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The article provides clinical practice guidelines for the optimal timing of hip or knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis. It emphasizes the need for shared decision-making between patients and clinicians and recommends that patients deemed "appropriate" for TJA should not have their surgery delayed for additional trials of nonoperative treatments.

Background: Upper extremity (UE) trauma represents a common reason for emergency department visits, but the longitudinal economic burden of this public health issue is unknown. This study assessed the 3-year attributable health care use and expenditure after UE trauma requiring acute surgical intervention, with specific focus on injuries that affect function of the hand and wrist. Methods: We conducted an incidence-based, propensity score–matched cohort study (2006–2014) in Ontario, Canada, using linked administrative health care data to identify case patients and matched control patients. We matched adults with hand, wrist and UE nerve trauma requiring surgery 1:4 to control patients. We compared total direct health care costs, including 1-year pre-index costs, between case and control patients using a differences-in-difference methodology. The primary outcome was attributable health care costs within 3 years of injury. Results: We matched patients with trauma (n = 26 123) to noninjured patients (n = 104 353). Mean direct health care costs attributable to UE trauma were $9210 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8880 to 9550) within 3 years. Patients with trauma had significantly more emergency department visits (≥ 3 visits: 25% v. 12%; p < 0.001), mental health visits (34% v. 28%; p < 0.05) and secondary surgeries (25% v. 5%; p < 0.001). Specific patient populations had significantly greater attributable costs: patients requiring post-traumatic mental health visits ($11 360 v. $7090; p < 0.001), inpatient surgery ($14 060 v. $5940, p < 0.001) and complex injuries ($13 790 v. $7930; p < 0.001). Interpretation: Health care expenditure increased more than fivefold in the year after UE trauma surgery and remained greater than the matched cohort for the subsequent 2 years. Those with more serious injuries and post-injury visits for mental health were associated with higher costs, requiring further study for this public health issue. The mean 1-year pre-injury and 1-year post-injury total costs were $1710 and $9350, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rising total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates in younger patients raises concern about appropriateness. We asked: are younger individuals who seek consultation for TKA less likely to be appropriate for and, controlling for appropriateness, more likely to be recommended for surgery?Methods: This cross-sectional study was nested within a prospective cohort study of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients referred for TKA from 2014 to 2016 to centralized arthroplasty centers in Alberta, Canada. Pre-consultation, questionnaires assessed patients' TKA appropriateness (need, based on knee symptoms and prior treatment; readiness/willingness to undergo TKA; health status; and expectations) and contextual factors (for example, employment). Post-consultation, surgeons confirmed study eligibility and reported their TKA recommendation. Using generalized estimating equations to control for clustering by surgeon, we assessed relationships between patient age (<50, 50 to 59, ≥60 years) and TKA appropriateness and receipt of a surgeon TKA recommendation.Results: Of 2,037 participants, 3.3% and 22.7% were <50 and 50 to 59 years of age, respectively, 58.7% were female, and 35.5% were employed. Compared with older participants, younger participants reported significantly worse knee symptoms, higher use of OA therapies, higher TKA readiness, and similar willingness, but had higher body mass index and were more likely to smoke and to consider the ability to participate in vigorous activities, for example, sports, as very important TKA outcomes. TKA was offered to 1,500 individuals (73.6% overall; 52.2%, 71.0%, and 75.4% of those <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, respectively). In multivariate analyses, the odds of receiving a TKA recommendation were higher with greater TKA need and willingness, in nonsmokers, and in those who indicated that improved ability to go upstairs and to straighten the leg were very important TKA outcomes. Controlling for TKA appropriateness, patient age was not associated with surgeons' TKA recommendations.Conclusions: Younger individuals with knee OA referred for TKA had similar or greater TKA need, readiness, and willingness than older individuals. Incorporation of TKA appropriateness criteria into TKA decision-making may facilitate consideration of TKA benefits and risks in a growing population of young, obese individuals with knee OA.Clinical Relevance: Younger people seeking TKA for knee OA had significant OA pain and disability despite recommended OA therapies, suggesting appropriateness for surgical consideration. However, they were significantly more likely to have morbid obesity, to smoke, and to consider return to vigorous activities, like sport, as important TKA outcomes. Whether the short- and longer-term risks of TKA are outweighed by the benefits is unclear and warrants additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The interpretability of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is unclear. We aimed to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for improvement in 6MWT in persons with knee OA at 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and if it differed by baseline walking ability.Methods: Participants with knee OA were assessed 1 month pre- and 12 months post-TKA, including completion of 6MWT. At 12 months, participant-perceived change in walking ability was assessed on an 8-point Likert scale ranging from "extremely worse" to "extremely better". Using logistic regression, ROC curves examined the ability of change in 6MWT distance to discriminate those who perceived walking was improved. MCID was selected overall and then by quartile of baseline 6MWT distance using the Youden method.Results: Two hundred seventy-eight participants were included: mean age 67 years (SD 8.5), 65.5% female, mean pre-TKA 6MWT distance 323.1 (SD 104.7) m, and mean 12-mo 6MWT distance 396.0 (SD 111.9) m. The overall MCID was 74.3 m (AUC 0.65). Acceptable model discrimination (AUC > 0.70) was achieved for individuals in the lowest quartiles of baseline 6MWT distance: Quartile 1: MCID 88.63 m (AUC 0.73); Quartile 2: MCID 84.47 m (AUC 0.72).Conclusions: In persons with knee OA 12 months post-TKA, 6MWT MCID is dependent on baseline walking ability. Poor model discrimination for those in the highest (best) quartiles of baseline walking ability raise questions about 6MWT use across the full spectrum of walking ability. Further research is needed to better understand use of 6MWT as a performance-based measure of physical function for persons with knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between patients' expectations for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and satisfaction with surgical outcome. Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) ages ≥30 years who were referred for TKA at 2 hip/knee surgery centers in Alberta, Canada. Those who received primary, unilateral TKA completed questionnaires pre‐TKA to assess TKA expectations (17‐item Hospital for Special Surgery [HSS] TKA Expectations questionnaire) and contextual factors (age, sex, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score physical function short form [KOOS‐PS], 8‐item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, body mass index [BMI], comorbidities, and prior joint replacement), and 1‐year post‐TKA to assess overall satisfaction with TKA results. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the relationship between TKA expectations (HSS TKA outcomes considered to be very important) and postoperative satisfaction (very satisfied versus somewhat satisfied versus dissatisfied). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results: At 1 year, 1,266 patients with TKA (92.1%) reported their TKA satisfaction (mean ± SD age 67.2 ± 8.8 years, 60.9% women, and mean BMI 32.6 kg/m2); 74.7% of patients were very satisfied, 17.1% were somewhat satisfied, and 8.2% were dissatisfied. Controlling for other factors, an expectation of TKA to improve patients' ability to kneel was associated with lower odds of satisfaction (adjusted OR 0.725 [95% CI 0.54–0.98]). An expectation of TKA to improve psychological well‐being was associated with lower odds of satisfaction for individuals in the lowest tertile of pre‐TKA KOOS‐PS scores (adjusted OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.28–0.84]), but higher odds for those in the highest tertile (adjusted OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.33–4.21]). Conclusion: In patients with TKA, preoperative expectations regarding kneeling and psychological well‐being were significantly associated with the level of TKA satisfaction at 1 year. Ensuring that patients' expectations are achievable may enhance appropriate provision of TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability. There is increasing emphasis on initiating treatment earlier in the disease. Physical therapists are central to the management of OA through the delivery of exercise programs. There is a paucity of research on physical therapists' perceptions and clinical behaviors related to early knee OA management. Objective The study aimed to explore how physical therapists approached management of early knee OA, with a focus on evidence-based strategies. This is an important first step to begin to optimize care by physical therapists for this population. Design We used a qualitative, descriptive research design. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 33 physical therapists working with people with knee symptoms and/or diagnosed knee OA in community or outpatient settings in Canada. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Five main themes were constructed: (1) Physical therapists' experience and training: clinical experiences and continuing professional development informed clinical decision-making. (2) Tailoring treatment from the physical therapist "toolbox:" participants described their toolbox of therapeutic interventions, highlighting the importance of tailoring treatments to people. (3) The central role of exercise and physical activity in management: exercise was consistently recommended by participants. (4) Variability in support for weight management: there was variation related to how participants addressed weight management. (5) Facilitating "buy-in" to management: physical therapists used a range of strategies to gain "buy-in." Limitations Participants were recruited through a professional association specializing in orthopedic physical therapy and worked an average of 21 years. Conclusions Participants' accounts emphasized tailoring of interventions, particularly exercises, which is an evidence-based strategy for OA. Findings illuminated variations in management that warrant further exploration to optimize early intervention (eg, weight management, behavior change techniques). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on Framingham Osteoarthritis (OA) Study. Topics discussed include description of the typical joint pathology and symptoms of the most common form of arthritis in humans, metabolic syndrome consisting of features including hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemias and visceral obesity, and metabolic syndrome prevalence found to be higher among people with OA than those without OA.

