Reduce Hospital Admission Rates Research Articles

Electronic consultation from primary care to a cardiology department improves outcomes in patients with cancer

Abstract Background The number of cancer patients with known cardiovascular (CV) disease is increasing due to improved cancer prognosis. Purpose The objective of this study is to assess the long-term results of cancer patients referred to a cardiology department by primary care using electronic consultation (e-consultation). Methods We analysed the patients with previous diagnosis of cancer referred to a cardiology department (CD) from 2010 to 2021 (n=6.889), selected from a total of 68.518 patients (61.629 without cancer), and compared two assistance models: in-person practice (from 2010 to 2012) and e-consultation (from 2013 to 2021). In the first period, all the patients referred by primary care physicians (PCPs) were seen in an in-person consultation and in the e-consultation model the cardiologist reviewed the electronic records (e-consultation) and decided to solve without any visit or, if it was necessary, with an in-person consultation. The outcomes between both periods were analysed using an interrupted time series regression model: 1) delay time to cardiology assistance; 2) all-cause and cardiovascular hospital admissions, and 3) all-cause and cardiovascular mortality during the first year after the initial consultation or e-consultation to the CD. Results Among cancer patients referred to cardiology consultation, the introduction of e-consultation decreased waiting times to cardiology care by 51,8% (95% CI: 51,7%-51,9%) (Fig 1). Over 60% of referrals were resolved in less than 8 days, with this proportion significantly higher after the e-consultation program was introduced (p<0,001). Furthermore, we observed a reduction in the one-year rate of outcomes, with an incidence rate ratio (iRR) [IC 95%] of 0,75 [0,73-0,77] for CV-related hospitalizations (Fig 2b), 0,43 [0,42-0,44] for all-cause hospitalization (Fig 2a), and 0,87 [0,86-0,88] for all-cause mortality. In the multivariate analysis, the delay in receiving cardiology care was significantly associated with an independent increase in 1-year mortality (OR [95% CI] 1,39 [1,06-1,83]) and hospital admission (OR [95% CI] 1,25 [1,02-1,52]). Furthermore, the implementation of the e-consult model was associated with a reduction in hospital admission rates (OR [95% CI] 0,19 [0,14-0,25]). Conclusions In comparison to the in-person consultation period, an outpatient care program that incorporates e-consultation for cancer patients significantly reduced waiting times for cardiology care and shown to be safe, associated with lower rates of hospital admissions.Figure 1Figure 2

Exposure to green spaces and schizophrenia: a systematic review.

The mental health benefits of exposure to green spaces are well known. This systematic review summarizes the evidence of green space exposure for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), focusing on incidence and mental health outcomes, including mental health symptoms and health service use. The study was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023431954), and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases, reference lists, and gray literature sources were searched. Methodological quality was assessed using The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. 126 studies were screened, and 12 studies were eligible for inclusion. Seven studies found that exposure to green space was associated with a reduced risk of schizophrenia (lowest to highest green space exposure: HRs = 0.62-0.37; IRRs = 1.52-1.18), with five studies reporting a dose-response relationship. Of these studies, four examined childhood exposure and the remainder examined adult exposure. Regarding health service use, proximity to green space was not significantly associated with length of hospital admission, though greater green space exposure was associated with reduced hospital admission rates. Three studies found reduced symptoms of anxiety (d = -0.70-2.42), depression (d = -0.97-1.70) and psychosis (d = -0.94) with greater green space exposure. Exposure to green space reduces the risk of schizophrenia, and there is emerging evidence of the potential benefits of green space for reducing symptoms and health service use among people with SSDs. Future research using experimental and longitudinal designs will provide more robust evidence of the benefits of green space for people with SSDs.

Effect of Luseogliflozin on Myocardial Flow Reserve in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (LUCENT-J Study).

In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has been shown to reduce hospital admission rates for heart failure (HF). However, the multiple mechanisms hypothesized and investigated to explain the cardioprotection of SGLT2 inhibitors are not fully understood. The effect of luseogliflozin on myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in patients with T2D (LUCENT-J) study aims to examine the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on myocardial perfusion. The LUCENT-J study is a prospective, single-center, randomized, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label (i.e., the radiology readers are blinded), active-controlled study. A cohort of 40 patients with T2D with no or stable (with no history of myocardial infarction and with or without previous percutaneous coronary intervention) coronary artery disease will be included. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to luseogliflozin or control and treated for 24weeks. The primary outcome is the change in MFR, as measured by 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography/computed tomography, from baseline to 24weeks after treatment initiation. The LUCENT-J study will elucidate the mechanisms of cardioprotection by SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D. Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (JRCTs051220016).

