scholarly journals US veterans administration diabetes risk (VADR) national cohort: cohort profile

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e039489
Author(s):  
Sanja Avramovic ◽  
Farrokh Alemi ◽  
Rania Kanchi ◽  
Priscilla M Lopez ◽  
Richard B Hayes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Veteran Administration ◽  
Diabetes Risk ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Incident Diabetes ◽  
Veterans Administration ◽  
Cohort Entry ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe veterans administration diabetes risk (VADR) cohort facilitates studies on temporal and geographic patterns of pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as targeted studies of their predictors. The cohort provides an infrastructure for examination of novel individual and community-level risk factors for diabetes and their consequences among veterans. This cohort also establishes a baseline against which to assess the impact of national or regional strategies to prevent diabetes in veterans.ParticipantsThe VADR cohort includes all 6 082 018 veterans in the USA enrolled in the veteran administration (VA) for primary care who were diabetes-free as of 1 January 2008 and who had at least two diabetes-free visits to a VA primary care service at least 30 days apart within any 5-year period since 1 January 2003, or veterans subsequently enrolled and were diabetes-free at cohort entry through 31 December 2016. Cohort subjects were followed from the date of cohort entry until censure defined as date of incident diabetes, loss to follow-up of 2 years, death or until 31 December 2018.Findings to dateThe incidence rate of type 2 diabetes in this cohort of over 6 million veterans followed for a median of 5.5 years (over 35 million person-years (PY)) was 26 per 1000 PY. During the study period, 8.5% of the cohort were lost to follow-up and 17.7% died. Many demographic, comorbidity and other clinical variables were more prevalent among patients with incident diabetes.Future plansThis cohort will be used to study community-level risk factors for diabetes, such as attributes of the food environment and neighbourhood socioeconomic status via geospatial linkage to residence address information.

Primary care and all-cause mortality in urban China: a mixed-level analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Promoting Effect ◽  
Primary Care Supply ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is still a lack of evidence focusing on primary care supply in developing countries where the educational achievement of primary care practitioners is relatively low. Objectives By using a nationally representative longitudinal and prospective cohort study, this study examined whether primary care supply, measured by the availability and the number of community health centres (CHCs), was associated with 4-year mortality risk among community-dwelling participants aged 45 and above in urban China. Methods Using the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), we conducted a longitudinal mixed-level logistic analysis to study the impact of the availability and the number of CHC on 4-year follow-up mortality risk, after adjusting community- and individual-level covariates. Results Individuals living in communities with CHC were 31% less likely to die during the 4-year follow-up (P < 0.05) conditional on community-level characteristics, including the basic facilities availability, population size and physical area, and individuals’ socio-demographic and health characteristics and health behaviours. Also, an increased number of community-level CHC was shown to decrease residents’ 4-year mortality risk significantly (odds ratio = 0.82, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the association was more pronounced among adults aged 65 and above. Conclusion This study provides additional evidence of the health-promoting effect of primary care supply among urban residents in China. Improving primary care coverage in China should be necessary to improve health care access, thus promoting population health.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the implementation of quality improvement (QI) in primary care dentistry: a multi-method approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e000839
Author(s):  
Heather Cassie ◽  
Vinay Mistry ◽  
Laura Beaton ◽  
Irene Black ◽  
Janet E Clarkson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Scottish Government ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesEnsuring that healthcare is patient-centred, safe and harm free is the cornerstone of the NHS. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) is a national initiative to support the provision of safe, high-quality care. SPSP promotes a coordinated approach to quality improvement (QI) in primary care by providing evidence-based methods, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative methodology. These methods are relatively untested within dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact to inform the development and implementation of improvement collaboratives as a means for QI in primary care dentistry.DesignA multimethod study underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Kirkpatrick model. Quantitative data were collected using baseline and follow-up questionnaires, designed to explore beliefs and behaviours towards improving quality in practice. Qualitative data were gathered using interviews with dental team members and practice-based case studies.ResultsOne hundred and eleven dental team members completed the baseline questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires were returned by 79 team members. Twelve practices, including two case studies, participated in evaluation interviews. Findings identified positive beliefs and increased knowledge and skills towards QI, as well as increased confidence about using QI methodologies in practice. Barriers included time, poor patient and team engagement, communication and leadership. Facilitators included team working, clear roles, strong leadership, training, peer support and visible benefits. Participants’ knowledge and skills were identified as an area for improvement.ConclusionsFindings demonstrate increased knowledge, skills and confidence in relation to QI methodology and highlight areas for improvement. This is an example of partnership working between the Scottish Government and NHSScotland towards a shared ambition to provide safe care to every patient. More work is required to evaluate the sustainability and transferability of improvement collaboratives as a means for QI in dentistry and wider primary care.

