Outpatient Hospital Research Articles

The Development of the Municipal Registry of People with Diabetes in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Background/Objective: Diabetes registries that enhance surveillance and improve medical care are uncommon in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the diabetes burden lies. We aimed to describe the methodological and technical aspects adopted in the development of a municipal registry of people with diabetes using local and national Brazilian National Health System databases. Methods: We obtained data between July 2018 and June 2021 based on eight databases covering primary care, specialty and emergency consultations, medication dispensing, outpatient exam management, hospitalizations, and deaths. We identified diabetes using the International Classification of Disease (ICD), International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), medications for diabetes, hospital codes for the treatment of diabetes complications, and exams for diabetes management. Results: After data processing and database merging using deterministic and probabilistic linkage, we identified 73,185 people with diabetes. Considering that 1.33 million people live in Porto Alegre, the registry captured 5.5% of the population. Conclusions: With additional data processing, the registry can reveal information on the treatment and outcomes of people with diabetes who are receiving publicly financed care in Porto Alegre. It will provide metrics for epidemiologic surveillance, such as the incidence, prevalence, rates, and trends of complications and causes of mortality; identify inadequacies; and provide information. It will enable healthcare providers to monitor the quality of care, identify inadequacies, and provide feedback as needed.

An evaluation of outpatient satisfaction based on the national standard questionnaire: a satisfaction survey conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, China.

Patient satisfaction survey serves as a pivotal tool in evaluating the quality of healthcare services. China's nationwide standard patient satisfaction measurement tool was introduced in 2019. This study aimed to assess the model fit of the national standard outpatient satisfaction questionnaire in a tertiary hospital and evaluate the outpatient satisfaction levels using this tool. A cross-sectional survey using the national outpatient satisfaction questionnaire was conducted via message links to all hospital outpatients who registered between April and July 2022. The data collected underwent descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 6,012 valid responses were received and analyzed during this period, with 52.9% of the participants being women. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model showed a good fit and identified doctor communication as having a positive effect and environmental factors as having a negative effect on outpatients' satisfaction, with standardized regression weights of 0.46 and 0.42, respectively. Despite the remarkably high satisfaction levels, patients' recommendation for using the services of this hospital surpassed the overall evaluation and total satisfaction scores. A disparity was identified between the expectations and real experiences of outpatients, leading to some extent of dissatisfaction. To enhance satisfaction levels, the hospital should improve the communication skills of all clinical staff, simplify the environment layout for first-time visitors, and manage patient overloads.

Role of muscle ultrasound in frailty assessment in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundFrailty is a geriatric syndrome that is characterized by increased vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors due to decreased biologic reserves. Muscle ultrasound (US) is a valid and reliable method for assessing muscle quantity in older adults. The study aims to examine the relationship between frailty definitions and US-derived muscle parameters.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients in a tertiary hospital, and all participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. For frailty assessment, the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) were performed. Muscle US measurements included Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) muscle thickness, GM fascicle length, GM pennation angle, Rectus Femoris (RF) muscle thickness, Rectus Femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), Rectus Abdominis (RA) muscle thickness, External Oblique (EO) muscle thickness, Internal Oblique (IO) muscle thickness, and Transverse Abdominis (TA) muscle thickness.ResultsIn all, 373 participants were included in the study. The median age of participants was 72.7 ± 5.9 years, and 64.6% of them were female. According to the FFP, 18.2% of the participants were living with frailty, 56% of them were pre-frail; 57.4% of them were living with frailty according to the CFS; 25.2% of them were living with frailty, and 20.6% of them were pre-frail according to the EFS. The FFP, CFS, and EFS scores were related to muscle thickness of GM, RF, and RA, fascicle length of GM, and pennation angle of GM and RFCSA. Particularly, GM pennation angle, RF muscle thickness, and RFCSA were associated with an increased risk of frailty. Besides muscle thickness of GM, RF, and RA, fascicle length of GM, pennation angle of GM, and RFCSA were significant for predicting the presence of frailty.ConclusionsUS-derived regional muscle measurements are associated with frailty definitions (in both physical, cumulative deficit, and multidimensional models) in a diabetic geriatric population.

Dispensation of outpatient hospital medicines by hospital only versus hospital-community pharmacies collaboration: a cross-sectional study and survey of patient's satisfaction.

