scholarly journals Improving the quality of blood pressure measurements in an outpatient diabetes clinic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e000917
Author(s):  
Jennifer J Iyengar ◽  
Matthew Johnson ◽  
Shafaq Khairi ◽  
Jessica E Fennelly ◽  
Jennifer Wyckoff
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Diabetes Clinic ◽  
Hypertension Clinic ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Initial Reading ◽  
Medication Adjustment

Hypertension is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. Despite established guidelines, the percentage of patients meeting the target blood pressure (BP) of <140/90 mm Hg in clinic remains suboptimal. In this project, we sought to improve BP measurement in an outpatient diabetes clinic.Two interventions were performed: (1) Changes were made to the timing of BP measurement during patient intake and (2) An electronic medical record (EMR) alert reminded staff to repeat BP if the initial reading was above target. Baseline data were collected on 4764 patients, with 72.5% meeting their BP target. After implementation of changes to the timing of BP measurement during patient intake, 73.3% of patients met the target (no significant change). However, after implementation of the EMR alert, there was a statistically significant improvement in patients meeting the target BP at 76.8% (p<0.01). This reduction was driven by the high percentage of patients with an initially elevated BP measurement that came down into goal range on repeat measurement. Those who remained above target despite multiple readings could be referred to a new pharmacist-led hypertension clinic to ensure adequate follow-up and medication adjustment.It is important to ensure that in clinic BP measurements are taken correctly and adhere to best practices. Use of a single in-clinic BP measurement may result in overtreatment of hypertension. While timing of BP measurement during patient intake was not important, repeating high BP measurements did improve the number of patients in an outpatient diabetes clinic meeting their BP target.

scholarly journals Optimizing Glucose Meter Downloads at Parkland Diabetes Clinic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Wees ◽  
Uma Gunasekaran ◽  
Luigi Meneghini
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
American Diabetes Association ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Diabetes Clinic ◽  
Standard Format ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Diverse Patient Population ◽  
Glucose Meter

Quality Improvement Success Stories are published by the American Diabetes Association in collaboration with the American College of Physicians and the National Diabetes Education Program. This series is intended to highlight best practices and strategies from programs and clinics that have successfully improved the quality of care for people with diabetes or related conditions. Each article in the series is reviewed and follows a standard format developed by the editors of <em>Clinical Diabetes</em>. The following article describes a project aimed at increasing the number of patients who bring their glucose meters to their appointments for downloading at a diabetes specialty clinic with a diverse patient population in Dallas, TX.

scholarly journals Optimizing Glucose Meter Downloads at Parkland Diabetes Clinic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Wees ◽  
Uma Gunasekaran ◽  
Luigi Meneghini
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
American Diabetes Association ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Diabetes Clinic ◽  
Standard Format ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Diverse Patient Population ◽  
Glucose Meter

Quality Improvement Success Stories are published by the American Diabetes Association in collaboration with the American College of Physicians and the National Diabetes Education Program. This series is intended to highlight best practices and strategies from programs and clinics that have successfully improved the quality of care for people with diabetes or related conditions. Each article in the series is reviewed and follows a standard format developed by the editors of <em>Clinical Diabetes</em>. The following article describes a project aimed at increasing the number of patients who bring their glucose meters to their appointments for downloading at a diabetes specialty clinic with a diverse patient population in Dallas, TX.

Effects of wearable technology on patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongjun Wu ◽  
Nicholas Buys ◽  
Guandong Xu ◽  
Jing Sun
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Wearable Technologies ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Hba1c Levels

UNSTRUCTURED Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of wearable technologies on HbA1c, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and fastening blood glucose (FBG) in patients with diabetes. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane database, and the Chinese CNKI database from last 15 years until August 2021. The quality of the 16 included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and random effect models were used to estimate outcomes, with I2 used for heterogeneity testing. Results: A significant reduction in HbA1c (-0.475% [95% CI -0.692 to -0.257, P<0.001]) was found following telemonitoring. However, the results of the meta-analysis did not show significant changes in blood pressure, BMI, and glucose, in the intervention group (P>0.05), although the effect size for systolic blood pressure (0.389) and diastolic blood pressure may indicate a significant effect. Subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant effects of wearable technologies on HbA1c when supported by dietetic interventions (P<0.001), medication monitoring (P<0.001), and relapse prevention (P<0.001). Online messages and telephone interventions significantly affected HbA1c levels (P<0.001). Trials with additional online face-to-face interventions showed greater reductions in HbA1c levels. Remote interventions including dietetic advice (P<0.001), medication (P<0.001), and relapse prevention (P<0.001) during telemonitoring showed a significant effect on HbA1c, particularly in patients attending ten or more intervention sessions (P<0.001). Conclusion: Wearable technologies can improve diabetes management by simplifying self-monitoring, allowing patients to upload their live measurement results frequently and thereby improving the quality of telemedicine. Wearable technologies also facilitate remote medication management, dietetic interventions, and relapse prevention.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN SCREENING AND EDUCATION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN A RURAL AREA IN SOUTHERN INDIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Shanmuga Sundaram Rajagopal ◽  
Krishnaveni Kandasamy ◽  
Agilan Natarajan ◽  
Joyal Sebastian ◽  
Manikanta Konakalla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacist Intervention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

