Primary Care Practices In Germany Research Articles

An integrated mental health video consultations model for patients with somatic symptom disorder in primary care: The randomized VISION pilot trial

ObjectiveSymptoms of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) are one of the most common reasons for consultations in primary care. However, specialized psychological services are mostly unavailable. This pilot trial aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the integrated mental health video consultations VISION model for patients with SSD in primary care. MethodsWe conducted a parallel group, randomized controlled pilot trial involving fifty-one patients with SSD from ten primary care practices in Germany, who we randomized to the VISION model or enhanced treatment-as-usual (eTAU). The VISION model comprised five video consultations which featured diagnostic clarification, psychoeducation (acknowledging and legitimizing of symptoms), and brief psychological therapy. eTAU included training primary care practice teams on the DSM-5 concept of SSD guideline recommendations for its treatment in primary care. We assessed feasibility as the primary outcome at 6-months, measuring efficiency of recruitment, intervention acceptability, safety. ResultsRecruitment was efficient reflected in an overall recruitment yield (number randomized per number screened) of 55% (51/92) and a consent rate (number randomized per number eligible) of 94% (51/54). Acceptability of the intervention was high with 98% (123/125) of the video consultations conducted as planned. No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionAn integrated mental health video consultations VISION model for patients with SSD presenting to primary care is feasible, acceptable, and safe. Potential clinical effectiveness of the model should be evaluated in confirmatory trial putting the multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient with SSD directly into primary care practice. Trial registrationThe trial protocol was registered at German Clinical Trials Register (number: DRKS00026075, https://www.drks.de).

Is there a link between appendicitis and the risk of diverticular disease?: a large German cohort study

PurposeAppendicitis, characterized by inflammation of the vermiform appendix, is a common abdominal emergency necessitating appendectomy. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between appendicitis and subsequent diverticular disease, yet population-based studies investigating this association are limited.MethodsUtilizing the Disease Analyzer database encompassing data from over 1000 primary care practices in Germany, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. We included 25,379 adults diagnosed with appendicitis and an equal number of matched controls without appendicitis. The incidence of diverticular disease over a 10-year follow-up period was compared between the two cohorts. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between appendicitis and diverticular disease, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOur findings revealed a significant association between appendicitis and subsequent diverticular disease (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.57–1.97), with an increased risk observed across all age groups. Notably, this association was stronger in men (HR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.68–2.37) than in women (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.36–1.84). The cumulative 10-year incidence of diverticular disease was higher in patients with appendicitis (6.5%) compared to those without (3.6%). Additionally, we observed a clear age-dependent increase in the incidence of diverticular disease.ConclusionThis large-scale population-based study provides valuable insights into the interaction between appendicitis and diverticular disease. The study underscores the need for further research elucidating the underlying mechanisms linking appendicitis to diverticular disease. Probiotics emerge as a potential therapeutic avenue warranting exploration in the management of both conditions. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, highlighting the importance of considering appendicitis as a potential risk factor for diverticular disease, particularly in men. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting the shared pathophysiological pathways underlying both conditions.

Quality of care in patients with hypertension: a retrospective cohort study of primary care routine data in Germany

BackgroundHypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality if not properly managed. Primary care has a major impact on these outcomes if its strengths, such as continuity of care, are deployed wisely. The analysis aimed to evaluate the quality of care for newly diagnosed hypertension in routine primary care data.MethodsIn the retrospective cohort study, routine data (from 2016 to 2022) from eight primary care practices in Germany were exported in anonymized form directly from the electronic health record (EHR) systems and processed for this analysis. The analysis focused on five established quality indicators for the care of patients who have been recently diagnosed with hypertension.ResultsA total of 30,691 patients were treated in the participating practices, 2,507 of whom have recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Prior to the pandemic outbreak, 19% of hypertensive patients had blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg and 68% received drug therapy (n = 1,372). After the pandemic outbreak, the proportion of patients with measured blood pressure increased from 63 to 87%, while the other four indicators remained relatively stable. Up to 80% of the total variation of the quality indicators could be explained by individual practices.ConclusionFor the majority of patients, diagnostic procedures are not used to the extent recommended by guidelines. The analysis showed that quality indicators for outpatient care could be mapped onto the basis of routine data. The results could easily be reported to the practices in order to optimize the quality of care.