To describe the experience of a dispensing model of outpatient hospital medicines (OHM) via collaboration of hospital and community pharmacies, and to explore patient satisfaction with the strategy as compared with the hospital pharmacy only service. Patient satisfaction is an important component of the quality of health care. A new model of dispensing OHM was conducted in the Outpatients Unit of the Service of Hospital Pharmacy of Hospital del Mar, in Barcelona, Spain. Participants were patients on stable chronic treatment with clinical or social fragility, immunocompromised patients, and those whose residence was located at a distance from the hospital that justified drug delivery through the community pharmacy. A cross sectional study was done using an ad hoc 14-item questionnaire collecting demographic data, duration of treatment, usual mode of collecting medication, and the degree of satisfaction regarding waiting time for the collection of medication, attention received by professionals, information received on treatment, and confidentiality. The study population included a total of 4,057 patients (66.8% men) with a mean age of 53 (15.5) years, of whom 1,286 responded, with a response rate of 31.7%. Variables significantly associated with response to the survey were age over 44 years, particularly the age segment of 55-64 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.51) and receiving OHM via the community pharmacy (OR 12.76). Patients in the community pharmacy group (n = 927) as compared with those in the hospital pharmacy group (n = 359) showed significantly higher percentages of 'satisfied' and 'very satisfied' (p < 0.001) in the waiting time for the collection of OHM (88.1% vs. 66%), attention received by professionals (92.5% vs. 86.1%), and information received on treatment (79.4% vs. 77.4%). In relation to confidentiality, results obtained were similar in both pharmacy settings. Dispensing OHM through the community pharmacy was a strategy associated with greater patient satisfaction as compared with OHM collection at the hospital pharmacy service, with greater accessibility, mainly due to close distance to the patient's home. The participation of community pharmacists could further optimize the care received by patients undergoing OHM treatment.

Abstract PO1-04-12: Palbociclib versus ribociclib in first-line treatment of patients with hormone-receptor positive HER2 negative advanced breast cancer – real world outcome data from the German registry platform OPAL

Abstract Introduction CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDKi) plus endocrine therapy (ET) are standard of care in first-line (1L) treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC). In the pivotal trials the three CDK4/6i (palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib) + ET showed similar progression-free survival (PFS) benefit over ET alone. However, other than ribociclib, palbociclib failed to demonstrate overall survival (OS) benefit. As patient (pts) characteristics differed between the trials, especially in the number of pts with treatment-free interval (TFI) of &amp;lt; 12 months after end of adjuvant ET, head-to-head comparisons of the CDKi are of clinical interest. Here we analyze the outcome of pts treated with palbociclib + ET or ribociclib + ET with real-world data from OPAL. Methods OPAL (NCT03417115) is a prospective observational, open, longitudinal multicenter cohort study (clinical registry) in Germany. Pts with ABC and early breast cancer can be recruited at start of their first systemic treatment. There are no treatment restrictions. Sites from all medical sectors can participate in OPAL (medical and gynecologic oncologists from outpatient centers and hospitals). Details on all (sequential) treatments, patient and tumor characteristics, biomarker testing, clinical and patient-reported outcomes are collected. Follow-Up is until death or up to 5 years. Between 01/2018 and 07/2021 1049 pts with HR+ HER2- ABC were recruited by 143 sites. Database cut was on 31/08/2022. 384 pts received palbociclib + ET and 231 pts received ribociclib + ET as 1L treatment. All endocrine combination partners including switch of ET during first line therapy was allowed, whereas switch of CDK4/6i (n=25) were excluded. PFS in registries can differ from PFS in clinical trials, since the RECIST criteria are usually not applied in routine care. PFS in registries represents the time to clinically relevant progression in routine care. PFS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. To adjust for confounding, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) by propensity score analysis was used to compare PFS and OS between 1L palbociclib+ET and ribociclib+ET. IPTW was performed for the following variables: age, menopausal status, ECOG, any comorbidity, Charlson comorbidity index, metastatic stage, type of metastasis, number of metastatic sites, estrogen-/progesterone status, IHC status, previous chemo-/endocrine therapy, kind of endocrine combination partner, disease-free interval, and treatment-free interval. Results From 2018 to 2021, the proportion of CDK4/6i increased from 68% to 86% in 1L of HR+HER2- ABC. Overall, palbociclib was used in 44% and ribociclib in 26% of all first-line treatments in OPAL. Median age of pts receiving palbociclib/ribociclib was 66/68 years and for 77/81% of pts at least one comorbidity was documented. 37/35% of pts already had metastasis at diagnosis (M1) and 25/26% of pts had a TFI &amp;lt; 12 months. After IPTW, the two treatment groups were comparable for all tested characteristics. 42/46% of patients had a progression (palbociclib/ribociclib group). IPTW-adjusted median PFS was 25.1 months (95% Confidence interval (CI) 20.1 – 30.1) for the palbociclib and 27.0 months (95%-CI 21.1 – 31.6) for the ribociclib group. Hazard ratio was 0.91 (0.71 – 1.17) for palbociclib versus ribociclib. 26/29% of patients had an OS event (palbociclib/ribociclib group). IPTW-adjusted median OS was 36.7 months (95%-CI 33.0 – NA) for the palbociclib and 36.6 months (95%-CI 33.1 – NA) for the ribociclib group. Hazard ratio was 0.95 (0.69 - 1.30) for palbociclib versus ribociclib. Conclusions This analysis of real word data in the OPAL registry platform showed similar PFS and OS for palbociclib + ET compared to ribociclib + ET, when adjusted for a wide range of potential confounding variables. Further analyses will investigate whether one drug showed favorable results in certain subgroups of pts. Citation Format: Marc Thill, Mark-Oliver Zahn, Anja Welt, Arnd Nusch, Matthias Zaiss, Kathrin Engelken, Gabriele Kaltenecker, Kai Ringwald, Katja Gratzke, Lisa Kruggel, Martina Jänicke, Holger Schulz, Christoph Losem, Volker Hagen, Roland Fricker, Elmar Stickeler, Nadia Harbeck, Achim Wöckel, Thomas Decker. Palbociclib versus ribociclib in first-line treatment of patients with hormone-receptor positive HER2 negative advanced breast cancer – real world outcome data from the German registry platform OPAL [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-04-12.

