P5241Balancing limited resources, infra-structure deficits & cultural differences in sustaining the growth of LATIN telemedicine program

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mehta ◽  
R Botelho ◽  
F Fernandez ◽  
F Feres ◽  
A Abizaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Growth ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Process Metrics ◽  
Door To Balloon

Abstract Background In resource-constrained nations, population-based AMI coverage is daunting. Telemedicine can transform with efficient, cost-effective and scalable programs. We present our data with screening >780,000 patients with innovative hub and spoke strategies. Purpose Scientifically pristine protocols, rigorous training, unflinching quality assurance, technology upgrades and education of broad stakeholders are essential attributes for creating population-based AMI programs. Methods Latin America Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN) required methodical groundwork during a 12-month pilot prior to its formal launch and sustenance for 5 years. It involved scrupulous site selection, technology, and telemedicine optimization and system-wide process metrics. Spokes are the LATIN nucleus and require constant (3-T) training: Triage, Telemedicine, and Transportation. Plus, a mandatory deconstruct of their role in LATIN, of urgent transfer and desist non-critical care. Telemedicine requires constant upgrading of platform, tele-equipment and cloud computing. Ambulance availability is a constant challenge as is the battle with payers. Data entry has required meticulous training and oversight. Strict QA processes have monitored critical metrics: Spokes (Door In Door Out, DIDO and Transport Times); Hubs (Door to Balloon Times, D2B); Telemedicine Platform (Time to Telemedicine Diagnosis, TTD). Results Linear growth is observed in the number of sites and telemedicine screenings with simultaneous and sustained improvements in D2B and TTD. 784,395 patients were screened at 350 LATIN centers (Brazil 143, Colombia 118, Mexico 82, Argentina 7). With expanded reach, 8,440 (1.08%) patients were diagnosed and 3,924 (46.5%) urgently reperfused, including 3,048 (77.7%) with PCI. Time to Telemedicine Diagnosis (TTD) was 3 min, tele-accuracy 98.9%, D2B 51 min and in-hospital morality 5.2%. Major reasons for non-treatment were insurance, lack of ICU beds and delayed presentation. Conclusions As other regions of the world develop large, population-based AMI management initiatives, LATIN can provide important lessons in the sustainability of these processes.

P1741Hitting the wall in converting diagnosed ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients to treating them: a humbling analysis from LATIN telemedicine

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mehta ◽  
R Botelho ◽  
S Niklitschek ◽  
F Fernandez ◽  
J Cade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
St Elevation ◽  
Door To Balloon ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The behemoth telemedicine program, Latin America Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN) has exponentially grown in 4 countries in Central and South America. It has provided AMI coverage to >100 million patients and it has contributed to transforming AMI care in the continent by its “halo” effect. We continue our meticulous search in evaluating the impact of LATIN and in doing so, we have confronted a sobering reality. Purpose To make continued improvements in population-based AMI management, the continued success of the initiative requires participation from healthcare policy makers, health economists, and payers. Methods LATIN was created as a hub and spoke model to hugely increase access (>100 million population coverage) to quality AMI treatment primarily with short door to balloon time (D2B) PCI. Innovative telemedicine platforms were created and networked at all 350 centers that were located in small clinics and primary health centers in poor sections of the countries (spokes) and at 24/7 PCI capable institutions (hubs). Remote cardiologists, located in 3 central locations, provided immediate EKG diagnosis (time to telemedicine diagnosis, TTD <3.5 minutes) and they provided expert guidance for the entire STEMI process, Door in Door Out (DIDO), and transport times (TT). LATIN performance metrics, under its strict control, and including process metrics at the hubs, spokes, and at the command telemedicine sites, were measured and plotted. The macroeconomic variables of insurance approvals, ambulance structure, and availability of ICU beds were determined and incorporated into performance variables of the LATIN program. Results 784,395 patients were screened at 350 LATIN centers (Brazil 143, Colombia 118, Mexico 82, Argentina 7). With expanded reach, 8,440 (1.08%) patients were diagnosed and 3,924 (46.5%) urgently reperfused, including 3,048 (77.7%) with PCI. Time to Telemedicine Diagnosis (TTD) was 3 min, tele-accuracy 98.9%, D2B 51 min, and in-hospital mortality 5.2%. Over 4 years of operation, the proportion of reperfused STEMI patients has ranged between 41–48% - the major reasons for non-treatment were insurance, lack of ICU beds and delayed presentation. Conclusions Sustained improvements, as a result of stringent QA processes and continuous education, have resulted in reduced D2B, TTD, DIDO, TT, and in overall mortality. However, LATIN remains constrained with a large proportion of patients that are diagnosed but not treated, largely because of payer denials. Although this metric is showing improvement from broad dissemination of LATIN benefits, further gains from LATIN will result mainly from improved reimbursements.