How patients affected by heart failure and other chronic conditions perform general and specific self-care behaviors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship (CECRI), Rome, Italy. Background Older adults affected by chronic conditions (i.e., heart failure or any other chronic condition) need to perform self-care. It includes behaviors to maintain a healthy lifestyle (self-care maintenance), monitor signs and symptoms of chronic diseases (self-care monitoring), and manage them (self-care management). Performing self-care, allows patients to improve their quality of life, reduce hospital admission rates, and mortality. In patients affected by Heart Failure (HF) and other chronic conditions, also specific self-care behaviors are needed. To date, no prior studies have investigated general and specific self-care behaviors in patients with HF and other chronic conditions. Purpose Investigate how patients affected by HF and other chronic conditions perform general and specific self-care. Methods Cross-sectional study. We collected data from April 2017 to October 2021 in Italy. Patients with HF and other chronic conditions with more than 65 y/o were enrolled in community and outpatient settings. The Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory (SC-CII) and The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) were used to measure generic and specific self-care behaviors, respectively. Values ≥70 indicate adequate self-care behaviors. Paired t-test was performed to identify differences between SC-CII and SCHFI scores. Results A sample of 369 patients with HF was enrolled. 53.3% was female with a mean age of 78.91(±7.41) years, and a median of 3 chronic conditions. The two chronic conditions most frequently associated with HF were Hypertension (75%) and Diabetes Mellitus (70%). Results showed inadequate general self-care maintenance (66.11±14.7) and management (57.77±20.1). Instead, general self-care monitoring was adequate (76.26±20.4). Specific HF self-care maintenance, monitoring and management were inadequate and equal to 57.54 (±17.24), 53.41 (±25.32) and 54.48 (±20.02), respectively. Specific self-care in HF is significantly lower than general self-care behaviors (p<0.001). Conclusion Patients showed more difficulties performing general self-care maintenance and management respect self-care monitoring. Regarding specific HF self-care, patients perform inadequate self-care behaviors in all dimensions. Knowing the lower self-care behaviors is important for clinicians to develop tailored interventions. In particular, patients with HF and other chronic conditions need to be supported in specific self-care behaviors.

Impact of National Tobacco Control Policy on Rates of Hospital Admission for Pneumonia: When Compliance Matters.

A number of studies claim that tobacco control (TC) regulations are associated with reductions in smoking-related hospitalisation rates, but very few have estimated the impact of TC laws (TCL) at both countrywide and regional levels, and none of them have studied the impact of TCL in relation to compliance with TC regulations. This study evaluates the effects of Russian TCL on hospital admission (HA) rates for pneumonia countrywide and in 10 Russian regions and the extent of these effects in connection with the compliance with TCL. Methods: HA rates for pneumonia from 2005-2019 were analysed to compare the periods before and after the adoption of TCL in 2013. An interrupted time series design and a Poisson regression model were used to estimate the immediate and long-term effects of TCL on pneumonia annual hospitalisation rates after the TCL adoption, compared with the pre-law period. The 10 Russian regions were compared using the TCL implementation scale (TCIS) developed on the basis of the results of the Russian TC policy evaluation survey; Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression models were employed. Results showed a 14.3% reduction in HA rates for pneumonia (RR 0.88; p = 0.01) after the adoption of TCL in Russia with significant long-term effect after 2013 (RR 0.86; p = 0.006). Regions with better enforcement of TCL exhibited greater reductions in pneumonia HA rates (rsp = -0.55; p = 0.04); (β = -4.21; p = 0.02). Conclusions: TCL resulted in a sustained reduction in pneumonia hospitalisation rates, but these effects, varying by region, may depend on the scale of the TCL enforcement.

A Better Way to Care for Long Term Care (LTC) residents in Times of Medical Urgency: Improving Acute Care transfers for LTC Residents.

