Being Lost to Follow-Up to Healthcare Appointments: A Concept Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-439
Author(s):  
Emmanuela N. Ojukwu ◽  
Kristi J. Brownlee ◽  
Rosina Cianelli

The concept of being lost to follow-up is very common in healthcare. Though its meaning might seem literal, its use, particularly in healthcare, requires detailed analysis, to understand factors surrounding its incidence and ways of curtailing its detrimental consequences. Walker and Avant’s eight-step concept analysis was used to identify the antecedents, attributes, empirical referents, and consequences of this concept. The attributes of the concept include a clinical starter event suffered by a patient that requires ongoing evaluation by an event tracker at a given location and frequency. However, despite a mutual agreement between the patient and the event tracker, the evaluation suffers a hiatus due to several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors (antecedents of the concept), consequences which might include morbidity and death. Early identification and intervention are critical to avoid the occurrence of being lost to follow-up, and nurses need to be cognizant of such knowledge.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafte Kahsay Kebede ◽  
Lillian Mwanri ◽  
Paul Ward ◽  
Hailay Abrha Gesesew

Abstract Background It is known that ‘drop out’ from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, the so called lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) occurs to persons enrolled in HIV care services. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the risk factors for the LTFU are not well understood. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for LTFU among adults living with HIV in SSA. A systematic search of literature using identified keywords and index terms was conducted across five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included quantitative studies published in English from 2002 to 2019. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for methodological validity assessment and data extraction. Mantel Haenszel method using Revman-5 software was used for meta-analysis. We demonstrated the meta-analytic measure of association using pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and heterogeneity using I2 tests. Results Thirty studies met the search criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Predictors of LTFU were: demographic factors including being: (i) a male (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3, I2 = 59%), (ii) between 15 and 35 years old (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.3, I2 = 0%), (iii) unmarried (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.2–1.3, I2 = 21%), (iv) a rural dweller (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.5–2.7, I2 = 40%), (v) unemployed (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.04–1.4, I2 = 58%); (vi) diagnosed with behavioral factors including illegal drug use(OR = 13.5, 95% CI 7.2–25.5, I2 = 60%), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.9–4.4, I2 = 39%), and tobacco smoking (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.3, I2 = 74%); and clinical diagnosis of mental illness (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.2–5.2, I2 = 1%), bed ridden or ambulatory functional status (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.1, I2 = 74%), low CD4 count in the last visit (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.9, I2 = 75%), tuberculosis co-infection (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.02–1.4, I2 = 66%) and a history of opportunistic infections (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–2.8, I2 = 75%). Conclusions The current review identifies demographic, behavioral and clinical factors to be determinants of LTFU. We recommend strengthening of HIV care services in SSA targeting the aforementioned group of patients. Trial registration Protocol: the PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42018114418


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kawatsu ◽  
Kazuhiro Uchimura ◽  
Akihiro Ohkado

Abstract Background Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrant population has become a critical issue for many low tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Evidence regarding effectiveness of LTBI programs are limited, however, partly because of paucity of national data on treatment outcomes for LTBI. In Japan, notification of LTBI is mandatory, and its treatment outcome is reported as part of Japan’s national TB surveillance system. We thus conducted a detailed analysis of LTBI among foreign-born persons, to update the epidemiological trend of newly notified LTBI between 2007 and 2018, and to examine the treatment regimen and outcome of those notified in 2016 and 2017, focusing specifically on the potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Methods We extracted and analyzed the data of newly notified LTBI patients from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance System to examine the overall trend of notification and by age groups and modes of detection between 2007 and 2018, and the cohort data for treatment regimen and outcomes of foreign-born persons notified with LTBI in 2016 and 2017. Trends and proportions were summarized descriptively, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Comparisons were made with the Japan-born patients where appropriate, using chi-squared tests. Results Both the number and proportion of LTBI among foreign-born persons have been constantly increasing, reaching 963 cases in 2018. Cohort analysis of the surveillance data indicated that the proportion of those on shorter regimen was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (5.5% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001). The proportion of those who have been lost to follow-up and transferred outside of Japan combined was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (12.0% vs, 8.2%, p < 0.001). Risk factors for lost to follow-up were being employed on a temporal basis, and job status unknown (adjusted odds ratios 3.11 and 4.09, 95% confidence intervals 1.34–7.26 and 1.60–10.48, respectively). Conclusions Migrant population face greater risk of interrupting LTBI treatment, and interventions to improve adherence are a critical component of programmatic management of LTBI. Further studies are needed to explore the cultural and socioeconomic situation in which foreign-born persons undergo LTBI treatment in Japan.


