Unplanned Health Care Utilization Research Articles

Chemotherapy remote care monitoring program (CRCMP): Integration of an SMS text patient-reported outcome (PRO) in the electronic health record (EHR) to identify patients needing pharmacist intervention for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

2001 Background: CINV is a feared side effect of cancer therapy. Despite advances in management, CINV is a common cause for emergency department (ED) evaluation and other unplanned health care utilization. The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center initiated the CRCMP to proactively identify patients (pts) experiencing CINV and intervene prior to the need for urgent evaluation. Methods: Pts receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy are identified by administration of a NK1 antagonist. Once enrolled in the CRCMP, pts receive a daily text message survey for 7 days after treatment. The survey is based on the validated MASCC anti-emesis tool (MAT). Responses are stored within a flowsheet in the EHR. Responses above a set threshold trigger a message to the team pharmacist for intervention. Data presented was reviewed from EHR and claims data. Results: In 8 mo, 652 pts received a NK-1 antagonist (2244 total cycles) and 387 pts enrolled in the CRCMP (59%). Each pt enrolled for an average of 1.8 cycles of chemo (range 1-8). Of patients enrolled, 61.4% were female and 86.2% were Caucasian. Chemotherapy intent was curative for 51.7% and palliative for 48.3% of pts. Pts enrolled most commonly received cisplatin-based (29.7%) followed by carboplatin-based (22.5%), and 5-fluoruracil-based (20.9%) therapy. Text message response rate was 94% (N=18,143 responses of 19,256 total messages sent). During 861 cycles of therapy, 7% of responses noted vomiting and 33% of responses noted nausea. Since implementation of CRCMP, total hospitalization, ED, and urgent care use has decreased (p=0.029) compared to historical data. When utilization for nausea-related diagnoses was considered, the reduction was more notable (Table). Conclusions: Pts engaged in the CRCMP for CINV, allowing for rapid assessment of PROs by a pharmacist. Health care utilization related to nausea was reduced following implementation of CRCMP. While these changes were numerically small, reduction in unnecessary care utilizing PROs can contribute to high value care for cancer patients. [Table: see text]

Outpatient versus Inpatient Parotidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Parotidectomies are commonly performed procedures by head and neck surgeons. Although parotidectomies are historically inpatient procedures, recent observational evidence has highlighted the potential for parotidectomies to be performed on an outpatient basis. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to compare complications and unplanned health care utilization between patients undergoing outpatient versus inpatient parotidectomy. A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing the outcomes of outpatient parotidectomy with those of inpatient parotidectomy were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, facial nerve dysfunction, seroma, fistulisation, Frey syndrome, and wound infection) and rates of 30-day readmission, reintervention, and emergency department presentation were compared. We screened 1018 nonduplicate articles to include 5 studies, all of which were retrospective cohort studies. There were fewer complications found in the outpatient group (relative risk = 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.93). Outpatient procedures were more commonly performed on patients who lived close to the hospital, had fewer comorbidities, and had less extensive planned surgery. Outpatient parotidectomy appears safe in select patients with outcomes comparable with inpatient surgery. However, evidence overall is of low quality, and further work is needed to delineate a satisfactory set of criteria for appropriate patient identification.

MP43-20 IMPACT OF SPECIFIC ANALGESIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR URETERAL STONE PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: While non-opioid analgesics are critical for pain management during a trial of ureteral stone passage, the deliberate instructed use of these adjuncts has not been well described. We aim to describe documented patient discharge instructions for specific analgesic use and assess its relation to unplanned healthcare utilization after discharge from the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review of consecutive adults with ureteral calculi disease presenting to the ED from 1/1/2018-12/31/2018 was performed, excluding those requiring urologic intervention or hospital admission. A specific pain regimen was defined as instructions for acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage documented in the After Visit Summary. Telephone calls and ED return visits for stone related symptoms within 30-days were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, gender, psychiatric history, and stone size at ED discharge. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients (44 ± 17 years; 54% female) were included. The average ureteral stone size was 3.9 ± 2.0 mm (30% proximal; 7% mid; 63% distal). A history of chronic pain or psychiatric diagnosis was present in 28% and 20% of patients, respectively. Majority of patients were given an opioid prescription on discharge (84%). Specific analgesic instructions were given for NSAIDs (63%), acetaminophen (42%), both NSAIDs and acetaminophen (28%), or none at all (21%). Patients instructed on NSAID use were less likely to call for pain related symptoms (OR 0.3, CI 0.1-0.6), although no difference was observed for return rate to the ED. The rate of telephone calls and ED return visits did not differ with instructed acetaminophen use, both acetaminophen and NSAIDs, or none (figure). On multivariable analysis, instructed NSAID use demonstrated a lower likelihood of patient telephone calls related to symptoms (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of patients presenting to the ED for symptomatic urolithiasis did not receive advised pain regimens. When receiving specific NSAID use instructions, patients had a lower likelihood of calling for stone pain. Further studies evaluating standardized pain regimens may impact unplanned healthcare resource utilization.Source of Funding: n/a