Background: Prior to the pandemic, every day approximately 28 long term care (LTC) residents were transferred to an emergency department (ED) in Alberta. This was placing increasing strain on healthcare resources and potentially negatively impacting the health and wellness of residents (e.g., exposure to iatrogenic harms). Many residents’ conditions could be managed within LTC if appropriate supports were provided. Poor communication between LTC and EDs can also lead to long ED lengths of stay, unnecessary resource utilization, sub-optimal health outcomes, and exposure to iatrogenic harms for LTC residents. Two INTERACT® tools (tools for early identification of acute medical issues) and a new care and referral pathway were implemented to help identify and address changes in health status among LTC residents sooner, improve communication between LTC and ED providers, and reduce unnecessary ED transfers. Methods: Between October 2019 and April 2022, 40 LTC homes and 4 EDs within the Calgary zone implemented the standardized LTC-to-ED care and referral pathway supported by a centralized telephone advice and transfer system for healthcare providers, community paramedics, and two INTERACT® tools (Stop and Watch for healthcare aides; Change in Condition Cards for nursing). Using a randomized stepped-wedge design, the pathway was implemented within 9 cohorts of (4-5) LTC facilities every 3 months, supported by an implementation coach. Three-hour train the trainer implementation sessions were conducted in-person or online with over 325 health practitioners in the enrolled LTC homes using strategies adapted to consider local context and barriers, as well as considering pandemic-related challenges. Evaluation Methods: Evaluation of the intervention involved both qualitative and quantitative methods. The primary study outcome is change in transfers from LTC to ED; secondary (quantitative) outcomes include hospital admissions, utilization of the centralized telephone advice and transfer system, and community paramedic visits. Analysis of these quantitative outcomes utilized negative binomial regression to estimate the incident rate with 95% confidence intervals (per 1000 residents), while adjusting for the different cohorts. The quantitative evaluation also included an economic analysis to determine potential cost savings. Interviews with healthcare providers were conducted to provide context to their experience with the intervention and ways it can be improved. These interviews will be interpreted with the involvement of members of our project resident and family advisory council. Results: Quantitative results demonstrate a reduction in the LTC-to-ED transfer rate [1.70 (95%CI 1.61-1.79) post-intervention) vs 1.91 (95%CI 1.84-2.00) pre-intervention], along with reduction in hospital admission rates [0.94 (95%CI 0.88-1.00) vs 1.08 (95%CI 1.03-1.14)]. There was an increase in utilization of the centralized telephone advice and transfer system [0.18 (95%CI 0.16-0.22) vs. 0.13 (95%CI 0.11-0.16)], but no increase in the number of community paramedic visits [2.05 (95%CI 1.94-2.16) vs 2.50 (95%CI 2.39-2.61)]. Cost and qualitative outcome data is pending. Advice and Lessons Learned: LTC staff education and use of early warning tools for identifying a change in resident health status (INTERACT® tools) and/or utilization of a centralized telephone advice and transfer system may have played a role in reducing ED transfers. We did not observe the expected relationship between community paramedic visits and reduced LTC-to-ED transfers, possibly as a result of the pandemic-related facility outbreak restrictions. Teams should tailor implementation sessions and materials to site specific needs and contexts to help address their unique barriers and facilitators. Partnerships with key stakeholders across the care continuum are essential to ensure adequate support and effective uptake and sustainability of the mutli-faceted change intervention.

Health Economic Benefits of Introducing Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease under Dialysis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disorder highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD) that usually requires treatment with oral phosphate binders (PBs). Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO) is a calcium-free, iron-based PB indicated for the control of serum phosphorus. In the real-world setting, SO has shown clinical effectiveness with a lower pill burden and has also been associated with reduced hospital admission rates. This study aims to assess the potential economic benefits resulting from the introduction of SO to the health-care setting of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). An economic analysis using data from a retrospective real-world study that compared HD patients with uninterrupted SO prescriptions with patients who discontinued SO and switched to other PBs (oPBs). Annual drug costs for the estimated PB-eligible population in KSA were quantified. Costs per responder were estimated for all treatments. Hospital admissions' incidence rates were converted into annual inpatient cost savings and were deducted from drug costs to estimate the annual economic effect of SO versus oPBs. Sensitivity and breakeven analyses were also conducted. The eligible population for PB therapy in KSA was estimated at n = 14,748. Treating therapy-eligible populations exclusively with SO was estimated to generate annual inpatient cost-savings of SAR 107.4-119.4 million compared to treating the population with oPBs. The estimated economic effect signified overall annual savings ranging from SAR 82.8 to SAR 94.8 million when the population is treated with SO. Sensitivity analyses showed persistent cost savings. The estimated benefit-cost ratios showed that for every SAR 1 spent on SO, the expected return on investment was SAR 4.4-4.9. SO is an effective therapy that may result in substantial cost savings from reducing hospital admission costs that are attributable to hyperphosphatemia among HD patients.