ABSTRACTObjective: Hypertension (HTN) expends a consequential public health concern on cardiovascular health status and health-care systems in India. Theeffectuation of the pharmaceutical care program in the health care is an extremely important need to achieve the optimum therapeutic effect. Theobjective of the study was to assess the impact of pharmacist intervention on patient’s blood pressure (BP) level, quality of life (QOL), and knowledge,attitude, and practice (KAP) of hypertensive patients.Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out for 6 months. The hypertensive patients were randomized into control and interventiongroup based on age, and both the groups were interviewed using KAP and WHO QOL-BREF questionnaires, screened BP, respectively, at baseline andeach follow-up after post counseling section to the intervention group. The effect of pharmacist intervention on QOL and KAP among control andintervention was statistically analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS version 16.Results: The total sample studied was 60, of which 20 (33.33%) were males and 40 (66.67%) were females. In our study, the QOL score for eachdomain of both intervention and control groups were almost poor (p˃0.05) at baseline and for the intervention group, a highly significant improvement(p<0.001) was observed for all domains in final follow-up. KAP score of intervention group also showed a significant improvement (p<0.001) frombaseline to final follow-up. In this study, intervention group showed a significant mean reduction of systolic BP from baseline 150.13±25.670 to finalfollow-up 145.33±12.914.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a significant improvement in the patient’s KAP toward different aspects of HTN and QOL followingpharmacist mediated counseling. Involvement of pharmacy practitioners in the management of HTN significantly improves QOL and KAPs.Keywords: Hypertension, Quality of life, Knowledge, Attitude and practice, Pharmacist intervention, Patient counseling.

scholarly journals Education in Neurology Resident Documentation Using Payroll Simulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Liang ◽  
Vicki L. Shanker
Keyword(s):  
Medical Decision ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Specific Feedback ◽  
Didactic Lecture ◽  
E Mail

ABSTRACT Background Approaches for teaching neurology documentation include didactic lectures, workshops, and face-to-face meetings. Few studies have assessed their effectiveness. Objective To improve the quality of neurology resident documentation through payroll simulation. Methods A documentation checklist was created based on Medicaid and Medicare evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines. In the preintervention phase, neurology follow-up clinic charts were reviewed over a 16-week period by evaluators blinded to the notes' authors. Current E/M level, ideal E/M level, and financial loss were calculated by the evaluators. Ideal E/M level was defined as the highest billable level based on the documented problems, alongside a supporting history and examination. We implemented an educational intervention that consisted of a 1-hour didactic lecture, followed by e-mail feedback “paystubs” every 2 weeks detailing the number of patients seen, income generated, income loss, and areas for improvement. Follow-up charts were assessed in a similar fashion over a 16-week postintervention period. Results Ten of 11 residents (91%) participated. Of 214 charts that were reviewed preintervention, 114 (53%) had insufficient documentation to support the ideal E/M level, leading to a financial loss of 24% ($5,800). Inadequate documentation was seen in all 3 components: history (47%), examination (27%), and medical decision making (37%). Underdocumentation did not differ across residency years. Postintervention, underdocumentation was reduced to 14% of 273 visits (P &lt; .001), with a reduction in the financial loss to 6% ($1,880). Conclusions Improved documentation and increased potential reimbursement was attained following a didactic lecture and a 16-week period in which individual, specific feedback to neurology residents was provided.

scholarly journals Physical exercise in individuals in hemodialysis: benefits and best indications - systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-419
Author(s):  
Filipe Ferrari Ribeiro De Lacerda ◽  
Marvyn de Santana Do Sacramento ◽  
Diego Passos Diogo ◽  
Alan Carlos Nery Dos Santos ◽  
Marcelo Trotte Motta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Arterial Compliance ◽  
Reduce Blood Pressure ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Control Objective ◽  
The Individual

