Large Safety Net Hospital Research Articles

Risk Factors for Developing Community-Acquired Hand Infections at a Large-Volume Urban Safety Net Hospital.

Hand infections represent a significant burden for both health care systems and their patients. Epidemiological understanding of community-acquired hand infections is limited. This study examined a cohort of hand infection patients at a large urban safety net hospital for characteristics that were associated with protective and/or risk factors for hand infections. We performed a retrospective chart review for all patients who required hand surgery consultation in the emergency department during a 1-year period (2021-2022). County-level population characteristics were obtained through the county-level data sources. We then performed a risk ratio (RR) analysis for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. A total of 125 patients were included in the study cohort. Cisgender male (RR, 4.654; P < 0.001), Black (RR, 6.062; P < 0.001) and American Indian/Alaska Native (RR, 3.293; P = 0.041) patients were found to be overrepresented in our cohort when compared to county proportions, indicating an association with increased risk of hand infections. Patients between 35 and 49 years of age were also found to have an increased risk (RR, 1.679; P = 0.005). Age over 65 years, retirement, and employment were found to be protective factors (RR, 0.341 [P = 0.001]; RR, 0.397 [P = 0.043]; RR, 0.197 [P < 0.001]). In contrast, unemployment and unstable housing (unhoused or shelter) were found to have strong harmful risk for necessitating hand infection consults (RR, 7.587 [P < 0.001]; RR, 235.715 [P < 0.001]; RR, 29.990 [P < 0.001]). There are clear risk factors at play for hand infection incidence. We found that housing status, employment, race, gender, and age were some of the most important contributors for incidence. This information can assist clinicians and public officials in developing more specific screening algorithms and prevention tools to reduce systematic burden. Further studies are required to elucidate specific etiologies associated with hand infection risk.

S762 Sex-Based Differences in Outpatients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome at a Large Safety Net Hospital

S762 Sex-Based Differences in Outpatients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome at a Large Safety Net Hospital

Barriers to Kidney Transplantation in the Largest Safety Net Hospital in New York: A Quality Improvement Project

Barriers to Kidney Transplantation in the Largest Safety Net Hospital in New York: A Quality Improvement Project

Timely Hip Surgery Access in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Unaffected by Social Disadvantage at a Large Urban Safety Net Hospital.

Socioeconomic disadvantage has been shown to limit timely access to pediatric orthopaedic care and can result in poor surgical outcomes. Insurance coverage has often served as a proxy for socioeconomic status; however, area deprivation index (ADI) and child opportunity index (COI) are more comprehensive measures of social determinants of health (SDOH). The treatment of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) requires early radiographic identification and continuous surveillance, which may be impacted by SDOH. This study seeks to evaluate the influence of insurance, ADI, and COI on preoperative Reimer migration percentage and need for pelvic osteotomy during varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) in children with CP. This retrospective cohort study examined 219 patients with CP who underwent VDRO surgery for hip subluxation or dislocation at a tertiary referral center (135 male, mean age 7.9y, SD: 2.9, range: 2.4 to 17.2; 17 GMFCS II, 21 GMFCS III, 89 GMFCS IV, 92 GMFCS V) from 2004 to 2022. Imaging and clinical documentation for patients with CP and hip displacement, age <18 years with ≥1 year of follow-up, treated with VDRO were reviewed. GMFCS level, preoperative Reimer migration percentages (MP), surgical details, and demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, and addresses were used to determine ADI (2018 version) and COI (2.0 database). The relationship of ADI, COI, and insurance type to preoperative Reimer MP of the more displaced hip and the need for pelvic osteotomy were analyzed with linear regressions and logistic regressions. The mean preoperative Reimer MP was 64.4% (SD: 25.0, range: 0 to 100). As expected, patients functioning at higher GMFCS levels presented with greater Reimer MPs. The average Reimer MP was 34.0 for GMFCS II, 44.2 for GMFCS III, 64.6 for GMFCS IV, and 74.5 for GMFCS V (P<0.01). The mean ADI state decile (1 to 10 scale) and COI (1 to 100 scale) for the cohort were 5.6 (SD: 2.2, range: 1 to 10) and 37.2 (SD: 28.1, range: 4 to 100), respectively. ADI (P=0.77), COI (P=0.30), and insurance type (P=0.78) were not related to preoperative Reimer MP. However, patients with lower ADIs (OR 0.83, 95% CI [0.70, 0.99], P=0.04) and higher COIs (OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.03], P=0.03) underwent pelvic osteotomies at a higher rate. ADI, COI, and insurance type were not related to preoperative Reimer MP. Interestingly, greater social disadvantage was associated with a lower frequency of pelvic osteotomy at the time of VDRO. Our data demonstrate that at our institution, greater social disadvantage does not result in limited access to timely orthopaedic care for children with CP. This is likely due to adequate governmental insurance coverage for children with neuromuscular disorders in this state and the active involvement of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons in government-sponsored clinics, including ongoing hip screening programs for children with CP. These results provide hope that healthcare disparities can potentially be mitigated.