Author(s):  
Abid Abdullah ◽  
Nafees Ahmad ◽  
Muhammad Atif ◽  
Shereen Khan ◽  
Abdul Wahid ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes and factors associated unsuccessful outcomes among pediatric tuberculosis (TB) patients (age ≤14 years). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at three districts (Quetta, Zhob and Killa Abdullah) of Balochistan, Pakistan. All childhood TB patients enrolled for treatment at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH) Quetta and District Headquarter Hospitals of Zhob and Killa Abdullah from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 were included in the study and followed until their treatment outcomes were reported. Data were collected through a purpose developed standardized data collection form and analyzed by using SPSS 20. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 5152 TB patients enrolled at the study sites, 2184 (42.4%) were children. Among them, 1941 childhood TB patients had complete medical record were included in the study. Majority of the study participants were &lt;5 years old (66.6%) and had pulmonary TB (PTB; 65%). A total of 45 (2.3%) patients were cured, 1680 (86.6%) completed treatment, 195 (10%) lost to follow-up, 15 (0.8%) died, 5 (0.3%) failed treatment and 1 (0.1%) was not evaluated for outcomes. In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, treatment at BMCH Quetta (OR = 25.671, p-value &lt; 0.001), rural residence (OR = 3.126, p-value &lt; 0.001) and extra-PTB (OR = 1.619, p-value = 0.004) emerged as risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes. Conclusion The study sites collectively reached the World Health Organization’s target of treatment success (&gt;85%). Lost to follow-up was the major reason for unsuccessful outcomes. Special attention to patients with identified risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes may improve outcomes further.