Issue Highlights

Issue Highlights

Unplanned In-Global Clinic Visits, Emergency Department Encounters and Hospital Readmissions following Urological Prosthetic Surgery: Data for Quality Improvement.

Unplanned and potentially avoidable clinic encounters, emergency department visits and readmissions burden the health care system. We identified and characterized unplanned health care utilization during the 90-day global period following urological prosthetic surgery. Records of patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation and/or artificial urinary sphincter placement by a single surgeon between January 2011 and November 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Unplanned visits to the urology clinic, emergency department and/or hospital for each patient within 90 days of surgery were identified and characterized. Of the 288 surgeries performed during the designated study period 214 were for inflatable penile prosthesis, 59 for artificial urinary sphincter and 15 for a combination. There were 58 unplanned in-global clinic encounters, 13 emergency department visits and 7 hospital readmissions. Unplanned clinic visits were most common for additional teaching, voiding issues and incision concerns, presenting an average of 39 days postoperatively. Emergency department visits were most commonly due to voiding issues and incision concerns, presenting an average of 25 days postoperatively. Hospital readmissions were most common for complications and incision concerns, presenting an average of 23 days postoperatively. Most unplanned visits during the 90-day global period following urological prosthetic surgery do not require hospital readmission. Improved preoperative counseling, instruction before hospital discharge and/or scheduled phone contact with patients during recovery may reduce unnecessary resource use.

Seizure Action Plans for Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Seizure action plans help patients and caregivers better self-manage their epilepsy. We hypothesized that providing pediatric patients and their caregivers with a seizure action plan would reduce unplanned health care utilization and decrease the impact of epilepsy. We developed a seizure action plan for use in pediatric epilepsy patients. A prospective cohort was randomly assigned to receive a seizure action plan in addition to standard epilepsy care or to standard epilepsy care alone. All caregivers were surveyed using the Modified Impact on Families (MIF) questionnaire at enrollment, 3 months, and 12 months. Health care utilization measures and Modified Impact on Families questionnaire scores were compared between the 2 groups. Fifty-four patients received a seizure action plan and standard care, whereas 48 received standard care alone. The groups had similar demographics. There was a significantly higher proportion of overall clinic appointment no shows in the standard care group vs the seizure action plan group (P = .04); however, other significant differences in health care utilization were not found. Among patients with low seizure frequency (12 or fewer seizures per year), Seizure comfort scores on the Modified Impact on Families questionnaire were significantly higher at 12 months among the seizure action plan group compared to the standard care group. Caregivers for patients with epilepsy receiving a seizure action plan were more comfortable regarding seizure care and missed fewer appointments. However, differences in health care utilization were not present. The seizure action plan appears to have more impact in patients who experience lower seizure frequencies. Further studies evaluating the impact as well as assessing caregivers' perceptions of the seizure action plan using a larger sample are needed.

Tu1413 UNPLANNED HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION FOLLOWING EUS-FNA

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the preferred method of tissue acquisition for many lesions within and adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. Despite its well-reported diagnostic accuracy, there is a paucity of data looking at EUS-FNA-related complications. We aimed to assess unplanned health-care utilization after EUS-FNA using a large population database.

Opioid Prescriptions at Hospital Discharge Are Associated With More Postdischarge Healthcare Utilization.

