-enrolled participants, without corresponding increases in opioid-related overdoses among all participants.

Interactive Training of the Emergency Medical Services Improved Prehospital Stroke Recognition and Transport Time.

Background and PurposeAcute stroke treatment outcomes are predicated on reperfusion timeliness which can be improved by better prehospital stroke identification. We aimed to assess the effect of interactive emergency medical services (EMS) training on stroke recognition and prehospital care performance in a very high-risk cardiovascular risk population in Lithuania.MethodsWe conducted a single-center interrupted time-series study between March 1, 2019 and March 15, 2020. Two-hour small-group interactive stroke training sessions were organized for 166 paramedics serving our stroke network. We evaluated positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity for stroke including transient ischemic attack identification, onset-to-door time, and hospital-based outcomes during 6-months prior and 3.5 months after the training. The study outcomes were compared between EMS providers in urban and suburban areas.ResultsIn total, 677 suspected stroke cases and 239 stroke chameleons (median age 75 years, 54.8% women) were transported by EMS. After the training, we observed improved PPV for stroke recognition (79.8% vs. 71.8%, p = 0.017) and a trend of decreased in-hospital mortality (7.8% vs. 12.3, p = 0.070). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, EMS location, and stroke subtype showed an association between EMS stroke training and improved odds of stroke identification (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.6 [1.1–2.3]) and onset-to-door ≤ 90 min (aOR 1.6 [1.1–2.5]). The improvement of PPV was observed in urban EMS (84.9% vs. 71.2%, p = 0.003), but not in the suburban group (75.0% vs. 72.6%, p = 0.621).ConclusionsThe interactive EMS training was associated with a robust improvement of stroke recognition, onset to hospital transport time, and a trend of decreased in-hospital mortality. Adapted training strategies may be needed for EMS providers in suburban areas. Future studies should evaluate the long-term effects of the EMS training and identify optimal retraining intervals.

Evaluating antibiotic stewardship and healthcare-associated infections surveillance assisted by computer: protocol for an interrupted time series study

IntroductionAntibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing health threats that mankind faces now and in the coming decades. Antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and...

Major adverse cardiac event rates in moderate-risk patients: Does prior coronary disease matter?

BackgroundDespite negative troponins and nonischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs), patients at moderate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are frequently admitted. The objective of this study was to describe the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate in moderate‐risk patients and how it differs based on history of coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsA secondary analysis of the HEART Pathway implementation study was conducted. This prospective interrupted time‐series study accrued adults with possible ACS from three sites (November 2013–January 2016). This analysis excluded low‐risk patients determined by emergency providers' HEART Pathway assessments. Non–low‐risk patients were further classified as high risk, based on elevated troponin measures or ischemic ECG findings or as moderate risk, based on HEAR score ≥ 4, negative troponin measures, and a nonischemic ECG. Moderate‐risk patients were then stratified by the presence or absence of prior CAD (MI, revascularization, or ≥70% coronary stenosis). MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization) at 30 days was determined from health records, insurance claims, and death index data. MACE rates were compared among groups using a chi‐square test and likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated.ResultsAmong 4,550 patients with HEART Pathway assessments, 24.8% (1,130/4,550) were high risk and 37.7% (1715/4550) were moderate risk. MACE at 30 days occurred in 3.1% (53/1,715; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3% to 4.0%) of moderate‐risk patients. Among moderate‐risk patients, MACE occurred in 7.1% (36/508, 95% CI = 5.1% to 9.8%) of patients with known CAD versus 1.4% (17/1,207, 95% CI = 0.9% to 2.3%) in patients without known prior CAD (p < 0.0001). The negative LR for 30‐day MACE among moderate‐risk patients without prior CAD was 0.08 (95% CI = 0.05 to 0.12).ConclusionMACE rates at 30 days were low among moderate‐risk patients but were significantly higher among those with prior CAD.

Unconditional cash transfers for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities: effect on use of health services and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Unconditional cash transfers for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities: effect on use of health services and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

The role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in improving antimicrobial stewardship: systematic review

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background: To improve antimicrobial utilization, development and implementation of microbiology laboratories (ML) in antimicrobial stewardship programs has been recommended. The primary objective of this review was to characterize role of microbiology laboratories in the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and to identify interventions that improve patient outcomes or process of care and/or reduce consequences of antimicrobial use.&#x0D; Methods: This study was completed as a systematic review. The following PubMed database was searched from January, 2021 through March, 2022. Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, controlled and uncontrolled before-and-after studies, interrupted time series studies, and repeated-measures studies evaluating ML interventions in the AMS were included in the review. Studies published in languages other than English were excluded.&#x0D; Results: A total of 20 studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified from our search. speeding up the laboratory workup of samples; rapidly searching for certain pathogens; rapid reporting of positive and negative test results and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Impact of interventions showed variable results. Where identified, benefits of AMS interventions primarily included improvement in delivery of care or a decrease in antimicrobial utilization.&#x0D; Conclusions: implementing the ML interventions to improve the AMS and patient care by increasing the use of different laboratory tests that include rapidly isolate, identifying and tailoring therapy in response to culture results.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Impact of new health care reform on enabling environment for children's health in China: An interrupted time-series study.

