Single Veterans Affairs Medical Center Research Articles

Comparison of Outcomes After Cochlear Implantation in a Veteran Versus Nonveteran Population.

To evaluate for equivalence in postoperative changes of speech recognition scores in a veteran patient population undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) compared to matched nonveteran patients. Retrospective chart review. Tertiary referral center. A total of 83 veteran patients who underwent CI at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA cohort) were matched to 83 nonveteran patients from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-secure, Encrypted, Research, Management and Evaluation Solution database (HERMES cohort) based on age, sex, and baseline Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) scores. Patients underwent CI. Comparison of postoperative CNC and Arizona Biomedical Institute recognition scores. The mean difference and lower confidence interval of CNC scores between matched Veterans Affairs and HERMES cohorts were within a -ΔNI boundary of -15% at the 3-month (mean = 6.15, lower confidence interval = -2.38), 6-month (mean = 7.36, lower confidence interval = -2.21), and 12-month (mean = 4.03, lower confidence interval = -4.88) postoperative time points. The mean difference and lower confidence interval of Arizona Biomedical Institute scores between cohorts were within the -ΔNI boundary of -30% at 3 months (mean = 1, lower confidence interval = -8.71), 6 months (mean = 0.31, lower confidence interval = -12.30), and 12 months (mean = 0.72, lower confidence interval = -10.48). Our veteran population demonstrated improvements in speech recognition scores after CI comparable to a matched nonveteran population. Although veterans face unique factors that affect their hearing, access to medical care, and baseline general health, these findings affirm appropriate veteran candidates should be offered CI.

Intraoperative imaging and management of common duct stones during subtotal cholecystectomy.

Subtotal cholecystectomy is advocated in patients with severe inflammation and distorted anatomy preventing safe removal of the entire gallbladder. Not well documented in this surgically complex population is the feasibility of intraoperative imaging and management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. We evaluated these operative maneuvers in our subtotal cholecystectomy patients. We retrospectively reviewed all cholecystectomy cases from 2014 to 2023 at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center using VASQIP (VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program), selecting subtotal cholecystectomy cases for detailed analysis. We reviewed operative reports, imaging and laboratory studies, and clinical notes to understand biliary imaging, stone management, complications, and late outcomes including retained stones (within 6months), and recurrent stones (beyond 6months). 419 laparoscopic (n = 406) and open (n = 13) cholecystectomies were performed, including 40 subtotal cholecystectomies (36 laparoscopic, 4 laparoscopic converted to open). Among these 40 patients IOC was attempted in 35 and completed in 26, with successful stone management in 11 (9 common bile duct exploration [CBDE], 2 intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]). In follow-up, 3 additional patients had CBD stones managed by ERCP, including 1 with a negative IOC and 2 without IOC. Thus, 14 (35%) of 40 patients had CBD stones. Of note, IOC permitted identification and oversewing or closure of the cystic duct in 32 patients. There were no major bile duct injuries and one cystic duct stump leak (2.5%) that resolved spontaneously. Subtotal cholecystectomy patients had a high incidence of bile duct stones, with most detected and managed intraoperatively with CBDE, making a strong argument for routine IOC and single-stage care. When intraoperative imaging is not possible, postoperative imaging should be considered. Routine imaging, biliary clearance, and cystic duct closure during subtotal cholecystectomy is feasible in most patients with low rates of retained stones and bile leaks.

Non-Cardiac Perioperative Mortality Factors at a Single Urban Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Background: The Veterans affairs (VA) surgical quality improvement program was established to evaluate the quality of VA surgical care to over nine million United States Veterans. Patient demographics vary by region, with urban areas correlating with higher mortality rates. This study attempts to determine the factors associated with 30-day mortality at a single VA medical center in an urban setting. Methods: Patients included in the study were at least 18 years of age and underwent a surgical procedure between January 2013 and June 2023. Baseline demographics included preoperative comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, and preoperative lab values. Clinical outcomes included postoperative mortality within 30 days of the procedure. Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine relationships, using P < .05 to determine significance. Results: A total of 11,547 patients with complete data were included, of which 92 patients (0.8%) died within 30 days of surgery. A higher preoperative hematocrit was protective against 30-day mortality. A perioperative transfusion, bleeding disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), history of a myocardial infarction, higher ASA class, and an emergency procedure all increased the likelihood of perioperative mortality. Conclusions: Veterans who seek surgical care at Veterans Health Administration centers receive high quality care with a low mortality rate. Identifying risk factors for perioperative mortality provides the opportunity to stratify those veterans at highest risk.