The objective of this study is to determine if osteoarthritis (OA) pain and function, persistent low back pain (LBP) and psychosocial factors predict future pain impact (PI) in people with hip and knee OA. In a population-based cohort with hip/knee OA, a standardized telephone questionnaire was used to assess baseline sociodemographics, baseline PI, patient-reported OA severity (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) summary score), psychosocial factors (fatigue, pain catastrophizing (PC), anxiety, social network, and depression), and self-reported persistent LBP. Two years post-baseline, PI was assessed using the Pain Impact Questionnaire. The association of key independent variables with PI was evaluated through multivariable linear regression, adjusting for covariates (e.g., age, sex, baseline PI, etc.) In 462 participants, the mean age was 76 years (range 58 to 96), 78 % were female and 35 % reported LBP at baseline. Mean scores for PC (9.4), and anxiety (3.7) were low and social network (20.1) high. In multivariable regression analyses, only the WOMAC summary score (unstandardized ß 0.181 95% CI (0.12, 0.24) p < 0.001) was independently associated with greater PI at follow-up. In a population-based cohort with hip/knee OA, only the baseline WOMAC summary score was an independent predictor of future PI. This suggests that treatment needs to be focused on limiting pain severity and functional limitations in individuals with hip and knee OA. However, scores for the psychosocial factors are indicative of a healthy cohort and therefore results may not be generalizable to those with poorer psychosocial health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on a study published within the issue which examined the rates of admission to hospital for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) in adults aged 4-85 years in Sweden with and without a primary health care claim for osteoarthritis (OA). Topics covered include the association of OA with the incidence and outcomes of other chronic conditions, and the urgent need to improve outpatient care for OA patients demonstrated by the study.

Objective As rates of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for osteoarthritis (OA) rise, there is a need to ensure appropriate use. We undertook this study to develop criteria for appropriate use of TJA. Methods In prior work, we used qualitative methods to separately assess OA patients' and arthroplasty surgeons' perceptions regarding appropriateness of patient candidates for TJA. The current study reviewed the appropriateness themes that emerged from each group, and a series of statements were developed to reflect each unique theme or criterion. A group of arthroplasty surgeons then indicated their level of agreement with each statement using electronic voting. Where ≤70% agreed or disagreed, the criterion was discussed and revised, and revoting occurred. In standardized telephone interviews, OA patient focus group participants indicated their level of agreement with each revised criterion. Results Qualitative research in 58 OA patients and 14 arthroplasty surgeons identified 11 appropriateness criteria. Member-checking in 15 surgeons (including 5 who had participated in the qualitative study) resulted in agreement on 6 revised criteria. These included evidence of arthritis on joint examination, patient-reported symptoms negatively impacting quality of life, an adequate trial of appropriate nonsurgical treatment, realistic patient expectations of surgery, mental and physical readiness of patient for surgery, and patient-surgeon agreement that potential benefits exceed risks. Thirty-six of the original 58 OA patient focus group participants (62.1%) participated in the member-check interviews and endorsed all 6 criteria. Conclusion Patients and surgeons jointly endorsed 6 criteria for assessment of TJA appropriateness in OA patients. Prospective validation of these criteria (assessed preoperatively) as predictive of postoperative patient-reported outcomes is under way and will inform development of a surgeon-patient decision-support tool for assessment of TJA appropriateness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving value in musculoskeletal health care has emerged as an important objective in both the United States and Canada. In order to achieve this objective, providers need to have a clear definition of value and an infrastructure for measuring outcomes of interest to patients and costs over the episode of care. Although national patient registries have been established in the United States and Canada, they nevertheless lag behind other registries worldwide in terms of collecting patient-reported outcomes and capturing data from a wide cross-section of hospitals and physicians. With the help of professional medical societies and the creation of national initiatives, patient-reported outcomes data collection on a large scale may be possible, but many challenges remain regarding implementation. Alternatives to the fee-for-service payment model, including pay-for-reporting and pay-for-performance, may help incentivize physicians and health-care providers to obtain and improve on patient-reported outcomes data collection. Other payment reforms, such as bundled payments, have been piloted in certain regions, but their sustainability and long-term success are unclear at this time. Novel health-care delivery strategies aimed at improving quality, coordinating multispecialty care, and enhancing patient participation in shared decision-making have shown promise in improving patient-centered outcomes, but delivery models continue to vary greatly throughout the United States and Canada. The current status of musculoskeletal health-care delivery requires substantial change before the goal of improving patient outcomes and lowering health-care costs can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving value in musculoskeletal health care has emerged as an important objective in both the United States and Canada. In order to achieve this objective, providers need to have a clear definition of value and an infrastructure for measuring outcomes of interest to patients and costs over the episode of care. Although national patient registries have been established in the United States and Canada, they nevertheless lag behind other registries worldwide in terms of collecting patient-reported outcomes and capturing data froma wide cross-section of hospitals and physicians.With the help of professional medical societies and the creation of national initiatives, patient-reported outcomes data collection on a large scale may be possible, but many challenges remain regarding implementation. Alternatives to the fee-for-service payment model, including pay-for-reporting and pay-for-performance, may help incentivize physicians and health-care providers to obtain and improve on patient-reported outcomes data collection. Other payment reforms, such as bundled payments, have been piloted in certain regions, but their sustainability and long-term success are unclear at this time. Novel health-care delivery strategies aimed at improving quality, coordinating multispecialty care, and enhancing patient participation in shared decision-making have shown promise in improving patient-centered outcomes, but delivery models continue to vary greatly throughout the United States and Canada. The current status of musculoskeletal health-care delivery requires substantial change before the goal of improving patient outcomes and lowering health-care costs can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine messages perceived by members of an osteoporosis (OP) patient group from various healthcare providers regarding bone health. We conducted a phenomenological (qualitative) study in members of an OP patient group who resided in Canada, had sustained a fragility fracture at 50+ years old, and were not taking antiresorptive medication at the time of that fracture. Participants were interviewed for approximately 1 h by telephone and responded to questions about visits to healthcare providers for their bone health and what was discussed during those visits. We analyzed the data guided by Giorgi's methodology. We interviewed 28 members (2 males, 26 females; 78 % response rate), aged 51-89 years old. Most participants perceived that their specialist was more interested than their primary care physician in bone health and took the time to discuss issues with them. Participants perceived very few messages from the fracture clinic and other providers. We found many instances where perceived messages within and across various healthcare providers were inconsistent, suggesting there is a need to raise awareness of bone health management guidelines to providers who treat fracture patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On Apr. 1, 2008, a revision was made to the fee schedule for bone mineral density testing with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the province of Ontario, Canada, reducing the frequency of repeat screening in individuals at low risk of osteoporosis. We evaluated whether the change in physician reimbursement successfully promoted appropriate bone mineral density testing, with reduced use among women at low risk and increased use among women and men at higher risk of osteoporosis-related fracture. Methods: We analyzed data from administrative databases on physician billings, hospital discharges and emergency department visits. We included all physician claims for DXA in the province to assess patterns in bone mineral density testing from Apr. 1, 2002, to Mar. 31, 2011. People at risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture were defined as women and men aged 65 years or more and those who had a recent (< 6 mo) fracture after age 40 years. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine trends in DXA testing. Results: Before the policy change, the overall number of DXA tests increased from 433 419 in 2002/03 to 507 658 in 2007/08; after revision of the fee schedule, the number decreased to 422 915 by 2010/11. Most of this reduction was due to a decrease in the age-standardized rate of DXA testing among women deemed to be at low risk, from 5.7 per 100 population in 2008/09 to 1.8 per 100 in 2010/11. In the high-risk group of people aged 65 or more, the age-standardized rate of testing increased after the policy change among men but decreased among women. Among those at high risk because of a recent clinical fracture, the age-standardized rate of DXA testing increased for both sexes and then decreased after the policy change. Interpretation: A change in reimbursement designed to restrict access to bone mineral density testing among low-risk women was associated with an overall reduction in testing. Efforts to communicate guidelines for bone mineral density testing with greater clarity, particularly as they relate to high-risk individuals, need to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) avoid physical activities that exacerbate symptoms, potentially increasing risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, we assessed the relationship between OA disability and these outcomes. Methods: In a population cohort aged 55+ years with at least moderately severe symptomatic hip and/or knee OA, OA disability (Western Ontario McMaster Universities (WOMAC) OA scores; Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) walking score; use of walking aids) and other covariates were assessed by questionnaire. Survey data were linked to health administrative data to determine the relationship between baseline OA symptom severity to all-cause mortality and occurrence of a composite CVD outcome (acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, heart failure, stroke or transient ischemic attack) over a median follow-up of 13.2 and 9.2 years, respectively. Results: Of 2156 participants, 1,236 (57.3%) died and 822 (38.1%) experienced a CVD outcome during follow-up. Higher (worse) baseline WOMAC function scores and walking disability were independently associated with a higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR, per 10-point increase in WOMAC function score 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.004; aHR per unit increase in HAQ walking score 1.30, 95% CI 1.22–1.39, p<0.001; and aHR for those using versus not using a walking aid 1.51, 95% CI 1.34–1.70, p<0.001). In survival analysis, censoring on death, risk of our composite CVD outcome was also significantly and independently associated with greater baseline walking disability ((aHR for use of a walking aid  = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47, p = 0.001; aHR per unit increase in HAQ walking score  = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.27, p<0.001). Conclusions: Among individuals with hip and/or knee OA, severity of OA disability was associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality and serious CVD events after controlling for multiple confounders. Research is needed to elucidate modifiable mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To evaluate feasibility and potential effectiveness of a patient decision aid (PtDA) for patients and a preference report for surgeons to reduce wait times and improve decision quality in patients with osteoarthritis considering total knee replacement. Methods A prospective two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial. Patients with osteoarthritis were eligible if they understood English and were referred for surgical consultation about an initial total knee arthroplasty at a Canadian orthopaedic joint assessment clinic. Patients were randomized to the PtDA intervention or usual education. The intervention was an osteoarthritis PtDA for patients and a one-page preference report summarizing patients’ clinical and decisional data for their surgeon. The main feasibility outcomes were rates of recruitment and questionnaire completion; the preliminary effectiveness outcomes were wait times and decision quality. Results Of 180 patients eligible for surgical consultation, 142 (79%) were recruited and randomized to the PtDA intervention (n = 71) or usual education (n = 71). Data collection yielded a 93% questionnaire completion rate with less than 1% missing items. After one year, 13% of patients remained on the surgical wait list. The median time from referral to being off the wait list (censored using survival analysis techniques) was 33.4 weeks for the PtDA group (n = 69, 95% CI: 26.0, 41.4) and 33.0 weeks for usual education (n = 71, 95% CI: 26.1, 39.9). Patients exposed to the PtDA had higher decision quality based on knowledge (71% versus 47%; p < 0.0001) and quality decision being an informed choice that is consistent with their values for option outcomes (56.4% versus 25.0%; p < 0.001). Conclusions Recruitment of patients with osteoarthritis considering surgery and data collection were feasible. As some patients remained on the surgical waiting list after one year, follow-up should be extended to two years. Patients exposed to the PtDA achieved higher decision quality compared to those receiving usual education but there was no difference in wait for surgery. Trials registration ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00743951 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate patient predictors of good outcome following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods A population cohort with hip/knee arthritis (osteoarthritis [OA] or inflammatory arthritis) ages ≥55 years was recruited between 1996 and 1998 (baseline) and assessed annually for demographics, troublesome joints, health status, and overall hip/knee arthritis severity using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC). Survey data were linked with administrative databases to identify primary TJAs. Good outcome was defined as an improvement in WOMAC summary score greater than or equal to the minimal important difference (MID; 0.5 SD of the mean change). Logistic regression and Akaike's information criterion were used to determine the optimal number of predictors and the best model of that size. Log Poisson regression was used to determine the relative risk (RR) for a good outcome. Results Primary TJA was performed in 202 patients (mean age 71.0 years; 79.7% female; 82.7% with >1 troublesome hip/knee; 65.8% knee replacements). Mean improvement in WOMAC summary score was 10.2 points (SD 18.05; MID 9 points). Of these patients, 53.5% experienced a good outcome. Four predictors were optimal. The best 4-variable model included pre-TJA WOMAC, comorbidity, number of troublesome hips/knees, and arthritis type (C statistic 0.80). The probability of a good outcome was greater with worse (higher) pre-TJA WOMAC summary scores (adjusted RR 1.32 per 10-point increase; P < 0.0001), fewer troublesome hips/knees (adjusted RR 0.82 per joint; P = 0.002), OA (adjusted RR for rheumatoid arthritis versus OA 0.33; P = 0.009), and fewer comorbidities (adjusted RR per condition 0.88; P = 0.01). Conclusion In an OA cohort with a high prevalence of multiple troublesome joints and comorbidity, only half achieved a good TJA outcome, defined as improved pain and disability. A more comprehensive assessment of the benefits and risks of TJA is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rates of use of total joint arthroplasty among appropriate and willing candidates are lower in women than in men. A number of factors may explain this gender disparity, including patients' preferences for surgery, gender bias influencing physicians' clinical decision-making, and the patient-physician interaction. Questions/purposes: We propose a framework of how patient gender affects the patient and physician decision-making process of referral and recommendation for total joint arthroplasty and consider potential interventions to close the gender gap in total joint arthroplasty utilization. Methods: The process involved in the referral and recommendation for total joint arthroplasty involves eight discrete steps. A systematic review is used to describe the influence of patient gender and related clinical and nonclinical factors at each step. Where are we now?: Patient gender plays an important role in the process of referral and recommendation for total joint arthroplasty. Female gender primarily affects Steps 3 through 8, suggesting barriers unique to women exist in the patient-physician interaction. Where do we need to go?: Developing and evaluating interventions that improve the quality of the patient-physician interaction should be the focus of future research. How do we get there?: Potential interventions include using decision support tools that facilitate shared decision-making between patients and their physicians and promoting cultural competency and shared decision-making skills programs as a core component of medical education. Increasing physicians' acceptance and awareness of the unconscious biases that may be influencing their clinical decision-making may require additional skills programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To examine the extent and impact of musculoskeletal complaints in a TBI survivor population many years post-injury. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used. Former patients of a rehabilitation programme who sustained a moderate-to-severe TBI 15 or more years prior ( n == 34) were interviewed by telephone. The mean age at follow-up was 48 years; mean time post-injury was 26 years. Main outcomes: Seventy-nine per cent reported some form of musculoskeletal complaint, defined as experiencing pain, stiffness or aching in or around a joint during the past 30 days. Compared with survivors with no reported musculoskeletal complaints, individuals reporting one or more complaints reported significantly more bodily pain and lower health status and function, based on sub-scales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that musculoskeletal complaints may be highly prevalent in a long-term TBI survivor population and confer significant pain and disability. Future studies should be directed at elucidating modifiable risk factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders following TBI. In the meantime, attention should be paid to the assessment and long-term management of these complaints among TBI survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To compare physicians'' treatment and referral decisions for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for standardized patients with matching paper patients. Study Design and Setting: Sixty-seven physicians (38 family physicians and 29 orthopedic surgeons) performed blinded assessments of two standardized patients (one man and one woman) with moderate knee osteoarthritis and otherwise identical clinical scenarios differing only in gender, and consented to including their data. Standardized patients recorded physicians'' recommendations (yes/no) to refer for, or perform, TKA. Sixty physicians provided their treatment recommendations to matching paper patients. Results: Recommendation rates for both the male and the female standardized patients (67% and 32%, respectively) were lower compared with the matching paper patients (80% and 67%, respectively). Physicians were more likely to recommend TKA to a man than to a woman when presented with standardized patients (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.4–7.3; P <0.001). In contrast, patients'' gender did not affect the same physicians'' recommendations regarding referral for, or performing, TKA for the matching paper patients (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI=0.9–4.6; P =0.101). Conclusion: Unlike their treatment recommendations for standardized patients, the same physicians'' treatment and referral decisions for paper patients were not influenced by patients'' gender, suggesting that paper patients are not a sensitive method of assessing physician bias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the results of research which was conducted in an effort to address how patient characteristics influence the outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis. researchers found that while younger age and male sex increased the risk of revision and older age and mortality was greatest among older people and men, all groups derived benefits from total joint arthroplasty.

Background: The underuse of total joint arthroplasty in appropriate candidates is more than 3 times greater among women than among men. When surveyed, physicians report that the patient's sex has no effect on their decision-making; however, what occurs in clinical practice may be different. The purpose of our study was to determine whether patients' sex affects physicians' decisions to refer a patient for, or to perform, total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Seventy-one physicians (38 family physicians and 33 orthopedic surgeons) in Ontario performed blinded assessments of 2 standardized patients (1 man and 1 woman) with moderate knee osteoarthritis who differed only by sex. The standardized patients recorded the physicians' final recommendations about total knee arthroplasty. Four surgeons did not consent to the inclusion of their data. After detecting an overall main effect, we tested for an interaction with physician type (family physician v. orthopedic surgeon). We used a binary logistic regression analysis with a generalized estimating equation approach to assess the effect of patients' sex on physicians' recommendations for total knee arthroplasty. Results: In total, 42% of physicians recommended total knee arthroplasty to the male but not the female standardized patient, and 8% of physicians recommended total knee arthroplasty to the female but not the male standardized patient (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-7.3, p < 0.001; risk ratio [RR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p < 0.001). The odds of an orthopedic surgeon recommending total knee arthroplasty to a male patient was 22 times (95% CI 6.4-76.0, p < 0.001) that for a female patient. The odds of a family physician recommending total knee arthroplasty to a male patient was 2 times (95% CI 1.04-4.71, p = 0.04) that for a female patient. Interpretation: Physicians were more likely to recommend total knee arthroplasty to a male patient than to a female patient, suggesting that gender bias may contribute to the sex-based disparity in the rates of use of total knee arthroplasty. INSET: Methodological pearl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground: Many patients who have undiagnosed osteoporosis and a recent fragility fracture present to fracture clinics in Canadian hospitals, where the focus of management is on fracture care. The rate of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in this patient group is unknown.Methods: Patients who presented with fractures at sites consistent with fragility-type fractures were identified through a retrospective chart review of fracture clinic visits in 3 Ontario community hospitals in selected weeks in February and November 1996 and August and May 1997. These patients were contacted by mail and telephone follow-up to obtain consent to participate in a telephone interview. Patients were excluded if the index fracture had been traumatic, if they were younger than 18 years, or if they had medical conditions known to be associated with secondary bone loss. Eligible patients were questioned about their history of prior fractures, diagnosis of osteoporosis, and investigation and treatment of osteoporosis before or after the index fracture.Results: Among 2694 fracture clinic visits, we identified 228 patients (8.4%) with fragility-type fractures. Of the 228, 128 (56.1%) were contacted and agreed to participate in an interview about 1 year from the date of the index fracture. Of the 128 patients, 108 (83 postmenopausal and 13 premenopausal women and 12 men) were confirmed as eligible. Of the 108, 43 had experienced 53 fractures in addition to the index fracture in the preceding 10 years, of which 71% were of the fragility type. At interview, only 20 (18.5%) (all postmenopausal women) of the 108 patients reported that they had received a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Of the 20, 90% and 45% respectively had been advised to take calcium and vitamin D supplements; 8 (40%) were receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 8 (40%) were taking bisphosphonates. Of the 88 patients who had not received a diagnosis of osteoporosis, 4 (4.5%) were receiving HRT, none was ta... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

George and colleagues reported a cohort study that used administrative claims data to compare infection risk across biologic therapies in the setting of primary or revision hip or knee joint replacement surgery in adults with RA. The editorialists discuss the findings but note that this study does not resolve the question of whether withholding biologic therapies in the perioperative period reduces overall risk for infection complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the article "Evaluating the Design and Reporting of Pragmatic Trials in Osteoarthritis Research" by Shabana Amanda Ali et al. He evaluates the criteria used by the researchers in reviewing the design and reporting of pragmatic trials in osteoarthritis (OA). He also discusses the use of evidence-based therapies in patients with OA and patient-reported outcome and experience measures incorporated into routine primary care practice.