Effect of Professional CGM (pCGM) on Glucose Management in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682199872
Author(s):  
Gregg D. Simonson ◽  
Richard M. Bergenstal ◽  
Mary L. Johnson ◽  
Janet L. Davidson ◽  
Thomas W. Martens
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Time In Range ◽  
Glucose Management ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Primary Care Management

Background: Little data exists regarding the impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the primary care management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We initiated a quality improvement (QI) project in a large healthcare system to determine the effect of professional CGM (pCGM) on glucose management. We evaluated both an MD and RN/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Care Model. Methods: Participants with T2D for >1 yr., A1C ≥7.0% to <11.0%, managed with any T2D regimen and willing to use pCGM were included. Baseline A1C was collected and participants wore a pCGM (Libre Pro) for up to 2 weeks, followed by a visit with an MD or RN/CDCES to review CGM data including Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) Report. Shared-decision making was used to modify lifestyle and medications. Clinic follow-up in 3 to 6 months included an A1C and, in a subset, a repeat pCGM. Results: Sixty-eight participants average age 61.6 years, average duration of T2D 15 years, mean A1C 8.8%, were identified. Pre to post pCGM lowered A1C from 8.8% ± 1.2% to 8.2% ± 1.3% (n=68, P=0.006). The time in range (TIR) and time in hyperglycemia improved along with more hypoglycemia in the subset of 37 participants who wore a second pCGM. Glycemic improvement was due to lifestyle counseling (68% of participants) and intensification of therapy (65% of participants), rather than addition of medications. Conclusions: Using pCGM in primary care, with an MD or RN/CDCES Care Model, is effective at lowering A1C, increasing TIR and reducing time in hyperglycemia without necessarily requiring additional medications.

scholarly journals Associations between left bundle branch block with different PR intervals, QRS durations, heart rates and the risk of heart failure: a register-based cohort study using ECG data from the primary care setting

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001425
Author(s):  
Marc Meller Søndergaard ◽  
Johannes Riis ◽  
Karoline Willum Bodker ◽  
Steen Møller Hansen ◽  
Jesper Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Left Bundle Branch Block ◽  
Bundle Branch Block ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pr Interval ◽  
Qrs Duration ◽  
The Impact

AimLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). We assessed the impact of common ECG parameters on this association using large-scale data.Methods and resultsUsing ECGs recorded in a large primary care population from 2001 to 2011, we identified HF-naive patients with a first-time LBBB ECG. We obtained information on sex, age, emigration, medication, diseases and death from Danish registries. We investigated the association between the PR interval, QRS duration, and heart rate and the risk of HF over a 2-year follow-up period using Cox regression analysis.Of 2471 included patients with LBBB, 464 (18.8%) developed HF during follow-up. A significant interaction was found between QRS duration and heart rate (p<0.01), and the analyses were stratified on these parameters. Using a QRS duration <150 ms and a heart rate <70 beats per minute (bpm) as the reference, all groups were statistically significantly associated with the development of HF. Patients with a QRS duration ≥150 ms and heart rate ≥70 bpm had the highest risk of developing HF (HR 3.17 (95% CI 2.41 to 4.18, p<0.001). There was no association between the PR interval and HF after adjustment.ConclusionProlonged QRS duration and higher heart rate were associated with increased risk of HF among primary care patients with LBBB, while no association was observed with PR interval. Patients with LBBB with both a prolonged QRS duration (≥150 ms) and higher heart rate (≥70 bpm) have the highest risk of developing HF.