A model for delivery of extracorporeal life support in a stand-alone veterans affairs medical center.

For the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to continue to perform complex cardiothoracic surgery, there must be an established pathway for providing urgent/emergent extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Partnership with a nearby tertiary care center with such expertise may be the most resource-efficient way to provide ECLS services to patients in post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock or respiratory failure. The goal of this project was to assess the efficiency, safety, and outcomes of surgical patients who required transfer for perioperative ECLS from a single stand-alone Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to a separate ECLS center. Cohort consisted of all cardiothoracic surgery patients who experienced cardiogenic shock or refractory respiratory failure at the local VAMC requiring urgent or emergent institution of ECLS between 2019 and 2022. The primary outcomes are the safety and timeliness of transport. Mean time from the initial shock call to arrival at the ECLS center was 2.8 h. There were no complications during transfer. Six patients (86%) survived to decannulation. These results suggest that complex cardiothoracic surgery can be performed within the VHA system and when there is an indication for ECLS, those services can be safely and effectively provided at an affiliated, properly equipped center.

Automated Opt-Out vs Opt-In Patient Outreach Strategies for Breast Cancer Screening

Optimal strategies for population-based outreach for breast cancer screening remain unknown. To evaluate the effect on breast cancer screening of an opt-out automatic mammography referral strategy compared with an opt-in automated telephone message strategy. This pragmatic randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2022 to January 2023 at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. Participants were female veterans aged 45 to 75 years who were eligible for breast cancer screening and enrolled in VA primary care. Veterans were randomized 1:1 to receive either an automatic mammography referral (opt-out arm) or an automated telephone call with an option for mammography referral (opt-in arm). The primary outcome was completed mammography 100 days after outreach. Secondary outcomes were scheduled or completed mammography by 100 days after outreach and referrals canceled if mammography was not scheduled within 90 days. Both intention-to-treat analyses and a restricted analysis were conducted. The restricted analysis excluded veterans who were unable to be reached by telephone (eg, a nonworking number) or who were found to be ineligible after randomization (eg, medical record documentation of recent mammography). Of 883 veterans due for mammography (mean [SD] age, 59.13 [8.24] years; 656 [74.3%] had received prior mammography), 442 were randomized to the opt-in group and 441 to the opt-out group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome of completed mammography at 100 days between the opt-out and opt-in groups (67 [15.2%] vs 66 [14.9%]; P = .90) or the secondary outcome of completed or scheduled mammography (84 [19%] vs 106 [24.0%]; P = .07). A higher number of referrals were canceled in the opt-out group compared with the opt-in group (104 [23.6%] vs 24 [5.4%]; P < .001). The restricted analysis demonstrated similar results except more veterans completed or scheduled mammography within 100 days in the opt-out group compared with the opt-in group (102 of 388 [26.3%] vs 80 of 415 [19.3%]; P = .02). In this randomized clinical trial, an opt-out population-based breast cancer screening outreach approach compared with an opt-in approach did not result in a significant difference in mammography completion but did lead to substantially more canceled mammography referrals, increasing staff burden. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05313737.

Increased Frailty Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality after Major Lower Extremity Amputation

Frailty assessments have been incorporated into preoperative planning for surgery in the elderly population. Frailty in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation has been associated with increased short-term mortality. We compared 2 frailty scores, modified Frailty Index (mFI) and Risk Analysis Index (RAI), to evaluate the short- and long-term mortality stratified by frailty status after lower extremity amputation. A retrospective review at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center was performed for all patients with peripheral vascular disease that underwent an above or below the knee amputation from 2014 to 2019. Preoperative variables were obtained to calculate the mFI and RAI frailty scores. The frailty scoring systems were used to separate the patients into 3 cohorts: non-frail (mFI <0.45, RAI <20), frail (mFI 0.45-0.55; RAI 20-32), and very frail (mFI >0.55, RAI >32). The frailty groups with each scoring system were compared for 30-day outcomes (readmission, reoperation, adverse events, length of stay) and short- and long-term mortality. A total of 298 patients underwent lower extremity amputation. The number of non-frail patients was 98 (RAI) and 102 (mFI); frail patients 99 (RAI), and 123 (mFI); very frail patients 101 (RAI) and 73 (mFI). For the 30-day outcomes, only length of stay (mFI) was associated with increasing frailty. The short- and long-term mortality was associated with a worse survival with increasing frailty. At 1-year, the mortality by RAI was non-frail 8%; frail 24%, very frail 43% (P<0.001); the mortality by mFI was non-frail 16%, frail 24%, very frail 41% (P<0.001). Preoperative frailty scoring systems identify patients with worse short- and long-term mortality for lower extremity amputation. Frailty scoring should be considered as a screening tool for patients with peripheral vascular disease undergoing lower extremity amputation because of the high rate of frail and very frail patients. The frailty status may provide a more patient-centered approach to counsel patients and their families on the risks and benefits of amputation.