Association between iron deficiency anemia and subsequent stomach and colorectal cancer diagnosis in Germany

PurposeIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia worldwide, resulting in a high burden of disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that IDA is associated with the development of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.MethodsData from the IDA database (IQVIA) of primary care practices in Germany of adult patients first diagnosed with IDA between January 2005 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and compared with a 1:1 propensity score-adjusted cohort without IDA. Study outcomes were first stomach cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis up to 10 years after the index date as a function of IDA.ResultsA total of 122,502 individuals with IDA and 122,502 individuals without IDA were included. The 10-year cumulative incidence of CRC was 1.4% in the IDA patients compared to 0.8% in the cohort without IDA (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between IDA and subsequent CRC (HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.83–2.30). Stomach cancer was diagnosed in 0.3% of IDA patients compared to 0.2% in the non-IDA cohort during the 10-year follow-up period (p = 0.002). However, this was significant only in the age group > 80 years (HR 2.73; 95% CI 1.60–4.67) and in men (HR 1.90; 95% CI 1.38–2.61).ConclusionThese findings add to the literature and suggest an association between IDA and GI cancers. The extent to which this association is due to GI bleeding or other pathophysiological processes that may be caused by IDA requires further investigation, particularly experimental studies.

Predictive Attributes for Developing Long COVID-A Study Using Machine Learning and Real-World Data from Primary Care Physicians in Germany.

(1) In the present study, we used data comprising patient medical histories from a panel of primary care practices in Germany to predict post-COVID-19 conditions in patients after COVID-19 diagnosis and to evaluate the relevant factors associated with these conditions using machine learning methods. (2) Methods: Data retrieved from the IQVIATM Disease Analyzer database were used. Patients with at least one COVID-19 diagnosis between January 2020 and July 2022 were selected for inclusion in the study. Age, sex, and the complete history of diagnoses and prescription data before COVID-19 infection at the respective primary care practice were extracted for each patient. A gradient boosting classifier (LGBM) was deployed. The prepared design matrix was randomly divided into train (80%) and test data (20%). After optimizing the hyperparameters of the LGBM classifier by maximizing the F2 score, model performance was evaluated using several test metrics. We calculated SHAP values to evaluate the importance of the individual features, but more importantly, to evaluate the direction of influence of each feature in our dataset, i.e., whether it is positively or negatively associated with a diagnosis of long COVID. (3) Results: In both the train and test data sets, the model showed a high recall (sensitivity) of 81% and 72% and a high specificity of 80% and 80%; this was offset, however, by a moderate precision of 8% and 7% and an F2-score of 0.28 and 0.25. The most common predictive features identified using SHAP included COVID-19 variant, physician practice, age, distinct number of diagnoses and therapies, sick days ratio, sex, vaccination rate, somatoform disorders, migraine, back pain, asthma, malaise and fatigue, as well as cough preparations. (4) Conclusions: The present exploratory study describes an initial investigation of the prediction of potential features increasing the risk of developing long COVID after COVID-19 infection by using the patient history from electronic medical records before COVID-19 infection in primary care practices in Germany using machine learning. Notably, we identified several predictive features for the development of long COVID in patient demographics and their medical histories.

Family Conferences to Facilitate Deprescribing in Older Outpatients With Frailty and With Polypharmacy