Comparative analysis of the prevalence 3-HIT concept in people living with HIV and seronegative patients with chronic conditions. Cross-3HIT Project.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess and compare the occurrence of 3-HIT in people living with HIV (PLWH) and seronegative patients. Additionally, the study investigated whether HIV infection could serve as...

Influence of multimorbidity and socioeconomic position on long-term healthcare utilization and prognosis in patients after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation.

We aimed to investigate the influence of socioeconomic position (SEP) and multimorbidity on cross-sectional healthcare utilization and prognosis in patients after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. We included first-time CRT recipients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% implanted between 2000 and 2017. Data on chronic conditions, use of healthcare services, and demographics were obtained from Danish national administrative and health registries. Healthcare utilization (in- and outpatient hospitalizations, activities in general practice) was compared by multimorbidity categories and SEP by using a negative binomial regression model. The association between SEP, multimorbidity, and prognostic outcomes was analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression. We followed 2007 patients (median age of 70 years), 79% were male, 75% were on early retirement or state pension, 37% were living alone, and 41% had low education level for a median of 5.2 [inter-quartile range: 2.2-7.3) years. In adjusted regression models, a higher number of chronic conditions were associated with increased healthcare utilization. Both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular hospital contacts were increased. Patients with low SEP had a higher number of chronic conditions, but SEP had limited influence on healthcare utilization. Patients living alone and those with low educational level had a trend towards a higher risk of all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.33, and aHR 1.09, 95% CI 0.96-1.24). Multimorbidity increased the use of cross-sectional healthcare services, whereas low SEP had minor influence on the utilizations. Living alone and low educational level showed a trend towards a higher risk of mortality after CRT implantation.