Organizational Readiness for Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Lung cancer has the highest cancer-related mortality in the United States and among Veterans. Screening of high-risk individuals with low-dose CT (LDCT) can improve survival through detection of early-stage lung cancer. Organizational factors that aid or impede implementation of this evidence-based practice in diverse populations are not well described. We evaluated organizational readiness for change and change valence (belief that change is beneficial and valuable) for implementation of LDCT screening. We performed a cross-sectional survey of providers, staff, and administrators in radiology and primary care at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Survey measures included Shea's validated Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) scale and Shea's 10 items to assess change valence. ORIC and change valence were scored on a scale from 1 to 7 (higher scores representing higher readiness for change or valence). Multivariable linear regressions were conducted to determine predictors of ORIC and change valence. Of 523 employees contacted, 282 completed survey items (53.9% overall response rate). Higher ORIC scores were associated with radiology versus primary care (mean 5.48, SD 1.42 versus 5.07, SD 1.22, β= 0.37, P= .039). Self-identified leaders in lung cancer screening had both higher ORIC (5.56, SD 1.39 versus 5.11, SD 1.26, β= 0.43, P= .050) and change valence scores (5.89, SD 1.21 versus 5.36, SD 1.19, β= 0.51, P= .012). Radiology health professionals have higher levels of readiness for change for implementation of LDCT screening than those in primary care. Understanding health professionals' behavioral determinants for change can inform future lung cancer screening implementation strategies.

Association of Adherence to Quality Metrics with Recurrence or Mortality among Veterans with Colorectal Cancer

BackgroundThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network has defined metrics for colorectal cancer; however, the association of metric adherence with patient clinical outcomes remains underexplored. The study aim was to evaluate the association of National Comprehensive Cancer Network metric adherence with recurrence and mortality in Veterans with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. MethodsVeterans with stage I–III colorectal cancer who underwent non-emergent resection from 2001 to 2015 at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center were included. The primary predictor was completion of eligible National Comprehensive Cancer Network metrics. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrence or all-cause death in three phases of care: surgical (up to 6 months after resection), treatment (6–18 months after resection), and surveillance (18 months–3 years after resection). Hazard ratios were estimated via Cox proportional hazards regression in a propensity score–weighted cohort. ResultsA total of 1107 electronic medical records of patients undergoing colorectal surgery were reviewed, and 379 patients were included (301 colon and 78 rectal cancer). In the surgical phase, the weighted analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% confidence interval 0.12–1.13) for metric-adherent patients compared with non-adherent patients. In the treatment and surveillance phases, the hazard ratios for metric-adherent care were 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.25–1.85) and 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.31–2.68), respectively. ConclusionsThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline metric adherence was associated with a lower rate of recurrence and death in the surgical phase of care among stage I–III patients with resected colorectal cancer.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Veteran Population Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Update

BackgroundIn 2012, we reported on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Veterans Affairs (VA) patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) at our center. In this patient population, 8.4% were antibody positive and 4.5% were viremic with HCV. In 2014, the first all-oral direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C became available. The Department of Veterans Affairs then underwent an aggressive program to eradicate hepatitis C from the veteran population. The purpose of this report is to provide updated information on the prevalence of HCV viremia among patients undergoing primary TJA at the same center. MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing primary TJA at a single VA medical center in 2019. Anti-HCV antibody and HCV viremia prevalence were calculated. Comparisons were made to data from a previously reported cohort of patients who had undergone TJA at the same center from 2007 to 2009. ResultsThirty-three (11.6%) of 285 patients screened preoperatively were positive for the hepatitis C antibody. Only one of the 33 anti-HCV–positive patients was viremic at the time of screening for an overall viremic prevalence of 0.4%. We found no statistically significant difference in the birth year, or anti-HCV antibody–positive rate from the prior cohort, but the prevalence of HCV viremia decreased significantly. ConclusionBecause direct-acting antiviral HCV treatment has become available, HCV viremia among VA patients undergoing TJA has been reduced from 4.5% to 0.4%. Surgeons are still advised to minimize the risk of sharps injury.

