Network Of Health Care Providers Research Articles

Variations in sexual and reproductive health services for the provision of comprehensive contraceptive and abortion services across Europe: A questionnaire-based study commissioned by the European Board and College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (EBCOG) and European Society of Contraception (ESC)

A questionnaire-based study was jointly organised by European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and European Society of Contraception to evaluate the current status as regards access and quality of care regarding contraception, abortion care, and pre-conceptional counselling and care among the 26 European countries. There are considerable variations among these countries as regards the provision of contraceptive services and abortion care. There is ample room for improvement through European training and education programs.However, the most important difference is the absence of a comprehensive network of healthcare providers in various countries to deliver these services at different points of access. There is notable absence of educational programs and instructional materials tailored specifically for nurses and midwives in several countries. This deficiency impedes the professional development and skills enhancement of these healthcare professionals, potentially compromising the quality of healthcare services provided to women in these countries.

Commentary] Potential Mechanisms of Continuity of Care and Future Research

High continuity in primary care has positive impact on the health of patients and populations, but the traditional long-term relationship of a patient with one specific primary care provider is no longer given. Insight into the underlying mechanisms of continuity in primary care can help to design effective teams and networks of healthcare providers. Eight different mechanisms of continuity of care are proposed: matching of patient and provider, time for patient care, healing relationship, effective information delivery, effective counselling, monitoring in care episodes, coherence of treatment, and absence of interruption due to hand-overs. Empirical research on the mechanisms of continuity in modern primary care is required.

Commentary] Potential Mechanisms of Continuity of Care and Future Research

High continuity in primary care has positive impact on the health of patients and populations, but the traditional long-term relationship of a patient with one specific primary care provider is no longer given. Insight into the underlying mechanisms of continuity in primary care can help to design effective teams and networks of healthcare providers. Eight different mechanisms of continuity of care are proposed: matching of patient and provider, time for patient care, healing relationship, effective information delivery, effective counselling, monitoring in care episodes, coherence of treatment, and absence of interruption due to hand-overs. Empirical research on the mechanisms of continuity in modern primary care is required.

Integrative medicine for hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS): a feasibility study

Purpose Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are multisystem conditions marked by dysfunctional connective tissue. This feasibility study evaluated a 9-week integrative medicine program in this population. Methods Using a single-arm study design, adults with HSD or EDS were given recommendations for an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet and self-management with additional behavioral and psychosocial support. Preliminary data on feasibility based on recruitment and retention, adherence to the diet, mobile app tracking, changes to perceived well-being via health outcomes, and satisfaction with care were obtained. Results Thirteen participants were enrolled within a 4-month timeframe. Eight participants completed the study. Three participants met dietary tracking requirement in at least 4 of 8 intervention weeks and met the macronutrient requirements in at least half of the weeks tracked. No decreases in VAS pain scores after 5 and 9 weeks were noted; however, 62.5% (n = 5) of participants had decreased pain at 9 weeks, compared to baseline. There were significant improvements (p<.05) in six of twelve measurements of satisfaction with care at the end of the intervention. Conclusion This study provides a foundation for future research on patient experience and introduces a novel treatment paradigm focused on nutrition and self-management. Trial Registration: National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov; identifier: NCT04734041. Implications for rehabilitation Lifestyle and dietary interventions are relatively safe and well tolerated in the hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos disorder (EDS) population. Participants in our 9-week integrative medicine program actively engaged in self-management of their condition and showed promising adherence to dietary and tracking requirements. Effective treatment of the intricacies and dynamics of these highly variable and clinically heterogeneous disorders may require a network of healthcare providers, integrative healthcare, as well as behavioral and psychosocial support. Dietary tracking through mobile apps might help promote self-efficacy and adherence to dietary changes. Symptom tracking might be an effective way for patients to track changes to their health and could provide valuable information for health professionals engaged in managing the disorders.