Vasectomy: An increasingly common procedure in France

ObjectivesTo analyze the evolutionary trends concerning vasectomy over the last 8 years in order to better understand the situation and identify measures to be implemented to develop this activity. MethodsThe number of vasectomy procedures performed between 2015 and 2022 was extracted from the Open CCAM file compiled from the national database of the Programme de médicalisation du système d’informations français (PMSI). ResultsOver the period 2015–2022, the number of vasectomy procedures increased from 3743 in 2015 to 29,890 in 2022. This increase was observed in all French metropolitan and overseas regions. The number of minimally invasive vasectomies (notably without scalpel) rose sharply, from 313 to 7760. Almost all vasectomies were performed during outpatient hospitalization (0 nights), with fewer than 300 acts reported/year in outpatient care. ConclusionIn France, vasectomy is becoming an increasingly frequent contraceptive method. This analysis is in line with recent surveys carried out in France, and tends to prove that more and more couples of childbearing age are in favour of sharing the contraceptive burden. Level of evidence3.

Analysis of health services use and clinical profiles in the year prior to suicide between 2010 and 2018: An opportunity to improve its prevention

IntroductionSuicide is the first cause of external death in Spain. International studies show frequent and varied health contacts in the months prior to suicide. There are hardly any studies on that phenomenon in this country. ObjectiveTo analyze health care use in the year prior to suicide between 2010 and 2018 in the Basque Country, as well as pharmacological prescriptions and psychiatric diagnoses received. MethodsRetrospective descriptive study with all suicides registered by the Basque Institute of Legal Medicine (BILM) between 2010 and 2018. The records of the BILM and the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza) were cross-checked. Results1526 suicides were analyzed. 74% had health contacts in the previous year. The use was higher in women (p<0.05) and in older ages (p<0001). Primary care was the most used specialty (58.8% the previous year and 7.1% the previous week), followed by Hospital Emergencies (50.3% and 10.2%) and Outpatient Medical Specialties (49% and 11.6%), especially Radiology. Outpatient psychiatry only contacted 29.6% that year, although it had the highest average number of visits (15.1 SD22.6). The most frequent diagnostic category among psychiatric patients was F30–39 (26.7%), with differences between sexes and ages. 49.7% received psychotropic drugs. ConclusionsThe results are aligned with international evidence, which they also extend, and reinforce the need to extend prevention beyond psychiatric services. It seems advisable to increase proactivity in the search for risk by sensitizing and training different professional profiles, but also to work from non-health settings to improve assistance to highly vulnerable profiles (young men) with low health links.

Coccidioidomycosis-Related Hospital Visits, Texas, USA, 2016-2021.

We analyzed hospital discharge records of patients with coccidioidomycosis-related codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification, to estimate the prevalence of hospital visits associated with the disease in Texas, USA. Using Texas Health Care Information Collection data for 2016-2021, we investigated the demographic characteristics and geographic distribution of the affected population, assessed prevalence of hospital visits for coccidioidomycosis, and examined how prevalence varied by demographic and geographic factors. In Texas, 709 coccidioidomycosis-related inpatient and outpatient hospital visits occurred in 2021; prevalence was 3.17 cases per 100,000 total hospital visits in 2020. Geographic location, patient sex, and race/ethnicity were associated with increases in coccidioidomycosis-related hospital visits; male, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic patients had the highest prevalence of coccidioidomycosis compared with other groups. Increased surveillance and healthcare provider education and outreach are needed to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of coccidioidomycosis in Texas and elsewhere.

Evolution of therapeutic management of patients with ANCA associated vasculitis in France after licensing Rituximab use

IntroductionIn 2013, rituximab was approved in France for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). The aim of the study was to compare the treatment and health events of adult incident patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), included before rituximab approval (over 2010–2012, Group 1) and those included after rituximab approval (over 2014–2017, Group 2).MethodData were extracted from the French National Health Insurance database (SNDS) including outpatient health care consumption and hospital discharge forms. Comparisons between inclusion periods were performed using Wilcoxon and χ² tests. Kaplan-Meier method was used to model the duration of treatment induction, maintenance, and off-drug periods. Fine and Gray tests were used to compare treatment phase durations.ResultsA total of 694 GPA and 283 MPA patients were included in Group 1, while 668 GPA and 463 MPA patients were included in Group 2. Between the two inclusion periods, the proportions of patients treated with rituximab increased in the induction and maintenance phases whereas treatment with azathioprine declined. These proportions remained stable in the case of methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and glucocorticoid-treated patients. Frequency of first-time hospitalized infections, diabetes and renal failure during the first year after inclusion increased for both groups.Limitations of the studyThis is a retrospective study based on claims data including only 76% of people covered by health insurance in France. The period studied includes the learning phase of using rituximab. This study lacks biological data and precise quantitative analysis for the use of steroids, therefore the criteria for establishing diagnosis and therapeutic choice were unknown.ConclusionsIntroduction of rituximab reduced the use of azathioprine without affecting the use of glucocorticoids or cyclophosphamide.