For older adults with frailty syndrome, reducing polypharmacy may have utility as a safety-promoting treatment option. To investigate the effects of family conferences on medication and clinical outcomes in community-dwelling older adults with frailty receiving polypharmacy. This cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 30, 2019, to June 30, 221, at 110 primary care practices in Germany. The study included community-dwelling adults aged 70 years or older with frailty syndrome, daily use of at least 5 different medications, a life expectancy of at least 6 months, and no moderate or severe dementia. General practitioners (GPs) in the intervention group received 3 training sessions on family conferences, a deprescribing guideline, and a toolkit with relevant nonpharmacologic interventions. Three GP-led family conferences for shared decision-making involving the participants and family caregivers and/or nursing services were subsequently held per patient at home over a period of 9 months. Patients in the control group received care as usual. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalizations within 12 months, as assessed by nurses during home visits or telephone interviews. Secondary outcomes included the number of medications, the number of European Union list of the number of potentially inappropriate medication (EU[7]-PIM) for older people, and geriatric assessment parameters. Both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. The baseline assessment included 521 individuals (356 women [68.3%]; mean [SD] age, 83.5 [6.17] years). The intention-to-treat analysis with 510 patients showed no significant difference in the adjusted mean (SD) number of hospitalizations between the intervention group (0.98 [1.72]) and the control group (0.99 [1.53]). In the per-protocol analysis including 385 individuals, the mean (SD) number of medications decreased from 8.98 (3.56) to 8.11 (3.21) at 6 months and to 8.49 (3.63) at 12 months in the intervention group and from 9.24 (3.44) to 9.32 (3.59) at 6 months and to 9.16 (3.42) at 12 months in the control group, with a statistically significant difference at 6 months in the mixed-effect Poisson regression model (P = .001). After 6 months, the mean (SD) number of EU(7)-PIMs was significantly lower in the intervention group (1.30 [1.05]) than in the control group (1.71 [1.25]; P = .04). There was no significant difference in the mean number of EU(7)-PIMs after 12 months. In this cluster randomized clinical trial with older adults taking 5 or more medications, the intervention consisting of GP-led family conferences did not achieve sustainable effects in reducing the number of hospitalizations or the number of medications and EU(7)-PIMs after 12 months. German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00015055.

The use of routine data from primary care practices in Germany to analyze the impact of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 on the utilization of primary care services for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundRoutinely collected health data from ambulatory care providers offer a wide range of research opportunities. However, the access is often (e.g., technically) hindered, particularly in Germany. In the following, we describe the development of an infrastructure for the analysis of pseudonymized routine data extracted from primary care practices in Germany. Further, we analyze the impact of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 on the utilization of primary care services for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM type 2).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, routine data were extracted from nine private primary care practices before and since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany. The sample consisted of patients who were treated between 2016 and 2022 in one of the participating practices. The effects of the outbreak on the frequency of practice visits and the disease course of DM type 2 patients were analyzed by means of bivariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe developed infrastructure offers an analysis of routine data from outpatient care within 24 h. In total, routine data of 30,734 patients could be processed for the analyses with 4182 (13.6%) patients having a diagnosed DM type 2 and 59.0% of these patients were enrolled in a disease management program (DMP). In the multivariate analysis, there was a significant negative effect of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on utilization of outpatient services of patients with DM type 2 disease. This decrease was less pronounced among DMP patients. The glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) has not changed significantly.ConclusionsThe study showed that the analysis of routine data from outpatient care in Germany is possible in a timely manner using a special developed electronic health record system and corresponding software. The significantly negative effect of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on utilization of outpatient services of patients with DM type 2 disease was less pronounced among DMP patients. Two years after the start of the Covid pandemic a significantly worsened course of illness cannot be observed. However, it must be taken into account that the observation period for clinically relevant outcomes is still relatively short.

The Landscape of Outpatient Palliative Care in Germany: Results from a Retrospective Analysis of 14,792 Patients.

Palliative care comprises multiprofessional, integrated, person-centered healthcare services for patients and their families facing problems related to progressive or advanced diseases and limited life expectancy. Although non-oncology patients' needs are similar to those of tumor patients, they are often underestimated. The purpose of our study was to investigate the actual utilization of palliative care services in Germany, especially in the outpatient setting. Using the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database, a total of 14,792 outpatients from 805 primary care practices in Germany with documented palliative care and related diagnosis between 2018 and 2021 were analyzed. Proportions of different diagnoses among patients receiving outpatient palliative care were stratified by gender and different age groups. The most common underlying diagnosis for outpatient palliative care was cancer (55%), followed by heart failure (16%) and dementia (8%), with age- and sex-specific differences found in the proportion of diagnoses for utilization. While the relative proportions of cancers decreased with age (87% in the 18- to 50-year-old age group versus 37% in the 80-plus age group), the proportion of palliative care related to heart failure increased in the older population (2% in the 18- to 50-year-old age group versus 25% in the 80-plus age group). This study provides an overview of the situation of outpatient palliative care in Germany and shows age- and gender-specific trends regarding the underlying medical diagnoses. Based on these data, palliative care should be adapted to current demographic developments.

