Is Medicaid expansion associated with increases in palliative treatments for metastatic cancer?

Author(s):  
Alexander P Cole ◽  
Stuart R Lipsitz ◽  
Adam S Kibel ◽  
Brandon A Mahal ◽  
Nelya Melnitchouk ◽  
...  

Background: Medicaid expansion following the 2010 Affordable Care Act has an unknown impact on palliative treatments. Materials & methods: This registry-based study of individuals with metastatic cancer from 2010 to 2016 identified men and women with metastatic cancer in expansion and non-expansion states who received palliative treatments. A mixed effects logistic regression compared trends in expansion and non-expansion states and generated risk-adjusted probabilities or receiving palliative treatments each year. Results: Despite lower baseline use of palliative treatments, the rate of change was more rapid in expansion states (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03; p < 0.001). The adjusted probability of receiving palliative treatments rose from 21.3 to 26.0% in non-expansion states, and from 19.7 to 26.9% in expansion states. Conclusion: Use of palliative treatments among metastatic cancer patients increased from 2010 to 2016 with a significantly greater increase in Medicaid expansion states, even when adjusting for demographic differences between states.

Author(s):  
Elaine C Khoong ◽  
Valy Fontil ◽  
Natalie A Rivadeneira ◽  
Mekhala Hoskote ◽  
Shantanu Nundy ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The study sought to evaluate if peer input on outpatient cases impacted diagnostic confidence. Materials and Methods This randomized trial of a peer input intervention occurred among 28 clinicians with case-level randomization. Encounters with diagnostic uncertainty were entered onto a digital platform to collect input from ≥5 clinicians. The primary outcome was diagnostic confidence. We used mixed-effects logistic regression analyses to assess for intervention impact on diagnostic confidence. Results Among the 509 cases (255 control; 254 intervention), the intervention did not impact confidence (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.999-2.12), but after adjusting for clinician and case traits, the intervention was associated with higher confidence (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01-2.32). The intervention impact was greater in cases with high uncertainty (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.09- 9.52). Conclusions Peer input increased diagnostic confidence primarily in high-uncertainty cases, consistent with findings that clinicians desire input primarily in cases with continued uncertainty.