Flemish network on rare connective tissue diseases (CTD): patient pathways in systemic sclerosis. First steps taken

ABSTRACT Despite the low prevalence of each rare disease, the total burden is high. Patients with rare diseases encounter numerous barriers, including delayed diagnosis and limited access to high-quality treatments. In order to tackle these challenges, the European Commission launched the European Reference Networks (ERNs), cross-border networks of healthcare providers and patients representatives. In parallel, the aims and structure of these ERNs were translated at the federal and regional levels, resulting in the creation of the Flemish Network of Rare Diseases. In line with the mission of the ERNs and to ensure equal access to care, we describe as first patient pathways for systemic sclerosis (SSc), as a pilot model for other rare connective and musculoskeletal diseases. Consensus was reached on following key messages: 1. Patients with SSc should have multidisciplinary clinical and investigational evaluations in a tertiary reference expert centre at baseline, and subsequently every three to 5 years. Intermediately, a yearly clinical evaluation should be provided in the reference centre, whilst SSc technical evaluations are permissionably executed in a centre that follows SSc-specific clinical practice guidelines. In between, monitoring can take place in secondary care units, under the condition that qualitative examinations and care including interactive multidisciplinary consultations can be provided. 2. Patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc, (progressive) interstitial lung disease and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension should undergo regular evaluations in specialised tertiary care reference institutions. 3. Monitoring of patients with progressive interstitial lung disease and/or pulmonary (arterial) hypertension will be done in agreement with experts of ERN LUNG.

Stroke Systems of Care:: A Systematic Approach to Saving Neurons.

Stroke continues to be a major public health concern, accounting for more than 800,000 strokes per year and remains the leading cause of disability. Stroke systems of care are comprehensive frameworks designed to ensure efficient and effective management of stroke patients. This article provides a brief overview of the coordinated network of healthcare providers, emergency medical services, and hospitals working together to deliver timely and specialized care including pre-hospital care, acute hospital care, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

An Intelligent Classification System for Cancer Detection Based on DNA Methylation Using ML and Semantic Knowledge in Healthcare.

To consistently assess a patient's internal and external wellness and diagnose chronic conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease, wearable sensing devices are being used. Wearable technologies and networking websites have become incredibly common in the medical sector in recent times. The condition of a patient's health can be influenced by a number of factors, including psychological response, emotional stability, and anxiety levels, which can be evaluated using social network analysis based on graph theory-based techniques and these ideas, known as "social network analysis" (SNA) are used to study relationship phenomena. Therefore, numerous uses for SNA in health research are possible, ranging from social science to exact science. For example, it can be used to research cooperative networks of healthcare providers and hazard-prone behaviors, infectious disease transmission, and the spread of initiatives for health promotion and prevention. Recently, a number of machine learning-based healthcare solutions have been proposed to track chronic illnesses utilizing data from social networks and wearable monitoring devices. In our suggested approach, we are using an intelligent system with the assistance of wearable sensors for the classification of cancer based on DNA methylation, an important epigenetic process in the human genome that controls gene expression and has been connected to a number of health issues. A mixed-sampling imbalanced data ensemble classification technique is created with the help of biomedical sensors to address the problem of class imbalance and high dimensionality in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) massive data. This technique is based on the Intelligent Synthetic Minority Oversampling (SMOTE) algorithm. The false-negative rate significantly rises as a result of this, to give a larger data set, a new minority class sample will be first obtained. The noise created during the sample expansion process is actually any data that has been acquired, preserved, or altered in a way that prevents the system that initially conceived it from accessing or utilizing it. Noisy data boosts the amount of space needed excessively and can also drastically influence the findings of any data collection investigation and therefore can also affect the sample sets of one or the other class, resulting in the class imbalance which acts as a common problem in ML datasets. The Tomek Link method is then used to eliminate this noise, producing a reasonably balanced data set. Each layer selects two random forest structures using the cascading forest structure of the deep forest (GC-Forest) algorithm to increase the generalization ability of the model and create the final classification model. Experiments using DNA methylation data collected by employing biosensors from six tumor patients reveal that the mixed-sampling unbalanced data ensemble classification technique may increase the sensitivity to the minority class while maintaining the majority class's classification accuracy.