Long-term Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Veterans with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease.

Studies of the civilian population with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have shown 2% to 4.2% 30-day mortality. However, there is a lack of reporting from the veteran population. Here we analyze the outcomes of veterans with LMCAD who underwent CABG by a single surgeon at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Veterans who underwent isolated CABG between 1998 to 2018 at a VAMC were further divided into a group with significant left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) of stenosis greater than or equal to 50% and a group without left main coronary artery stenosis (non-LMCAD). The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Multivariable regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to compare the two cohorts. The demographics and comorbidities are similar between the two cohorts except for higher average age and percentage of stroke in the LMCAD group (n = 509) compared to non-LMCAD (n = 927). Perioperative complications are comparable between the two groups except for increased length of stay (LOS) in the LMCAD group (12.9 ± 15.9 days versus 10.9 ± 9.0 days in non-LMCAD, P < .001). 30-day mortality in the LMCAD group is 4.1% versus 1.4% in non-LMCAD. However, Kaplan-Meier curves show no significant difference in adjusted overall survival throughout 15 years between the groups (P = .560). Veterans with LMCAD who underwent CABG have similar postoperative complications compared to non-LMCAD group. The 30-day mortality is higher in the LMCAD group; however, there is no difference in long-term survival.

Influence of Age on Cardiac Surgery Outcomes in United States Veterans.

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and the rate of cardiovascular disease in veterans is even higher than in civilians. This study examines age-related outcomes for veterans undergoing cardiac surgeries at a single institution. We included all veterans undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery between 1997 to 2017 at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. We stratified this cohort into 4 age groups: ≤59 years old, 60-69 years old, 70-79 years old, and ≥80 years old. Outcomes in age groups were compared using standard statistical methods with the ≤59 years old group as reference. A total of 2,301 patients underwent open cardiac procedures at our institution. The frequency of simultaneous CABG and valve operations increased with age. Usage of cardiopulmonary bypass versus off-pump CABG and operative time was not associated with age. Increased pulmonary and renal complications as well as rates of postoperative arrhythmias all were associated with increasing age. There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality. However, multivariable analysis adjusted for covariates showed all-cause mortality significantly was increased with older age groups (aHR ≥80 years old: 2.94 [2.07-4.17], P < .01; aHR 70-79 years old: 2.15 [1.63-2.83], P < 0.01, with ≤59 years old as reference). Older patients may have comparable perioperative mortality as their younger counterparts. However, age still is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality, pulmonary and renal complications, and postoperative arrhythmia, and should be considered as a major factor in preoperative risk assessment.

Frailty index predicts long-term mortality and postoperative complications in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThe Risk Analysis Index (RAI) has been used to evaluate preoperative frailty, which is associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes. We assessed this tool's ability to predict postoperative outcomes after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. MethodsInstitutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. All patients who underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center from December 2010 to March 2016 were included. Patients' characteristics and clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The RAI score was calculated from preoperative data, and a standard cutoff value (RAI ≥30) was used to determine frailty. Outcomes including postoperative complications, delayed discharge, and survival were compared between frail and nonfrail groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate preoperative factors associated with these outcomes. ResultsThere were 134 patients who met inclusion criteria. There were 44 frail patients (RAI ≥30) and 90 nonfrail patients (RAI <30). Frail patients had a longer hospital stay (3.9 ± 4.0 days vs 2.3 ± 1.6 days; P = .02), increased operative time (155 ± 30 minutes vs 138 ± 30 minutes; P = .002), and increased postoperative complications (43% vs 21%; P = .02) compared with nonfrail patients. Kaplan-Meier average survival for frail patients and nonfrail patients was 60 ± 4 months and 84 ± 3 months (P < .001), respectively. In multivariate analyses, frailty was associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-7.3) and higher odds of complications (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.14) and delayed discharge (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.05-1.2). ConclusionsPreoperative frailty as evaluated by the RAI is associated with worse short-term postoperative outcomes and long-term mortality. The RAI can be used to inform risk-benefit discussions with patients and their families.