Circulating tumor DNA predicts venous thromboembolism in patients with cancers

BackgroundDespite rapid advances in liquid biopsy for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), its prognostic value for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is underexplored, particularly in underserved and minoritized populations. Objectives▪. MethodsWe analyzed data from 1038 cancer patients who underwent ctDNA measurement for oncologic care at a large safety-net hospital system in the United States. We investigated the association between ctDNA and VTE after adjusting for cancer type, stage, treatment, and time from initial diagnosis using Fine–Gray models. We further assessed the discrimination of the genetic, clinical-only, and combined models using the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). ResultsThe presence of pathogenic ctDNA was independently associated with VTE after adjusting for clinical variables. Independent of tumor type, the number of pathogenic ctDNA mutations was predictive of future VTE risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios of 2.75, 1.94, and 1.38 for ≥3, 2, and 1 pathogenic mutation, respectively, compared with none; P < .0001). The association was primarily driven by mutations in KRAS, PTEN, CDKN2A, NF1, and EGFR genes. Compared with the clinical-only model (AUC, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64-0.76), the combined clinical and ctDNA model had a numerically higher time-dependent AUC (AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67-0.80). ConclusionctDNA testing may serve as an adjunctive tool to clinical risk assessment models in cancer patients to improve personalized VTE risk assessment and management.

Improving Clinician Awareness of and Screening for Chagas Disease with an Educational Intervention.

Chagas disease is an underrecognized, chronic, and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We aimed to improve awareness and screening for Chagas disease among patients from endemic areas using a large safety-net academic hospital system in the United States. We developed an educational intervention consisting of a case-based didactic session presented to physicians, trainees, and other healthcare providers at conferences across different departments. Performance on a knowledge assessment administered before and after the presentation was analyzed with paired Student's t-test for within-subject difference testing. Institutional testing rates for T. cruzi were evaluated for an equal time period (29 months) before and after the start of the intervention. Testing rates were compared by a Welch's unequal variances t-test and by interrupted time series based on multivariate linear regression. Eleven educational sessions were held over the intervention period, and 103 participants completed the pre- and post-presentation surveys. The mean survey scores were 59.2% before the presentation and 96.6% after presentation (P <0.001). Trypanosoma cruzi testing during the postintervention period was significantly higher than testing during the pre-intervention period (171 patients pre-intervention versus 378 patients postintervention [P = 0.015]). Notable increases in testing from the pre-intervention to postintervention periods occurred among midwives (1-68 patients tested) and trainees (57-133 patients tested). Overall, 56/537 (10.4%) nonduplicate T. cruzi commercial screening tests were positive. Testing increased over time, both at an institutional level and within targeted departments. In addition to the educational program, other factors likely influenced expanded testing.

Implementation of a Cell-Enabled Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program During the Postpartum Period at a Safety-Net Hospital.

Postpartum hypertension is a risk factor for severe maternal morbidity; however, barriers exist for diagnosis and treatment. Remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring programs are an effective tool for monitoring BP and may mitigate maternal health disparities. We aimed to describe and evaluate engagement in a remote BP monitoring program on BP ascertainment during the first 6-weeks postpartum among a diverse patient population. A postpartum remote BP monitoring program, using cell-enabled technology and delivered in multiple languages, was implemented at a large safety-net hospital. Eligible patients are those with hypertensive disorders before or during pregnancy. We describe characteristics of patients enrolled from January 2021 to May 2022 and examine program engagement by patient characteristics. Linear regression models were used to calculate mean differences and 95% CIs between characteristics and engagement metrics. We describe the prevalence of patients with BP ≥140/or >90 mm Hg. Among 1033 patients, BP measures were taken an average of 15.2 days during the 6-weeks, with the last measurement around 1 month (mean: 30.9 days), and little variability across race or ethnicity. Younger maternal age (≤25 years) was associated with less frequent measures (mean difference, -4.3 days [95% CI: -6.1 to -2.4]), and grandmultiparity (≥4 births) was associated with shorter engagement (mean difference, -3.5 days [95% CI, -6.1 to -1.0]). Prevalence of patients with BP ≥140/or >90 mm Hg was 62.3%, with differences by race or ethnicity (Black: 72.9%; Hispanic: 52.4%; White: 56.0%). A cell-enabled postpartum remote BP monitoring program was successful in uniformly monitoring BP and capturing hypertension among a diverse, safety-net hospital population.