Preference based scheduling in a healthcare provider network

Healthcare services are often provided by a large network of physicians and clinic facilities to patients with various levels of health conditions and preferences. Appointment scheduling is used to manage access to these services by matching patient demand with physician availability. This raises tremendous challenges for providers due to the heterogeneity in patient preference and physician availability. We propose a preference-based “nested” network model that consists of most practical operational constraints. Our model considers patients with varied priorities who can visit any clinic location and provider of their preference, and request the day and time of the appointment of their choice. The common challenges of patient no-show, cancellation, and uncertainty of physician availability are taken into account. We formulate this model as a Markov decision process and propose an approximate dynamic programming approach to provide robust scheduling policies. We also analyze the joint appointment scheduling and physician capacity planning problem as a mixed-integer nonlinear program. The proposed scheduling policies maximize revenue and minimize physician overtime and idle time while satisfying patient preferences. These policies are shown to perform within a close bound to the best achievable policy. They are also robust under patient demand uncertainties. We highlight the importance of considering patient heterogeneity and preference as well as systematic uncertainties to provide an optimal set of appointments.

Virtual Implementation And Feasibility Of EXCEL: Exercise For Underserved Individuals Living With Cancer

Exercise is safe and effective for individuals living with and beyond cancer. However, disparities in access to exercise services remain, including for those in underserved areas. To address this inequity, the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) implementation-effectiveness study was designed to better reach these individuals through virtual exercise delivery. PURPOSE: Describe the virtual implementation and feasibility of the EXCEL program after one year. To support sustainable implementation, EXCEL is building networks of healthcare providers (HCP), qualified exercise professionals (QEP) supported with training, and individuals living with cancer. METHODS: Participants, up to 3 years post treatment, may self-refer or HCP may refer. QEPs, aided by a moderator, lead fitness assessments (FxAx) and group-based exercise sessions for the 12-week, 2 time/week exercise intervention, via Zoom. QEPs demonstrate exercises, providing modifications to tailor to participant needs. Training for QEPs and moderators includes online cancer exercise education, a live-virtual EXCEL training day, and online moderating hours within the program. Program feasibility (FxAx completion rates, program adherence) and adverse events are tracked. RESULTS: In year one, 3 program waves enrolled 155 participants, and 17 HCPs partnered with EXCEL to refer participants across 6 provinces. Twelve QEPs were fully trained (education + moderating hours), and 9 have actively delivered online exercise classes. Over the first year, adherence to the exercise program was >83% and only one adverse event (minor) was reported. FxAx pre and post completion rates were > 98% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual implementation of EXCEL has been both feasible and safe in year one. Network building includes educational outreach to HCPs, supporting referrals from clinic to community-based exercise programs. EXCEL provides sustainable cancer and exercise educational training for QEPs, and the online exercise oncology program assessment and delivery is feasible for participants. As in-person programs resume post-pandemic, practical virtual exercise options will remain vital for improving access to exercise oncology services, further supporting exercise as part of standard care. Supported by the CIHR-CCS and ACF.

Providing ambulatory healthcare for people aged 80 and over: Views and perspectives of physicians and dentists from a qualitative survey.

People aged 80 and over frequently face complex chronic conditions and health limitations, including oral health problems, which are primarily addressed by ambulatory (i.e., outpatient) healthcare. This demographic development is expected to affect the provision of care. However, few studies have investigated physicians' and dentists' views across the various medical disciplines in non-institutional settings. This study investigated how healthcare providers perceive caring for very old people, and how they feel healthcare should be designed for this patient group. A qualitative online survey comprising nine open-ended items was conducted among physicians and dentists practicing in the ambulatory healthcare sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Apart from child and adolescent healthcare, no medical specialties were excluded. The results were analysed using Kuckartz' approach of structuring qualitative content analysis. A descriptive codebook was developed first. After coding all the material, recurring patterns between the topics were investigated and compared between two groups of participants, physicians and dentists. N = 77 cases were included in the analysis, from which n = 21 originated from the field of ambulatory general practice care and internal medicine, n = 19 from specialties (e.g., neurology, urology), and n = 37 from dentistry. Caring for patients aged 80 and over was perceived as challenging because of complex health conditions and treatments such as multimorbidity and polypharmacy, and patients' cognitive and physical limitations. In characterizing good care in older age, both groups found individual care important, as well as empathetic interactions and good collaboration in networks of healthcare providers. Inadequate reimbursement and limited resources and time were the most important barriers to providing good care, while one of the most important facilitators was healthcare providers' attitude and motivation. Physicians' and dentists' conceptions of good healthcare are in line with the conceptualization of patient-centred care. However, the transfer in everyday care delivery is hampered by the current design of healthcare structures. Healthcare providers feel overstrained by the increasing demands placed on them. Adaptations for improvement should focus on building strong networks of cooperating health professions, especially including dental care, and local social support structures.