Background: Immigrants and refugees face unique challenges navigating the health care system to manage severe arthritis, because of unfamiliarity, lack of awareness of surgical options, or access. The purpose of this study was to assess total knee arthroplasty (TKA) uptake, surgical outcomes, and hospital utilization among immigrants and refugees compared with Canadian-born patients. Methods: We included all adults undergoing primary TKA from January 2011 to December 2020 in Ontario. Cohorts were defined as Canadian-born or immigrants and refugees. We assessed change in yearly TKA utilization for trend. We compared differences in 1-year revision, infection rates, 30-day venous thromboembolism (VTE), presentation to emergency department, and hospital readmission between matched Canadian-born and immigrant and refugee groups. Results: We included 158 031 TKA procedures. A total of 11 973 (7.6%) patients were in the immigrant and refugee group, and 146 058 (92.4%) patients were in the Canadian-born group. The proportion of TKAs in Ontario performed among immigrants and refugees nearly doubled over the 10-year study period (p < 0.001). After matching, immigrants were at relatively lower risk of 1-year revision (0.9% v. 1.6%, p < 0.001), infection (p < 0.001), death (p = 0.004), and surgical complications (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in rates of 30-day VTE or length of hospital stay. Immigrants were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation (p < 0.001) and less likely to present to the emergency department (p < 0.001) than Canadian-born patients. Conclusion: Compared with Canadian-born patients, immigrants and refugees have favourable surgical outcomes and similar rates of resource utilization after TKA. We observed an underutilization of these procedures in Ontario relative to their proportion of the population. This may reflect differences in perceptions of chronic pain or barriers accessing arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the association between allopurinol and mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in an allopurinol‐treated diabetes cohort. Materials and Methods: We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. Eligible subjects were ≥ 66 years old with diabetes and a first prescription for allopurinol between 1 April, 2002 and 31 March, 2012 and were followed until 31 March, 2016. The primary outcome was a composite: all‐cause mortality, non‐fatal cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, revascularization procedure, or stroke) or congestive heart failure (CHF). Secondary outcomes were components of the primary outcome and pneumonia as a negative tracer. Allopurinol was modelled as time‐varying exposed versus unexposed, daily dose category and cumulative dose using sex‐specific multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Over a median follow‐up of 4.65 years (interquartile range 1.79–7.81), 16 266/23 103 males and 10 571/15 313 females experienced the primary outcome. Allopurinol was associated with a reduction in the primary outcome [adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.75–0.80) and 0.81 (0.78–0.84) for males and females, respectively], driven by marked reductions in all‐cause mortality and modest reductions in cardiovascular events/CHF. There was no effect of cumulative allopurinol dose on any outcome, and allopurinol was also associated with reduced risk of pneumonia in males [aHR 0.88 (0.83, 0.93)]. Conclusions: Allopurinol was associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. However, lack of cumulative dose effect and a positive tracer outcome in males suggests residual bias. Future research assessing whether allopurinol prevents vascular complications in diabetes requires a clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reply is presented in response to a letter by Arvind Chopra on the new classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the article on this topic by D. Aletaha and colleagues in a 2010 issue.

The authors reflect on the use of shared decision making in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis. They suggest that tools which improve the shared decision making process are important in the care of patients with osteoarthritis. They argue that when considering treatment options for osteoarthritis patients the quality of decision making should be defined by how well the chosen treatment option matches the features that matter most to the patient.

A correction to the article "Perceived messages about bone health after a fracture are not consistent across healthcare providers" published in the July 25, 2014 issue of the periodical is presented.