All of whom? Limitations encountered using All of Us Researcher Workbench in a Primary Care residents secondary data analysis research training block.

The goal of this case report is to detail experiences and challenges experienced in the training of Primary Care residents in secondary analysis using All of Us Researcher Workbench. At our large, urban safety net hospital, Primary Care/Internal Medicine residents in their third year undergo a research intensive block, the Research Practicum, where they work as a team to conduct secondary data analysis on a dataset with faculty facilitation. In 2023, this research block focused on use of the All of Us Researcher Workbench for secondary data analysis. Two groups of 5 residents underwent training to access the All of Us Researcher Workbench, and each group explored available data with a faculty facilitator and generated original research questions. Two blocks of residents successfully completed their research blocks and created original presentations on "social isolation and A1C" levels and "medical discrimination and diabetes management." Departmental faculty were satisfied with the depth of learning and data exploration. In focus groups, some residents noted that for those without interest in performing research, the activity felt extraneous to their career goals, while others were glad for the opportunity to publish. In both blocks, residents highlighted dissatisfaction with the degree to which the All of Us Researcher Workbench was representative of patients they encounter in a large safety net hospital. Using the All of Us Researcher Workbench provided residents with an opportunity to explore novel questions in a massive data source. Many residents however noted that because the population described in the All of Us Researcher Workbench appeared to be more highly educated and less racially diverse than patients they encounter in their practice, research may be hard to generalize in a community health context. Additionally, given that the data required knowledge of 1 of 2 code-based data analysis languages (R or Python) and work within an idiosyncratic coding environment, residents were heavily reliant on a faculty facilitator to assist with analysis. Using the All of Us Researcher Workbench for research training allowed residents to explore novel questions and gain first-hand exposure to opportunities and challenges in secondary data analysis.

Understanding the safety and toxicity profile of durvalumab for Black patients with lung cancer.

e20051 Background: Constituting 12.2% of all new cancer diagnosis in 2023,Lung cancer continues to be among the most common cancers in the US. According to statistics 1 in 16 black males and1 in 20 black females are likely to develop lung cancer in their lifetime.The results of the PACIFIC trial changed the paradigm of management in non-resectable NonSmall Cell Ca and made Durvalumab the standard of care. The toxicity profile of the drug were extensively studied in the study however, only 2% (n-14) of the study population was Black. More studies are required to understand the tolerability and toxicity profile of the drug in the Black population. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Study population consisted of 55 self-identified African Americans diagnosed with stage 3 Non-small Cell Ca who received Durvalumab for consolidation therapy after chemo radiation at a large safety net hospital between 2018-2023.Their charts were reviewed to study: 1. The development of any grade- known adverse side effects of the drug. 2. The tolerability of the drug- assessed as the lack of severe toxicities resulting in discontinuation of the drug. 3. Appearance of any peculiar adverse effects not previously known. 4. Adverse side effects warranting the use of more healthcare resources, like ED visits and hospital admissions for adverse effects. The results were then compared to the results of the PACIFIC trial. Results: 52.7% (n=29) developed known adverse effects of the drug-any grade.20 % (n=11) developed severe adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy.32.7%(n=18) were able to tolerate completion of therapy in-spite of adverse effects. 16.3% ( n=9) required ED visits/ hospital visit due to immunotherapy adverse effects. ADRs leading to discontinuation of therapy-pneumonitis -9%, Debilitating Chest Pain-1.8%, Hyperglycemia- 1.8%, severe fatigue-1.8%, atrial fibrillation-1.8%, Autoimmune hepatitis -1.8% and Pan uveitis -1.8%. Other adverse effects are listed in the table. Conclusions: Based on our results, AA are more likely to develop any grade adverse effects than was estimated in the PACIFIC trial, however, the percentage of the AA population discontinuing therapy due to severe adverse effect was lower. While the occurrence of most common adverse effects including Pneumonitis was comparable to the PACIFIC trial, thyroid dysfunction – both hypo and hyperthyroidism was about 3 times more in the AA population. All the thyroid dysfunctions noted were G1 and G2, and did not require discontinuation of therapy. We therefore, recommend providers to be more watchful for signs and symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction when treating AA patients with Durvalumab. [Table: see text]

