scholarly journals Evaluation of an automated feedback intervention to improve antimicrobial prescribing among primary care physicians (OPEN Stewardship): protocol for an interrupted time-series and usability analysis in Ontario, Canada and Southern Israel

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e039810
Author(s):  
Jean-Paul R Soucy ◽  
Marcelo Low ◽  
Kamal Raj Acharya ◽  
Moriah Ellen ◽  
Anette Hulth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Antimicrobial Prescribing ◽  
Automated Feedback

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance undermines our ability to treat bacterial infections, leading to longer hospital stays, increased morbidity and mortality, and a mounting burden to the healthcare system. Antimicrobial stewardship is increasingly important to safeguard the efficacy of existing drugs, as few new drugs are in the developmental pipeline. While significant progress has been made with respect to stewardship in hospitals, relatively little progress has been made in the primary care setting, where the majority of antimicrobials are prescribed. OPEN Stewardship is an international collaboration to develop an automated feedback platform to improve responsible antimicrobial prescribing among primary care physicians and capable of being deployed across heterogeneous healthcare settings. We describe the protocol for an evaluation of this automated feedback intervention with two main objectives: assessing changes in antimicrobial prescribing among participating physicians and determining the usability and usefulness of the reports.Methods and analysisA non-randomised evaluation of the automated feedback intervention (OPEN Stewardship) will be conducted among approximately 150 primary care physicians recruited from Ontario, Canada and Southern Israel, based on a series of targeted stewardship messages sent using the platform. Using a controlled interrupted time-series analysis and multilevel negative binomial modelling, we will compare the antimicrobial prescribing rates of participants before and after the intervention, and also to the prescribing rates of non-participants (from the same healthcare network) during the same period. We will examine outcomes targeted by the stewardship messages, including prescribing for antimicrobials with duration longer than 7 days and prescribing for indications where antimicrobials are typically unnecessary. Participants will also complete a series of surveys to determine the usability and usefulness of the stewardship reports.Ethics and disseminationAll sites have obtained ethics committee approval to recruit providers and access anonymised prescribing data. Dissemination will occur through open-access publication, stakeholder networks and national/international meetings.

scholarly journals 1086Methodological challenges using routine aggregated data in a primary care implementation trial on opioid prescribing

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Farragher ◽  
Sarah Alderson ◽  
Paul Carder ◽  
Tom Willis ◽  
Robbie Foy
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Routine Data ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Focus of Presentation There is international concern over rising trends in opioid prescribing, largely attributed to prescribing for chronic non-cancer pain. We conducted a controlled interrupted time series study on anonymised, aggregated practice data to evaluate the effect of the Campaign to Reduce Opioid Prescribing (CROP) in reducing the number of patients taking opioid medication in West Yorkshire UK practices targeted by the feedback intervention, compared to practices outside of West Yorkshire. We will discuss the methodological challenges addressed in the collection and analysis of these data, and the implications for using routine data in trials. Findings Primary care data sources for feedback interventions include large-scale databases (General Practice Research Database), high-level nationally gathered databases (OpenPrescribing.com) or data extracted directly from electronic health records (EHR). We will discuss the implications of the different sources of data and compare the results from each, in understanding the impact of the feedback intervention of reducing opioid prescribing over time. The consequences of the heterogeneity of the data sources on the interrupted time series analysis undertaken will also be discussed and solutions outlined. Conclusions/Implications Routine data are heterogeneous, with different purposes, structures and collection methods, which have considerable implications on their use, analysis and interpretation. Researchers need to understand that the utility of routine data sources have implications (both practically and methodologically) in conducting pragmatic trials, which should be considered when planning and conducting future studies using routine data.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an OPEN Stewardship generated feedback intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing among primary care veterinarians in Ontario, Canada and Israel: protocol for evaluating usability and an interrupted time-series analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e039760
Author(s):  
Kamal Raj Acharya ◽  
Gabrielle Brankston ◽  
Jean-Paul R Soucy ◽  
Adar Cohen ◽  
Anette Hulth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Feedback Report ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) impacts the health and well-being of animals, affects animal owners both socially and economically, and contributes to AMR at the human and environmental interface. The overuse and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals has been identified as one of the most important drivers of the development of AMR in animals. Effective antibiotic stewardship interventions such as feedback can be adopted in veterinary practices to improve antibiotic prescribing. However, the provision of dedicated financial and technical resources to implement such systems are challenging. The newly developed web-based Online Platform for Expanding Antibiotic Stewardship (OPEN Stewardship) platform aims to automate the generation of feedback reports and facilitate wider adoption of antibiotic stewardship. This paper describes a protocol to evaluate the usability and usefulness of a feedback intervention among veterinarians and assess its impact on individual antibiotic prescribing.Methods and analysisApproximately 80 veterinarians from Ontario, Canada and 60 veterinarians from Israel will be voluntarily enrolled in a controlled interrupted time-series study and their monthly antibiotic prescribing data accessed. The study intervention consists of targeted feedback reports generated using the OPEN Stewardship platform. After a 3-month preintervention period, a cohort of veterinarians (treatment cohort, n=120) will receive three feedback reports over the course of 6 months while the remainder of the veterinarians (n=20) will be the control cohort. A survey will be administered among the treatment cohort after each feedback cycle to assess the usability and usefulness of various elements of the feedback report. A multilevel negative-binomial regression analysis of the preintervention and postintervention antibiotic prescribing of the treatment cohort will be performed to evaluate the impact of the intervention.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics board approval was obtained at each participating site prior to the recruitment of the veterinarians. The study findings will be disseminated through open-access scientific publications, stakeholder networks and national/international meetings.