Heart Failure Management through Telehealth: Expanding Care and Connecting Hearts.

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, imposing a significant burden on deaths, hospitalizations, and health costs. Anticipating patients' deterioration is a cornerstone of HF treatment: preventing congestion and end organ damage while titrating HF therapies is the aim of the majority of clinical trials. Anyway, real-life medicine struggles with resource optimization, often reducing the chances of providing a patient-tailored follow-up. Telehealth holds the potential to drive substantial qualitative improvement in clinical practice through the development of patient-centered care, facilitating resource optimization, leading to decreased outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and lengths of hospital stays. Different technologies are rising to offer the best possible care to many subsets of patients, facing any stage of HF, and challenging extreme scenarios such as heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices. This article aims to thoroughly examine the potential advantages and obstacles presented by both existing and emerging telehealth technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The Incidence, Mortality and Medical Expenditure in Patients with Asthma in Taiwan: Ten-year Nationwide Study

BackgroundThis study examines incidence, mortality, medical expenditure and prescription patterns for asthma on a national scale, particularly in Asian countries for asthma is limited. Our aim is to investigate incidence, mortality, prescription patterns and provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare utilization trends for asthma from 2009 to 2018.MethodsWe included patients diagnosed with asthma between 2009 and 2018. We excluded patients with missing demographic data. Our analysis covered comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic hepatitis, stroke, and cancer. Investigated medications comprised oral and intravenous steroids, short-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), combinations of ICS and long-acting beta-agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, and leukotriene receptor antagonists montelukast. We also assessed the number of outpatient visits, emergency visits, and hospitalizations per year, as well as the average length of hospitalization and average medical costs.ResultsThe study included a final count of 88,244 subjects from 1,998,311 randomly selected samples between 2000 and 2019. Over the past decade, there was a gradual decline in newly diagnosed asthma patients per year, from 10,140 to 6,487. The mean age annually increased from 47.59 in 2009 to 53.41 in 2018. Over 55% of the patients were female. Eczema was diagnosed in over 55% of the patients. Around 90% of the patients used oral steroids, with a peak of 97.29% in 2018, while the usage of ICS varied between 86.20% and 91.75%. Intravenous steroids use rose from 40.94% in 2009 to 54.14% in 2018. The average annual hospital stay ranged from 9 to 12 days, with a maximum of 12.26 days in 2013. Lastly, the average medical expenses per year ranged from New Taiwan dollars 5558 to 7921.ConclusionsIn summary, both asthma incidence and all-cause mortality rates decreased in Taiwan from 2009 to 2018. Further analysis of medical expenses in patients with asthma who required multiple hospitalizations annually revealed an increase in outpatient and emergency visits and hospitalizations, along with longer hospital stays and higher medical costs.

Randomised clinical trial: First-line infliximab biosimilar is cost-effective compared to conventional treatment in paediatric Crohn's disease.

Data on cost-effectiveness of first-line infliximab in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease are limited. Since biologics are increasingly prescribed and accompanied by high costs, this knowledge gap needs to be addressed. To investigate the cost-effectiveness of first-line infliximab compared to conventional treatment in children with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. We included patients from the Top-down Infliximab Study in Kids with Crohn's disease randomised controlled trial. Children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease were treated with azathioprine maintenance and either five induction infliximab (biosimilar) infusions or conventional induction treatment (exclusive enteral nutrition or corticosteroids). Direct healthcare consumption and costs were obtained per patient until week 104. This included data on outpatient hospital visits, hospital admissions, drug costs, endoscopies and surgeries. The primary health outcome was the odds ratio of being in clinical remission (weighted paediatric Crohn's disease activity index<12.5) during 104 weeks. We included 89 patients (44 in the first-line infliximab group and 45 in the conventional treatment group). Mean direct healthcare costs per patient were €36,784 for first-line infliximab treatment and €36,874 for conventional treatment over 2 years (p = 0.981). The odds ratio of first-line infliximab versus conventional treatment to be in clinical remission over 104 weeks was 1.56 (95%CI 1.03-2.35, p = 0.036). First-line infliximab treatment resulted in higher odds of being in clinical remission without being more expensive, making it the dominant strategy over conventional treatment in the first 2 years after diagnosis in children with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. NCT02517684.