Mapping the epidemiologic characteristics of cancer patients with NTRK gene fusions: A real-world analysis of the Cerner Enviza Eletronic Health Records (EHR) database.

e15123 Background: Fusions in neurotrophic-tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) genes occur in a vast array of tumors and are among the most important genetic alterations in cancer patients. Their presence warrants the use of specific agnostic therapy (AT) with TRK inhibitors Larotrectinib (L) and Entrectinib (E). AT is associated with high levels of tumor response rate in patients showing NTRKgenetic alterations. This mutation is rare and the epidemiologic profile and clinical characteristics of NTRK positive patients are not completely clear. Methods: Our aim was to identify and describe the characteristics of patients with NTRK fusions in a large EHR database. De-identified records of NTRK positive oncologic patients were retrieved from Cerner-Enviza EHR, a healthcare provider network with 100 different providers across the USA, between November 2018 to August 2021. Data extracted were primary tumor, gender, age, and treatment received. Results: We identified 123 patients with NTRK alterations. Major primary tumor locations are described in the table. Males were 56% of the population, median age at diagnosis was 59 years, 36% of the patients were treated with E and 64% with L. Conclusions: In this sample, NTRK mutations were more common in patients with Lung Cancer and Soft Tissue tumors. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years.[Table: see text]

Retrospective observational study of the robustness of provider network structures to the systemic shock of COVID-19: a county level analysis of COVID-19 outcomes

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether certain healthcare provider network structures are more robust to systemic shocks such as those presented by the current COVID-19 pandemic.DesignUsing multivariable regression analysis, we measure the effect...

Disseminating good practices for patient safety: the experience of the Italian National Observatory

&#x0D; Background: The objective of this paper is to discuss how national, collaborative programs based on the dissemination of good practices could effectively improve patient safety and be sustainable. The paper also aims at identifying some cross-system characteristics that would allow for a “safe practice program” to run successfully.&#x0D; Methods: The quality and safety of the healthcare services provided by the Italian healthcare system to its citizens are very heterogeneous. Therefore, a public agency – by government mandate – instituted a national program to improve patient safety. The model applied relies on a cyclic scheme for collecting, classifying and promoting the active dissemination of evidence-based safe practices throughout the network of healthcare providers.&#x0D; Results: The Italian program has been reviewed by the OECD as a key action to improve patient safety as the results are very encouraging in terms of both effectiveness and sustainability.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this paper we use the experience of the Italian Observatory on Good Practices for Patient Safety to corroborate and enrich the literature about improvement programs based on good practices. If specific conditions of responsiveness and accountability are met at all levels, these programs can be successful and sustainable. Furthermore, such programs could be easily adapted to other health care systems.&#x0D;

Malnutrition outweighs the effect of the obesity paradox.

BackgroundHigh body mass index (BMI) is paradoxically associated with better outcome in patients with heart failure (HF). The effects of malnutrition on this phenomenon across the whole spectrum of HF have not yet been studied.MethodsIn this observational study, patients were classified by guideline diagnostic criteria to one of three heart failure subtypes: reduced (HFrEF), mildy reduced (HFmrEF), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Data were retrieved from the Viennese‐community healthcare provider network between 2010 and 2020. The relationship between BMI, nutritional status reflected by the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and survival was assessed. Patients were classified by the presence (PNI < 45) or absence (PNI ≥ 45) of malnutrition.ResultsOf the 11 995 patients enrolled, 6916 (58%) were classified as HFpEF, 2809 (23%) HFmrEF, and 2270 HFrEF (19%). Median age was 70 years (IQR 61–77), and 67% of patients were men. During a median follow‐up time of 44 months (IQR 19–76), 3718 (31%) of patients died. After adjustment for potential confounders, BMI per IQR increase was independently associated with better survival (adj. hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91 [CI 0.86–0.97], P = 0.005), this association remained significant after additional adjustment for HF type (adj. HR: 0.92 [CI 0.86–0.98], P = 0.011). PNI was available in 10 005 patients and lowest in HFrEF patients. PNI was independently associated with improved survival (adj. HR: 0.96 [CI 0.95–0.97], P < 0.001); additional adjustment for HF type yielded similar results (adj. HR: 0.96 [CI 0.96–0.97], P < 0.001). Although obese patients experienced a 30% risk reduction, malnutrition at least doubled the risk for death with 1.8‐ to 2.5‐fold higher hazards for patients with poor nutritional status compared with normal weight well‐nourished patients.ConclusionsThe obesity paradox seems to be an inherent characteristic of HF regardless of phenotype and nutritional status. Yet malnutrition significantly changes trajectory of outcome with regard to BMI alone: obese patients with malnutrition have a considerably worse outcome compared with their well‐nourished counterparts, outweighing protective effects of high BMI alone. In this context, routine recommendation towards weight loss in patients with obesity and HF should generally be made with caution and focus should be shifted on nutritional status.