scholarly journals Correction to: Measuring the impact of the Afordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on access to primary care using an interrupted time series approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Brown ◽  
Brandi M. White ◽  
Walter J. Jones ◽  
Mulugeta Gebregziabher ◽  
Kit N. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Medicaid Expansion ◽  
Time Series Approach ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
The Impact

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implementing HIV testing in primary care in East London: protocol for an interrupted time series analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Leber ◽  
Lee Beresford ◽  
Claire Nightingale ◽  
Estela Capelas Barbosa ◽  
Stephen Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Rapid Hiv Testing ◽  
Post Trial ◽  
Implementation Programme

IntroductionHIV remains underdiagnosed. Guidelines recommend routine HIV testing in primary care, but evidence on implementing testing is lacking. In a previous study, the Rapid HIV Assessment 2 (RHIVA2) cluster randomised controlled trial, we showed that providing training and rapid point-of-care HIV testing at general practice registration (RHIVA2 intervention) in Hackney led to cost-effective, increased and earlier diagnosis of HIV. However, interventions effective in a trial context may be less so when implemented in routine practice. We describe the protocol for an MRC phase IV implementation programme, evaluating the impact of rolling out the RHIVA2 intervention in a post-trial setting. We will use a longitudinal study to examine if the post-trial implementation in Hackney practices is effective and cost-effective, and a cross-sectional study to compare Hackney with two adjacent boroughs providing usual primary care (Newham) and an enhanced service promoting HIV testing in primary care (Tower Hamlets).Methods and analysisService evaluation using interrupted time series and cost-effectiveness analyses. We will include all general practices in three contiguous high HIV prevalence East London boroughs. All adults aged 16 and above registered with the practices will be included. The interventions to be examined are: a post-trial RHIVA2 implementation programme (including practice-based education and training, external quality assurance, incentive payments for rapid HIV testing and incorporation of rapid HIV testing in the sexual health Local Enhanced Service) in Hackney; the general practice sexual health Network Improved Service in Tower Hamlets and usual care in Newham. Coprimary outcomes are rates of HIV testing and new HIV diagnoses.Ethics and disseminationThe chair of the Camden and Islington NHS Research Ethics Committee, London, has endorsed this programme as an evaluation of routine care. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and reported to commissioners.