Healthcare Utilization and Its Correlates in Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

This study investigated the healthcare utilization and medical expenditure of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and identified the associated factors. The healthcare utilization and expenditure of T2DM patients with (case group) and without (control group) GAD between 2002 and 2013 were examined using the population-based Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Healthcare utilization included outpatient visits and hospitalization; health expenditure included outpatient, inpatient, and total medical expenditure. Moreover, nonpsychiatric healthcare utilization and medical expenditure were distinguished from total healthcare utilization and medical expenditure. The average healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and hospitalization, was significantly higher for the case group than for the control group (total and nonpsychiatric). The results regarding differences in average outpatient expenditure (total and nonpsychiatric), inpatient expenditure (total and nonpsychiatric), and total expenditure (total and nonpsychiatric) between the case and control groups are inconsistent. Sex, age, income, comorbidities/complications, and the diabetes mellitus complication severity index were significantly associated with outpatient visits, medical expenditure, and hospitalization in the case group (total and nonpsychiatric). Greater knowledge of factors affecting healthcare utilization and expenditure in comorbid individuals may help healthcare providers intervene to improve patient management and possibly reduce the healthcare burden in the future.

Costs and acceptability of simplified monitoring in HIV-suppressed patients switching to dual therapy: the SIMPL'HIV open-label, factorial randomised controlled trial.

Clinical and laboratory monitoring of patients on antiretroviral therapy is an integral part of HIV care and determines whether treatment needs enhanced adherence or modification of the drug regimen. However, different monitoring and treatment strategies carry different costs and health consequences. The SIMPL'HIV study was a randomised trial that assessed the non-inferiority of dual maintenance therapy. The co-primary outcome was a comparison of costs over 48 weeks of dual therapy with standard antiretroviral therapy and the costs associated with a simplified HIV care approach (patient-centred monitoring [PCM]) versus standard, tri-monthly routine monitoring. Costs included outpatient medical consultations (HIV/non-HIV consultations), non-medical consultations, antiretroviral therapy, laboratory tests and hospitalisation costs. PCM participants had restricted immunological and blood safety monitoring at weeks 0 and 48, and they were offered the choice to complete their remaining study visits via a telephone call, have medications delivered to a specified address, and to have blood tests performed at a location of their choice. We analysed the costs of both strategies using invoices for medical consultations issued by the hospital where the patient was followed, as well as those obtained from health insurance companies. Secondary outcomes included differences between monitoring arms for renal function, lipids and glucose values, and weight over 48 weeks. Patient satisfaction with treatment and monitoring was also assessed using visual analogue scales. Of 93 participants randomised to dolutegravir plus emtricitabine and 94 individuals to combination antiretroviral therapy (median nadir CD4 count, 246 cells/mm3; median age, 48 years; female, 17%),patient-centred monitoring generated no substantial reductions or increases in total costs (US$ -421 per year [95% CI -2292 to 1451];p= 0.658). However, dual therapy was significantly less expensive (US$ -2620.4 [95% CI -2864.3 to -2331.4]) compared to standard triple-drug antiretroviral therapy costs. Approximately 50% of participants selected one monitoring option, one-third chose two, and a few opted for three. The preferred option was telephone calls, followed by drug delivery. The number of additional visits outside the study schedule did not differ by type of monitoring. Patient satisfaction related to treatment and monitoring was high at baseline, with no significant increase at week 48. Patient-centred monitoring did not reduce costs compared to standard monitoring in individuals switching to dual therapy or those continuing combined antiretroviral therapy. In this representative sample of patients with suppressed HIV, antiretroviral therapy was the primary factor driving costs, which may be reduced by using generic drugs to mitigate the high cost of lifelong HIV treatment. ClinicalTrials.govNCT03160105.