Patient-reported continuity of care and the association with patient experience of cardiovascular prevention: an observational study in Germany

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are often accompanied by comorbidities, which require good coordination of care. Especially in fragmented healthcare systems, it is important to apply strategies such as case management to achieve high continuity of care. The aim of this study was to document continuity of care from the patients’ perspective in ambulatory cardiovascular care in Germany and to explore the associations with patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was performed in primary care practices in Germany. The study included patients with three recorded chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease. Continuity of care was measured with the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire, which addresses personal/relational and team/cross-boundary continuity. From aspects of medical care and health-related lifestyle counselling a patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention index was formed with a range of 0–7. The association between continuity of care within the family practice and patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention was examined, using a linear multilevel regression model that adjusted for sociodemographics, structured care programme and numbers of contacts with the family practice.ResultsFour hundred thirty-five patients from 26 family practices participated. In a comparison between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists, higher values for relational continuity of care were given for GPs. Team/cross-boundary continuity for ‘within the family practice’ had a mean of 4.0 (standard deviation 0.7) and continuity between GPs and cardiologists a mean of 3.8 (standard deviation 0.7). Higher personal continuity of care for GPs was positively associated with patient-reported experience (b = 0.75, 95% CI 0.45–1.05, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOverall, there was high patient-reported continuity, which positively influenced the experience of cardiovascular prevention. Nevertheless, there is potential for improvement of personal continuity of the cardiologists and team/cross-boundary continuity between GPs and cardiologists. Structured care programs may be able to support this.Trial registrationWe registered the study prospectively on 7 November 2019 at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under ID no. DRKS00019219.

Information exchange networks for chronic diseases in primary care practices in Germany: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCoordination of care requires information exchange between health workers. The structure of their information exchange networks may influence the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. The aim of this study was to explore and classify information exchange networks in primary care for patients with chronic diseases in Germany.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between 2019 and 2021. As part of a larger project on coordination of care, this study focused on information exchange in practice teams regarding patients with type 2 diabetes (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Social network analysis was applied to determine the number of connections, density and centralization for each of the health conditions for each of the practices. On the basis of the descriptive findings, we developed typologies of information exchange networks in primary care practices.ResultsWe included 153 health workers from 40 practices, of which 25 practices were included in the social network analysis. Four types of information exchange structures were identified for the three chronic diseases: highly connected networks with low hierarchy, medium connected networks with medium hierarchy, medium connected networks with low hierarchy and lowly connected networks. Highly connected networks with low hierarchy were identified most frequently (18 networks for DM, 17 for CHD and 14 for CHF). Of the three chronic conditions, information sharing about patients with DM involved the most team members. Information exchange outside the family practice took place mainly with nurses and pharmacists.ConclusionsThis study identified four types of information exchange structures, which provides a practical tool for management and improvement in primary care. Some practices had few information transfer connections and could hardly be considered a network.Trial registrationWe registered the study prospectively on 7 November 2019 at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, www.drks.de) under ID no. DRKS00019219.

Frequency of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Monitoring in Patients After Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Study in Primary Care Practices in Germany.