Author(s):  
Sayam R Dubash ◽  
Oras A Alabas ◽  
Xabier Michelena ◽  
Leticia Garcia-Montoya ◽  
Gabriele De Marco ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationship between clinical examination/ultrasound (US) synovitis in DMARD-naïve early PsA. Methods Eligible patients underwent matched clinical/US 44 joint assessment for tender and/or swollen joints (TJ/SJ) and US synovitis [grey scale (GS) ≥2 or power Doppler (PD) ≥1]. Statistical agreement between TJ/SJ, GS ≥ 2 or PD ≥ 1 was calculated by prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). To derive probabilities of GS ≥ 2/PD ≥ 1, mixed-effects logistic regression modelled odds of US synovitis in TJ/SJ were conducted. Results In 155 patients, 5,616 joints underwent clinical/US examination. Of these joints, 1039/5616 (18.5%) were tender, 550/5616 (9.8%) were swollen, 1144/5616 (20.4%) had GS ≥ 2, and 292/5616 (5.2%) had PD ≥ 1. GS ≥ 2 was most prevalent in concomitantly tender and swollen joints [205/462 (44%)] followed by swollen non-tender joints [32/88 (36.4%)], tender non-swollen joints [148/577 (25.7%)], and non-tender non-swollen joints (subclinical synovitis) [759/4489 (16.9%)]. Agreement between SJ/PD ≥ 1 was high at the individual joint level (82.6%-96.3%, PABAK 0.65–0.93) and for total joints combined (89.9%, PABAK 0.80). SJ/GS ≥ 2 agreement was greater than between TJ/GS ≥ 2 [73.5%-92.6% vs 51.0%-87.4% (PABAK 0.47–0.85 vs PABAK 0.35–0.75) respectively]. Swelling was independently associated with higher odds of GS ≥ 2 [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI); 4.37 (2.62, 7.29); p &lt; 0.001] but not tenderness [OR = 1.33 (0.87, 2.06); p = 0.192]. Swelling [OR = 8.78 (3.92, 19.66); p &lt; 0.001] or tenderness [OR = 3.38 (1.53, 7.50); p = 0.003] were independently associated with higher odds of PD ≥ 1. Conclusion Synovitis (GS ≥ 2 and/or PD ≥ 1) was more likely in swollen joints than tender joints in DMARD-naïve, early PsA. Agreement indicated swollen joints were the better proxy for synovitis, adding to greater understanding between clinical/US assessments.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Mei Chen ◽  
Tung-Liang Chiang ◽  
Duan-Rung Chen ◽  
Yu-Kang Tu ◽  
Hsiao-Wei Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Researchers have emphasized the importance of examining how different factors affect men’s and women’s functional status over time. To date, the literature is unclear about whether sex affects the rate of change in disability in middle to older age. Researchers have further emphasized the importance of examining how different factors affect men’s and women’s functional status over time. We examined (a) sex differences in disability trends and (b) the determinants of the rate of change in disability for men and women 50 years and older. Methods This study utilized the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging Survey, a nationally representative database (four waves of survey data 1996–2007, N = 3429). We modeled and compared the differences in disability trends and the influences of determinants on trends among men and women using multiple-indicator and multiple-group latent growth curves modeling (LGCM). Equality constraints were imposed on 10 determinants across groups. Results Once disability began, women progressed toward greater disability 18% faster than men. Greater age added about 1.2 times the burden to the rate of change in disability for women than men (p < 0.001). More comorbidities also added significantly more burden to baseline disability and rate of change in disability among women than men (p < 0.001), but women benefited more from higher education levels in lower baseline disability and slower rate of change. Having a better social network was associated with lower baseline disability among women only (p < 0.05). For both men and women, physically active leisure-time activities were beneficial in lower baseline disability (pmen and women < 0.001) and rate of change in disability (pmen < 0.01; pwomen < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions Age may widen the sex gap in the rate of change in disability. However, both sexes benefit from participating in leisure-time activities. Promoting health literacy improves health outcomes and physical function among women.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Stephanie Stockwell ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
Sarah E. Jackson ◽  
Abi Fisher ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associations between internet/email use in a large sample of older English adults with their social isolation and loneliness. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Wave 8 were used, with complete data available for 4,492 men and women aged ⩾ 50 years (mean age = 64.3, standard deviation = 13.3; 51.7% males). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyse cross-sectional associations between internet/email use and social isolation and loneliness. The majority of older adults reported using the internet/email every day (69.3%), fewer participants reported once a week (8.5%), once a month (2.6%), once every three months (0.7%), less than every three months (1.5%) and never (17.4%). No significant associations were found between internet/email use and loneliness, however, non-linear associations were found for social isolation. Older adults using the internet/email either once a week (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.72) or once a month (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45–0.80) were significantly less likely to be socially isolated than every day users; those using internet/email less than once every three months were significantly more likely to be socially isolated than every day users (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.28–6.40). Once every three months and never users showed no difference in social isolation compared with every day users. Weak associations were found between different online activities and loneliness, and strong associations were found with social isolation. The study updated knowledge of older adults’ internet/email habits, devices used and activities engaged in online. Findings may be important for the design of digital behaviour change interventions in older adults, particularly in groups at risk of or interventions targeting loneliness and/or social isolation.


2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (06) ◽  
pp. 942-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen Eikenboom ◽  
Hans Vos ◽  
Egbert Bakker ◽  
Bea Tanis ◽  
Carine Doggen ◽  
...  

SummaryLevels of factorVIII (FVIII) are associated with the risk of venous thrombosis.The FVIII variation D1241E has been reported to be associated with decreased levels of FVIII. Our objective was to study whether D1241E is associated with levels of FVIII and the risk of venous thrombosis and whether this association is caused by D1241E or another linked variation.We analyzed the association of three FVIII gene haplotypes encoding 1241E (further denoted as HT1, HT3, and HT5) with FVIII levels and thrombosis risk. This analysis was performed in the Leiden Thrombophilia Study (LETS). The control populations of two case-controls studies on arterial thrombosis in men and women, respectively, were used to confirm the effects observed on FVIII:C in the LETS.In men,HT1 was associated with a 6% reduction in FVIII:C and witha reduced risk of venous thrombosis [odds ratio 0.4 (CI95 0.2–0.8)]. Logistic regression showed that the risk reduction was only partially dependent of the reduction in FVIII levels. HT1 showed no effects in women on either FVIII:C or risk of thrombosis.The number of carriers of HT3 and HT5 was too low to make an accurate estimate of the risk of venous thrombosis. Neither HT3 nor HT5 showed effects on levels of FVIII:C.When we consider that all three haplotypes encoding 1241E show different effects on FVIII:C and thrombosis risk, it is possible that D1241E is not the functional variation. However, FVIII gene variations do contribute to both levels of FVIII and the risk of thrombosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 962-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidi Qin ◽  
Xiaoling Xiang ◽  
Harry Taylor