Breaking barriers for cancer clinical trials: A multi-tiered interventional approach to boost racial and ethnic minority participation in early-phase studies.

TPS1639 Background: Racial and ethnic minority populations are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (USC NCCC) has multiple clinical trial recruitment sites, including the Los Angeles General Medical Center (LAG), the largest safety-net hospital in the western USA. LAG partners with USC to provide cancer care to the underserved minority population of LAC, including clinical trials. As a result, between 2015-2022 a total of 120 LAG patients were accrued to phase I clinical trials; enrolled subjects were 66% Hispanic, 21% Asian, 4% Black, and 9% other. An interventional study was designed to further enhance the referral and participation of racial and ethnic minority patients from other Los Angeles County (LAC) safety-net facilities. The study is funded by the Stand up to Cancer Diversity in Early Development Clinical Trials Research Grants Program. Methods: This interventional study has 3 specific aims. First, to identify barriers to referral for minority and underserved patients: Qualitative interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders in the LAC safety net system which will uncover barriers to referring minority and underserved patients. A screening tool developed by the NCI to characterize barriers will be used. Second, to implement a multi-component program to enhance the referral of patients to early-phase clinical trials. The intervention addresses system-level, provider-level, and patient-level factors to improve the process, with a demonstration site compared to a non-demonstration site. Key features include a streamlined referral process for healthcare professionals with a singular centrally operated email managed by a specialized facilitator, weekly meetings to assign trials to prospective patients, and facilitation of approval and scheduling for referrals. We will educate providers regarding trials and exchange feedback on the referral process. We will extend resources to patients to assist with financial and transportation limitations. We will compare change in referral and enrollment rates at baseline and after the intervention for both the demonstration site and non-demonstration site. Third, to explore the impact of remotely conducted clinical trials: A clinical trial (NCT05340309) administers study drug subcutaneously and uses telemedicine visits, wearable sensors, and a smartphone app for monitoring. This pilot trial will be analyzed to determine the model’s impact on barriers to enrollment. The above interventions may provide a model that can be adapted in other healthcare delivery settings to optimize referral and enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities.

Association of baseline hypertension and hyperlipidemia with the clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer: A single institution experience.

e15522 Background: Hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidemia (HLD) are widely prevalent diseases, but their effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes is limited. We aimed to study the effects of baseline HTN and HLD on CRC survival. Methods: We identified patients with stage 1-4 colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 from tumor registry of a large safety-net hospital and NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients with a diagnosis of HTN (ICD-9/10: I10, 401.9) and HLD (ICD 9/10: E78.0-E78.5, 272.0-272.4) at CRC diagnosis were compared with patients who did not have these comorbidities. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical differences between groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HTN and HLD. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model with an index date of tumor diagnosis until death. Patients who did not meet endpoint of interest were censored at the date of last clinical contact. Results: We identified 1,921 patients - 627 (33%) had HTN, 403 (21%) had HLD and 309 (16%) had HTN and HLD. The median age of diagnosis of CRC was 61 (IQR: 54-68) for HTN patients and 61 (IQR: 53-69) for HLD patients. Compared to patients without HTN or HLD, patients with HTN or HLD were more likely to be non-Hispanic Blacks (HTN: 39% vs 19%; HLD: 30% vs 24%), uninsured (HTN: 33% vs 17%; HLD: 36% vs 18%) and treated at safety-net hospital (HTN: 53% vs 24%; HLD: 55% vs 27%). These patients had a higher prevalence of other comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (HTN: 39% vs 7%; HLD: 50% vs 9%), anxiety (HTN:12% vs 3%; HLD: 14% vs 4%), and tobacco use (HTN: 16% vs 5%; HLD: 14% vs 7%). On multivariable analysis, HTN and HLD patients were older (HTN-OR: 1.05, 95CI: 1.04-1.06; HLD-OR: 1.03, 95CI: 1.02-1.05), had concurrent diabetes mellitus (HTN-OR: 4.2, 95CI: 2.9-6.3; HLD-OR: 4.5, 95CI: 3.2 - 6.4), depression (HTN-OR: 2.0, 95CI: 1.3-3.2; HLD-OR: 1.9, 95CI: 1.2-3.0), and cirrhosis (HTN-OR: 2.6, 95CI: 1.3-5.2; HLD-OR: 2.1, 95CI: 1.1-3.9) and treated at safety-net hospital (HTN-OR: 2.7, 95CI: 1.7-4.3; HLD-OR: 1.4, 95CI: 0.9-2.2). Compared to patients without HTN or HLD, OS was improved for HLD alone patients (HR: 0.58; 95CI: 0.38-0.89; P: 0.01), while it was not different for patients with HTN without HLD (HR: 0.99; 95CI: 0.81-1.2; P: 0.55) or HTN and HLD (HR: 0.92; 95CI: 0.75-1.13; P: 0.34). The 5-year yr OS for these groups were 65%, 77%, 66%, and 69% respectively. Conclusions: In this single institution cohort that includes a safety-net hospital, the prevalence of HTN or HLD at CRC diagnosis was higher among older and non-Hispanic Black CRC patients and associated with coexisting diabetes mellitus, anxiety, and tobacco use. CRC patients with HLD alone had a significantly better 5-yr OS compared to those without HTN or HLD, with HTN alone, and with HTN and HLD.