The goal of this study was to analyze the frequency of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) monitoring in thyroidectomy patients followed by general practitioners in Germany. This study included all individuals ≥18 years who had undergone a thyroidectomy between 2000 and 2015 in 258 general practices in Germany. Another inclusion criterion was a minimum of three medical visits between 2015 and 2016, following thyroidectomy. The primary outcome was the annual frequency of TSH monitoring in thyroidectomy patients in 2015. Demographic data included age, sex, and type of health insurance coverage (private versus statutory). Clinical and therapeutic data included the amount of time since the first thyroidectomy, thyroidectomy-associated diagnosis (thyroid cancer, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), or hyperthyroidism), type of thyroidectomy (total or hemithyroidectomy), the Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and the prescription of levothyroxine therapy in 2015. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to identify variables potentially associated with the likelihood of having been tested at least once for TSH in the year 2015. The present study included 1,135 thyroidectomy patients. The mean age was 60.1 years (SD=14.3 years), and 75.8% of the patients were women. TSH was measured at least once in 42.3% of patients. In addition, 31.5% of individuals after thyroidectomy had mean TSH values between 0.25 and 1 mIU/L in 2015. No variable was significantly associated with the frequency of TSH monitoring. However, there was a tendency toward a lower TSH monitoring frequency in the groups which had undergone thyroidectomy years ago (OR=0.77 (95% CI: 0.53-1.11) for 1-5 years and OR=0.67 (95% CI: 0.45-0.99) for>5 years compared to<=1 year). Only 40% of thyroidectomy patients followed by general practitioners in Germany were monitored at least once for TSH in 2015.

Low annual frequency of HbA1c testing in people with Type 2 diabetes in primary care practices in Germany.

To analyse the annual frequency of HbA1c testing, as well as the factors associated with higher or lower testing frequency, in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in general practices and specialist diabetes practices in Germany. A total of 43 509 people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes between January 2016 and December 2016 in 557 medical practices (51% of all practices) were included in this study. The primary outcome was the annual recorded frequency of HbA1c testing in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with the odds of HbA1c concentration being tested at least twice in 2016, using predefined demographic and clinical variables. The mean (sd) number of reported HbA1c tests was 2.7 (1.6) in 2016. Overall, 74% of individuals had at least two annual HbA1c measurements. The likelihood of receiving ≥2 HbA1c tests was inversely associated with stroke (odds ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.89), shorter diabetes duration (≤1 year: odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84) and higher mean HbA1c concentration (≥8.5%: odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94) and was positively associated with specialist diabetes care (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.36), hypertension (odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17), hyperlipidaemia (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.55), renal complications (odds ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.50), neuropathy (odds ratio 1.27, CI 1.20 to 1.35) and retinopathy (odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.52). Only three out of four individuals with Type 2 diabetes underwent at least two HbA1c tests in Germany in 2016, which means that 25% of individuals underwent fewer tests than required by German guidelines.

PDB12 - Treatment Outcomes Following Initiation of Dapagliflozin or Basal Supported Oral Therapy Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients In Primary Care Practices In Germany

PDB12 - Treatment Outcomes Following Initiation of Dapagliflozin or Basal Supported Oral Therapy Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients In Primary Care Practices In Germany

Depression risk in patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis in Germany.

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and its risk factors in patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated in German primary care practices. Longitudinal data from general practices (n=1072) throughout Germany were analyzed. Individuals initially diagnosed with RA (2009-2013) were identified, and 7301 patients were included and matched (1:1) to 7301 controls. The primary outcome measure was the initial diagnosis of depression within 5years after the index date in patients with and without RA. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for confounders. The mean age was 72.2years (SD: 7.6years). A total of 34.9% of patients were men. Depression diagnoses were present in 22.0% of the RA group and 14.3% of the control group after a 5-year follow-up period (p<0.001). In the multivariate regression model, RA was a strong risk factor for the development of depression (HR: 1.55, p<0.001). There was significant interaction of RA and diagnosed inflammatory polyarthropathies (IP) (RA*IP interaction: p<0.001). Furthermore, dementia, cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of developing depression (p values <0.001). The risk of depression is significantly higher in patients with late-onset RA than in patients without RA for subjects treated in primary care practices in Germany. RA patients should be screened routinely for depression in order to ensure improved treatment and management.

Treatment Outcomes and Tolerability Following Initiation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care Practices in Germany.