1385. Pathway with single-dose long-acting intravenous antibiotic dalbavancin is a cost-saving alternative to usual inpatient care of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI)

Abstract Background Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) are a common type of bacterial infection, with the cost of hospitalization being the main contributing factor to overall treatment costs. Two pragmatic clinical trials (Table 1) demonstrated that a new treatment pathway in which patients are treated with the intravenous (IV) long-acting antibiotic, dalbavancin, reduced hospital admission rates and length of stay (LOS) in hospitalized patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a single dose of dalbavancin administered in the emergency department (ED) compared with IV antibiotics for appropriate patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital and receive usual care such as vancomycin or daptomycin. Table 1.References of the Two Pragmatic Clinical Trials Methods A decision-analytic cost-effectiveness model was developed from the perspective of the US healthcare system. The population was ABSSSI patients presenting at the ED, who would be eligible to receive IV antibiotic infusion. Patients can receive IV treatment in the ED, and then discharged or followed by hospital admission for continued management (Fig. 1). A 14-day time horizon was used, representing the typical duration of ABSSSI management. Hospital admission rates and LOS were from the two clinical trials. Cost included ED visits, drug cost, inpatient stay, and physician visits. Input parameter uncertainty was examined via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Figure 1.Decision Analytic Model Structure Results Providing dalbavancin in the ED resulted in $4,848 savings per patient (2021 USD). The drug cost of dalbavancin treatment was offset by a mean reduction of 4.24 days LOS per patient, which translated as $1,144 savings per hospitalization day avoided. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the key drivers were the cost of inpatient hospital stay and the LOS with usual care; however, none of the sensitivity analyses resulted in the new pathway being more costly (Fig. 2). Dalbavancin was cost saving in 100% of simulated scenarios. Figure 2.One-way Sensitivity Analysis Conclusion These results could help guide the management of ABSSSI by shifting care for appropriate patients from the inpatient to the outpatient setting where patients can be managed successfully, thereby freeing up hospital resources and reducing the total costs of ABSSSI treatment. Disclosures FRANK LOVECCHIO, DO, MPH, ABBVIE: Speaker|NIH: Grant/Research Support Alasdair D. Henry, PhD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support Quan V. Doan, PharmD, AbbVie: Advisor/Consultant|AbbVie: Grant/Research Support|Allergan: Advisor/Consultant|Allergan: Grant/Research Support John L. Lock, PharmD, Abbvie: Employee|Abbvie: Stocks/Bonds Rosie D. Lyles, MD, MHA, MSc, AbbVie: AbbVie Employee|AbbVie: Stocks/Bonds Xiaolan Ye, PhD, AbbVie Inc.: AbbVie Employee|AbbVie Inc.: Stocks/Bonds.

Telemedicine in very elderly patients affected by end-stage Heart Failure: Wishful thinking or real opportunity?

Telemedicine is a network of computerization and telecommunication technologies that provides health care services to remote patients. There is increasing evidence that telemedicine interventions are associated with a reduction in hospital admission rates and mortality in patients with heart failure [1,2].

