scholarly journals The value of inquiring about functional impairments for early identification of inflammatory arthritis: a large cross-sectional derivation and validation study from the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e040148
Author(s):  
Bastiaan van Dijk ◽  
Hanna W van Steenbergen ◽  
Ellis Niemantsverdriet ◽  
Elisabeth Brouwer ◽  
Annette van der Helm-van Mil
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Derivation Cohort ◽  
Joint Examination

ObjectivesHealthcare professionals other than rheumatologists experience difficulties in detecting early inflammatory arthritis (IA) by joint examination. Self-reported symptoms are increasingly considered as helpful and could be incorporated in online tools to assist healthcare professionals, but first their discriminative ability must be assessed. As part of this effort, we evaluated whether inquiring about functional impairments could aid early IA identification.DesignCross-sectional derivation and validation study.SettingData from two Early Arthritis Recognition Clinics (EARC) in the Netherlands were studied, which are easy access outpatient rheumatology clinics intermediary between primary and secondary care for patients in whom general practitioners suspect but are unsure about IA presence.ParticipantsBetween 2010 and 2014, 997 patients consecutively visited the Leiden-EARC (derivation cohort). Patients consecutively visiting the Groningen EARC (2010–2014, n=506) and Leiden-EARC (2015–2018, n=557) served as validation cohorts.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPhysical functioning was assessed with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability-Index (HAQ); IA presence by physical joint examination by rheumatologists. HAQ questions were studied individually regarding discriminative ability for IA presence. For the best discriminating question, ORs and positive predictive values (PPVs) for IA presence were determined.ResultsIA was ascertained in 43% (derivation cohort), 53% and 35% (validation cohorts). In the derivation cohort, IA presence associated with higher mean HAQ scores (0.84 vs 0.73, p=0.003). One question on difficulties with dressing equalled discriminative ability of the total HAQ score. ‘Difficulties with dressing’ yielded ORs for IA presence of 1.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.4) in the derivation cohort; 2.0 (1.4 to 2.9) and 2.1 (1.5 to 3.1) in the validation cohorts. After adjustments for clinical characteristics these were 1.7 (1.3 to 2.3), 1.6 (1.1 to 2.5) and 1.9 (1.2 to 2.9). PPVs (probabilities of IA for positive answers) ranged 42%–60% and negative predictive values (probabilities of no IA for negative answers) ranged 57%–74%.ConclusionsPatient-reported difficulties with dressing in patients with suspected IA associated with actual IA presence. Although further validation is required, for example, in primary care, this simple question could be of help in future early IA detection tools for healthcare professionals with limited experience in joint examination.

FRI0595 CAN A SINGLE QUESTION ON FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS FACILITATE THE IDENTIFICATION OF EARLY INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS? A LARGE CROSS-SECTIONAL DERIVATION AND VALIDATION STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 903-904
Author(s):  
B. Van Dijk ◽  
H. W. Van Steenbergen ◽  
E. Niemantsverdriet ◽  
E. Brouwer ◽  
A. Van der Helm - van Mil
Keyword(s):  
Early Identification ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Early Arthritis ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Derivation Cohort ◽  
Early Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Joint Examination ◽  
Single Question