The aim was to investigate real-world treatment outcomes and tolerability of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in Germany. Patients from 323 primary care practices who started any GLP-1RA therapy (89 Byetta, 108 Bydureon, 347 Victoza patients) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013 (index date) were analyzed retrospectively (Disease Analyzer database, Germany). Changes from baseline in HbA1c, weight, and hypoglycemia were evaluated in 3 follow-up periods of 0-6, 7-12, and 13-18 months. A total of 544 diabetes patients (mean age: 57.9 years; men: 54%) were eligible for the study. Mean (SD) HbA1c (%) decreased from 8.3 (1.4) at baseline to 7.4 (1.2) in 6 months, 7.6 (1.3) in 7-12 months and 7.6 (1.4) in 13-18 months, respectively ( P < .001 for all), while the proportion of patients with HbA1c <7% increased from 15% at baseline to 38%, 36% and 35% in the corresponding periods ( P < .0001 for all). Multivariate-adjusted beta coefficients corresponding to changes in HbA1c (%) from baseline were -.52, -.44, and -.44, respectively, in the follow-up periods for baseline HbA1c (%) ( P < .0001 for all). The prevalence of hypoglycemia at baseline was 0.7%; this did not change significantly after treatment. In clinical practice, GLP-1RA treatment was associated with improved glycemic control without increased hypoglycemia for up to 18 months. The higher the baseline HbA1c, the greater the HbA1c reduction recorded.

Depression risk in patients with heart failure in primary care practices in Germany.

The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for diagnosed depression in heart failure (HF) patients in German primary care practices. This study was a retrospective database analysis in Germany utilizing the Disease Analyzer® Database (IMS Health, Germany). The study population included 132,994 patients between 40 and 90 years of age from 1,072 primary care practices. The observation period was between 2004 and 2013. Follow-up lasted up to five years and ended in April 2015. A total of 66,497 HF patients were selected after applying exclusion criteria. The same number of 66,497 controls were chosen and were matched (1:1) to HF patients on the basis of age, sex, health insurance, depression diagnosis in the past, and follow-up duration after index date. HF was a strong risk factor for diagnosed depression (p < 0.0001). A total of 10.5% of HF patients and 6.3% of matched controls developed depression after one year of follow-up (p < 0.001). Depression was documented in 28.9% of the HF group and 18.2% of the control group after the five-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Cancer, dementia, osteoporosis, stroke, and osteoarthritis were associated with a higher risk of developing depression. Male gender and private health insurance were associated with lower risk of depression. The risk of diagnosed depression is significantly increased in patients with HF compared to patients without HF in primary care practices in Germany.

Depression risk in female patients with osteoporosis in primary care practices in Germany.

Thirty-five thousand four hundred eighty-three female osteoporosis patients were compared with 35,483 patients without osteoporosis regarding the incidence of depression. The risk of depression is significantly increased for patients with osteoporosis compared with patients without osteoporosis in primary care practices within Germany. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the incidence of depression in German female patients with osteoporosis and to evaluate the risk factors for depression diagnosis within this patient population. This study was a retrospective database analysis conducted in Germany utilizing the Disease Analyzer® Database (IMS Health, Germany). The study population included 70,966 patients between 40 and 80years of age from 1072 primary care practices. The observation period was between 2004 and 2013. Follow-up duration was 5years and was completed in April 2015. A total of 35,483 osteoporosis patients were selected after applying exclusion criteria, and 35,483 controls were chosen and then matched (1:1) to osteoporosis patients based on age, sex, health insurance coverage, depression diagnosis in the past, and follow-up duration after index date. The analyses of depression-free survival were carried out using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models (dependent variable: depression) were used to adjust for confounders. Depression diagnoses were presented in 33.0% of the osteoporosis group and 22.7% of the control group after the 5-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Dementia, cancer, heart failure, coronary heart disease, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of developing depression (p < 0.001). Private health insurance was associated with a lower risk of depression. There was no significant effect of fractures on depression risk. The risk of depression is significantly increased for patients with osteoporosis in primary care practices within Germany.