Lower Admission Prealbumin and Albumin Levels in Unhoused Burn Patients Is a Marker for Poorer Outcomes.

Unhoused (UH) individuals experience burn injuries at a higher rate than domiciled individuals, and have poorer outcomes following injuries. One such mechanism proposed for worsened outcomes is secondary to poor nutrition. Access to proper nutrition and food insecurity are major barriers. Malnutrition has been shown to decrease wound tensile strength, increase infection rates, and prolong healing. The purpose of this study was to understand if albumin and prealbumin could help determine outcomes in UH patients and identify at-risk patients earlier in their hospital course. A retrospective chart review was conducted of UH patients from 2015 through 2023 at a large urban safety net hospital. Data collected included admission laboratory values including albumin and prealbumin. Outcomes studied included length of stay (LOS), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) days, ventilator days, and mortality. Data analysis for the effect of albumin and prealbumin included a zero-truncated negative binomial model for LOS, a negative binomial hurdle model for ICU LOS and ventilator days, and logistic regression for mortality. Three hundred and eighty-five patients met inclusion criteria and of these, 366 had albumin and 361 had prealbumin information. Adjusting for age, gender, and total body surface area, the fewest days in the hospital and lowest odds of admission to the ICU occurred for those with admission albumin values of approximately 3.4-3.5 g/dL. Each unit (g/dL) decrease in albumin was associated with 3.19 times the odds of death (95% CI: 1.42, 7.69). Each unit (mg/dL) decrease in prealbumin was associated with 1.19 times the odds of death (95% CI: 1.06, 1.35). Decreased admission albumin and prealbumin levels are associated with worse burn outcomes in UH patients. These nutritional biomarkers may aid in determining which UH patients are suffering from food insecurity at injury onset. Obtaining these values on admission may help burn providers target nutritional goals in their most vulnerable patients.

Clinical outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma in a safety-net hospital system

AbstractReal-world outcome data for patients with large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) who are uninsured or have socioeconomic barriers to care are limited. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed LBCL treated in a large safety-net hospital system. Between January 2011 and June 2022, 496 patients aged >18 years were diagnosed with LBCL at Harris Health System, Houston, Texas. The median age was 53 years, 75% were uninsured, and 81% were in the most disadvantaged Area Deprivation Index national quartiles. Most (69%) had stage III/IV disease, 44% had poor-risk disease by the Revised International Prognostic Index (R-IPI), and 17% had a history of HIV infection. The median diagnosis-to-treatment interval was 17 days. The median follow-up time was 53.5 months. Among 464 evaluable patients, 66% achieved a complete response, and 11% had a partial response. Of 48 patients, 26 (54%) eligible for cell therapies received them. At 5 years, event-free and overall survival (OS) rates were 57% and 68%, respectively. Factors that affected OS included Hispanic ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; P = .027), R-IPI (HR, 4.67 for poor vs very good risk; P < .001), National Cancer Institute Comorbidity Index (HR, 1.53 per unit increment; P = .003), hemoglobin (HR, 0.89 per unit increment; P = .002), and International Normalized Ratio (HR, 2.17 per unit increment; P = .007). Insurance status was not associated with differences in OS. In our safety-net health system with robust financial assistance programs and limited access to cell therapies, uninsured status was not associated with inferior outcomes. Addressing barriers to care may improve outcomes in other settings.