INTRODUCTION: The number of patients with chronic chronic disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) has increased. In Brazil, in 2012, the number of patients in HD was 97,586, with a mortality rate of 19%. Physical exercise (PE) is an adjuvant therapy capable of promoting glycemic control, blood pressure and other gains relevant to CKD control. OBJECTIVE: To describe the benefits of quality of life, care and the most effective protocols of physical exercise for the individual on hemodialysis. METHODS: Systematic review study. Consultations of the SciELO and PubMed databases between 2005 and 2016 on the physiological effects of exercise and the quality of life of the individual on hemodialysis. The cross-over descriptors used were: "hemodialysis" and "exercises", "hemodialysis" and "exercises" and "intradialitic" and "exercises". RESULTS: 23 articles were selected with different EF programs, 8 exercises, 6 resisted, 5 composed by the association of both, and 1 of a comparison between aerobic and resisted. A sample ranged from 6 to 103 patients. Intervention time of 2 to 4 months. All programs should be improved in relation to functional capacity, reduction of inflammation, improvement of arterial compliance and others. In resisted PE, one of the studies reported deleterious effects for the patients, while those with resisted and aerobic PE showed benefits. CONCLUSION: EF was able to prevent oxidative stress, reduce blood pressure and increase blood glucose, increase muscle volume and strength, and gain quality in life, but there was no agreement on the best protocol.

A study on symptom improvement and efϑicacy of formoterol plus budesonide in the asthma management in northern parts of Tamil Nadu

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 742-748
Author(s):  
Mani Dhandayuthapani ◽  
Murugesh Shivashankar ◽  
Uma K
Keyword(s):  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Severe Asthmatic ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
One Year ◽  
Experienced Symptom

The purpose is to study the asthma symptom improvement and efficacy of formoterol (LABA) and Budesonide (ICS) combination in the asthma management in northern districts of Tamilnadu. It is a multicentric, non-comparative, questionnaire and random sampling study was conducted in 145 mild to severe asthmatic patients. They were in Formoterol plus budesonide combination inhalation drugs available in DPI and pMDI. Among the 145 asthmatic patients, 45 patients, 6 patients and 94 patients were in DPI, nebuliser and pMDI devices respectively. During drug initiation, The Asthmatics were in mild (27%), Moderate (57%) and Severe (16%) stages. After one year of follow-up, the number of patients in the mild is 84%, moderate 14% and severe 2%. Among 45 DPI Asthmatic patients, 29 patients, 15 patients and 1 patient have reported the handling the devices as easy, medium and hard respectively. On the other hand, 94 pMDI asthmatic patients, 38 patients, 48 patients and 8 patients have reported the handling of devices as easy, medium and hard respectively. The treatment resulted in 77 patients as good, 65 as satisfactory and 3 as same. After one year, all the 145 asthmatic patients adhered with the treatment and experienced symptom improvement with 53% patients as good, 45% patients as satisfactory and 2% patients as same. The treatment of formoterol and budesonide combination in the northern districts of Tamilnadu have effectively controlled the asthmatic symptoms and improved the quality of life in asthmatics. Moreover, the patient's adherence to the treatment is good in the northern parts of Tamilnadu.

scholarly journals Predictors of health-related quality of life among patients with diabetes on follow-up at Nekemte specialised Hospital, Western Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036106
Author(s):  
Bikila Regassa Feyisa ◽  
Mekdes Tigistu Yilma ◽  
Belachew Etana Tolessa
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Systematic Random Sampling ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Western Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors among patients with diabetes on follow-up at Nekemte Specialised Hospital in Western Ethiopia.Design, setting and participantsThis facility-based cross sectional study was conducted among 224 patients with diabetes mellitus (types I and II) on follow-up at one of the public hospitals in western Ethiopia. Respondents were selected by systematic random sampling and interviewed with the aid of a questionnaire.Main outcome measuredHRQoL was measured by using the Medical outcomes study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey from 15 April to 5 June 2019. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from participants selected by systematic random sampling. Multiple linear regression was used for the final model.ResultA total of 215 patients with diabetes consented and completed the study, giving a response rate of 96%. The mean score of the overall HRQoL of the study participants was 50.3±18.1. The highest mean score was obtained in the physical functioning domain and the lowest mean score in the general health domain. Age, education status, history of smoking, feeling of stigmatisation and body mass index were inversely associated with the overall HRQoL. Gender (male), marital status (currently married), absence of comorbidity and absence of chronic complications related to diabetes mellitus were positively associated with overall HRQoL.ConclusionThe overall HRQoL of patients with diabetes on follow-up at the study area was found to be moderate. General health, mental health, bodily pain and vitality were the most affected domains. Both the mental and physical components need to be considered when caring for the patients with diabetes on follow-up beyond provision of treatment.

