scholarly journals Determinants of Latent Tuberculosis Treatment Acceptance and Completion in Healthcare Personnel

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie D Swift ◽  
Robin G Molella ◽  
Andrew I S Vaughn ◽  
Laura E Breeher ◽  
Richard D Newcomb ◽  
...  

Abstract Background US public health strategy for eliminating tuberculosis (TB) prioritizes treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI). Healthcare personnel (HCP) are less willing to accept treatment than other populations. Little is known about factors associated with HCP LTBI therapy acceptance and completion. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review to identify all employees with LTBI at time of hire at a large academic medical center during a 10-year period. Personal demographics, occupational factors, and clinic visit variables were correlated with LTBI treatment acceptance and completion rates using multivariate logistic regression. Results Of 470 HCP with LTBI for whom treatment was recommended, 193 (41.1%) accepted treatment, while 137 (29.1%) completed treatment. Treatment adherence was better with 4 months of rifampin than 9 months of isoniazid (95% vs 68%, P < .005). Increased age of the healthcare worker was independently associated with lower rates of treatment acceptance (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.97 [0.94–0.99] per year), as was having an occupation of clinician (0.47 [0.26–0.85]) or researcher (0.34 [0.19–0.64]). Male gender was associated with higher treatment acceptance (1.90 [1.21–2.99]). Treatment completion was associated with being from a low- (9.49 [2.06–43.73]) or medium- (8.51 [3.93–18.44]) TB-burden country. Conclusions Geographic and occupational factors affect acceptance and completion of LTBI therapy. Short-course regimens may improve adherence. Physicians, researchers, and HCP from high-TB-burden countries have lower treatment rates than other HCP. Improving LTBI treatment in HCP will require attending to cultural and occupational differences.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e047444
Author(s):  
Maskit Bar-Meir ◽  
Gali Pariente ◽  
Ayal Romem ◽  
Yonit Wiener-Well

ObjectiveOfficial guidelines recommend tuberculosis (TB) screening programmes for all healthcare workers (HCWs), along with offering treatment when latent TB infection (LTBI) is diagnosed. However, adherence to treatment among HCWs is lower compared with non-HCWs. The aim of the present study was to examine the rate of LTBI treatment acceptance among HCWs and to characterise the factors associated with non-acceptance.Design and settingThis was a retrospective cohort study. All HCWs diagnosed with LTBI, who had tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion during their work, between 2000 and 2015, in a single tertiary academic medical centre, and who consented to answer a questionnaire, were enrolled.ResultsOverall, 147 of 219 (67%) with TST conversion agreed to participate. Acceptance rate for LTBI treatment was only 16%. The overall completion rate among those who accepted treatment was 87%. HCWs’ recall of discussing the importance of LTBI treatment with their caregiver had the strongest association with LTBI treatment acceptance: 23 of 52 HCWs (44%) who recalled this discussion accepted treatment (adjusted OR=10.2, 95% CI: 2.2 to 47.6, p=0.003). Knowing the risk of developing TB was associated with 3.7 increased odds to accept treatment (95% CI: 1.2 to 11.8, p=0.02).ConclusionsLTBI acceptance rate was very low among our HCWs. Focusing on educating HCWs is potentially the key step towards an increased rate of LTBI treatment acceptance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S667-S668
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Idusuyi ◽  
Maureen Campion ◽  
Kathleen Belusko