A Standardized Emergency Department Order Set Decreases Admission Rates and In-Patient Length of Stay for Adults Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Pain associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) causes severe complications and frequent presentation to the emergency department (ED). Patients with SCD frequently report inadequate pain treatment in the ED, resulting in hospital admission. A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess a quality improvement project to standardize ED care for patients presenting with pain associated with SCD. A 3-year prospective quality improvement initiative was performed. Our multidisciplinary team of providers implemented an ED order set in 2019 to improve care and provide adequate analgesia management. Our primary outcome was the overall hospital admission rate for patients after the intervention. Secondary outcome measures included ED disposition, rate of return to the ED within 72hours, ED pain scores at admission and discharge, ED treatment time, in-patient length of stay, non-opioid medication use, and opioid medication use. There was an overall 67% reduction in the hospital admission rate after implementation of the order set (P = 0.005) and a significant decrease in the percentage admission rate month over month (P = 0.047). Time to the first non-opioid analgesic decreased by 71 minutes (P > 0.001), and there was no change in time to the first opioid medication. The rate of return to the ED within 72hours remained unchanged (7.0% vs 7.1%) (P = 0.93), and the ED elopement rate remained unchanged (1.3% vs 1.85%) (P = 0.93). After the implementation, there were significant increases in the prescribing of orally administered acetaminophen (7%), celecoxib (1.2%), and tizanidine (12.5%) and intravenous ketamine (30.5%) and ketorolac (27%). ED pain scores at discharge were unchanged for both hospital-admitted (7.12 vs 7.08) (P = 0.93) and non-admitted (5.51 vs 6.11) (P = 0.27) patients. The resulting potential cost reduction was determined to be $193,440 during the 12-month observation period, with the mean cost per visit decreasing by $792. Use of a standardized and multimodal ED order set reduced hospital admission rates and the timeliness of analgesia without negatively impacting patients' pain.

Admissions due to ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSC): an analysis based on socio-demographic characteristics, Brazil and regions, 2010 to 2019.

To analyze the temporal trend of hospital admissions due to Ambulatory Care-Sensitive Conditions (ACSC) in Brazil per sex, region, cause and age group, from 2010 to 2019. This is an ecological study based on the temporal trend of ACSC rates. Standardized rates were analyzed in a simple linear regression and a generalized linear model (GLM) Gamma. The percentage change was also checked over three periods: 2010-2014, 2015-2019 and 2010-2019. There was a reduction in hospital admission rates between 2010 and 2019 for Brazil: 124.3/10,000 inhab. to 88.2/10,000 inhab. among women (-29.0%) and 119.0/10,000 inhab. to 88.2/10,000 inhab. (-25.9%) among men in all regions. The decrease was more prominent between 2010-2014 (-17.7%) and (-17.8%) than between 2015-2019 (-.2%) and (-5.9%) for females and males, respectively. The milder decline in the period from 2015 to 2019 was more noticeable among age groups 0-4y and 5-19y in all regions. As for the causes, most ICD-10 diseases had a downward trend, the more expressive ones being gastroenteritis (-60%); however, an increase was seen in cerebrovascular diseases among women (11.2%) and men (17.1%), and angina (15% %) and skin infections (56.1%) among men. There was a significant drop in ACSC rates in the period analyzed, especially for age groups 0-4y and 5-19y. The rates had a milder drop from 2015 to 2019, a period of austerity and economic crisis.

Expected and observed in-hospital mortality in heart failure patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Introduction of the machine learning-based standardized mortality ratio at Helios hospitals.

BackgroundReduced hospital admission rates for heart failure (HF) and evidence of increased in‐hospital mortality were reported during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to apply a machine learning (ML)‐based mortality prediction model to examine whether the latter is attributable to differing case mixes and exceeds expected mortality rates.Methods and ResultsInpatient cases with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF non‐electively admitted to 86 German Helios hospitals between 01/01/2016 and 08/31/2020 were identified. Patients with proven or suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were excluded. ML‐based models were developed, tuned, and tested using cases of 2016–2018 (n = 64,440; randomly split 75%/25%). Extreme gradient boosting showed the best model performance indicated by a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.882 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.872–0.893). The model was applied on data sets of 2019 and 2020 (n = 28,556 cases) and the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) was computed as the observed to expected death ratio. Observed mortality rates were 5.84% (2019) and 6.21% (2020), HSMRs based on an individual case‐based mortality probability were 100.0 (95% CI: 93.3–107.2; p = 1.000) for 2019 and 99.3 (95% CI: 92.5–106.4; p = .850) for 2020. Within subgroups of age or hospital volume, there were no significant differences between observed and expected deaths. When stratified for pandemic phases, no excess death during the COVID‐19 pandemic was observed.ConclusionApplying an ML algorithm to calculate expected inpatient mortality based on administrative data, there was no excess death above expected event rates in HF patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Inequalities in Mortality and Access to Hospital Care for Cervical Cancer-An Ecological Study.