BackgroundMany patients use opioids for nonmalignant pain, and opioid use in the general population has been associated with poor long‐term outcomes. The use of high‐risk medications, including opioid analgesics, may increase the risk of unplanned healthcare utilization.Methods and ResultsWe performed a nested evaluation in the VICS (Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study) (N=3000) on patients with an admitting diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and/or acute decompensated heart failure. Patient enrollment occurred from October 2011 until December 2015 and involved a single investigational site, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN). Of the 2495 eligible patients, 501 (20%) were discharged with an opioid prescription and were predominantly white and men, with a median age of 59 (interquartile range, 53–67) years. Our primary outcome was unplanned healthcare utilization, which included emergency department presentation or readmission. Secondary outcomes included mortality and a composite of planned utilization behaviors: cardiac rehabilitation and provider follow‐up within 30 days. Cox proportional hazards models did not show a statistically significant association with increased unplanned utilization (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.87–1.28) or mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.84–1.39), compared with those without opioids at discharge. Patients discharged with opioids were less likely to complete planned healthcare utilization (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52–0.91).ConclusionsThere are decreased odds of planned healthcare utilization among patients with acute coronary syndrome and acute decompensated heart failure discharged with opioid medication. It is imperative to understand how opioid use can affect a patient's relationship with the healthcare system.

Pharmacist Clinical Interventions and Discharge Counseling in Medical Rehabilitation Wards in a Local Hospital: A Prospective Trial.

Patients undergoing rehabilitation experience numerous changes in medication regimens during care transitions, exposing these patients to an increased risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). A prospective, non-randomized, quasi-experimental study was conducted in medical rehabilitation wards to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-delivered interventions and counseling on 30-day unplanned health care utilization and medication adherence for selected rehabilitation patients. A pharmacist provided medication reconciliation and counseling before discharge. Phone follow-up was completed 30 days after discharge to assess for unplanned health care utilization rate and medication adherence. A total of 85 patients (n = 43 in prospective intervention group and n = 42 in historical usual care group) were included. Among the intervention group, 23 DRPs were identified in 14 (32.6%) patients, resulting in 51 interventions. The intervention group had a significantly lower unplanned health care utilization rate than the usual care group (25.6% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.035). The risk of unplanned health care utilization was reduced by over 60% (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.378; 95% CI = 0.15–0.94). Patients reporting medium to high medication adherence increased from 23.6% to 88.4% 30 days after counseling (p < 0.05). Pharmacist medication reconciliation and discharge counseling reduced unplanned health care utilization 30 days after discharge and improved medication adherence.

2506 Post-discharge opioid prescriptions and their association with healthcare utilization in the Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Opioid prescribing is common and increasing in certain areas of the country with known risk of misuse and dependence. Our study examined the association of opioid prescription at discharge after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with emergency department (ED) care or all-cause readmission, intended healthcare utilization (follow-up with physician within 30 d of discharge and cardiac rehab participation), and all-cause mortality. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study is a prospective cohort of hospitalized patients age &gt;18 enrolled with either ACS or ADHF between 2011 and 2015 (index hospitalization). We then excluded those who died during the index hospitalization, patients with hospitalization &lt;24 hours, patients discharged to hospice care, or those who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery because of the high probability of receiving opioids. In addition, we limited the analyses to patients whom we had complete covariate data. The primary predictor variable was an opioid prescription at the time of hospital discharge. We collected healthcare utilization behavior for 90 days after discharge, and mortality data until March 8, 2017. Time-to-event analysis using Cox proportional hazard models was performed for both unintended healthcare utilization behavior and mortality outcomes. Logistic regression was performed for intended healthcare utilization (adherence to follow-up appointments and cardiac rehabilitation). All models were adjusted for demographic data, opioid use prior to index hospitalization, severity of illness, and healthcare utilization prior to the index hospitalization. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: There were 501 patients discharged with an opioid prescription and 1994 with no opioid prescription at discharge. Among patients with opioids at discharge 235 (47%) experienced unplanned healthcare events (71 ED visits and 164 readmissions) and among nonopioids patients 775 (39%) experienced unplanned healthcare events (254 ED visits and 521 readmissions) (aHR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.28). Patient mortality in the opioid group was 131 Versus 432 in the nonopioid group (aHR: 1.08, 95% CI 0.84, 1.39). Patients in the opioid at discharge group were less likely to attend follow up visits or participate in cardiac rehab (OR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.52, 0.91, p=0.009) compared with those not discharged on opioid medications. Sensitivity analysis of patients who were prescribed prehospital opioids (including prehospital opioids in the exposure group with postdischarge opioids) did not reveal a statistically significant increase in mortality (aHR: 1.09, 95% CI 0.91, 1.31) or unintended healthcare utilization (aHR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.89, 1.41) among opioid users. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Morbidity and mortality related to opioid use is a public health concern. Our study demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in physician follow-up and participation in cardiac rehab among opioid users, both of which are known to decrease patient mortality. We did not find a statistically significant increase in unplanned healthcare utilization or mortality. Sensitivity analysis combining prehospital and posthospital opioid prescriptions did not reveal a statistically significant association between opioid use, hospital readmissions, or mortality. The hospital provides unique patient interactions where providers can make significant medical changes based on their patient’s clinical status. Continuing to understand the association between opioid use, healthcare utilization, morbidity, and mortality in recently hospitalized cardiac patients will provide data to support reduction in total opioid dose to improve clinical outcomes.