Abstract Background The new ASHP/IDSA consensus guidelines recommend area under the curve (AUC) monitoring to optimize vancomycin therapy. Little is known about the ability to implement this recommendation in a real-world setting. At UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC), an AUC pharmacy to dose protocol was created to manage infectious diseases (ID) consult patients on vancomycin. The service was piloted by the pharmacy residents and 2 clinical pharmacists. The purpose of this study was to determine if a pharmacy to dose AUC protocol can safely and effectively be implemented. Methods A first-order kinetics calculator was built into the electronic medical record and live education was provided to pharmacists. Pharmacists ordered levels, wrote progress notes, and communicated to teams regarding dose adjustments. Patients were included based upon ID consult and need for vancomycin. After a 3-month implementation period, a retrospective chart review was completed. Patients in the pre-implementation group were admitted 3 months prior to AUC pharmacy to dose, had an ID consult and were monitored by trough (TR) levels. The AUC group was monitored with a steady state peak and trough level to calculate AUC. The primary outcome evaluated time to goal AUC vs. time to goal TR. Secondary outcomes included number of dose adjustments made, total daily dose of vancomycin, and incidence of nephrotoxicity. Results A total of 64 patients met inclusion criteria, with 37 patients monitored by TR and 27 patients monitored by AUC. Baseline characteristics were similar except for weight in kilograms (TR 80.0 ±25.4 vs AUC 92.0 ±26.7; p=0.049). The average time to goal AUC was 4.13 (±2.08) days, and the average time to goal TR was 4.19 (±2.30) days (p=0.982). More dose adjustments occurred in the TR group compared to the AUC (1 vs 2; p=0.037). There was no difference between the two groups in dosing (TR 15.8 mg/kg vs AUC 16.4 mg/kg; p=0.788). Acute kidney injury occurred in 5 patients in the AUC group and 11 patients in the TR group (p=0.765). Conclusion Fewer dose adjustments and less nephrotoxicity was seen utilizing an AUC based protocol. Our small pilot has shown that AUC pharmacy to dose can be safely implemented. Larger studies are needed to evaluate reduction in time to therapeutic goals. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s258-s258
Author(s):  
Madhuri Tirumandas ◽  
Theresa Madaline ◽  
Gregory David Weston ◽  
Ruchika Jain ◽  
Jamie Figueredo

Background: Although central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in US hospitals have improved in the last decade, ~30,100 CLABSIs occur annually.1,2 Central venous catheters (CVC) carry a high risk of infections and should be limited to appropriate clinical indications.6,7 Montefiore Medical Center, a large, urban, academic medical center in the Bronx, serves a high-risk population with multiple comobidities.8–11 Despite this, the critical care medicine (CCM) team is often consulted to place a CVC when a peripheral intravenous line (PIV) cannot be obtained by nurses or primary providers. We evaluated the volume of CCM consultation requests for avoidable CVCs and related CLABSIs. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed for patients with CCM consultation requests for CVC placement between July and October 2019. The indication for CVC, type of catheter inserted or recommended, and NHSN data were used to identify CLABSIs. CVCs were considered avoidable if a PIV was used for the stated indication and duration of therapy, with no anatomical contraindications to PIV in nonemergencies, according to the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC).6Results: Of 229 total CCM consults, 4 (18%) requests were for CVC placement; 21 consultations (9%) were requested for avoidable CVCs. Of 40 CVC requests, 18 (45%) resulted in CVC placement by the CCM team, 4 (10%) were deferred for nonurgent PICC by interventional radiology, and 18 (45%) were deferred in favor of PIV or no IV. Indications for CVC insertion included emergent chemotherapy (n = 8, 44%) and dialysis (n = 3, 16%), vasopressors (n = 3, 16%), antibiotics (n = 2, 11%) and blood transfusion (n = 2, 11%). Of 18 CVCs, 9 (50%) were potentially avoidable: 2 short-term antibiotics and rest for nonemergent indications; 2 blood transfusions, 1 dialysis, 2 chemotherapy and 2 vasopressors. Between July and October 2019, 6 CLABSIs occurred in CVCs placed by the CCM team; in 3 of 6 CLABSI events (50%), the CVC was avoidable. Conclusions: More than half of consultation requests to the CCM team for CVCs are avoidable, and they disproportionately contribute to CLABSI events. Alternatives for intravenous access could potentially avoid 9% of CCM consultations and 50% of CLABSIs in CCM-inserted CVCs on medical-surgical wards.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110129
Author(s):  
Randall S. Ruffner ◽  
Jessica W. Scordino