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world among women, and it is estimated to be the third most frequent cancer in Brazil, as well as the fourth leading cause of death from cancer. There is a difference in cervical cancer mortality rates among different administrative regions in Brazil along with an inadequate distribution of cancer centers in certain Brazilian regions. Herein, we analyze the trends in hospital admission and mortality rates for CC between 2000 and 2012. This population-based ecological study evaluated the temporal trend in cervical cancer between the years 2000 and 2012, stratifying by Brazilian administrative regions. The North and Northeast regions had no reduction in mortality in all age groups studied (25 to 64 years); when analyzing hospitalization rates, only the age group of 50 to 64 years from the North Region did not present a reduction. During the years studied, in the South Region, the age group ranging from 50 to 54 years had the greatest reduction in mortality rates (β = −0.59, p = 0.001, r2 = 0.63), and the group ranging from 45 to 49 years had the greatest reduction in hospital admission rates (β = −8.87, p = 0.025, r2 = 0.37). Between the years 2000 and 2012, the greatest reduction in the incidence of UCC was in the South Region (β = −1.43, p = 0.236, r2 = 0.12) followed by the Central-West (β = −1, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.84), the Southeast (β = −0.95, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.88), the Northeast (β = −0.67, p = 0.080, r2 = 0.25), and, finally, by the North (β = −0.42, p = 0.157, r2 = 0.17). There was a greater reduction in mortality rates and global hospitalization rates for CC in Brazil than in the United States during the same period with exceptions only in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.

Effectiveness of legislative actions against tobacco smoking regarding the reduction of in-hospital morbidity of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction in Russia as a whole and 10 Russian constituent entities

Russian anti-tobacco policy is aimed at reducing long-term morbidity and mortality from smoking-related diseases.Aim. To assess the associations of tobacco control (TC) legislative measures with hospitalization rate for myocardial infarction (MI) and angina in Russia as a whole and in 10 Russian constituent entities, as well as to compare the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures in regions.Material and methods. We analyzed data on hospitalizations of patients with angina (I20) and acute (I21) and subsequent (I22) MI, as well as chronic rheumatic heart diseases (I05-I09), for 2005-2019 in Russia as a whole and in 10 Russian constituent entities. We analyzed hospital admission rates for angina and MI to compare the periods before and after introduction of Federal TC law in 2013, adjusting for possible confounders and long-term trends. We used interrupted time-series design and Poisson regression model with calculation of rate ratio (RR) and 95% CI. Regions were compared by means of original TC law implementation scale (TCIS) developed based on the results of Russian TC policy evaluation survey in 10 Russian regions (n=11625). We analyzed the relationship between the TC law measures implementation scores and RR of hospital admissions reductions for angina and MI after the TC law by means of Spearman’s rank correlation (coefficient with 95% CI) and linear regression models. Statistical package STATA 11.2 was used.Results. The actual trend of hospital admission rates for angina after TC law introduction demonstrates the greatest slope change from the predicted trend (without the law) (p=0,004); less, but still significant slope change for MI (p=0,049), and no slope change for chronic rheumatic heart disease (p=0,332). Results showed a 16,6% decrease in hospital admission rates for angina (RR, 0,83; 95% CI, 074-0,93) and 3,5% — for MI (RR, 0,96; 95% CI, 0,96-0,97) after the TC law introduction in RF and effects of various magnitude in the regions. Regions with higher TCIS scores, i.e. better enforcement of full TC package had greater reduction in hospital admission rates for angina (rsp=-0,627; 95% CI, -1,05−-0,199; p=0,004); with better enforcement of smoke-free policies — grater reduction in hospitalization rates for MI (rsp= -0,793 95%CI, -1,08−-0,506, p&lt;0,001). Reduction of hospital admission rates for angina and MI correlated with the higher scores for help to quit tobacco use (rsp=-0,555; 95% CI, -1,098−-0,01, p=0,045), (rsp= -0,736; 95% CI, -1,12−-0,357, p=0,027). Also, hospital admission rates for angina and MI were associated with the changes in smoking cessation prevalence in 2013-2018 in the regions (β=-0,345; 95% CI, -0,67−-0,02 p=0,041) and smoking prevalence in 2019 (β=2,964; 95% CI, 1,28-5,92, p=0,049), respectively.Conclusion. TC legislation can lead not only to immediate reductions in hospital admission rates for angina and MI, but also to longer-term results. These effects may be due not only to the introduction of TC law, as such, but also to the enforcement of the law, as well as the direct results of TC measures — the decrease in smoking prevalence in the population.