Background:Early treatment initiation in inflammatory arthritis (IA), and specifically in RA, is associated with improved outcomes but requires early identification of synovitis. However, healthcare professionals other than rheumatologists, e.g. general practitioners (GPs), experience difficulties in detecting early IA by joint examination. In this light, two Early ArthritisRecognitionClinics (EARCs) were initiated in the Netherlands in 2010. EARCs are easy-access outpatient rheumatology clinics, intermediary between primary and secondary care, to which GPs can refer patients when in doubt about the presence of IA (instead of ‘watchful waiting’). Although this approach markedly reduced referral delay,[1] it may not be easily implemented in other places due to shortage of rheumatologists. Therefore, other new tools to support early identification of IA are needed.Objectives:Aiming for simple and time-efficient use in daily practice, we evaluated if just a single question on functional impairments could aid the identification of early IA.Methods:Data from two EARCs in the Netherlands were studied. Between 2010 and 2014, 997 patients with suspected IA visited the Leiden EARC (derivation cohort). Patients visiting the Groningen EARC (2010–2014, n = 506) and Leiden EARC (2015–2018, n = 557) served as validation cohorts. Physical functioning was assessed with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ); IA by joint examination by rheumatologists. Discriminative abilities for IA of the 20 HAQ-questions were compared based on the area under the curve (AUC). For the best discriminating question, test characteristics and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. ORs were adjusted for clinical characteristics that were previously reported to be predictive of the presence of IA (gender, age ≥60 years, symptom duration, acuteness of symptom onset, morning stiffness >60 minutes, number of painful joints, presence of patient-reported swollen joint(s) and difficulty with making a fist)[2] using multivariable logistic regression.Results:IA was identified in 43% (derivation cohort), 53% and 35% (validation cohorts). In the derivation cohort, presence of IA associated with higher mean HAQ-scores (0.84 versus 0.73, p=0.003). The HAQ-question on difficulties with dressing yielded the highest AUC (0.58), which equalled discriminative ability of the total HAQ-score (AUC 0.55). Responses to this question were dichotomised into a simple binary score since loss of discriminative ability was minimal (AUC 0.57). Presence of any difficulties with dressing yielded ORs for IA of 1.80 (95%CI 1.39–2.33) in the derivation cohort; 2.00 (1.39–2.87) and 2.14 (1.48–3.10) in the validation cohorts. After adjustments for clinical characteristics the presence of any difficulties with dressing remained associated with the presence of IA; OR 1.71 (1.27–2.32) in derivation cohort and 1.64 (1.08–2.50) and 1.87 (1.20–2.92) in the validation cohorts. The prevalence of IA in case of presence of difficulties with dressing (positive predictive value) ranged 42–60% (see Figure).Conclusion:A yes/no answer on a simple question (“Are you able to dress yourself, including shoelaces and buttons?”) was helpful in discriminating patients with and without IA. Findings were validated in independent 1.5-line settings and need to be validated further in primary care. This is a step forward to arrive at practical tools that are helpful for GPs in identifying early IA.References:[1] van Nies JA et al. Improved early identification of arthritis: evaluating the efficacy of Early Arthritis Recognition Clinics. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(8):1295–301.[2] ten Brinck RM et al. Development and validation of a clinical rule for recognition of early inflammatory arthritis. BMJ Open. 2019 Feb 22;8(11):e023552.Disclosure of Interests:Bastiaan van Dijk: None declared, Hanna W. van Steenbergen: None declared, Ellis Niemantsverdriet: None declared, Elisabeth Brouwer Consultant of: Roche (consultancy fee 2017 and 2018 paid to the UMCG), Speakers bureau: Roche (2017 and 2018 paid to the UMCG), Annette van der Helm - van Mil: None declared

scholarly journals The Roth score as a triage tool for detecting hypoxaemia in general practice: a diagnostic validation study in patients with possible COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E.M. ten Broeke ◽  
Jelle C.L. Himmelreich ◽  
Jochen W.L. Cals ◽  
Wim A.M. Lucassen ◽  
Ralf E. Harskamp
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Single Breath ◽  
C Statistic ◽  
Counting Time

Abstract Aim: To validate the Roth score as a triage tool for detecting hypoxaemia. Backgrounds: The virtual assessment of patients has become increasingly important during the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, but has limitations as to the evaluation of deteriorating respiratory function. This study presents data on the validity of the Roth score as a triage tool for detecting hypoxaemia remotely in potential COVID-19 patients in general practice. Methods: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted in Dutch general practice. Patients aged ≥18 with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were asked to rapidly count from 1 to 30 in a single breath. The Roth score involves the highest number counted during exhalation (counting number) and the time taken to reach the maximal count (counting time). Outcome measures were (1) the correlation between both Roth score measurements and simultaneous pulse oximetry (SpO2) on room air and (2) discrimination (c-statistic), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the Roth score for detecting hypoxaemia (SpO2 < 95%). Findings: A total of 33 physicians enrolled 105 patients (52.4% female, mean age of 52.6 ± 20.4 years). A positive correlation was found between counting number and SpO2 (rs = 0.44, P < 0.001), whereas only a weak correlation was found between counting time and SpO2 (rs = 0.15, P = 0.14). Discrimination for hypoxaemia was higher for counting number [c-statistic 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.96)] than for counting time [c-statistic 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62–0.93)]. Optimal diagnostic performance was found at a counting number of 20, with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% CI: 68.1–99.8) and a specificity of 77.8% (95% CI: 67.8–85.9). A counting time of 7 s showed the best sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI: 57.2–98.2) and specificity of 81.1% (95% CI: 71.5–88.6). Conclusions: A Roth score, with an optimal counting number cut-off value of 20, maybe of added value for signalling hypoxaemia in general practice. Further external validation is warranted before recommending integration in telephone triage.