BackgroundCreating an enabling environment (EE) can help foster the development and health of children. The Chinese government implemented a new health care reform (NHR) in 2009 in a move to promote an EE for health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the NHR on EE for children’s health.MethodsAn interrupted time-series analysis was used to evaluate the changes in the EE before and after 2009 in China. This study analysed the EE through five quantitative indicators, including policy element coverage rate (PECR), service meeting with children’s needs rate (SMCNR), multisector participation rate (MPR), and accountability mechanism clarity rate (AMCR), based on the content analysis of available public policy documents (updated as of 2019) from 31 provinces in mainland China, and the number of health care personnel of maternity and child care centres per 10 000 population (HP per 10 000 population), based on the 2002–2019 China Health Statistical Yearbook and China Statistical Yearbook.ResultsThe average values of PECR, SMCNR, and MPR increased rapidly to 90.96%, 82.46%, and 81.31%, respectively, in 2019, representing a higher value compared to the AMCR (7.38%). The NHR promoted the EE, in which HP per 10 000 population showed the fastest increase (β1 = 0.03, P < 0.01; β3 = 0.10, P < 0.01), followed by SMCNR (β1 = 0.94, P < 0.01; β3 = 1.83, P < 0.01), AMCR (β1 = 0.13, P < 0.01; β3 = 0.24, P = 0.14), MPR (β1 = 1.35, P < 0.01; β3 = 2.47, P < 0.01) and PECR (β1 = 1.43, P < 0.01; β3 = 1.47, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe NHR has a positive impact on the EE, especially on the human resources and service provision for children. Efforts should be intensified to improve the clarity of the accountability mechanism of the health-related sectors.

A critical review of methodologies used in pharmaceutical pricing policy analyses

Robust evidence from health policy research has the potential to inform policy-making, but studies have suggested that methodological shortcomings are abundant. We aimed to identify common methodological weaknesses in pharmaceutical pricing policy analyses. A systematic review (SR) of studies examining pharmaceutical pricing policies served as basis for the present analysis. We selected all studies that were included in the SR (n = 56), and those that were excluded from the SR due to ineligible study designs only (n = 101). Risk of bias was assessed and specific study design issues were recorded to identify recurrent methodological issues. Sixty-one percent of studies with a study design eligible for the SR presented with a high risk of bias in at least one domain. Potential interference of co-interventions was a source of possible bias in 53% of interrupted time series studies. Failing to consider potential confounders was the primary cause for potential bias in difference-in-differences, regression, and panel data analyses. In 101 studies with a study design not eligible for the SR, 32% were uncontrolled before-after studies and 23% were studies without pre-intervention data. Some of the methodological issues encountered may be resolved during the design of a study. Awareness among researchers on methodological issues will help improve the rigor of health policy research in general.

Physical environmental designs in residential care to improve quality of life of older people.

Physical environmental designs in residential care to improve quality of life of older people.

Abstract P194: Polypill Eligibility For Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction In South India: A Secondary Analysis Of A Prospective, Interrupted Time Series Study

In India, data from large HF registries has demonstrated significantly lower 5-year mortality rates for patients with HFrEF discharged on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), revealing an important target for intervention to improve clinical outcomes. Hospital-based quality improvement initiatives to increase rates of GDMT at hospital discharge have had limited effect, suggesting additional strategies are needed to improve GDMT rates in HFrEF patients. Polypills for HFrEF have been proposed as an implementation strategy to simplify the current treatment paradigm for undertreated patients with HFrEF. However, the potential effect of HFrEF polypills on increasing GDMT rates in target populations is unknown. The objective of this secondary analysis is to describe eligibility for a potential HFrEF polypill in the context of GDMT prescription rates for South Indian patients with HFrEF. We analyzed data from a prospective, interrupted time series study in 2018 (HFQUIK) that evaluated the effect of a quality improvement intervention on process of care measures and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with acute HFrEF in 8 hospitals in South India. The primary outcome was prescription of GDMT defined as an ACE-I or ARB or ARNi, along with a beta-blocker and aldosterone antagonist. Participants were eligible for a HFrEF polypill containing GDMT if LVEF&lt;40%, HR ≥50 beats/min, creatinine ≤2.5 mg/dL in men and ≤2 mg/dL in women, and potassium &lt;5 mEq/L. We included 937 participants with HFrEF (n = 494 control period, n = 443 intervention period). Prescription rates of ACE-I or ARB or ARNi, beta-blocker, and aldosterone antagonists were low on hospital admission and increased at hospital discharge. The prescription of GDMT increased from 5.5% (27/494) to 28.8% (127/494) in the control period and from 4.5% (20/443) to 42.3% (171/443) in the intervention period. Notably, more than 80% of participants were eligible for a HFrEF polypill at hospital discharge during both control (364/494) and intervention (336/443) periods, with similar rates among female and male participants. In this study, than 80% of patients were eligible for a HFrEF polypill at discharge. Although the HF QUIK quality improvement intervention increased rates of GDMT at hospital discharge, routine administration of a HFrEF polypill could further increase this rate and improve adherence by 44% (95% CI: 26% to 65%) in a population that remains undertreated despite targeted quality improvement interventions. Availability of multiple HFrEF polypill doses could prioritize safety and tolerability with low-dose initiation and subsequent titration to higher-dose polypills. This analysis suggests a simplified polypill-based management strategy could be transformative for closing the treatment gap in HFrEF inequities in India and globally.