2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Caluwaerts ◽  
Rosa Maendaenda ◽  
Fernando Maldonado ◽  
Marc Biot ◽  
Nathan Ford ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ding Xu ◽  
Weigang Lou ◽  
Peng Luo ◽  
Yulong Shi ◽  
Weijun Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Postoperative shoulder pain was a most common complication after clavicular hook plate treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. However, the researches on its risk factors were rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidences of postoperative shoulder pain of acromioclavicular joint dislocation treat with hook plate and to identify risk factors in patients with an acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Method: We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data from 310 consecutive patients with AC joint dislocation between December 2014 and August 2019 at our institute. Patients rated the average intensity of shoulder pain using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The dependent variable was the presence of moderate-to-severe neck pain (NRS ≥4) at the last follow-up when the internal fixation will be removed. The independent variables included age, gender, body-mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, type of injury, Rockwood Classification, site of injury, operation time, injury-to-surgery, DHA, DH and AHP. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of moderate-to-severe shoulder pain of acromioclavicular joint dislocation treat with hook plate. Results: A total of 292 patients were included in the study and 18 cases were lost to follow-up. The follow-up rate was 94.1%. In all cases, there were 166 male cases and 126 female cases. Of these cases, the NRS < 4 group had 219 patients. Among them, there were 120 males and 99 females. 12 patients were lost to follow-up. There were 73 patients in NRS ≥ 4 group, 46 males and 27 females. 6 cases were lost to follow-up. The number of patient in NRS ≥ 4 group accounted for about 25.0% of the total cases. DH was the significant independent risk factor for postoperative shoulder pain of acromioclavicular joint dislocation treat with hook plate. DHA and AHP were also independent factors of postoperative shoulder pain, but they were all protective. Conclusions: DH was the significant independent risk factor for postoperative shoulder pain of acromioclavicular joint dislocation treat with hook plate. DHA and AHP were also independent factors of postoperative shoulder pain, but they were all protective. We should try to refer to these factors to avoid postoperative shoulder pain when performing clinical operations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D Papa ◽  
M.D Lupi ◽  
M.D Piazzani ◽  
M.D Gheza ◽  
M.D Fioretti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background It is known that anticancer treatment can cause adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, influencing patients' survival and quality of life regardless of their cancer prognosis; today there are no defined protocols for the early identification of cardiotoxicity (CTX). Purpose To evaluate the ability of biomarkers, cardiac TnI and NT-proBNP, to predict CTX induced by antineoplastic therapy. Methods We have enrolled women with non-metastatic breast cancer who had to start a treatment with Anthracycline (ANT), in the patients (pts) with HER2+ cancer, Trastuzumab (TRZ) could also be introduced. The presence of a known heart disease, a previous mediastinal irradiation and a previous treatment with ANT, were the main exclusion criteria. All pts underwent complete cardiological evaluation (ECG, Echo) before the beginning of the therapy (T0), after each ANT cycle and every 3 months up to 1 year of follow-up after the end of therapy with ANT. During each visit, a venous sampling was performed for the determination of biomarkers. We collected the data of the routine cardiological visits carried out by the pts in the following 5 years. Results 179pts finished the follow-up,7pts (21%) were hypertensive, 9pts (5%) diabetic, 32pts (18%) dyslipidemics. 53pts (30%) (“TnI+ group”) showed a significant increase in TnI (&gt;0.04ng/mL) or less than this cut-off but persistently &gt;0.015ng/mL in at least 2 measurements; comparing the LVEF of the two groups detected at 1 year follow-up it was observed a significant difference: 60±6.5% in the “TnI+ group” and 63±4.1% in the “TnI− group” (p=0.005); a tendency to significance was observed from the comparison between LVEF measured at baseline compared to that of 1-year follow-up in the “TnI+ group” (62±4.2% vs 60±6.5%, p=0.06); furthermore 7 patients of the “TnI+ group” developed LV systolic dysfunction (according to the definition of the CREC) early in the first year of follow-up (vs 1 pts of the “TnI− group”, p=0.001), with recovery after the introduction of specific cardiology therapy. 76/179 pts (43%) showed NT-proBNP values ≥125 ng/L in at least two consecutive determinations (“NT-proBNP+ group”), in this group 25% of the pts had more than 3 CV risk factors, compared to 11% in the “NT-proBNP− group” (p=0.011), 3/8 pts that showed LV systolic dysfunction were included in the “NT-proBNP+ group”. Conclusion(s) In a homogeneous group of patients with a low CV risk profile, anticancer treatment with low doses of ANT and with TRZ can induce significant changes in plasma TnI levels that can be correlated with early alterations in LV systolic function, but not with major CV events after 5 years. Significant increases in NT-proBNP have also been reported, but there has been no significant correlation with the progressive development of LV dysfunction and HF. The combination of individual clinical risk factors and biomarkers, especially TnI, in a predictive model could allow early identification of CTX. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Debski ◽  
M Ulman ◽  
A Zabek ◽  
K Boczar ◽  
K Haberka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In patients undergoing permanent DDD cardiac pacing, the maintenance of atrial contractility is important to ensure adequate ventricular filling and to guarantee an optimal ventricular ejection capacity. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for thromboembolic events and is associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Purpose To analyse the risk factors for development of permanent AF in patients with DDD pacemaker and determine its association with all-cause mortality in long-term follow-up. Methods Retrospectively collected records comprised all consecutive patients who underwent primary DDD pacemaker implantation at single-centre between 1984–2014. Patients who were lost to follow-up after hospital discharge were excluded from analysis. Follow-up was completed on 31st August 2016. Definition of permanent AF was the occurence of AF which persisted until the end of follow-up. Data on patients' survival status and deceased patients' dates of death were collected from the national death registration system. Information of death date was available as of 31st August 2016. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results We included a total of 3771 patients and 24,432 patient-years of follow-up and exluded 157 (4%) patients who were lost to follow-up after hospital discharge. Mean follow-up was 78±62 months (max. 370 months), 1761 (47%) were female. Paroxysmal AF prior to DDD pacemaker implantation was detected in 1276 patients (34%). During entire follow-up 717 (19%) patients developed permanent AF in a mean period of 55±50 months. Analysis of risk factors for development of permanent AF is presented in Figure. Cox proportional hazards model with time-dependent covariate showed that development of permanent AF significantly increased mortality during follow-up (HR = 1.885, 95% CI, 1.654–2.148, P<0.001; with adjustment for age at implantation and sex: HR = 1.475, 95% CI, 1.294–1.682, P<0.001). Permanent AF risk factors Conclusions Female sex protected against permanent AF development, whereas age at implantation, history of paroxysmal AF and apical position of RV lead increased the risk. Permanent AF was significantly increasing the all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for age at implant and gender. Acknowledgement/Funding None


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Weigel ◽  
Mindy Hochgesang ◽  
Martin WG Brinkhof ◽  
Mina C Hosseinipour ◽  
Matt Boxshall ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Sheila B. Buijs ◽  
Sanne K. Stuart ◽  
Jan Jelrik Oosterheert ◽  
Steffi Karhof ◽  
Andy I. M. Hoepelman ◽  
...  

AbstractWe evaluated the long-term serological follow-up of patients with vascular risk factors for chronic Q fever that were previously Coxiellaburnetii seropositive. C. burnetii phase I IgG titers were reevaluated in patients that gave informed consent or retrospectively collected in patients already deceased or lost to follow-up. Of 107 patients, 25 (23.4%) became seronegative, 77 (72.0%) retained a profile of past resolved Q fever infection, and five (4.7%) developed chronic Q fever. We urge clinicians to stay vigilant for chronic Q fever beyond two years after primary infection and perform serological testing based on clinical presentation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document