Background: To evaluate feasibility and potential effectiveness of a patient decision aid (PtDA) for patients and a preference report for surgeons to reduce wait times and improve decision quality in patients with osteoarthritis considering total knee replacement.Methods: A prospective two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial. Patients with osteoarthritis were eligible if they understood English and were referred for surgical consultation about an initial total knee arthroplasty at a Canadian orthopaedic joint assessment clinic. Patients were randomized to the PtDA intervention or usual education. The intervention was an osteoarthritis PtDA for patients and a one-page preference report summarizing patients' clinical and decisional data for their surgeon. The main feasibility outcomes were rates of recruitment and questionnaire completion; the preliminary effectiveness outcomes were wait times and decision quality.Results: Of 180 patients eligible for surgical consultation, 142 (79%) were recruited and randomized to the PtDA intervention (n = 71) or usual education (n = 71). Data collection yielded a 93% questionnaire completion rate with less than 1% missing items. After one year, 13% of patients remained on the surgical wait list. The median time from referral to being off the wait list (censored using survival analysis techniques) was 33.4 weeks for the PtDA group (n = 69, 95% CI: 26.0, 41.4) and 33.0 weeks for usual education (n = 71, 95% CI: 26.1, 39.9). Patients exposed to the PtDA had higher decision quality based on knowledge (71% versus 47%; p < 0.0001) and quality decision being an informed choice that is consistent with their values for option outcomes (56.4% versus 25.0%; p < 0.001).Conclusions: Recruitment of patients with osteoarthritis considering surgery and data collection were feasible. As some patients remained on the surgical waiting list after one year, follow-up should be extended to two years. Patients exposed to the PtDA achieved higher decision quality compared to those receiving usual education but there was no difference in wait for surgery.Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00743951. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty are 2 of the most commonly performed elective orthopaedic procedures. They are remarkably successful in relieving pain and improving function in individuals with advanced, symptomatic arthritis. Since, in addition to providing benefits, these procedures pose risks, it is important to provide clinicians with guidance in determining which patients should undergo total joint replacement surgery. The development of the RAND approach in 1986 and its application to total hip and knee replacement have enabled clinicians, payers, and others to assess the appropriateness of past and current procedures for particular patients. However, current appropriateness criteria for elective orthopaedic procedures have important limitations that suggest that they be used cautiously. New approaches to the assessment of appropriateness that overcome many of these limitations are under development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Total knee arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure but not appropriate for all patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) can promote shared decision making and enhance understanding and expectations of procedures among patients, resulting in better discussions between patients and healthcare providers about whether total knee arthroplasty is the most appropriate option. Aims and Objectives: Evaluate impact of an individualised PtDA for osteoarthritis patients considering total knee arthroplasty 1 year after baseline assessment. Methods: Prospective, randomised controlled trial comparing an intervention arm (IA) and routine care arm (RCA). The IA included an online individualised patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) based PtDA and one‐page summary report for the surgeon. We report secondary outcomes from the final assessment: patient expectations, decisional regret, patient satisfaction with outcomes of knee replacement, health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) and depression. We report changes in HRQOL between baseline and final assessments, study arms, and surgical versus non‐surgical patients. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant characteristics and continuous variables. Dichotomous outcomes (expectations, decisional regret, satisfaction) were analyzed using logistic regression and continuous outcomes (HRQOL, depression) were modelled using linear regression. Results: Overall, 140 participants completed all study assessments (IA: n = 69, RCA: n = 71); n = 108 underwent surgery (IA: n = 49, RCA: n = 59). Regardless of study arm, most participants reported expectations were met, minimal decisional regret, satisfaction with outcomes of knee replacement, and had improvements in HRQOL. While no significant differences in study outcomes were found between study arms, IA results were in the direction hypothesised in favour of the PtDA. Conclusions: Although we were not able to detect statistically significant benefits associated with implementing this PROMs‐based PtDA, there was no apparent negative effect on these outcomes 1 year after baseline. We anticipate there may be benefit to implementing this PtDA earlier in the osteoarthritis care pathway where patients have more opportunities to manage their disease non‐surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies suggest that, for some conditions, women receive fewer health care interventions than men. We estimated the potential need for arthroplasty and the willingness to undergo the procedure in both men and women and examined whether there were differences between the sexes. Methods: All 48,218 persons 55 years of age or older in two areas of Ontario, Canada, were surveyed by mail and telephone to identify those with hip or knee problems. In these subjects, we assessed the severity of arthritis and the presence of coexisting conditions by questionnaire, documented arthritis by examination and radiography, and conducted interviews to evaluate the subjects' willingness to undergo arthroplasty. The potential need for arthroplasty was defined by the presence of severe symptoms and disability, the absence of any absolute contraindications to surgery, and clinical and radiographic evidence of arthritis. The estimates of need were then adjusted for the subjects' willingness to undergo arthroplasty. Results: The overall response rates were at least 72 percent for the questionnaires and interviews. As compared with men, women had a higher prevalence of arthritis of the hip or knee (age-adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; P<0.001) and had worse symptoms and greater disability, but women were less likely to have undergone arthroplasty (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; P<0.001). Despite their equal willingness to have the surgery, fewer women than men had discussed the possibility of arthroplasty with a physician (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63). The numbers of people with a potential need for hip or knee arthroplasty were 44.9 per 1000 among women and 20.8 per 1000 among men. After adjustment for willingness to undergo the procedure, the numbers were 5.3 per 1000 for women and 1.6 per 1000 for men. Conclusions: There is underuse of arthroplasty for severe arthritis in both sexes, but the degree of underuse is more than three times as great in women as in men. (N Engl J Med 2000;342:1016-22.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives As total joint arthroplasty ( TJA) rates rise, there is need to ensure appropriate use. Our objective was to elucidate surgeons' perspectives on appropriateness for TJA. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in a sample of orthopaedic surgeons that perform TJA in three Canadian Provinces. Surgeons were asked to discuss their criteria for TJA appropriateness for osteoarthritis; potential value of a decision-support tool to select appropriate candidates; and the role of other stakeholders in assessing appropriateness. Results Of 17 surgeons approached for participation, 14 completed interviews (12 males; 7 aged <50 years; 5 academic; 8 in urban practices). Surgeons agreed that pain and pain impact on patients' quality of life and function were the key criteria to assess appropriateness for TJA, but that these concepts were difficult to assess and not always congruent with structural changes on joint radiography. Some used a wider range of criteria, including their assessments of patient expectations, ability to cope and readiness for surgery. While patient age was not identified as a criterion itself, surgeons did acknowledge that appropriateness criteria may differ for younger versus older patients. Most agreed that a decision-support tool would help ensure that all elements of appropriateness are assessed in a standardized manner, albeit the ultimate decision to offer surgery must be left to the discretion of surgeons, within the context of the doctor-patient relationship. Conclusions Surgeons recognized the need for a tool to support decision making for TJA, particularly in the context of increasing surgical demand in younger patients with less severe arthritis. The work to develop and test such a decision-support tool is underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Pain is not always correlated with severity of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), possibly because people modify activities to manage symptoms. Measures of symptoms that consider pain in the context of activity level may therefore provide greater discrimination than a measure of pain alone. We undertook this study to compare discrimination provided by a measure of pain alone with that provided by combined measures of pain in the context of physical activity across radiographic OA severity levels. Methods This was a cross-sectional study nested within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The population was drawn from 2,127 persons enrolled in an OAI