scholarly journals Examining the effectiveness of telemonitoring with routinely acquired blood pressure data in primary care: challenges in the statistical analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Parker ◽  
Paul Padfield ◽  
Janet Hanley ◽  
Hilary Pinnock ◽  
John Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Random Coefficient ◽  
White Coat ◽  
White Coat Effect ◽  
Regression Adjustment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Scale-up BP was a quasi-experimental implementation study, following a successful randomised controlled trial of the roll-out of telemonitoring in primary care across Lothian, Scotland. Our primary objective was to assess the effect of telemonitoring on blood pressure (BP) control using routinely collected data. Telemonitored systolic and diastolic BP were compared with surgery BP measurements from patients not using telemonitoring (comparator patients). The statistical analysis and interpretation of findings was challenging due to the broad range of biases potentially influencing the results, including differences in the frequency of readings, ‘white coat effect’, end digit preference, and missing data. Methods Four different statistical methods were employed in order to minimise the impact of these biases on the comparison between telemonitoring and comparator groups. These methods were “standardisation with stratification”, “standardisation with matching”, “regression adjustment for propensity score” and “random coefficient modelling”. The first three methods standardised the groups so that all participants provided exactly two measurements at baseline and 6–12 months follow-up prior to analysis. The fourth analysis used linear mixed modelling based on all available data. Results The standardisation with stratification analysis showed a significantly lower systolic BP in telemonitoring patients at 6–12 months follow-up (-4.06, 95% CI -6.30 to -1.82, p < 0.001) for patients with systolic BP below 135 at baseline. For the standardisation with matching and regression adjustment for propensity score analyses, systolic BP was significantly lower overall (− 5.96, 95% CI -8.36 to − 3.55 , p < 0.001) and (− 3.73, 95% CI− 5.34 to − 2.13, p < 0.001) respectively, even after assuming that − 5 of the difference was due to ‘white coat effect’. For the random coefficient modelling, the improvement in systolic BP was estimated to be -3.37 (95% CI -5.41 to -1.33 , p < 0.001) after 1 year. Conclusions The four analyses provide additional evidence for the effectiveness of telemonitoring in controlling BP in routine primary care. The random coefficient analysis is particularly recommended due to its ability to utilise all available data. However, adjusting for the complex array of biases was difficult. Researchers should appreciate the potential for bias in implementation studies and seek to acquire a detailed understanding of the study context in order to design appropriate analytical approaches.

scholarly journals Uptake and detection rate of a stepwise cardiometabolic disease detection program in primary care—a cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-407
Author(s):  
Daphne M Stol ◽  
Monika Hollander ◽  
Ilse F Badenbroek ◽  
Mark M J Nielen ◽  
François G Schellevis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Detection Program ◽  
Risk Patients

Abstract Background Early detection and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in high-risk patients is a promising preventive strategy to anticipate the increasing burden of CMD. The Dutch guideline ‘the prevention consultation’ provides a framework for stepwise CMD risk assessment and detection in primary care. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of this program in terms of newly diagnosed CMD. Methods A cohort study among 30 934 patients, aged 45–70 years without known CMD or CMD risk factors, who were invited for the CMD detection program within 37 general practices. Patients filled out a CMD risk score (step 1), were referred for additional risk profiling in case of high risk (step 2) and received lifestyle advice and (pharmacological) treatment if indicated (step 3). During 1-year follow-up newly diagnosed CMD, prescriptions and abnormal diagnostic tests were assessed. Results Twelve thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight patients filled out the risk score of which 865, 6665 and 5208 had a low, intermediate and high CMD risk, respectively. One thousand seven hundred and fifty-five high-risk patients consulted the general practitioner, in 346 of whom a new CMD was diagnosed. In an additional 422 patients a new prescription and/or abnormal diagnostic test were found. Conclusions Implementation of the CMD detection program resulted in a new CMD diagnosis in one-fifth of high-risk patients who attended the practice for completion of their risk profile. However, the potential yield of the program could be higher given the considerable number of additional risk factors—such as elevated glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels—found, requiring active follow-up and presumably treatment in the future.

scholarly journals Impact of risk factors associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia S Crowson ◽  
Silvia Rollefstad ◽  
Eirik Ikdahl ◽  
George D Kitas ◽  
Piet L C M van Riel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Disease Activity Score ◽  
Population Attributable Risk ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the impact of CVD risk factors, including potential sex differences, and RA-specific variables on CVD outcome in a large, international cohort of patients with RA.MethodsIn 13 rheumatology centres, data on CVD risk factors and RA characteristics were collected at baseline. CVD outcomes (myocardial infarction, angina, revascularisation, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and CVD death) were collected using standardised definitions.Results5638 patients with RA and no prior CVD were included (mean age: 55.3 (SD: 14.0) years, 76% women). During mean follow-up of 5.8 (SD: 4.4) years, 148 men and 241 women developed a CVD event (10-year cumulative incidence 20.9% and 11.1%, respectively). Men had a higher burden of CVD risk factors, including increased blood pressure, higher total cholesterol and smoking prevalence than women (all p<0.001). Among the traditional CVD risk factors, smoking and hypertension had the highest population attributable risk (PAR) overall and among both sexes, followed by total cholesterol. The PAR for Disease Activity Score and for seropositivity were comparable in magnitude to the PAR for lipids. A total of 70% of CVD events were attributable to all CVD risk factors and RA characteristics combined (separately 49% CVD risk factors and 30% RA characteristics).ConclusionsIn a large, international cohort of patients with RA, 30% of CVD events were attributable to RA characteristics. This finding indicates that RA characteristics play an important role in efforts to reduce CVD risk among patients with RA.