P1751LATIN - A template for effective AMI management in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mehta ◽  
R Botelho ◽  
F Fernandez ◽  
F Feres ◽  
A Abizaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Process Metrics ◽  
System Prototype

Abstract Background In resource-constrained nations, population-based AMI coverage is daunting. Telemedicine can transform the situation through an efficient, cost-effective and scalable program called the Latin America Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN). We present our innovative hub-spoke strategy, that has served >780,000 patients. Purpose To use telemedicine protocols to demonstrate appropriate access to quality AMI care, encompassing remote areas. Methods LATIN required technology and process metrics optimization as well as a scrupulous site selection, during a 12-month pilot. Spokes represent our strategy's nucleus; they consist of small, rural clinics and resource-limited facilities that are connected to PCI-capable hubs. Spokes require constant (3-T) training: Triage, Telemedicine, and Transportation. The latter two categories are the most challenging because they demand constant upgrading. Results 784,395 patients were screened at 350 LATIN centers (Brazil 143, Colombia 118, Mexico 82, Argentina 7). A total of 8,440 (1.08%) patients were diagnosed with AMI; 3,924 (46.5%) were urgently reperfused including 3,048 (77.7%) who underwent PCI. Globally, Time to Telemedicine Diagnosis (TTD) was 3 min exhibiting 98.9% tele-accuracy, D2B was 51 min, additionally, in-hospital mortality was 5.2%. Major reasons for non-treatment of patients were insurance, lack of ICU beds and delayed presentation. Conclusions LATIN is a valuable healthcare system prototype for developing countries. Our hub-spoke strategy focuses on providing adequate AMI management for populations. However, aspects such as ambulance availability, insurance denial and lack of ICU beds must be targeted to improve performance.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness of Comprehensive screening of general population for hypertension: Can it save money and Life? Systematic review of Pharmacoeconomic Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Davari ◽  
Mende Mensa Sorato ◽  
Shekoufeh Nikfar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
General Population ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Abstract Background: Hypertension is one of major modifiable risk factors contributing for development of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease. Silent nature of the disease, delayed presentation of patients to health system after development of significant cardiovascular events and poor access to comprehensive health care are major challenge of hypertension control. Early screening, detection and treatment of hypertension is effective for control of the disease progression. However, there is no robust evidence on whether screening general population for hypertension is cost-effective or not. Therefore, this review was conducted t o generate evidence on cost effectiveness of population-based hypertension screening for asymptomatic individuals as early detection strategy for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: PubMed/Medline , Scopus, Web of sciences and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to 11 December 2019. Two investigators independently selected and reviewed fair and good-quality pharmacoeconomic studies for the cost-effectiveness of asymptomatic screening for hypertension in the community. Quality of selected literatures are evaluated by authors based on comprehensive tool developed for critical appraisal of pharmacoeconomic studies. Results: Eleven included Pharmacoeconomic studies reported favorable results for screening asymptomatic adults for hypertension. Most of studies agreed on cost-effectiveness of screening adults aged 40 years and older. Screening of general adult population for hypertension is not-cost effective. Conclusion: Screening population 40 years and older with or without additional risk factors is cost-effective in reducing hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries.

Maximum artificial intelligence and complete reconstruct of population-based AMI care

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mehta ◽  
M Gibson ◽  
S Niklitschek ◽  
F Fernandez ◽  
C Villagran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Primary Pci ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Door To Balloon ◽  
Time Of Presentation ◽  
Gradual Release ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Background After creating a behemoth hub and spoke AMI network that encompasses more than 100 million patients in 5 countries, we have begun to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms into our telemedicine strategy with the goal of creating comprehensive, very early AMI diagnosis and physician-free triage. In doing so, we have replaced door-to-balloon times (d2b) with symptom-to-balloon times (s2b) as an immutable objective. Purpose To incorporate AI attributes for very early AMI detection, triage, and management. Methods We expanded our effective telemedicine strategy (100 million population; 877,178 telemedicine encounters; 55% overall mortality reduction; $291 million cost savings) with a logistic reset to impact s2b. To do this, we incorporated our Single Lead 1.0 (lead I) and Single Lead 2.0 (lead V2) technology for self-administered AMI detection with our physician-free STEMI diagnosis and triage AI algorithms. Single Lead algorithms and physician-free protocols were generated by utilizing Machine Learning from our mammoth annotated EKG repository. Results In addition to three logistic markers of efficiency Time-to-Telemedicine Diagnosis (TTD), Door-In-Door-Out (DIDO) and Transfer Times (TT); we are monitoring s2b. A gradual release of the algorithms and single lead is occurring at the telemedicine spokes. Detailed results will be available at the time of presentation. Conclusions Impacting s2b, the Achilles Heel of Primary PCI, may be achieved with the use of patient-administered AMI detection tools. Incorporation of these technologies into AI algorithms will add to telemedicine efficiencies for population-based AMI care. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Long-Term Risk of Colorectal Cancer After Negative Colonoscopy