Impact of a radiological protection campaign in emergency paediatric radiology: a multicentric observational study in Brazil

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of a paediatric radiological protection campaign, implemented in the emergency units of a healthcare provider network in Brazil. This campaign aimed to promote awareness among emergency department physicians, regarding justification of paediatric X-ray referrals for paranasal sinus, chest and CT exams, as a strategy to reduce exposure to ionising radiation.MethodFrequency analysis of common paediatric imaging referrals from 19 emergency departments was performed for a 3-year period (2015–2018) to coincide with before, during and after the implementation of the radiation protection campaign. The campaign was multifaceted and involved dissemination of educational materials and imaging referral guidelines along with quarterly meetings with participating centres' leaderships. Additionally, patient dose cards were distributed to patients/carers. The Chi-Square test was used to examine the association between the type of examination and the patient's age group. Exact-Fisher test was performed to check for an association between participant engagement and the existence of the radiation protection committee.ResultsReferrals reduced by 25% following the campaign with no reports of misdiagnosis. Many referrals in the youngest age groups. In 15 units, a radiological protection committee was created to raise awareness and to create a multi professional team to communicate the risks and benefits of radiological procedure in children.ConclusionThe campaign resulted in a substantial reduction in radiological referrals while promoting a radiation protection culture. Simple education initiatives can contribute to savings in both finances and radiation doses, particularly important in radiosensitive cohorts.

A digital mobile health platform increasing efficiency and transparency towards universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries.

In low-and middle-income countries, achieving universal health coverage remains challenging due to insufficient, temporary and fragmented funding as well as limited accessibility to quality healthcare. Leveraging a mobile health platform can be a powerful tool to address these problems. This paper demonstrates how analysing data collected from a mobile health platform helps optimize healthcare provider networks, monitor patient flows and assess the quality and equitability of access to care. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforces the importance of real-time data on health-seeking behaviour. Between 2018 and 2019, as a Kenyan universal health coverage pilot was being planned, Kisumu County, with support from PharmAccess Foundation, implemented household-level digital registration for healthcare and collected socio-economic and healthcare claims data using the M-TIBA platform. In total, 273,350 Kisumu households enrolled. The claims data showed many patients visit higher-level facilities for ailments, that can be treated at primary care levels, unnecessarily. High-level estimate of the disease burden at participating facilities revealed rampant overprescription of pertinent medicines for highly prevalent malaria and respiratory tract infections, exemplifying clinical management deficiencies. M-TIBA data allowed tracking of individual patient trajectories. Analyses of data are shown at the aggregate level. The paper shows how mobile health platforms can be used to generate valuable insights into access to and quality of care. Funding for healthcare can be united through mobile health platforms, limiting the fragmentation in funding. They can be useful for funders, health managers and policymakers to improve the implementation of universal health coverage programs in low-and middle-income countries.

Lipid Clinics Network targets suboptimal guideline implementation

The European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) continues to respond to the needs of the global community and address issues in dyslipidaemia management. The first of several ‘linked-up’ EAS initiatives is the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC) registry, launched in 2015, which aimed to address the inadequacy of FH detection and care across the globe [1]. This was followed one year later by EAS support for the initiation of the Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia International Clinical Collaboration (HICC) registry, which created an international network of healthcare providers involved in the management of this severe condition.