Ventricular shunt removal: the ultimate treatment of the slit ventricle syndrome

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan J. Baskin ◽  
Kim H. Manwaring ◽  
Harold L. Rekate
Keyword(s):  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Slit Ventricle Syndrome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Csf Diversion ◽  
Shunt Removal ◽  
Slit Ventricle ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an algorithm used to evaluate and prescribe treatment for patients having slit ventricle syndrome (SVS). Methods. All patients included in this protocol underwent fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitoring after removal or externalization of their ventricular shunt systems. A significant number of patients did not need extracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion and tolerated removal of their shunt systems without requiring further intervention. Patients who demonstrated a need for CSF drainage underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, regardless of the putative cause of their hydrocephalus. Sixteen (72.7%) of 22 patients experienced resolution of or significant improvement in their SVS complaints after their inclusion in the protocol. Concomitantly, 14 (64%) of 22 patients were no longer shunt dependent after a mean follow-up period of 21.4 months. Conclusions. A significant number of patients debilitated by SVS may experience improvement in their symptoms and undergo shunt removal according to this protocol, improving their quality of life and simplifying their medical follow up.

scholarly journals 379 Contemporary use of guideline directed medical therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy: therapeutic optimization and prognostic benefits

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Venturelli ◽  
Vincenzo Nuzzi ◽  
Paolo Manca ◽  
Giovanni Santi ◽  
Giulia Barbati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Recommended Dose ◽  
Target Dose ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Aims Therapy with antineurohormonal drugs at target doses has a prognostic benefits in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a particular setting where the possible benefit of target doses of antineurohormonal drugs is unexplored. Methods and results All patients enrolled from 1/1/1992 to 1/3/2020 in the Trieste Muscle Heart Disease register affected by DCM with data on the dosage of therapy available both enrollment and at follow-up visit (i.e., 6–12 month) were included. The population was divided according to the percentage of recommended dose prescribed (0–49%, 50–99%, 100%) of both renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and beta blockers (BB). A composite of death/heart transplant/hospitalization for heart failure was considered as the primary endpoint; a composite of sudden cardiac death/major ventricular arrythmias/defibrillator intervention was evaluated as a secondary endpoint. Prognostic associations were explored with uni- and multivariate analyses, Cox regressions, Kaplan–Meier, cumulative incidence curves and propensity score matching. 826 patients were included. At baseline 789 (96%) were taking a RASi and 627 (76%) a BB. The target dose of RASi was prescribed in 29% and 36% of patients at enrolment and at follow-up visit, respectively. The percentage of patients taking the maximum recommended dose of BB was 10% at baseline and 17% after optimization. Predictors of reaching target dose for RASi were BMI &lt; 25 kg/m2, male sex [HR: 1.798 (95% CI: 1.073–3.012), P = 0.026] and higher systolic blood pressure [HR per mmHg 1.038 (95% CI: 1.025–1.051), P &lt; 0.001]. Target dose predictors of BB were age [HR per year 0.527 (95% CI: 0.347–0.802), P = 0.003] and highest systolic blood pressure [HR per mmHg 1.024 (95% CI: 1.013–1.035), P &lt; 0.001]. After adjustment target dose of RASi or BB did not show a significant association with the risk of primary outcome occurrence compared to those taking less than 50% (P = 0.550 for RASi and P = 0.921 for BB). The incidence of arrhythmic events was significantly lower in patients taking 100% of recommended dose of BB compared to those taking less than 50% (P = 0.009), after adjustment for confounders. The target dose of RASi was not associated with an arrhythmic events risk change (P = 0.688). Conclusions In DCM a significant number of patients do not tolerate maximal therapy doses, mainly due to hypotension. The achievement of the target dose of RASi and BB, after adjustment for confounders had a neutral effect on the incidence of heart failure-related events. Uptitration of BB to the recommended dose has a strong protective effect on arrhythmic events.

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