The Association Between Sustained Poor Quality of Life and Future Opioid Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with poor quality of life and disability. The short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) is validated to determine patients quality of life at single time points, or improvement over time. Few studies have evaluated if sustained poor quality of life is associated with future healthcare utilization patterns.MethodsWe analyzed patients from a prospective IBD natural history registry with 4 consecutive years of follow-up. SIBDQ was measured at outpatient visits. Healthcare utilization data were temporally organized into a 2-year observation period, and 2-year follow-up period. Mean SIBDQ score <50 during the first 2 years was categorized as having “poor quality of life”. Primary outcomes of interest were measures of unplanned healthcare utilization and opioid use.ResultsFrom a total of 447 participants (56.1% female, 66.1% Crohn’s disease, 34.9% ulcerative colitis), 215 (48.1%) were classified as having poor quality of life. Poor quality of life was significantly associated with Crohn’s disease (P < 0.01), history of IBD related surgery, and tobacco use (all P < 0.01). In the follow-up period, the same patients with poor quality of life were more likely to have abnormal biomarkers of inflammation, more telephone calls and office visits, experience unplanned care, and be exposed to opiates (all P < 0.05). After multivariable analysis, poor quality of life remained an independent predictor of future opiate use (odds ratio: 2.2, P = 0.003) and decreased time to first opiate prescription (hazard ratio: 1.67, P = 0.019) in the follow-up period.ConclusionsIBD patients with sustained poor quality of life are at an increased risk of opiate use and decreased time to opiate exposure. Routine measurement of quality of life in the outpatient setting may provide insight into those at risk for narcotic use and healthcare utilization.

Health Care Utilization Following Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients From a Pediatric Accountable Care Organization.

Vagus nerve stimulation has been a therapy for epilepsy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients 4 and older and shown efficacy and safety in younger pediatric patients. The authors performed a retrospective analysis utilizing Medicaid claims from an accountable care organization to measure the intervention of vagus nerve stimulation therapy in regard to unplanned health care utilization. Thirteen unique patients were included who had vagus nerve stimulation therapy who had at least 6 months of continuous enrollment in a managed Medicaid health plan. Comparison with 12 months of data before and after vagus nerve stimulation implantation was performed. Patients had statistically significant fewer unplanned inpatient visits per patient per enrollment month after vagus nerve stimulation implantation. Utilizing claims data, vagus nerve stimulation implantation demonstrates a reduction in unplanned hospitalizations.

Impact of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy on Health Care Costs of Patients With Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Drivers of variation in the cost of care after chemoradiotherapy for the management of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have not been fully elucidated. We sought to characterize the direct and indirect impact of radiotherapy modality on health care costs among patients with anal SCC. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2014 linkage of the SEER-Medicare database. We identified 1,025 patients with anal SCC diagnosed between 2001 and 2011 and treated with chemoradiotherapy. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline differences between patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and those treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Differences in total, cancer-attributable, and procedure-specific costs between groups were measured. Radiation-related, patient out-of-pocket, and total costs in the 1-year period after radiotherapy start were all higher for the IMRT group than the 3D-CRT group (median total cost, $35,890 v $27,262, respectively; P < .001). Patients who received IMRT had lower cumulative costs associated with urgent hospitalizations and emergency department visits at both 9 months and 1 year after treatment start compared with a matched cohort of patients who received 3D-CRT (median, $711 v $4,957 at 1 year, respectively; P = .021). Although total costs of care were higher for IMRT compared with 3D-CRT, primarily as a result of higher radiotherapy-specific costs, IMRT was associated with decreased unplanned health care utilization costs starting at 9 months after treatment start. Radiotherapy-centered episodes of care may need to encompass a longer time horizon to capture the full cost savings associated with more advanced radiation modalities.