Experiences of frail older cardiac patients with a nurse-coordinated transitional care intervention - a qualitative study

BackgroundOlder cardiac patients are at high risk of readmission and mortality. Transitional care interventions (TCIs) might contribute to the prevention of adverse outcomes. The Cardiac Care Bridge program was a randomized nurse-coordinated TCI combining case management, disease management and home-based rehabilitation for hospitalized frail older cardiac patients. This qualitative study explored the experiences of patients’ participating in this study, as part of a larger process evaluation as this might support interpretation of the neutral study outcomes. In addition, understanding these experiences could contribute to the design and application of future transitional care interventions for frail older cardiac patients.MethodsA generic qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 patients ≥70 years who participated in the intervention group. Participants were selected by gender, diagnosis, living arrangement and hospital of inclusion. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. In addition, quantitative data about intervention delivery were analysed.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: 1) appreciation of care continuity; 2) varying experiences with recovery and, 3) the influence of an existing care network. Participants felt supported by the transitional care intervention as they experienced post-discharge support and continuity of care. The perceived contribution of the program in participants’ recovery varied. Some participants reported physical improvements while others felt impeded by comorbidities or frailty. The home visits by the community nurse were appreciated, although some participants did not recognize the added value. Participants with an existing healthcare provider network preferred to consult these providers instead of the providers who were involved in the transitional care intervention.ConclusionOur results contribute to an explanation of the neutral study of a nurse-coordinated transitional care intervention. For future purpose, it is important to identify which patients might benefit most from TCIs. Furthermore, the intensity and content of TCIs could be more personalized by tailoring interventions to older cardiac patients’ needs, considering their frailty, self-management skills and existing formal and informal caregiver networks.

Empirically identified networks of healthcare providers for adults with mental illness

BackgroundPolicies target networks of providers who treat people with mental illnesses, but little is known about the empirical structures of these networks and related variation in patient care. The goal of this paper is to describe networks of providers who treat adults with mental illness in a multi-payer database based medical claims data in a U.S. state.MethodsProvider networks were identified and characterized using paid inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy claims related to care for people with a mental health diagnosis from an all-payer claims dataset that covers both public and private payers.ResultsThree nested levels of network structures were identified: an overall network, which included 21% of providers (N = 8256) and 97% of patients (N = 476,802), five communities and 24 sub-communities. Sub-communities were characterized by size, provider composition, continuity-of-care (CoC), and network structure measures including mean number of connections per provider (degree) and average number of connections who were connected to each other (transitivity). Sub-community size was positively associated with number of connections (r = .37) and the proportion of psychiatrists (r = .41) and uncorrelated with network transitivity (r = −.02) and continuity of care (r = .00). Network transitivity was not associated with CoC after adjustment for provider type, number of patients, and average connection CoC (p = .85).ConclusionsThese exploratory analyses suggest that network analysis can provide information about the networks of providers that treat people with mental illness that is not captured in traditional measures and may be useful in designing, implementing, and studying interventions to improve systems of care. Though initial results are promising, additional empirical work is needed to develop network-based measures and tools for policymakers.

Validation of claims-based algorithms to identify patients with psoriasis.

Accurately identifying patients with psoriasis (PsO) is crucial for generating real-world evidence on PsO disease course and treatment utilization. We developed nine claims-based algorithms for PsO using a combination of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 codes, specialist visit, and medication dispensing using Medicare linked to electronic health records data (2013-2014) in two healthcare provider networks in Boston, Massachusetts. We calculated positive predictive value (PPV) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each algorithm using the treating physician's diagnosis of PsO via chart review as the gold standard. Among the confirmed PsO cases, we assessed their PsO disease activity. The nine claims-based algorithms identified 990 unique patient records. Of those, 918 (92.7%) with adequate information were reviewed. The PPV of the algorithms ranged from 65.1 to 82.9%. An algorithm defined as ≥1 ICD-9 diagnosis code for PsO and ≥1 prescription claim for topical vitamin D agents showed the highest PPV (82.9%). The PPV of the algorithm requiring ≥2 ICD-9 diagnosis codes and ≥1 prescription claim for PsO treatment excluding topical steroids was 81.1% but higher (82.5%) when ≥1 diagnosis was from a dermatologist. Among 411 PsO patients with adequate information on PsO disease activity in EHRs, 1.5-5.8% had no disease activity, 31.3-36.8% mild, and 26.9-35.1% moderate-to-severe across the algorithms. Claims-based algorithms based on a combination of PsO diagnosis codes and dispensing for PsO-specific treatments had a moderate-to-high PPV. These algorithms can serve as a useful tool to identify patients with PsO in future real-world data pharmacoepidemiologic studies.