Rural–urban inequalities in health care utilization in Bhutan: a decomposition analysis

Background and objectiveOn the trajectory towards universal health coverage in Bhutan, health equity requires policy attention as significant disparities exist between urban and rural health outcomes. This paper examines health services utilization patterns, inequalities and their socio-economic determinants in rural and urban areas and decomposes the factors behind these differences.MethodsWe used the Bhutan Living Standard Survey 2017 to profile health services utilization patterns and equalities. We employed two different decomposition analyses: decomposition of mean differences in utilization using the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition framework and differences in the income-related distribution in utilization using recentered influence function regressions between rural and urban areas.ResultsSignificant differences exist in the type of outpatient services used by the rural and urban population groups, with those living in rural areas having 3.4 times higher odds of using primary health centers compared to outpatient hospital care. We find that the use of primary health care is pro-poor and that outpatient hospital resources is concentrated among the more affluent section of the population, with this observed inequality consistent across settings but more severe in rural areas. The rural–urban gap in utilization is primarily driven by income and residence in the eastern region, while income-related inequality in utilization is influenced, aside from income, by residence in the central region, household size, and marriage and employment status of the household head. We do not find evidence of significant mean differences in overall utilization or inequality in utilization of inpatient health care services.ConclusionsWhile the differences in average contacts with health services are insignificant, there are prominent differences in the level of services availed and the associated inequality among rural and urban settings in Bhutan. Besides, while there are obvious overlaps, factors influencing income-related inequality are not necessarily the same as those driving the utilization gaps. Cognizance of these differences may lead to better informed, targeted, and potentially more effective future research and policies for universal health coverage.

Hospital Management Practice of Combined Prediction Method Based on Neural Network

In this article, the outpatient volume, hospitalization income and drug demand in hospital management are taken as the research objects, and a neural network combined prediction model is established to predict the outpatient volume with the fitting prediction results of cubic polynomial regression model and grey model as the input of the network and the actual statistical outpatient volume as the output. Lasso variable selection method is used to determine the main indexes affecting the income of inpatients in hospital, and a prediction model combining grey prediction and artificial neural network is established to predict the income of inpatients in hospital. By studying the key characteristics of hospital drug demand, BP neural network, RBF neural network and GRNN generalized regression neural network are selected to predict the drug demand. By solving the quadratic programming problem and according to the weight rules, a combination forecasting model based on neural network is established to predict the drug demand, and the accuracy and stability of the model are evaluated.

The Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) as a Dressing for Split Thickness Skin Graft for Bilateral Chronic Venous Leg Ulcer

Background: Chronic ulcer is a type of wound, which persists for at least 3 months. One of the causes of chronic ulcer is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Chronic ulcers require very high maintenance costs and can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life and mental health. Case Illustration: A 40-year-old man came to the hospital with a history of chronic ulcer on both legs, which first appeared 3 years ago. The Patient had undergone treatment at a public outpatient clinic and hospital, unfortunately the wound did not heal. The patient continued to change the bandage independently and did not go to the doctor for wound control. Upon doppler ultrasound, a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed. Negative Pressure Wound therapy (NPWT) was used for wound bed preparation, Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) on the left foot was used as a dressing, while conventional dressing was chosen for the right foot. The graft take on the left foot with NPWT was 95%, while the one on the right foot with conventional dressing was 90%. Discussion: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a closed system that applies negative pressure through continuous or intermittent suction. NPWT can be used in wound bed preparation to reduce biofilm. NNPWT helps in the removal of exudates from the wound, thus preventing the build-up of serous fluids and blood, reducing the growth of bacteria at the base of the wound, which helps tissue growth after split thickness skin graft (STSG). Conclusion: NPWT stimulates better healing after surgery. The left leg, which used NPWT after STSG had faster healing time and better aesthetic result by promoting graft take. The graft take on the left leg (with NPWT) was higher compared to the right leg.

[Artículo traducido] Análisis de la interrupción de la terapia antirretroviral en personas que viven con VIH/sida durante el periodo 2010–2021

ObjectiveIn the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and, as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an aging population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. MethodsWe conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010–2015 and 2016–2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term ‘interruption’ will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilized Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional models. ResultsWe included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81,5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analyzed to the therapeutic optimization (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV ≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25–2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06–2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. ConclusionsOver the 12 years there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimization being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and singletablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV ≥50 years with comorbidities.