Burn center care reduces acute health care utilization after discharge: A population-based analysis of 1,895 survivors of major burn injury

Improvements in survival after burns have resulted in more patients being discharged home after severe injury. However, the postdischarge health care needs of burn survivors are not well understood. We aimed to determine the rate and causes of unplanned presentation to acute care facilities in the 5years after major burn injury. Data derived from several population-based administrative databases were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. All patients aged ≥16years who survived to discharge after a major burn injury in 2003-2013 were followed for 1-5years. All emergency department visits and unplanned readmissions were identified and classified by cause. Factors associated with emergency department visits were modeled using negative binomial generalized estimating equations. Factors associated with readmission were modeled using multivariable competing risk regression. We identified 1,895 patients who survived to discharge; 68% of patients had at least one emergency department visit and 30% had at least one readmission. Five-year mortality was 10%. The most common reason for both emergency department visits and readmissions was traumatic injury. After risk adjustment, patients who received their index care in a burn center experienced significantly less need for subsequent unplanned acute care, fewer emergency department visits (relative risk 0.61, 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.72), and fewer hospital readmissions (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.92). Acute health care utilization is frequent after burn injury and is most commonly related to traumatic injuries. Burn-related events are uncommon beyond 30days after discharge, suggesting low rates of burn recidivism. Patients treated at burn centers have significantly reduced unplanned health care utilization after their injury.

Whose diabetes is it anyway?

Whose diabetes is it anyway?

Revealing the Prevalence and Consequences of Food Insecurity in Children with Epilepsy.

Food insecurity (FI) affects more than one in five American children and is increasingly addressed during pediatric primary care. Its relevance during subspecialty care, including in the treatment of chronic conditions like epilepsy, is largely unknown. This study sought to determine the FI prevalence among children with epilepsy and examine the relationship between FI and healthcare utilization, health-related quality-of-life (HR-QOL), and medication side effect control. This was a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from children, aged 2-17 years, seen for epilepsy management at an academic pediatric hospital. The primary predictor was household FI status, determined using a validated screening tool employed in the hospital's pediatric neurology clinics. The primary outcome was unplanned healthcare utilization in the 6months following initial FI screen. Secondary outcomes were standardized, validated assessments of HR-QOL and epilepsy medication side effects. Nearly 14% of the 691 children seen in the clinics for epilepsy lived in food insecure households. The impact of FI on healthcare utilization varied by race. For Caucasians, healthcare utilization rates were significantly higher among food insecure individuals than food secure individuals (37 vs. 17%, p = 0.003). Among African Americans, healthcare utilization rates did not vary with food security status (p = 0.6). Children in food insecure households had lower HR-QOL (p < 0.0001) and higher medication side effects (p = 0.0005). FI is common among children with epilepsy and may influence adverse health outcomes. Further exploration into how FI and other social determinants influence management of and determine outcomes for chronic diseases is warranted.

96 - Predictors of Unplanned Healthcare Utilization in Patients Enrolled in an IBD Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

96 - Predictors of Unplanned Healthcare Utilization in Patients Enrolled in an IBD Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

Utility of the Edmonton Frail Scale in identifying frail elderly patients during treatment of colorectal cancer.