scholarly journals Prevalence, risk factors, and impact of lung cancer on outcomes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a study from the Middle East

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherif Mohamed ◽  
Hassan Bayoumi ◽  
Nashwa Abd El-Aziz ◽  
Ehab Mousa ◽  
Yasser Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Significant Independent Predictor ◽  
Upper Egypt ◽  
The Impact

Background: No studies have addressed the impact of lung cancer (LC) on prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Upper Egypt. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for LC among IPF patients and its impact on their outcomes and survival in Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 246 patients with IPF who had complete clinical and follow up data were reviewed. They were categorized into 2 groups: 34 patients with biopsy-proven LC and IPF (LC-IPF) and 212 patients with IPF only (IPF). Survival and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Results: Prevalence of LC was 13.8%. Pack/years was the most significant predictor for LC development in IPF (Odds ratio; 3.225, CI 1.257–1.669, p = 0.001). Survival in patients with LC-IPF was significantly worse than in patients with IPF without LC; median survival, 35 months vs 55 months; p = 0.000. LC accompanying IPF was one of the most significant independent predictors of survival in IPF patients (Hazard ratio 5.431, CI 2.186–13.492, p = 0.000). Mortality in LC-IPF patients was mainly due to LC progression in 36% and LC therapy-related complications in 22%. Conclusions: Prevalence of LC in IPF patients was 13.8%. Lung cancer has significant impacts on patients with IPF in Upper Egypt, in terms of clinical outcomes and survival. Smoking is the most significant independent predictor of LC development in IPF patients. A poorer survival was observed for patients with IPF developing LC, mainly due to LC progression, and to complications of its therapies. Further prospective, multicenter and larger studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Risk factors for and outcomes of postoperative complications in adult patients with moyamoya disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 531-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Zhao ◽  
Xiaofeng Deng ◽  
Dong Zhang ◽  
Shuo Wang ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Moyamoya Disease ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Cerebral Hyperperfusion ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEThe risk factors and clinical significance of postoperative complications in moyamoya disease are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of postoperative complications in moyamoya disease and examine the impact of complications on outcomes.METHODSThe authors reviewed consecutive cases involving adult moyamoya disease patients who underwent indirect, direct, or combined bypass surgery in their hospital between 2009 and 2015. Preoperative clinical characteristics and radiographic features were recorded. Postoperative complications within 14 days after surgery were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for either postoperative ischemia or postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion. Outcome data, including recurrent strokes and neurological status (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) during follow-up, were collected. Outcomes were compared between patients who had complications with those without complications, using propensity-score analysis to account for between-group differences in baseline characteristics.RESULTSA total of 500 patients (610 hemispheres) were included in this study. Postoperative complications were observed in 74 operations (12.1%), including new postoperative ischemia in 30 cases (4.9%), hyperperfusion in 27 (4.4%), impaired wound healing in 12 (2.0%), and subdural effusion in 6 (1.0%). The complication rates for different surgery types were as follows: 12.6% (n = 25) for indirect bypass, 12.7% (n = 37) for direct bypass, and 10.0% (n = 12) for combined bypass (p = 0.726). Postoperative ischemic complications occurred in 30 hemispheres (4.9%) in 30 different patients, and postoperative symptomatic hyperperfusion occurred after 27 procedures (4.4%). Advanced Suzuki stage (OR 1.669, 95% CI 1.059–2.632, p = 0.027) and preoperative ischemic presentation (OR 5.845, 95% CI 1.654–20.653, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with postoperative ischemia. Preoperative ischemic presentation (OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.27–25.88, p = 0.023) and admission modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.06–3.10, p = 0.031) were significantly associated with symptomatic postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS). Compared with patients without postoperative complications, patients who experienced any postoperative complications had longer hospital stays and worse mRS scores at discharge (both p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, no significant differences in functional disability (mRS score 3–6, 11.9% vs 4.5%, p = 0.116) and future stroke events (p = 0.513) between the 2 groups were detected.CONCLUSIONSAdvanced Suzuki stage and preoperative ischemic presentation were independent risk factors for postoperative ischemia; the mRS score on admission and preoperative ischemic presentation were independently associated with postoperative CHS. Although patients with postoperative complications had worse neurological status at discharge, postoperative complications had no associations with future stroke events or functional disability during follow-up.

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