The bimodal rise and fall acute coronary syndromes curves paralleling COVID-19 outbreaks

Abstract Introduction Preliminary reports from the early phase of COVID-19 epidemic in Italy reported a dramatic reduction in hospital admission rates for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) coupled with longer times from symptoms onset to hospital presentation. Purpose To assess the impact of COVID-19 on hospital admission rates and ACS patterns, as well as time to presentation and clinical outcomes, following the acute pandemic phase in 2020 compared to previous year. Methods We conducted a single institution retrospective analysis conducted in a cardiovascular hub serving a large metropolitan area in Italy. Number and monthly distribution of hospital admissions for ACS from January 1 to December 31, 2020 were compared to the respective figures in 2019. Baseline clinical features, time from symptoms onset to hospital admission and main clinical outcomes were collected. Results A total of 599 ACS cases were recorded in 2020 vs. 386 cases in 2019, with a net 55% increase. ACS presentation rate in 2020 showed a bimodal pattern, paralleling the most contagious outbreak periods (Figure 1). SARS-CoB-2 nasopharyngeal swab or specific antibody tests were positive in 34 (5.7%) patients. Time from symptoms onset to hospital presentation tended to be longer in 2020 than in 2019, being two-fold longer during the peak epidemic phase (February 21-May 3, 2020; median time 2.0 vs. 5.0 hours, p=0.030). The proportion of late-presenting STEMI (&amp;gt;8 hrs from symptoms onset) was higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (30% vs. 18%, p=0.003),as well as higher was in-hospital mortality (15% in 2020 vs 6% in 2019, p=0.001), partly due to a three-fold increase in cardiogenic shock on ACS presentation. Conclusions ACS admission rate significantly increased during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic outbreak for several reasons only partially explained by a SARS-CoV-2 infection trigger effect on ACS. Longer presentation times and higher rates of cardiogenic shock and mortality were observed, urging the need health-care systems to keep a high priority on cardiovascular emergencies response networks. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Association of a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program With Reduced Hospitalizations in Cancer Patients With COVID-19.

PURPOSE:The goal of this study was to assess the impact of an interdisciplinary remote patient monitoring (RPM) program on clinical outcomes and acute care utilization in cancer patients with COVID-19.METHODS:This is a cross-sectional analysis following a prospective observational study performed at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Adult patients receiving cancer-directed therapy or in recent remission on active surveillance with polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 18 and July 31, 2020, were included. RPM was composed of in-home technology to assess symptoms and physiologic data with centralized nursing and physician oversight.RESULTS:During the study timeframe, 224 patients with cancer were diagnosed with COVID-19. Of the 187 patients (83%) initially managed in the outpatient setting, those who did not receive RPM were significantly more likely to experience hospitalization than those receiving RPM. Following balancing of patient characteristics by inverse propensity score weighting, rates of hospitalization for RPM and non-RPM patients were 2.8% and 13%, respectively, implying that the use of RPM was associated with a 78% relative risk reduction in hospital admission rate (95% CI, 54 to 102; P = .002). Furthermore, when hospitalized, these patients experienced a shorter length of stay and fewer prolonged hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths, although these trends did not reach statistical significance.CONCLUSION:The use of RPM and a centralized virtual care team was associated with a reduction in hospital admission rate and lower overall acute care resource utilization among cancer patients with COVID-19.

Association of use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) with reduced hospitalizations in cancer patients with COVID-19.

1503 Background: Patients with cancer and COVID-19 are at risk for poor clinical outcomes. An established multi-site remote patient monitoring (RPM) service was rapidly adapted to support a novel, interdisciplinary COVID-19 program for outpatient management of patients at high-risk for severe illness. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of the RPM program on clinical outcomes and acute care utilization in cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis following a multi-site prospective observational study performed at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (MCCC). All adult patients with active cancer – defined as currently receiving cancer-directed therapy or in recent remission on active surveillance – and PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 18 and July 31, 2020 were included. RPM was comprised of in-home technology to assess symptoms and physiologic data with centralized nurse and physician oversight. Results: During the study timeframe 224 cancer patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 at MCCC. Initial management included urgent hospitalization (within 48 hours of diagnosis) in 34 patients (15%). Of the remaining 190 patients (85%) initially managed in the outpatient setting, those who did not receive RPM were significantly more likely to experience hospitalization than those receiving RPM (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.036 to 12.01, P = 0.044). Following balancing of patient characteristics by inverse propensity weighting, rates of hospital admission for RPM and non-RPM patients were 3.1% and 11% respectively, implying that RPM was associated with an 8% reduction in hospital admission rate (-0.077; 95% CI: -0.315 to -0.019, P = 0.009). Use of RPM was also associated with lower rates of prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality, though these trends did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: In the midst of a global pandemic associated with inpatient bed, ventilator, and PPE shortages, the RPM program provided an effective strategy for outpatient clinical management and was associated with decreased rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19. This care model enabled simultaneous opportunity to mitigate the increased risks of exposure, transmission, and resource utilization associated with conventional care.