Development and Potential Implementation of Endometrial Cancer Screening in a Poor-Prognosis Endemic Cancer Community [ID 2683642

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer incidence and mortality both are increasing in the United States. Certain patient populations are disproportionately affected by this disease. Currently, there is no recommendation from any professional society to screen high-risk patients for premalignancy or cancer. Our patient population is composed of predominantly Black women, a group that experiences worse endometrial cancer outcomes than other demographics. A risk assessment nomogram may be able to be developed using data from this unique patient population that can identify women at high risk of developing endometrial disease. METHODS: Endometrial pathology specimens collected at a large safety-net hospital between the years of 2013 and 2022 were analyzed. A retrospective chart review was performed on this data, looking for the patient characteristics of race, age, body mass index (BMI), parity, hemoglobin A1C level, and tamoxifen use history at the time of specimen collection. Odds ratios were calculated for those variables individually as well as collectively to determine whether they could be used to predict risk of endometrial disease in a woman with some of all those characteristics. RESULTS: The odds ratios for age, BMI, and parity were statistically significant between benign and abnormal pathologic specimens. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.76 when combining age, BMI, and parity. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that at-risk patients can be reliably identified using simple characteristics. Strengths of our study include a unique patient population and large database. Future directions include refinement of the model and prospective application in the clinical setting.

Ovarian torsion: diagnostic predictors and rates of oophorectomy in a large safety-net hospital

Ovarian torsion: diagnostic predictors and rates of oophorectomy in a large safety-net hospital

Reducing Inequity in the Use of Automated Insulin Delivery Systems by Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Key Learnings From a Safety Net Diabetes Clinic Program

BackgroundRecent advancements in diabetes technology have significantly improved Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, but disparities persist, particularly in the adoption of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems within minoritized communities. We aimed to improve patient access to AID system training and overcome clinical inertia to referral. MethodsWe report on a transformative program implemented at Boston Medical Center, the largest safety-net hospital in New England, aimed at reducing disparities in AID system utilization. We employed a multidisciplinary team and quality improvement principles to identify barriers and develop solutions. Strategies included increasing access to diabetes educators, creating a referral system, and developing telemedicine education classes. We also made efforts to raise clinician awareness and confidence in recommending AID therapy. ResultsAt baseline, 13.5% of our clinic T1D population was using an insulin pump. The population referred included 97 people with T1D (49% female, mean A1c 8.7%, 68% public insurance beneficiaries, 25% Hispanic and 25% non-Hispanic Black). Results from the first year showed a 166% increase in AID system use rates, with 64% of referred patients starting on AID. Notably, 78% of patients with A1c >8.5% adopted AID systems, addressing a gap in representation observed in clinical efficacy trials. The initiative successfully narrowed disparities in AID use among minoritized populations. ConclusionsThe program's success among minoritized patients underscores the significance of tailored, collaborative, team-based care and targeted educational initiatives. Our experience provides a foundation for future efforts to ensure equitable access to diabetes technologies, emphasizing the potential of local quality improvement interventions.

The Influence of Insurance Status on Extensor Tendon Repair Outcomes

Background: Little is known regarding how patient insurance status influences outcomes after extensor tendon-injury repair. We aim to establish a relationship between the outcomes of primarily repaired extensor tendon injuries and patient insurance status. We hypothesize that commercially insured patients will achieve superior outcomes due to more facile access to postoperative hand therapy and fewer barriers to appropriate postoperative care. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent primary extensor tendon repair in any zone, excluding the thumb, at a single large safety-net hospital. Inclusion criteria included a minimum of eight weeks of follow-up, complete data available for review, and an extensor tendon injury requiring primary surgical repair. Four cohorts were examined: patients with commercial insurance, patients with Medicare/Medicaid, patients with county hospital-sponsored insurance, and uninsured patients. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-Square and ANOVA analyses, with significance defined as p ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the 62 patients (100 digits) included, 20 had commercial insurance, 12 had Medicare/Medicaid, 13 had hospital-sponsored insurance, and 17 were uninsured. Except for mean age, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of demographic data, medical comorbidities, or digit characteristics. There were also no significant differences in mean follow-up, time to return to full activity, or surgical complications among groups. Procedure duration differed significantly between groups, with procedures lasting longer in uninsured patients. Postoperative final flexion total arc of motion (TAM) and extension measurements were similar across all groups. Additionally, hand therapy visits did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Following extensor tendon repair, patient insurance status did not affect outcomes in terms of final range of motion, return to full activity, or postoperative complications.