Medical Assistant-Based Care Management for High-Risk Patients in Small Primary Care Practices: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Patients with multiple chronic conditions are at high risk for potentially avoidable hospitalizations, which may be reduced by care coordination and self-management support. Medical assistants are an increasingly available resource for patient care in primary care practices. To determine whether protocol-based care management delivered by medical assistants improves care in patients at high risk for future hospitalization in primary care. Two-year cluster randomized clinical trial. (Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN56104508). 115 primary care practices in Germany. 2076 patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic heart failure and a likelihood of hospitalization in the upper quartile of the population, as predicted by an analysis of insurance data. Protocol-based care management, including structured assessment, action planning, and monitoring delivered by medical assistants, compared with usual care. All-cause hospitalizations at 12 months (primary outcome) and quality-of-life scores (12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12] and EuroQol instrument [EQ-5D]). Included patients had an average of 4 co-occurring chronic conditions. All-cause hospitalizations did not differ between groups at 12 months (risk ratio [RR], 1.01 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.18]) and 24 months (RR, 0.98 [CI, 0.85 to 1.12]). Quality of life (differences, 1.16 [CI, 0.24 to 2.08] on SF-12 physical component and 1.68 [CI, 0.60 to 2.77] on SF-12 mental component) and general health (difference on EQ-5D, 0.03 [CI, 0.00 to 0.05]) improved significantly at 24 months. Intervention costs totaled $10 per patient per month. Small number of primary care practices and low intensity of intervention. This low-intensity intervention did not reduce all-cause hospitalizations but showed positive effects on quality of life at reasonable costs in high-risk multimorbid patients. AOK Baden-Württemberg and AOK Bundesverband.

Depression risk in patients with coronary heart disease in Germany

AIMTo determine the prevalence of depression and its risk factors among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) treated in German primary care practices.METHODSLongitudinal data from nationwide general practices in Germany (n = 1072) were analyzed. Individuals initially diagnosed with CHD (2009-2013) were identified, and 59992 patients were included and matched (1:1) to 59992 controls. The primary outcome measure was an initial diagnosis of depression within five years after the index date among patients with and without CHD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for confounders.RESULTSMean age was equal to 68.0 years (SD = 11.3). A total of 55.9% of patients were men. After a five-year follow-up, 21.8% of the CHD group and 14.2% of the control group were diagnosed with depression (P < 0.001). In the multivariate regression model, CHD was a strong risk factor for developing depression (HR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.49-1.59, P < 0.001). Prior depressive episodes, dementia, and eight other chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of developing depression. Interestingly, older patients and women were also more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared with younger patients and men, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe risk of depression is significantly increased among patients with CHD compared with patients without CHD treated in primary care practices in Germany. CHD patients should be routinely screened for depression to ensure improved treatment and management.

Diabetes treatment in people with type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia: Retrospective primary care database analyses

AimsAim of this study were to compare outcomes (HbA1c, BMI) and antidiabetic treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with and without schizophrenia under real-life conditions in primary care practices in Germany. Methods1321 type 2 diabetes patients with and 1321 matched controls (age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetologist care, practice) without schizophrenia in 1072 general practices throughout Germany were retrospectively analyzed (Disease Analyser: 01/2009–12/2013). Antidiabetic treatment, HbA1c and BMI were compared using paired t-tests, McNemar tests and conditional logistic regression adjusting for macro- and microvascular comorbidity (ICD-10). ResultsMean age (±SD) of patients and controls was 67.4±13.2 years (males: 38.9%). Diabetes duration was 5.7±4.3 years, 6% were in diabetologist care. Private health insurance was less often found among patients with schizophrenia than controls (2.2% vs 6.3%; p<0.0001). There was no difference in the mean HbA1c values (cases: 7.1±1.4%; controls: 7.2±1.5%) (54.1 vs. 55.2mmol/mol) (p=0.8797) and in the average BMI (32.4±6.6 vs. 31.0±5.0kg/m2; p=0.2072) between the two groups. Novel cost-intensive antidiabetic agents (DPP-4- or SGLT2-inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists) were less often prescribed in cases (15.3 vs. 18.3%; p=0.0423). However, in multivariable logistic regression, schizophrenia (odds ratio, 95%CI: 1.101; 0.923–1.317) was not associated with prescription use of novel antidiabetic agents (reference: other antidiabetic agents) after adjusting for private health insurance (OR: 2.139; 1.441–3.177) and comorbidity. ConclusionsThere is no evidence that type 2 diabetes patients with schizophrenia have worse diabetes control than those without a severe mental illness in general practices.