Comparison of Periarticular Infiltration and Combination Delivery of Local Anesthetics for Reducing Pain and Opioid Consumption after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Surgical-site delivery of local anesthetics decreases pain and opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The optimal route of administration is unknown. We compared local anesthetic delivery using periarticular soft-tissue infiltration to delivery using a combination of preimplantation immersion and intra-articular injection (combination treatment). The records of patients who underwent unilateral, cemented, primary TKA with spinal anesthesia and adductor canal blocks at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. Three subgroups were compared, including controls who did not receive additional local anesthetics, patients who received periarticular infiltration, and patients who received combination treatment. Mean daily pain scores and mean 24-hour opioid consumption on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1 were calculated, and analysis of variance was used to assess for significant differences. Factors that were associated with lower pain scores and opioid consumption were then identified using multivariate stepwise regression. There were 26 controls, 25 periarticular infiltration patients, and 39 combination patients. The periarticular infiltration cohort had significantly lower mean pain scores and opioid consumption than controls on POD 0, but not on POD 1. The combination cohort had significantly lower mean pain scores and opioid consumption than controls on PODs 0 and 1. There were no significant differences between the infiltration and combination groups on either day. Multivariate regression analysis showed that infiltration was associated with significantly decreased opioid consumption on both days and decreased pain on POD 0. Combination treatment was associated with significantly decreased pain and opioid consumption on both days. Both local anesthetic periarticular infiltration and combination treatment are associated with decreased pain and opioid consumption after TKA. The stronger effects of the combination treatment compared with periarticular infiltration on POD 1 suggests that combination delivery may have a longer duration of action.

2190. Influence of Microbiological Culture Results on Antibiotic Choice for Veterans with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

BackgroundRespiratory specimens help inform the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), permitting clinicians to ensure effective and, ideally, narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Here, we examine changes in antibiotic regimens to treat HAP based on the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens recovered from respiratory samples.MethodsAt a single Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, we identified veterans hospitalized between October 2014 and September 2018 with HAP, defined as a clinical respiratory sample obtained >48 hours after admission and corresponding clinical signs and symptoms. Exclusion criteria were death, transfer to hospice care or discharge within 48 hours of sample collection or admission from an outside hospital. For each specimen, we assessed timestamps for collection, Gram stain, identification of organisms and results of susceptibility testing. We used the antibiotic spectrum index (ASI) to assess changes in antibiotics given to patients during hospitalization and at discharge.ResultsBetween October 2014 and September 2018, 70 veterans met our inclusion criteria and experienced 73 episodes of HAP. Their mean age was 66.2 years (±9 years) and 47 (67%) had chronic pulmonary disease. All-cause mortality at 30-days after specimen collection was 14%. The median time from specimen collection to Gram stain result was 0.8 days (interquartile range (IQR) 0.1–1.9) and to antibiotic susceptibility results was 2.4 days (IQR 1.5–3.3). The most common bacteria recovered were Enterobacteriaceae (20 isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11 isolates), Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus (8 isolates each); colonization with Candida spp. was frequent (26 isolates). Vancomycin and piperacillin–tazobactam were the most common antibiotics on day 0 (24%, 22%, respectively) and day 3 (21%, 13%, respectively). Compared with the day of sample collection (day 0), the ASI score was lower at day 3 in 23 (32%) and higher in 21 (29%) cases.ConclusionThe high proportion of escalation and de-escalation of antibiotics suggests that results of bacteria identification and susceptibility testing influence therapeutic decisions, emphasizing the importance of obtaining respiratory samples to inform treatment of HAP and improve antibiotic stewardship.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Family Caregiver Skills Training to Improve Experiences of Care: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Helping Invested Families Improve Veterans' Experiences Study (HI-FIVES), a skills training program for caregivers of persons with functional or cognitive impairments. A two-arm RCT. Single Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients and their primary caregivers referred in the past 6months to home and community-based services or geriatrics clinic. All caregivers received usual care. Caregivers in HI-FIVES also received five training calls and four group training sessions. Cumulative patient days at home 12months post-randomization, defined as days not in an emergency department, inpatient hospital, or post-acute facility. Secondary outcomes included patients' total VA health care costs, caregiver and patient rating of the patient's experience of VA health care, and caregiver depressive symptoms. Of 241 dyads, caregivers' (patients') mean age was 61 (73) years, 54% (53%) Black and 89% (4%) female. HI-FIVES was associated with a not statistically significant 9% increase in the rate of days at home (95% CI 0.72, 1.65; mean difference 1day over 12months). No significant differences were observed in health care costs or caregiver depressive symptoms. Model-estimated mean baseline patient experience of VA care (scale of 0-10) was 8.43 (95% CI 8.16, 8.70); the modeled mean difference between HI-FIVES and controls at 3months was 0.29 (p = .27), 0.31 (p = 0.26) at 6months, and 0.48 (p = 0.03) at 12months. For caregivers, it was 8.34 (95% CI 8.10, 8.57); the modeled mean difference at 3months was 0.28 (p = .18), 0.53 (p < .01) at 6months, and 0.46 (p = 0.054) at 12months. HI-FIVES did not increase patients' days at home; it showed sustained improvements in caregivers' and patients' experience of VA care at clinically significant levels, nearly 0.5 points. The training holds promise in increasing an important metric of care quality-reported experience with care.