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (28) ◽  
pp. 3761-3767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermann Brenner ◽  
Jenny Chang-Claude ◽  
Christoph M. Seiler ◽  
Michael Hoffmeister
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Family History ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
History Of ◽  
Screening Intervals

Purpose Colonoscopy is thought to be a powerful and cost-effective tool to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Empirical evidence for overall and risk group–specific definition of screening intervals is sparse. We aimed to assess the risk of CRC according to time since negative colonoscopy, overall, and by sex, smoking, and family history of CRC, in a large population-based case-control study. Patients and Methods In all, 1,945 patients with CRC and 2,399 population controls were recruited in 22 hospitals and through population registers in the Rhine-Neckar region of Germany from 2003 to 2007. Data on history of colonoscopy and important covariates were obtained by personal interviews and from medical records. Results Compared with people who had never undergone colonoscopy, people with a previous negative colonoscopy had a strongly reduced risk of CRC. Adjusted odds ratios for time windows of 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 19, and 20+ years after negative colonoscopy were 0.14 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.20), 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08 to 0.19), 0.26 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.39), 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.45), and 0.40 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.66), respectively. Low risks even beyond 10 years after negative colonoscopy were observed for both left- and right-sided CRC and in all risk groups assessed except current smokers, who had a risk similar to that of never smokers with no previous colonoscopy 10 or more years after a negative colonoscopy. Conclusion These results support suggestions that screening intervals for CRC screening by colonoscopy could be longer than the commonly recommended 10 years in most cases, perhaps even among men and people with a family history of CRC, but probably not among current smokers.

scholarly journals Length of Stay Following Primary Total Hip Replacement

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 500-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Foote ◽  
Kirby Panchoo ◽  
Peter Blair ◽  
Gordon Bannister
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Hip Replacement ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Prolonged Stay ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION Much of the cost of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) comprises the length of stay in hospital. Given the increasing drive for cost-effective surgery in today's National Health Service, the aim of this investigation was to determine the patient and surgical factors that most influence the length of stay following surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS A large, population-based study of 675 consecutive patients in a regional orthopaedic centre in the South West of Britain. RESULTS The median length of stay was 8 days. The majority of patients (81.5%) left hospital within 2 weeks, 13.6% within 2–4 weeks and 4.9% after 4 weeks. On multivariate analysis, age above 70 years, ASA grades 3 and 4, prolonged operations and long incisions were highly significantly associated with hospital stay of over 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged stay after THA is largely predetermined by case mix and this should be taken into account when units are compared for performance and in the remuneration they receive for providing this service. Slick surgery through limited incisions may reduce the length of stay.

P6142LATIN telemedicine - expanded umbrella of cost-effective ami coverage for 100 million people

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Torres ◽  
S Mehta ◽  
R Botelho ◽  
F Fernandez ◽  
J Cade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Primary Pci ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Catheterization Laboratory ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
And Training

Abstract Background AMI is a unique entity where the immediate diagnosis can be made by a single test, the EKG. Despite this matchless attribute of easy diagnosis, developing (and some developed) countries lack resources and efficient pathways for urgent and reliable diagnosis of AMI. With Latin Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN), we have previously presented Telemedicine as a pragmatic solution for urgent and accurate diagnosis of AMI. In this work, we reveal pathways of scalable population-based AMI management models. Purpose To utilize telemedicine as a foundation pillar for creating cost-effective and global models of AMI management. Methods LATIN pilot tested the hypothesis of remote guidance of AMI management and expanded access by creating a hub and spoke, STEMI systems of care that exploited regional resources. A highly efficient, web-based, cloud-computing prototype was developed and scrupulously monitored with a new metric of time to telemedicine diagnosis (TTD). STEMI systems of care were created to efficiently triage the diagnosed patients for being treated with thrombolysis, pharmaco-invasive management or Primary PCI. This stratagem had enormous provincial variability and was constrained mainly by ambulance structure. Telemedicine and IT costs were forced lower and enabled a cost-effective process to hugely provide access to 100 million patients located in poorer regions of Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. Education and training have formed the mantra for LATIN and stakeholder development, and ambulance systems development has remained immutable goals. Results Almost 800,000 patients were successfully screening through LATIN with a cost for accurate STEMI diagnosis of < $3, a tele accuracy that exceeded 95% and with TTD <4 minutes. A total of 8,440 (1.1%) of patients were diagnosed with AMI in this manner and 3,924 (46.5%) urgently reperfused, mainly with Primary PCI (3,048, 77.8%). D2B times have been lowered now to 51 minutes but this is fortuitous, as several PCI-capable facilities are small, and direct transfer to the catheterization laboratory is easy. Door in and Door out times and transport times remain high as a large number of patients are denied by insurance and other payers for treatment. Overall, mortality is 5.2%. Conclusions Global financial and philanthropic institutions should contemplate models analogous to LATIN for saving the lives of millions of poor patients in developing countries from AMI.

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