Objectives During septoplasty, normal cartilage and bone are often sent for pathologic examination despite benign appearance. We explored pathology results following septoplasty from April 2016 to April 2018, examining clinical value and relevance, implications, and cost analysis. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Single-institution academic medical center. Methods A retrospective chart review was compiled by using Current Procedural Terminology code 30520 for septoplasty for indication of nasal obstruction, deviated septum, and nasal deformity. Results A total of 236 consecutive cases were identified spanning a 2-year period. Septoplasty specimens were sent for pathology evaluation in 76 (31%). The decision to send a specimen for histopathology was largely physician dependent. No cases yielded unexpected or significant pathology that changed management. The average total charges for septoplasty were $10,200 at our institution, with 2.2% of procedural charges accounting for pathology preparation and review, averaging $225. Nationally, this results in an estimated charged cost of $58.5 million. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement for septoplasty pathology charges was $46 in 2018, accounting for 1.3% of hospital-based reimbursements and 2.2% of ambulatory center reimbursements. With CMS as a national model for reimbursement, $11.8 million is spent yearly for septoplasty histopathology. Given that CMS reimbursement is significantly lower than private insurers, national total reimbursement is likely considerably higher. Conclusion Routine pathology review of routine septoplasty specimens is unnecessary, unremarkable, and wasteful. Correlation of the patient’s presentation and intraoperative findings should justify the need for pathology evaluation. This value-based approach can offer significant direct and indirect cost savings. Level of evidence 4.


Author(s):  
Pavani Rangachari ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Nishtha Ahuja ◽  
Anjeli Patel ◽  
Renuka Mehta

This retrospective study examines demographic and risk factor differences between children who visited the emergency department (ED) for asthma once (“one-time”) and more than once (“repeat”) over an 18-month period at an academic medical center. The purpose is to contribute to the literature on ED utilization for asthma and provide a foundation for future primary research on self-management effectiveness (SME) of childhood asthma. For the first round of analysis, an 18-month retrospective chart review was conducted on 252 children (0–17 years) who visited the ED for asthma in 2019–2020, to obtain data on demographics, risk factors, and ED visits for each child. Of these, 160 (63%) were “one-time” and 92 (37%) were “repeat” ED patients. Demographic and risk factor differences between “one-time” and “repeat” ED patients were assessed using contingency table and logistic regression analyses. A second round of analysis was conducted on patients in the age-group 8–17 years to match another retrospective asthma study recently completed in the outpatient clinics at the same (study) institution. The first-round analysis indicated that except age, none of the individual demographic or risk factors were statistically significant in predicting of “repeat” ED visits. More unequivocally, the second-round analysis revealed that none of the individual factors examined (including age, race, gender, insurance, and asthma severity, among others) were statistically significant in predicting “repeat” ED visits for childhood asthma. A key implication of the results therefore is that something other than the factors examined is driving “repeat” ED visits in children with asthma. In addition to contributing to the ED utilization literature, the results serve to corroborate findings from the recent outpatient study and bolster the impetus for future primary research on SME of childhood asthma.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Ashamalla ◽  
Justin Pieper ◽  
Daniel Sedhom ◽  
Neil Yager ◽  
Mikhail Torosoff

Background: There is conflicting evidence concerning the obesity paradox in stroke patients. We sought to examine the relationship between gender, BMI, and prevalence of comorbidities in patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed in 996 consecutive patients treated for non-hemorrhagic stroke at a single academic medical center. Patients were divided according to gender and specific BMI groups according to the National Institute of Health. This study was approved by the institutional IRB. Results: Patients with BMI from 0-18.5 and 18.5-24.9 were more likely to be female (63.2% and 58.4% p<.05). Whereas patients with BMI over 25-30 and 30-35 were more likely to be male (60.82% and 59.2% p<.05). Morbidly obese patients (BMI>35) were equally likely to be men or women. In men higher BMI correlated with presentation at younger age. Diabetes was most prevalent in patients with BMI over 35 (40% males, 44% females, p<.05). In females, HTN was associated with BMI 30-34.5 and 35+ (80.5% and 73.3%, P<.05). Males showed a similar though non-significant trend. The prevalence of end stage renal disease, systemic atherosclerosis, and PVD was not significantly correlated with BMI in either gender. Conclusion: Gender and BMI significantly affect associated comorbidities in patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke, possibly suggestive of unique gender specific disease mechanisms. Additional studies investigating the effect of gender and BMI on diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke are warranted.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Opal Bacon ◽  
Sophie Robert ◽  
Amy VandenBerg