Escape into Culturally Safe Patient Centered Care

Collaboration and interprofessional practice between allied health professionals based in rural and remote regions of the Northern Territory are essential for Aboriginal patient health outcomes and reduced hospital admission rates. Training content that is relevant and promotes interprofessional practice allows for the cost effective and time efficient professional development of numerous employees in a single training course. An “escape room” format workshop was trialed for the Katherine region and the community allied health workforce. The escape room was a unique way to improve interprofessional collaboration for an isolated workforce and improve professionals‟ knowledge on the organisation‟s principles of patient centered care. There was an overwhelmingly positive response from participants who enjoyed the novelty of this professional development activity. Immediate post escape room activity evaluations indicated statistically significant improvement in participants‟ knowledge of principles of patient centered care. A three-month post evaluation indicated retention of the knowledge and reported increased considerations of the principles in daily.

Surgical treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation in heart failure: a present-day view

Rationale.Secondary, or functional, mitral regurgitation is the most common complication of heart failure. Dysfunctionof one or more mitral valve structures occurs in 39–74% of patients thus complicating the course of the disease andsignificantly worsening the prognosis in patients with left ventricle dilatation. An unfavorable prognosis in patientswith the development of mitral regurgitation is conditioned by the progressive changes that form a vicious circle: thecontinuing volume overload and dilatation of the left ventricle cause its remodeling, leading to further dilatation ofthe mitral valve annulus. Dysfunctions of the papillary muscles lead to the increased tension of the left ventricle walland increased mitral regurgitation. Clinically, this process is manifested by the congestive heart failure progression andworsened prognosis of the further course, which in the future may lead to considering the inclusion of this patient groupon the waiting list for heart transplantation.Purpose.The purpose of this article is to review the role of surgical management in patients with heart failure complicatedby mitral regurgitation.Conclusions.The main principles of the treatment for functional mitral regurgitation include the reverse left ventricularremodeling and mitral valve repair or replacement surgery which lead to an improved quality of life, the transition ofpatients to a lower functional class, reduced hospital admission rates, and also to a regression or slower progression of theheart failure and to an improved survival.

The impact of an outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) clinic for adults with cellulitis: an interrupted time series study.

Emergency department (ED) patients with cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics may be eligible for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). The primary objective was to determine whether implementation of an OPAT clinic results in decreased hospitalizations and return ED visits for patients receiving OPAT. We conducted an interrupted time series study involving adults with cellulitis presenting to two EDs and treated with intravenous antibiotics. The intervention was the OPAT clinic, which involved follow up at 48-96h with an infectious disease physician to determine the need for ongoing intravenous antibiotics (implemented January 1, 2014). The primary outcomes were hospital admission and return ED visits within 14days. Secondary outcomes were treatment failure (admission after initiating OPAT) and adverse peripheral line or antibiotic events. We used an interrupted time series design with segmented regression analysis over one-year pre-intervention and one-year post-intervention. 1666 patients were included. At the end of the study period, there was a non-significant 12% absolute increase in hospital admissions (95% CI - 1.6 to 25.5%; p = 0.084) relative to what would have been expected in the absence of the intervention, but a significant 40.7% absolute reduction in return ED visits (95% CI 25.6-55.9%; p < 0.001). Treatment failure rates were < 2% and adverse events were < 6% in both groups. Implementation of an OPAT clinic significantly reduced return ED visits for cellulitis, but did not reduce hospital admission rates. An ED-to-OPAT clinic model is safe, and has a low rate of treatment failures.