The Impact of a National Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violeta Balinskaite ◽  
Alan P Johnson ◽  
Alison Holmes ◽  
Paul Aylin
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Segmented Regression ◽  
Broad Spectrum Antibiotic ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Quality Premium was introduced in 2015 to financially reward local commissioners of healthcare in England for targeted reductions in antibiotic prescribing in primary care. Methods We used a national antibiotic prescribing dataset from April 2013 until February 2017 to examine the number of antibiotic items prescribed, the total number of antibiotic items prescribed per STAR-PU (specific therapeutic group age/sex-related prescribing units), the number of broad-spectrum antibiotic items prescribed, and broad-spectrum antibiotic items prescribed, expressed as a percentage of the total number of antibiotic items. To evaluate the impact of the Quality Premium on antibiotic prescribing, we used a segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data. Results During the study period, over 140 million antibiotic items were prescribed in primary care. Following the introduction of the Quality Premium, antibiotic items prescribed decreased by 8.2%, representing 5933563 fewer antibiotic items prescribed during the 23 post-intervention months, as compared with the expected numbers based on the trend in the pre-intervention period. After adjusting for the age and sex distribution in the population, the segmented regression model also showed a significant relative decrease in antibiotic items prescribed per STAR-PU. A similar effect was found for broad-spectrum antibiotics (comprising 10.1% of total antibiotic prescribing), with an 18.9% reduction in prescribing. Conclusions This study shows that the introduction of financial incentives for local commissioners of healthcare to improve the quality of prescribing was associated with a significant reduction in both total and broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing in primary care in England.

scholarly journals Factors affecting general practitioners’ choice of drug therapy: A study in primary healthcare in Iceland

2021 ◽  
Vol 107 (11) ◽  
pp. 522-527
Author(s):  
Yrsa Ívarsdóttir ◽  
◽  
Jón Steinar Jónsson ◽  
Kristján Linnet ◽  
Anna Bryndís Blöndal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Drug Interaction ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Software Information ◽  
Strongly Agree

Introduction: This study aimed to analyse several factors that influence the decision-making of primary care physicians in Iceland in their choice of drug therapy for their patients. Also, to find which factors can act as a hindrance in making the best choices. Finally, to analyse which elements could be most important in facilitating decisions. Material and methods: A questionnaire was sent by e-mail to physicians working in primary care in Iceland. The questionnaire comprised closed questions, open text boxes, and ranking questions. The data was processed and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The total number of primary care physicians who responded to the questionnaire was 93, a response rate of 40.7% of all the primary care physicians. The results reveal that physicians working in primary care consider clinical guidelines, the Icelandic National Formulary, and personal experience to be the most important factors when choosing a medication. Primary care physicians strongly agree that the lack of drug interaction software connected to medical records is a shortcoming. The most important factors that need improvement to facilitate primary care physicians' decision-making are drug formularies and interaction software. Conclusion: The results suggest some factors that support physicians in primary care in making decisions when choosing drug therapy, such as a drug formulary, drug interaction software, information about patients’ drug therapy, variable length in face-to-face consultations, evidence based information on new drugs, and counselling provided by clinical pharmacists.

scholarly journals Digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and primary care costs in England: an interrupted time series analysis

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0146
Author(s):  
Chris Sampson ◽  
Eleanor Bell ◽  
Amanda Cole ◽  
Christopher B Miller ◽  
Tracey Marriott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Care Costs

BackgroundSleepio is an automated digital programme that delivers cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I). Sleepio has been proven effective in improving sleep difficulties. However, evidence for the possible impact of Sleepio use on health care costs in the United Kingdom has not previously been developed.AimWe sought to identify the effect of a population-wide rollout of Sleepio in terms of primary care costs in the National Health Service (NHS) in England.Design & settingThe study was conducted in the Thames Valley region of England, where access to Sleepio was made freely available to all residents between October 2018 and January 2020. The study relies on a quasi-experimental design, using an interrupted time series to compare the trend in primary care costs before and after the rollout of Sleepio.MethodWe use primary care data for people with relevant characteristics from nine general practices in Buckinghamshire. Primary care costs include general practice contacts and prescriptions. Segmented regression analysis was used to estimate primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsFor the 10,704 patients included in our sample, the total saving over the 65-week follow-up period was £71,027. This corresponds to £6.64 per person in our sample or around £70.44 per Sleepio user. Secondary analyses suggest that savings may be driven primarily by reductions in prescribing.ConclusionSleepio rollout reduced primary care costs. National adoption of Sleepio may reduce primary care costs by £20 million in the first year. The expected impact on primary care costs in any particular setting will depend on the uptake of Sleepio.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document