Impact of Pharmacy Medication Reviews on the Prescribing of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Veterans in Primary Care.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) as defined by the Beers criteria in outpatient clinics with and without mandatory pharmacy medication reviews. DESIGN: Retrospective electronic medical chart review at a single academic Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. SETTING: Home-based primary care (HBPC) and geriatric primary care. PATIENTS: Patients were included if they were 65 years of age or older at the time of enrollment and newly enrolled with an initial visit to HBPC or geriatric primary care between January 2015 and September 2015. Charts were included if patients received at least one follow-up visit with their primary care provider within 13 months of the initial visit. An additional inclusion criterion for HBPC patients was the documentation of at least one follow-up medication review by a clinical pharmacist within 13 months of the initial mandatory chart review. A total of 30 patients were included in both groups. INTERVENTIONS: Mandatory pharmacy medication reviews compared with usual care (no formal pharmacy review). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mean change in PIMs prescribed in both groups. RESULTS: The mean number of PIMs at initial and final visits was 0.4 unit per patient in HBPC. In geriatric primary care, the mean number of PIMs at the initial visit was 0.4 unit per patient, which increased at the final visit to 0.6 unit per patient. CONCLUSION: No change in PIMs was observed in the HBPC group, while an increase was observed in geriatric primary care.

Impact of Pharmacy Medication Reviews on the Prescribing of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Veterans in Primary Care

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) as defined by the Beers criteria in outpatient clinics with and without mandatory pharmacy medication reviews. DESIGN: Retrospective electronic medical chart review at a single academic Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. SETTING: Home-based primary care (HBPC) and geriatric primary care. PATIENTS: Patients were included if they were 65 years of age or older at the time of enrollment and newly enrolled with an initial visit to HBPC or geriatric primary care between January 2015 and September 2015. Charts were included if patients received at least one follow-up visit with their primary care provider within 13 months of the initial visit. An additional inclusion criterion for HBPC patients was the documentation of at least one follow-up medication review by a clinical pharmacist within 13 months of the initial mandatory chart review. A total of 30 patients were included in both groups. INTERVENTIONS: Mandatory pharmacy medication reviews compared with usual care (no formal pharmacy review). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mean change in PIMs prescribed in both groups. RESULTS: The mean number of PIMs at initial and final visits was 0.4 unit per patient in HBPC. In geriatric primary care, the mean number of PIMs at the initial visit was 0.4 unit per patient, which increased at the final visit to 0.6 unit per patient. CONCLUSION: No change in PIMs was observed in the HBPC group, while an increase was observed in geriatric primary care.