scholarly journals What is the impact on the readmission ratio of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals? A cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e025740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Hekkert ◽  
Ine Borghans ◽  
Sezgin Cihangir ◽  
Gert P Westert ◽  
Rudolf B Kool
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
C Statistic ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesReadmissions are used widespread as an indicator of the quality of care within hospitals. Including readmissions to other hospitals might have consequences for hospitals. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals on the readmission ratio.Design and settingWe performed a cross-sectional study and used administrative data from 77 Dutch hospitals (2 333 173 admissions) in 2015 and 2016 (97% of all hospitals). We performed logistic regression analyses to calculate 30-day readmission ratios for each hospital (the number of observed admissions divided by the number of expected readmissions based on the case mix of the hospital, multiplied by 100). We then compared two models: one with readmissions only to the same hospital, and another with readmissions to any hospital in the Netherlands. The models were calculated on the hospital level for all in-patients and, in more detail, on the level of medical specialties.Main outcome measuresPercentage of readmissions to another hospital, readmission ratios same hospital and any hospital and C-statistic of each model in order to determine the discriminative ability.ResultsThe overall percentage of readmissions was 10.3%, of which 91.1% were to the same hospital and 8.9% to another hospital. Patients who went to another hospital were younger, more often men and had fewer comorbidities. The readmission ratios for any hospital versus the same hospital were strongly correlated (r=0.91). There were differences between the medical specialties in percentage of readmissions to another hospital and C-statistic.ConclusionsThe overall impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals seems to be limited in the Netherlands. However, it does have consequences for some hospitals. It would be interesting to explore what causes this difference for some hospitals and if it is related to the quality of care.

scholarly journals Performance of popular pulse oximeters compared with simultaneous arterial oxygen saturation or clinical-grade pulse oximetry: a cross-sectional validation study in intensive care patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000939
Author(s):  
Ralf E Harskamp ◽  
Luuk Bekker ◽  
Jelle C L Himmelreich ◽  
Lukas De Clercq ◽  
Evert P M Karregat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Blood Sample ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Arterial Oxygen ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Iso Standards ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
Pulse Oximeters

ObjectivesTo evaluate the performance of direct-to-consumer pulse oximeters under clinical conditions, with arterial blood gas measurement (SaO2) as reference standard.DesignCross-sectional, validation study.SettingIntensive care.ParticipantsAdult patients requiring SaO2-monitoring.InterventionsThe studied oximeters are top-selling in Europe/USA (AFAC FS10D, AGPTEK FS10C, ANAPULSE ANP 100, Cocobear, Contec CMS50D1, HYLOGY MD-H37, Mommed YM101, PRCMISEMED F4PRO, PULOX PO-200 and Zacurate Pro Series 500 DL). Directly after collection of a SaO2 blood sample, we obtained pulse oximeter readings (SpO2). SpO2-readings were performed in rotating order, blinded for SaO2 and completed <10 min after blood sample collection.Outcome measuresBias (SpO2–SaO2) mean, root mean square difference (ARMS), mean absolute error (MAE) and accuracy in identifying hypoxaemia (SaO2 ≤90%). As a clinical index test, we included a hospital-grade SpO2-monitor (Philips).ResultsIn 35 consecutive patients, we obtained 2258 SpO2-readings and 234 SaO2-samples. Mean bias ranged from −0.6 to −4.8. None of the pulse oximeters met ARMS ≤3%, the requirement set by International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)-standards and required for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 501(k)-clearance. The MAE ranged from 2.3 to 5.1, and five out of ten pulse oximeters met the requirement of ≤3%. For hypoxaemia, negative predictive values were 98%–99%. Positive predictive values ranged from 11% to 30%. Highest accuracy (95% CI) was found for Contec CMS50D1; 91% (86–94) and Zacurate Pro Series 500 DL; 90% (85–94). The hospital-grade SpO2-monitor had an ARMS of 3.0% and MAE of 1.9, and an accuracy of 95% (91%–97%).ConclusionTop-selling, direct-to-consumer pulse oximeters can accurately rule out hypoxaemia, but do not meet ISO-standards required for FDA-clearance

Oscillation between identities and Subjective psychological health objectives among an informed audience in therapeutic patient education

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 10202
Author(s):  
Sandrine Roussel ◽  
Alain Deccache ◽  
Mariane Frenay
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Therapeutic Patient Education ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Health Objectives ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Introduction: The implementation of Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) remains a challenge. An exploratory study highlighted two tendencies among practitioners of TPE, which could hamper this implementation: an oscillation between identities (as caregivers versus as educators) and an inclination towards subjective psychological health objectives. Objectives: To verify whether these tendencies can be observed among an informed audience in TPE. Next, to explore the variables associated with one or other of these tendencies. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey by a self-administered questionnaire was carried out among 90 French-speaking healthcare professionals. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression) were then conducted. Results: Sixty percent of respondents displayed identity oscillation, which was found to be linked to task oscillation, patient curability, scepticism towards medicine and practising in France. Fifty-six percent pursued subjective psychological health objectives, which was found to be associated with health behaviour objectives and a locus of power in the healthcare relationship distinct from those seen in the pre-existing health models (biomedical, global). This tendency seems to constitute an alternative model of TPE. Discussion & conclusion: Identity oscillation and subjective psychological health objectives can be both observed. This study stresses the need to deliberate on the form(s) of TPE that is/are desired.