Objective: This study investigated the impact of driving cessation on social isolation in older adults. Method: Data were obtained from Rounds 1 through 6 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The study sample consisted of 6,916 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or above who were eligible drivers at baseline. Mixed-effects ordered logistic regression and piecewise regression were used to examine the impact of driving cessation on social isolation. Results: In multivariable mixed-effects ordered logistic regression, past-year nondrivers had a twofold increase in the odds of being in a higher social isolation category (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, p < .001). Piecewise regression analysis showed that social isolation scores increased by 0.08 points ( p = .024) following an incident of driving cessation. Discussion: Driving cessation is associated with a higher risk of social isolation in older adults. Interventions to reduce social isolation among older adults may improve public health by targeting older adults who have recently stopped driving.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S11-S12
Author(s):  
Zachary Hostetler ◽  
Keith W Hamilton ◽  
Leigh Cressman ◽  
McWelling H Todman ◽  
Ebbing Lautenbach ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in ambulatory care settings is common, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Behavioral and educational interventions targeting primary care providers (PCPs) have shown promise in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for RTIs. While one perceived barrier to such interventions is the concern that these adversely impact patient satisfaction, few data exist in this area. Here, we examine whether a recent PCP-targeted intervention that significantly reduced antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was associated with a change in patient satisfaction. Methods The PCP-targeted intervention involved monthly education sessions and peer benchmarking reports delivered to 31 clinics within an academic health system, and was previously shown to reduce antibiotic prescribing. Here, we performed a retrospective, secondary analysis of Press Ganey (PG) surveys associated with the outpatient encounters in the pre- and post-intervention periods. We evaluated the impact on patient perceptions of PCPs based on provider exposure to the intervention using a mixed effects logistic regression model. Results There were 17,416 out of 197,744 encounters (8.8%) with associated PG surveys for the study time period (July 2016 to September 2018). In the multivariate model, patient satisfaction with PCPs was most strongly associated with patient-level characteristics (age, race, health status, education status) and survey-level characteristics (survey response time, patient’s usual provider) (Figure 1). Satisfaction with PCPs did not change following delivery of the provider-based intervention even after adjusting for patient- and survey-level characteristics [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 1.005 (0.928, 1.087)]. However, a small increase in satisfaction associated with receiving antibiotics during the entire study period was seen [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 1.146 (1.06, 1.244)]. Figure 1: Association of a provider-targeted intervention as well as patient, provider, and practice characteristics with patient satisfaction in a multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model Conclusion Patient perceptions of PCPs remain unchanged following the delivery of a behavioral and educational intervention to primary care providers that resulted in observable decreases in antibiotic prescribing practices for RTIs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2110248
Author(s):  
Mario Sestan ◽  
Nastasia Kifer ◽  
Marijan Frkovic ◽  
Matej Sapina ◽  
Sasa Srsen ◽  
...  

Background: We analysed clinical and biochemical parameters in predicting severe gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in childhood IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and the risk of developing renal complications. Methods: A national multicentric retrospective study included children with IgAV reviewed in five Croatian University Centres for paediatric rheumatology in the period 2009–2019. Results: Out of 611 children, 281 (45.99%) had at least one GI manifestation, while 42 of 281 (14.95%) had the most severe GI manifestations. Using logistic regression several clinical risk factors for the severe GI manifestations were identified: generalized rash [odds ratio (OR) 2.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–4.01)], rash extended on upper extremities (OR 2.77 (95% CI 1.43–5.34)] or face [OR 3.69 (95% CI 1.42–9.43)] and nephritis (IgAVN) [OR 4.35 (95% CI 2.23–8.50)], as well as lower values of prothrombin time (OR 0.05 (95% CI 0.01–0.62)], fibrinogen [OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.29–0.70)] and IgM [OR 0.10 (95% I 0.03–0.35)]] among the laboratory parameters. Patients with severe GI involvement more frequently had relapse of the disease [OR 2.14 (CI 1.04–4.39)] and recurrent rash [OR 2.61 (CI 1.27–5.38)]. Multivariate logistic regression found that the combination of age, GI symptoms at the beginning of IgAV and severity of GI symptoms were statistically significant predictors of IgAVN. Patients in whom IgAV has started with GI symptoms [OR 6.60 (95% CI 1.67–26.06)], older children [OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.02–1.46)] with severe GI form of IgAV (OR 5.90 (95% CI 1.12–31.15)] were particularly high-risk for developing IgAVN. Conclusion: We detected a group of older children with the onset of GI symptoms before other IgAV symptoms and severe GI form of the IgAV, with significantly higher risk for acute and chronic complications of IgAV.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ghachem ◽  
Frédérik Dufour ◽  
Tamas Fülöp ◽  
Pierrette Gaudreau ◽  
Alan A. Cohen