Orbital Atherectomy for Treatment of Complex Severely Calcified Coronary Artery Lesions: Insights from a Veterans Affairs Cohort

BackgroundCoronary artery calcification remains a significant challenge to successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Orbital atherectomy (OA) is an effective treatment for severely calcified coronary artery lesions during PCI, but few data are available in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system which has an increasingly complex subset of patients. MethodsData were obtained from retrospective analysis of patients with severe coronary artery calcification who underwent OA followed by stent implantation from February of 2015 to July of 2018 at a single VA Medical Center. Kaplan-Meier analysis was utilized to assess the primary endpoints of 30-day and 1-year freedom from major adverse cardiac events [MACE: Cardiac Death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization (TVR)]. ResultsAmong 151 patients, baseline comorbidities included diabetes (57%), prior PCI (51%), congestive heart failure (36.4%), and prior coronary artery bypass grafting (23.2%). The most common indication for intervention was stable angina (54.3%). Seventeen percent of cases required hemodynamic support. Angiographic complication rates were low. Overall freedom from MACE was 96% at 30 days and 87.7% at 1 year. ConclusionThis single-center VA cohort demonstrates that patients with severely calcified and anatomically complex coronary artery lesions treated with OA had a low rate of angiographic complications and a high rate of one-year freedom from MACE. Moreover, this study included demographics underrepresented in clinical trials, including those with acute myocardial infarction, left main coronary artery disease, and bifurcation lesions.

Using Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) data to identify missed opportunities for HPV vaccination

ABSTRACT Despite high HPV prevalence and low vaccination rates in the military, HPV vaccination is not required upon military service initiation. Given that national HPV vaccination rates remain low among people age 19–26 years, military service may represent an opportune time for intervention. The purpose of this study was to quantify the rate of HPV vaccination among young patients entering primary care at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Vaccination rates among veterans age ≤ 26 years old at first primary care visit were identified from the institutional data warehouse. Among 1,258 eligible patients, most were male (n = 782). The HPV vaccine initiation rate was 21.2%. Overall, 10.4% of patients received at least 1 HPV vaccine prior to initiating care at the VA (25.2% females and 1.4% males). An additional 10.8% of patients received their first HPV vaccine upon initiating care at the VA. Median age of first HPV vaccination was 21.4 years among patients that initiated the vaccine in the military versus 24.8 years among those that initiated vaccination at the VA. In conclusion, this study demonstrated low HPV vaccination rates both prior to transitioning to VA primary care and once receiving care at the VA. Additionally, among veterans that had not received vaccination upon initiating care at the VA, older age at vaccination was observed. Older age at vaccination may reduce HPV vaccine effectiveness given higher risk of exposure. Addition of HPV to the list of mandated vaccines upon military service initiation should be considered.

2134. Risk of Surgical Site Infection Following Carpal Tunnel Release in the Operating Room vs. Clinic-Based Procedure Room Within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

BackgroundA clinic-based procedure room (PR) is a less restrictive environment compared with the traditional operating room (OR). PRs are increasingly being used for minor surgical procedures. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. Veteran population. It is unknown if there is a difference in the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) among patients who undergo CTR in the PR vs. OR.MethodsPatient records were queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes from a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center that underwent clean, elective CTR from October 2014 through April 2017 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were obtained through chart extraction. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between infection and patient demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and operating environment. The National Healthcare Safety Network definition for SSI was used.ResultsA total of 312 procedures were included in the analysis; 221 procedures in the OR and 91 in the PR. Mean age was 63 years; 88% male. Sixty-four (21%) smoked, 80 (26%) were diabetic. Mean BMI was 32.9 kg/m2. The overall infection rate was 2.88%. After adjusting for covariates, procedure setting was not associated with risk of SSI (P = 0.53; OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.03–5.94). Same-wrist revision CTR was a significant predictor of SSI (P = 0.02; OR = 28.21; CI: 1.84–434.57). CTR performed in the OR had a similar risk for SSI compared with CTR performed in the PR. The mean total cost of CTR in the OR was $4,254 as compared with the PR total cost of $417.ConclusionThe rate of SSI following primary and revision CTR in a high morbidity U.S. Veteran population was 2.88%, much higher than in nonveteran populations with lower morbidity. Other studies have found that pre-procedural optimization of modifiable risk factors such as blood glucose control, smoking status and weight is important. There was no difference in rate of SSI between the OR and PR environments. Revision CTR appears to be higher risk for SSI. A larger sample size is important to validate these findings. Minimally invasive procedures performed in a PR could lead to greater patient satisfaction, access to surgery, higher efficiency, and a 10-fold cost-savings.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.