Abstract Introduction: The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised version (CIWA-Ar), developed and validated for research, is used in our inpatient academic medical center. We sought to assess nursing satisfaction with the scale itself, training for using the scale, and nursing staff use of the CIWA-Ar. Methods: A retrospective chart review included all patients with an order for CIWA-Ar between August 1, 2014, and September 30, 2014. Data collected included demographics, admitting diagnosis, vital signs, admission blood alcohol level, lorazepam total daily dose, and CIWA-Ar scores. Nursing staff was sent an anonymous, 26-question survey in January 2015. The survey collected demographics, training history, and recommendations for modifications to the CIWA-Ar. Results: During the 2-month period, 274 patients had orders for CIWA-Ar, with 113 receiving at least one dose of lorazepam. Lorazepam was not given to 21% of patients when they scored &gt;8 on the CIWA-Ar, whereas 71% of patients received a dose of lorazepam when they had a CIWA score &lt;8. The survey was sent to 2011 clinical nurses, with 284 responses received (14% response rate). Only 36% of responding nurses felt adequately trained to administer the CIWA-Ar. Most nurses preferred on-the-job and online training methods. Discussion: Nursing use of the CIWA-Ar could be optimized at this institution. Fewer than half of respondents reported feeling adequately training to administer the CIWA-Ar. Results will be used to improve training for nursing staff regarding scoring of the CIWA-Ar and administering lorazepam to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Savannah Lindsey ◽  
Laura Beth Parsons ◽  
Lindsay Rosenbeck Figg ◽  
Jill Rhodes

Introduction Monoclonal antibodies possess unique pharmacokinetic properties that permit flexible dosing. Increased use and high costs of these medications have led to the development of cost-containing strategies. This study aims to quantify the cost savings and clinical impact associated with dose rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size. Methods This study was a single-arm, retrospective chart review assessing all monoclonal antibody doses dispensed at an outpatient community infusion center associated with an academic medical center between August 2014 and August 2015. All monoclonal antibody doses were reviewed to determine the cost of drug wasted using two methods. The waste-cost analysis described the amount of drug disposed of due to the use of partial vials. The theoretical dose savings described potential cost avoidance based on rounding the ordered dose to the nearest vial size. The theoretical rounded dose was compared to the actual ordered dose to explore clinical implications. Results A total of 436 doses were included. Of these, 237 were not rounded to the nearest vial size and included in the analysis. The cost of waste associated with these doses was $108,013.64 using actual wholesale price. The potential cost avoidance associated with the theoretical dose calculation was $83,595.53. Rounding these doses to the nearest vial size resulted in a median 6.7% (range, 1.4–20%) deviation from ordered dose. Conclusions Rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size could lead to significant cost and waste savings with minimal deviation from the actual ordered dose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Volk ◽  
Nina Verghis ◽  
Antonio Chiricolo ◽  
Hirohisa Ikegami ◽  
Leonard Y. Lee ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The treatment of active infective endocarditis (IE) presents a clinical dilemma with uncertain outcomes. This study sets out to determine the early and intermediate outcomes of patients treated surgically for active IE at an academic medical center. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent surgical intervention for IE at our institution from July 1st, 2011 to June 30th, 2018. In-patient records were examined to determine etiology of disease, surgical intervention type, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), 30-day in-hospital mortality, and 1-year survival. Results Twenty-five patients underwent surgical intervention for active IE. The average age of the patients was 47 ± 14 years old and most of the patients were male (N = 15). The majority of the patients had the mitral valve replaced (N = 10), with the remaining patients having tricuspid (N = 8) and aortic (N = 7) valve replacements. The etiology varied and included intravenous drug use (IVDU), and presence of transvenous catheters. The 30-day in-hospital mortality was 4% with 1 patient death and the 1-year survival was 80%. The average LOS was 27 days ±15 and the longest LOS was 65 days. Conclusions Surgical management of IE can be difficult and challenging however mortality can be minimized with acceptable morbidity. The most common complication was CVA. The average LOS is longer than traditional adult cardiac surgery procedures and the recurrence rate of valvular infection is not minimal especially if the underlying etiology is IVDU.


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