Disparities in Care for Low-Income Patients with Cirrhosis: Implementing an Innovative Outpatient Clinic for Refractory Ascites in a Safety Net Hospital

BackgroundDisparities in life-saving interventions for low-income patients with cirrhosis necessitate innovative models of care.AimTo implement a novel generalist-led FLuid ASPiration (FLASP) clinic to reduce emergency department (ED) care for refractory ascites.SettingA large safety net hospital in Los Angeles.ParticipantsMediCal patients with paracentesis in the ED from 6/1/2020 to 1/31/2021 or in FLASP clinic or the ED from 3/1/2021 to 4/30/2022.Program DescriptionAccording to RE-AIM, adoption obtained administrative endorsement and oriented ED staff. Reach engaged ED staff and eligible patients with timely access to FLASP. Implementation trained FLASP clinicians in safer, guideline-based paracentesis, facilitated timely access, and offered patient education and support.Program EvaluationAfter FLASP clinic opened, significantly fewer ED visits were made by patients discharged after paracentesis [rate ratio (RR) of 0.33 (95% CI 0.28, 0.40, p < 0.0001)] but not if subsequently hospitalized (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.70, 1.11). Among 2685 paracenteses in 225 FLASP patients, complications were infrequent: 39 (1.5%) spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 265 (9.9%) acute kidney injury, and 2 (< 0.001%) hypotension. FLASP patients rated satisfaction highly on a Likert-type question.DiscussionPatients with refractory ascites in large safety net hospitals may benefit from an outpatient procedure clinic instead of ED care.

A Clinicopathological Appraisal of Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors at a Racially Diverse Safety Net Hospital.

Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding clinicopathological profiling as well as treatment, surveillance, and survival of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (dNETs). We clinicopathologically characterized and identified racial differences among patients with dNETs at a large safety net hospital. Tumor grades were updated based on the World Health Organization 2019 NET classification, and overall survival was determined. We identified 17 dNETs and found no differences in clinicopathologic characteristics across racial groups. Pathological diagnosis was upgraded in 35% of dNETs, and age >65 years significantly shortened overall survival. Larger-scale studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.

Experiences of childhood, intimate partner, non-partner, and hate crime-related violence among a sample of people living with HIV in the epicenter of the U.S. HIV epidemic.

Experiences of violence among people living with HIV (PLWH) are thought to be highly prevalent but remain inadequately captured. As a first step toward acceptable, trauma informed practices that improve engagement and retention in care for PLWH, we must acquire more comprehensive understanding of violence experiences. We examined experiences of various forms of lifetime violence: adverse childhood experiences (ACES), intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner violence (NPV), and hate crimes among diverse sample of PLWH in Atlanta, Georgia. Cross sectional data collected from in- and out-of-care PLWH (N = 285) receiving care/support from Ryan White Clinics (RWCs), AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs), or large safety-net hospital, February 2021-December 2022. As part of larger study, participants completed interviewer-administered survey and reported on experiences of violence, both lifetime and past year. Participant characteristics and select HIV-related variables were collected to further describe the sample. Univariate and bivariate analyses assessed participant characteristics across types of violence. High prevalence of past violence experiences across all types (ACES: 100%, IPV: 88.7%, NPV: 97.5%, lifetime hate crimes 93.2%). People assigned male at birth who identified as men experienced more violence than women, with exception of non-partner forced sex. Participants identifying as gay men were more likely to have experienced violence. Among our sample of PLWH at the epicenter of the United States HIV epidemic, histories of interpersonal and community violence are common. Findings emphasize need for RWCs, ASOs, and hospital systems to be universally trained in trauma-informed approaches and have integrated onsite mental health and social support services.