Frailty has been proposed by geriatricians as an indicator of functional age. The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) is a 15-point incremental scale; it is quick (<5 min), and simple to administer. We conducted an exploratory study to establish if the EFS add utility to clinician's expertise by determining if there was an association between EFS and receipt of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The EFS was administered to stage II-IV CRC patients ≥70 years. EFS assessment was completed by one of the investigators, with the treating oncology team blinded to the results. A total of 46 patients were enrolled, and the EFS was reproduced in 32 patients at two visits (r=0.81; 95% CI: 0.64-0.90, P<0.0001). There was no correlation between the EFS and receipt of chemotherapy for the study population as a whole; however, exclusion of stage II patients showed a reduced likelihood of receiving chemotherapy with higher EFS scores (odds ratio 0.56; 95% CI: 0.37-0.85, P<0.01 per unit increment). A similar effect was observed after multivariable analysis (adjusting for performance status, age, stage and gender, odds ratio 0.41 95% CI: 0.18-0.96, P<0.05 per unit increment). This exploratory study suggests that EFS can identify patients that oncologists may have thought were too frail for chemotherapy, independent of PS. Therefore, the EFS has the potential to add a reproducible, and quantifiable measure of frailty to the clinician's decision making toolset. A follow up study will employ the EFS in real-time, and determine if using the EFS can minimize complications and unplanned health care utilization in elderly cancer patients.

Abstract 13433: Coping Partnership Intervention Improves Heart Failure Self-Care Confidence and Reduces Unplanned Healthcare Utilization

Introduction: Social support and social problem-solving, as coping resources, are related to HF self-care, but interventions which target these resources to enhance HF self-care and reduce unplanned emergency room visits and hospitalizations are lacking. Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a nurse-led telephone coping partnership intervention on HF self-care and unplanned healthcare utilization in patients with HF. Methodology: A 3 group randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 107 HF patients for 3 months. The 12-week coping intervention ( n = 34) included 1 home visit, weekly telephone calls for month 1, and biweekly calls for months 2 and 3. The attention group ( n = 38) received telephone calls starting at week 2 which followed the same pattern as the intervention group. All groups received usual care, with the control group ( n = 35) receiving usual care only. Characteristics of HF patients were: mean age 61 years; 54.2% male; 54.2% African American; and NYHA I: 8.4%; II: 43.9%; III: 18.7%; IV: 29%. All groups provided data at baseline, 5 weeks, 9 weeks, and 13 weeks. HF self-care was assessed using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and linear mixed modeling. Results: A total of 64 patients completed the study (18 intervention; 24 attention; 22 control). Three linear mixed models were built, controlling for covariates (e.g., gender, race, marital status, NYHA HF class). No significant effects over time were noted by group for self-care maintenance and self-care management. However, significant effects over time were noted for self-care confidence in the intervention group ( p = .030). Patients in the intervention group also reported fewer emergency room visits at 13 weeks (5.6% versus 8.3 % attention; 27.3% control), as well as fewer hospitalizations (5.6% versus 12.5% attention; 27.3% control). Conclusions: Nurse-led telephone coping partnership interventions that strengthen support and social problem-solving appear to be most effective in improving self-care confidence and in reducing unplanned healthcare utilization in individuals with HF. Future research should explore the influence of other variables (e.g., dyadic relationship) on HF outcomes using telephone coping partnerships.

Health care utilisation among older persons with intellectual disability and dementia: a registry study.

Both persons with intellectual disability (ID) and persons with dementia have high disease burdens, and consequently also high health care needs. As life expectancy increases for persons with ID, the group of persons with the dual diagnosis of ID and dementia will become larger. Through national registries, we identified 7936 persons who had received support directed to persons with ID during 2012, and an age- and gender-matched sample from the general population. A national registry was also used to collect information on health care utilisation (excluding primary care) for the period 2002-2012. Health care utilisation was measured as presence and number of planned and unplanned in-patient and out-patient visits, as well as length of stay. In comparison with persons with ID but without dementia, persons with ID and dementia were more likely to have at least one planned out-patient visit (odds ratio [OR] 8.07), unplanned out-patient visit (OR 2.41), planned in-patient visit (OR 2.76) or unplanned in-patient visit (OR 4.19). However, among those with at least one of each respective outcome, the average number of visits did not differ between those with and without dementia. Persons with ID and dementia were less likely to have at least one planned out-patient visit than persons with dementia in the general population sample (OR 0.40), but more likely to have at least one unplanned in-patient visit (OR 1.90). No statistically significant differences were found for having at least one unplanned out-patient or planned in-patient visit. Nevertheless, among those with at least one unplanned out-patient visit, the number of visits was higher in the general population sample. Persons with ID and dementia are less likely to receive planned health care than persons with dementia in the general population. They have, however, higher levels of unplanned health care utilisation. This may be an indication that the current support system is not sufficient to meet the challenges of increased longevity among persons with ID.