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Age-related changes in biological processes such as physiological dysregulation (the progressive loss of homeostatic capacity) vary considerably among older adults and may influence health profiles in late life. These differences could be related, at least in part, to the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as sex and physical activity level (PAL). <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the magnitude and rate of changes in physiologi­cal dysregulation in men and women according to PAL and (2) to determine whether/how sex and PAL mediate the apparent influence of physiological dysregulation on health outcomes (frailty and mortality). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We used data on 1,754 community-dwelling older adults (age = 74.4 ± 4.2 years; women = 52.4%) of the Quebec NuAge cohort study. Physiological dysregulation was calculated based on Mahalanobis distance of 31 biomarkers regrouped into 5 systems: oxygen transport, liver/kidney function, leukopoiesis, micronutrients, and lipids. <b><i>Results:</i></b> As expected, mean physiological dysregulation significantly increased with age while PAL decreased. For the same age and PAL, men showed higher levels of physiological dysregulation globally in 3 systems: oxygen transport, liver/kidney function, and leukopoiesis. Men also showed faster global physiological dysregulation in the liver/kidney and leukopoiesis systems. Overall, high PAL was associated with lower level and slower rate of change of physiological dysregulation. Finally, while mortality and frailty risk significantly increased with physiological dysregulation, there was no evidence for differences in these effects between sexes and PAL. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results showed that both sex and PAL have a significant effect on physiological dysregulation levels and rates of change. Also, although a higher PAL was associated with lower level and slower rate of change of physiological dysregulation, there was no evidence that PAL attenuates the effect of physiological dysregulation on subsequent declines in health at the end of life. Substantial work remains to understand how modifiable behaviors impact the relationship between physiological dysregulation, frailty, and mortality in men and women.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s396-s397
Author(s):  
Qunna Li ◽  
Minn Soe ◽  
Allan Nkwata ◽  
Victoria Russo ◽  
Margaret Dudeck ◽  
...  

Background: Surveillance data for surgical site infections (SSIs) following abdominal hysterectomy (HYST) have been reported to the CDC NHSN since 2005. Beginning in 2012, HYST SSI surveillance coverage expanded substantially as a result of a CMS mandatory reporting requirement as part of the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program. A trend analysis of HYST SSI using data submitted to the NHSN has not been previously reported. To estimate the overall trend of HYST SSI incidence rates, we analyzed data reported from acute-care hospitals with surgery performed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018. Methods: We analyzed inpatient adult HYST procedures with primary closure resulting deep incisional primary and organ-space SSIs detected during the same hospitalization or rehospitalization to the same hospital. SSIs reported as infection present at time of surgery (PATOS) were included in the analysis. Due to the surveillance definition changes for primary closure in 2013 and 2015, these were tested separately as interruptions to HYST SSI outcome using an interrupted time-series model with a mixed-effects logistic regression. Because the previously described changes were not significantly associated with changes in HYST SSI risk, mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate the annual change in the log odds of HYST SSI. The estimates were adjusted for the following covariates: hospital bed size, general anesthesia, scope, ASA score, wound classification, medical school affiliation type, procedure duration and age. Results: The number of hospitals and procedures reported to NHSN for HYST increased and then stabilized after 2012 (Table 1). The unadjusted annual SSI incidence rates ranged from 0.60% to 0.81%. Based on the model, we estimate a 2.58% decrease in the odds of having a HYST SSI annually after controlling for variables mentioned above (Table 2). Conclusions: The volume of hospitals and procedures for HYST reported to NHSN increased substantially because of the CMS reporting requirement implemented in 2012. The overall adjusted HYST SSI odds ratio decreased annually over 2009–2018, which indicates progress in preventing HYST SSIs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None


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