Evaluation of Serum Calprotectin Level and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-320
Author(s):  
Mir Amir Aghdashi ◽  
Seyedmostafa Seyedmardani ◽  
Sholeh Ghasemi ◽  
Zohre Khodamoradi
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Tender Joint Count ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Calprotectin Level ◽  
Remission Phase

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common type of chronic inflammatory arthritis with unknown etiology marked by a symmetric, peripheral polyarthritis. Calprotectin also can be used as a biomarker of disease activity in inflammatory arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the association between serum calprotectin level and severity of RA activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 RA patients with disease flare-up. Serum samples were obtained from all patients to measure calprotectin, ESR, CRP prior to starting the treatment and after treatment period in the remission phase. Based on Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), disease activity was calculated. Results: Of 44 RA patients, 9(20.5%) were male and 35(79.5%) were female. The mean age of our cases was 53±1.6 years. Seventeen (38.6%) patients had moderate DAS28 and 27(61.4%) had high DAS28. The average level of calprotectin in the flare-up phase was 347.12±203.60 ng/ml and 188.04±23.58 ng/ml in the remission phase. We did not find any significant association between calprotectin and tender joint count (TJC; P=0.22), swollen joint count (SJC; P=0.87), and general health (GH; P=0.59), whereas significant associations were found between the calprotectin level and ESR (p=0.001) and DAS28 (p=0.02). The average calprotectin level in moderate DAS28 (275.21±217.96 ng/ml) was significantly lower than that in high DAS28 (392.4±183.88 ng/ml) (p=0.05). Conclusion: We showed that the serum level of calprotectin can be a useful and reliable biomarker in RA activity and its severity. It also can predict treatment response.

Usability of a tablet computer designed for older adults: a qualitative approach based on an intra-hospital living-lab for healthcare (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Sacco ◽  
Pauline Carliez ◽  
Frédéric Noublanche ◽  
Romain Simon ◽  
Anne Renaudin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Satisfaction Score ◽  
Tablet Computer ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Perceived Usability

BACKGROUND Usability is the keystone in the evolution of tablet technology in healthcare. The Ardoiz® tablet has been designed with a simplified interface for older adults. OBJECTIVE To assess the perceived usability and satisfaction of the Ardoiz® tablet. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods with cross-sectional study using System Usability Scale (SUS), satisfaction score and workshops, including geriatric patients, healthcare professional and caregivers. RESULTS Between September 25, 2019 and March 11, 2020, 58 participants were included in a cross-sectional study (including 38 patients, mean ±SD 85±6 years, 66% women), 26 in workshops (including 5 patients, mean ±SD 86.4±2.9, 40% women). The SUS was 74±12/100, the satisfaction score was 2.8±0.9/4, with 59% of satisfied participants with the use of Ardoiz® pads. The intent to acquire remained low with 18% (n=6) of participants who would be interested in acquiring the tablet. This tablet computer seemed to be difficult to use by geriatric patients and healthcare professionals, mainly because of its complex homepage. Nevertheless, former caregivers and healthcare professionals thought that the tablet could be of great interest to hospitals for leisure and medical use. The main feedback in order to improve the tablet is to simplify the home page with fewer and more static icons (without switching). CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the usability of the tablet, the intent to acquire of Ardoiz® tablet remained low. The interface should be simplified for older adults in order to improve usability and adherence. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04091152

scholarly journals Complementary Medicine and Self-Care Strategies in Women with (Recurrent) Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study on Use and Perceived Effectiveness in The Netherlands

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Louise Witteman ◽  
Herman A. van Wietmarschen ◽  
Esther T. van der Werf
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Vaginal Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Implementation ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices. A cross-sectional online survey was performed among women, ≥18 years old, with a history of UTIs; 162 respondents were included in the data analysis, with most participants aged between 50 and 64 years (36.4%). The women reported having consulted a CM practitioner for UTI-specific symptoms (23.5%) and VI-specific symptoms (13.6%). Consultations of homeopaths, acupuncturists, and herbal physicians are most often reported. Overall, 81.7% of the women suffering from UTI used complementary or self-care strategies besides regular treatment, and 68.7% reported using CM/self-care strategies to treat vaginal symptoms. UTI- related use of cranberries (51.9%), vitamin C (43.8%), and D-mannose (32.7%) were most reported. Perceived effectiveness was mostly reported for homeopathic remedies and D-mannose. The results showed a substantial burden of UTI and VI on daily and sexual activities. Besides the frequency of use, the indication of perceived effectiveness seems to be an important parameter for further and rigorously designed research to encourage nonantibiotic/antifungal treatment implementation into daily clinical practice.

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