accelerometer monitoring substudy, including those with and those without knee OA. Two composite pain and activity knee symptom (PAKS) scores were calculated as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score (plus 1) divided by a physical activity measure (step count for the first PAKS score [PAKS1 score] and activity count for the second PAKS score [PAKS2 score]). Symptom score discrimination across Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grades was evaluated using histograms and quantile regression. Results A total of 1,806 participants (55.5% of whom were women) were included (mean ± SD age 65.1 ± 9.1 years, mean ± SD body mass index 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2). The WOMAC pain score, but not the PAKS scores, exhibited a floor effect. The adjusted median WOMAC pain scores by K/L grades 0-4 were 0, 0, 0, 1, and 3, respectively. The adjusted median PAKS1 scores were 24.9, 26.0, 32.4, 46.1, and 97.9, respectively, and the adjusted median PAKS2 scores were 7.2, 7.2, 9.2, 12.9, and 23.8, respectively. The PAKS scores had more statistically significant comparisons between K/L grades than did the WOMAC pain score. Conclusion Symptom assessments incorporating pain and physical activity did not exhibit a floor effect and were better able to discriminate radiographic severity than an assessment of pain alone, particularly in milder disease. Pain in the context of physical activity level should be used to assess knee OA symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a perception that the impacts of arthritis are greatest among older adults. However, the effect of age on health-related outcomes in individuals with arthritis has not been explicitly studied. This study examined whether the physical and mental health impacts of arthritis are greater in older (75+ years) versus younger (20-44, 45-64 and 65-74 years) Canadian adults. Methods: Data were from the arthritis component of the 2009 Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada. The responses were weighted to be representative of Canadians (≥20 years) with arthritis. Associations between age and the prevalence of severe/frequent joint pain, severe/frequent fatigue, sleep limitations, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) limitations, high levels of stress, suboptimal general and suboptimal mental health, were examined descriptively prior to conducting multivariate log-binomial regression analyses. Results: A total of 4565 respondents completed the survey (78 % response rate). Individuals with arthritis were mostly female (63 %), of working age (57 %) and overweight or obese (67 %). Upon adjusting for covariates, younger (20-44 years) and/or middle aged (45-64 years) adults were more likely than those older (75+ years) to report severe/frequent joint pain, sleep limitations, high levels of stress and suboptimal mental health. After adjusting for covariates, age was not associated with IADL limitations, severe/frequent fatigue or suboptimal general health. Conclusions: Contrary to the belief that older adults with arthritis experience more severe physical and mental health outcomes, we found that older adults were less likely to report worse outcomes than younger adults. In light of these findings, public health messaging should stress that arthritis does not just affect the elderly and emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and management at all ages in order to prevent or, minimize arthritis-related impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contexte: La diversité dans la haute hiérarchie des organisations de santé peut améliorer l'expérience des soins de santé et les résultats pour les patients. Nous avons voulu explorer les questions de race et de genre chez les cadres des établissements hospitaliers et des ministères de la Santé au Canada et comparer leur diversité à celle des populations desservies. Méthodes: Cette étude transversale a regroupé les cadres des grands hôpitaux canadiens et de tous les ministères de la Santé des provinces et des territoires. Nous avons inclus les membres des équipes de direction nommés dans les sites Web des établissements lorsqu'un nom et une photo étaient disponibles. Six évaluateurs ont encodé et analysé en double la race et le genre perçus des responsables. Nous avons comparé la proportion de responsables de soins de santé racialisés et les caractéristiques démographiques de race de la population générale du Recensement canadien de 2016. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 3056 cadres de 135 établissements. La concordance des évaluateurs sur le plan du genre était présente pour 3022 de ces cadres et sur le plan de la race, pour 2946. Des évaluateurs ont perçu que 37 cadres des ministères de la Santé sur 78 (47,4 %) étaient des femmes et moins de 5 sur 80 (< 7 %) étaient racialisés. En Alberta, en Saskatchewan, à l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard et en Nouvelle-Écosse, les provinces où la gestion hospitalière est centralisée, les évaluateurs ont encodé 36 cadres sur 72 (50,0 %) comme femmes et 5 sur 70 (7,1 %) comme racialisés. En Colombie-Britannique, au Nouveau-Brunswick et à Terre-Neuve-et–Labrador, les provinces où la gestion hospitalière se fait par région, les examinateurs ont perçu que 120 cadres sur 214 (56,1 %) étaient des femmes et 24 sur 209 (11,5 %) étaient racialisés. Au Manitoba, en Ontario et au Québec, où chaque hôpital a sa propre équipe de gestion, les examinateurs ont perçu que 1326 cadres sur 2658 (49,9 %) étaient des femmes et 243 sur 2633 (9,2 %) étaient racialisés. Nous avons calculé l'écart de représentativité entre les cadres racialisés et la population racialisée comme suit: 14,5 % en Colombie-Britannique, 27,5 % au Manitoba, 20,7 % en Ontario, 12,4 % au Québec, 7,6 % au Nouveau-Brunswick, 7,3 % à l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard et 11,6 % à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Interprétation: Dans une étude regroupant plus de 3000 cadres du secteur de la santé au Canada, la parité des genres était présente, mais les cadres racialisés étaient nettement sous-représentés. Ce travail devrait inciter les établissements de santé à accroître la diversité raciale au sein de leurs équipes de direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a representative workforce is a matter of equity and social justice and has implications for patient care and population health. We examined the relationship of the binary gender identity and race of physicians who felt comfortable to self-identify, with workplace experiences and career satisfaction in academic medicine. The outcome of interest of a cross-sectional survey of full-time clinical faculty members within the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, was physician's self-reported career satisfaction. Using logistic regression, we examined relationships of binary gender identity (female/male) and race [under-represented minority (URM) versus over-represented in medicine (ORM)] to: workplace experiences (respectful interactions, perception of having to work harder, exclusion from social networks, witnessing/experiencing unprofessionalism, and confidence in taking action to address incivility without reprisal); and career satisfaction, controlling for age, rank, protected time, and workplace experiences. Female gender and URM status were associated with younger age, lower rank, and less positive workplace experiences. 132 respondents (44.4%) strongly agreed they had career satisfaction. Compared with ORM men, career satisfaction was significantly lower for URM and ORM female physicians (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14–0.65, and 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.85, respectively) and non-significantly lower for URM male physicians (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.32–1.19). Adjustment for academic rank and workplace experiences fully attenuated these relationships. URM female academic physicians had lower career satisfaction than their ORM male counterparts, largely explained by systematic differences in workplace experiences, particularly perceptions of exclusion from social networks and having to work harder to be perceived as legitimate scholars. This suggests a role for institutions and leaders to build inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive cultures to support the flourishing of all faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While some studies have identified patient readiness as a key component in their decision whether to have total joint replacement surgery (TJR), none have examined how patients determine their readiness for surgery. The study purpose was to explore the concept of patient readiness and describe the factors patients consider when assessing their readiness for TJR. Methods Nine focus groups (4 pre-surgery, 5 post-surgery) were held in four Canadian cities. Participants had been either referred to or seen by an orthopaedic surgeon for TJR or had undergone TJR. The method of analysis was qualitative thematic analysis. Results There were 65 participants, 66% female and 34% male, 80% urban, with an average age of 65 years (SD 10). Readiness reflected both the surgeon’s advice that the patient was clinically ready for surgery and the patient’s feeling that they were both mentally and physically ready for surgery. Mental readiness was described as an internal state or feeling of being ready or prepared while physical readiness was described as being physically fit and in good shape for surgery. Factors associated with readiness included: 1) pain: its severity, the ability to cope with it, and how it affected their quality of life; 2) mental preparation; 3) physical preparation; 4) the optimal timing of surgery, including age, anticipated rate of deterioration, prosthesis lifespan and the length of the waiting list. Conclusions Patient readiness should be assessed prior to TJR. By assessing patient readiness, health professionals can elucidate and deal with concerns and fears, understand and calibrate expectations, assess coping strategies, and use this information to help determine optimal timing, both before and after the surgical consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A link between obstructive sleep apnea and cancer development or progression has been suggested, possibly through chronic hypoxemia, but supporting evidence is limited. We examined the association between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and prevalent and incident cancer, controlling for known risk factors for cancer development. Methods: We included all adults referred with possible obstructive sleep apnea who underwent a first diagnostic sleep study at a single large academic hospital between 1994 and 2010. We linked patient data with data from Ontario health administrative databases from 1991 to 2013. Cancer diagnosis was derived from the Ontario Cancer Registry. We assessed the cross-sectional association between obstructive sleep apnea and prevalent cancer at the time of the sleep study (baseline) using logistic regression analysis. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea and incident cancer among patients free of cancer at baseline. Results: Of 10 149 patients who underwent a sleep study, 520 (5.1%) had a cancer diagnosis at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 627 (6.5%) of the 9629 patients who were free of cancer at baseline had incident cancer. In multivariable regression models, the severity of sleep apnea was not significantly associated with either prevalent or incident cancer after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and smoking status at baseline (apnea-hypopnea index > 30 v. < 5: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 0.71-1.30, for prevalent cancer, and adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% Cl 0.80-1.31, for incident cancer; sleep time spent with oxygen saturation < 90%, per 10-minute increase: adjusted OR 1.01, 95% Cl 1.00-1.03, for prevalent cancer, and adjusted HR 1.00, 95% Cl 0.99-1.02, for incident cancer). Interpretation: In a large cohort, the severity of obstructive sleep apnea was not independently associated with either prevalent or incident cancer. Additional studies are needed to elucidate whether there is an independent association with specific types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Internationally, chronic disease self-management programs (CDSMPs) have been widely promoted with the assumption that confident, knowledgeable patients practicing selfmanagement behavior will experience improved health and utilize fewer healthcare resources. However, there is a paucity of published data supporting this claim and the majority of the evidence is based on self-report. Methods We used a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data. Data from 104 tele-CDSMP participants from 13 rural and remote communities in the province of Ontario, Canada were linked to administrative databases containing emergency department (ED) and physician visits and hospitalizations. Patterns of health care utilization prior to and after participation in the tele-CDSMP were compared. Poisson Generalized Estimating Equations regression was used to examine the impact of the tele-CDSMP on health care utilization after adjusting for covariates. Results There were no differences in patterns of health care utilization before and after participating in the tele-CDSMP. Among participants ⩽ 66 years, however, there was a 34% increase in physician visits in the 12 months following the program (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.11-1.61) and a trend for decreased ED visits in those >66 years (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.33-1.06). Conclusions This is the first study to examine health care use following participation in the CDSMP in a Canadian population and to use administrative data to measure health care utilization. Similar to other studies that used self-report measures to evaluate health care use we found no differences in health care utilization before and after participation in the CDSMP. Future research needs to confirm our findings and examine the impact of the CDSMP on health care utilization in different age groups to help to determine whether these interventions are more effective with select population groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine experiences and behaviours with bone health management post-fracture among members of a national osteoporosis (OP) patient group. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in English-speaking members of the group who had sustained a fragility fracture at 50+ years old and were not taking OP pharmacotherapy at the time of that fracture. Participants were recruited through an advertisement in the patient group newsletter and interviewed for ~1 h by telephone, responding to questions regarding visits to health care providers and their behaviours regarding bone health. We analysed the data following Giorgi's methodology. Results: Twenty-eight eligible participants (26 females, two males; 78 % response rate) aged 51-89 years old completed an interview. More than half of our participants described effective consumer behaviours, including making requests of health care providers for referrals to bone specialists, bone mineral density tests, and prescription medication. Conclusion: Members of an OP patient group described effective consumer behaviours that could be incorporated as skill sets in post-fracture interventions to improve bone health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Tetyana Kendzerska and colleagues explore the association between physiological measures of obstructive sleep apnea other than the apnea-hypopnea index and the risk of cardiovascular events. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diverse health care leadership teams may improve health care experiences and outcomes for patients. We sought to explore the race and gender of hospital and health ministry executives in Canada and compare their diversity with that of the populations they serve. Methods: This cross-sectional study included leaders of Canada's largest hospitals and all provincial and territorial health ministries. We included individuals listed on institutional websites as part of the leadership team if a name and photo were available. Six reviewers coded and analyzed the perceived race and gender of leaders, in duplicate. We compared the proportion of racialized health care leaders with the race demographics of the general population from the 2016 Canadian Census. Results: We included 3056 leaders from 135 institutions, with reviewer concordance on gender for 3022 leaders and on race for 2946 leaders. Reviewers perceived 37 (47.4%) of 78 health ministry leaders as women, and fewer than 5 (< 7%) of 80 as racialized. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, provinces with a centralized hospital executive team, reviewers coded 36 (50.0%) of 72 leaders as women and 5 (7.1%) of 70 as racialized. In British Columbia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, provinces with hospital leadership by region, reviewers perceived 120 (56.1%) of 214 leaders as women and 24 (11.5%) of 209 as racialized. In Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, where leadership teams exist at each hospital, reviewers perceived 1326 (49.9%) of 2658 leaders as women and 243 (9.2%) of 2633 as racialized. We calculated the representation gap between racialized executives and the racialized population as 14.5% for British Columbia, 27.5% for Manitoba, 20.7% for Ontario, 12.4% for Quebec, 7.6% for New Brunswick, 7.3% for Prince Edward Island and 11.6% for Newfoundland and Labrador. Interpretation: In a study of more than 3000 health care leaders in Canada, gender parity was present, but racialized executives were substantially under-represented. This work should prompt health care institutions to increase racial diversity in leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients' values and preferences are fundamental tenets of evidence-based practice, yet current osteoporosis (OP) clinical guidelines pay little attention to these issues in therapeutic decision making. This may be in part due to the fact that few studies have examined the factors that influence the initial decision to take OP medication. The purpose of our study was to examine patients' experiences with the decision to take OP medication after they sustained a fracture. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with outpatients identified in a university teaching hospital fracture clinic OP program. Individuals aged 65+ who had sustained a fragility fracture within 5 years, were 'high risk' for future fracture, and were prescribed OP medication were eligible. Analysis of interview data was guided by Giorgi's methodology. Results: 21 patients (6 males, 15 females) aged 65-88 years participated. All participants had low bone mass; 9 had OP. Fourteen patients were taking a bisphosphonate while 7 patients were taking no OP medications. For 12 participants, the decision to take OP medication occurred at the time of prescription and involved minimal contemplation (10/12 were on medication). These patients made their decision because they liked/trusted their health care provider. However, 4/10 participants in this group indicated their OP medication-taking status might change. For the remaining 9 patients, the decision was more difficult (4/9 were on medication). These patients were unconvinced by their health care provider, engaged in risk-benefit analyses using other information sources, and were concerned about side effects; 7/9 patients indicated that their OP medication-taking status might change at a later date. Conclusions: Almost half of our older patients who had sustained a fracture found the decision to take OP medication a difficult one. In general, the decision was not considered permanent. Health care providers should be aware of their potential role in patients' decisions and monitor patients' decisions over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Bayesian analysis can incorporate clinicians'' beliefs about treatment effectiveness into models that estimate treatment effects. Many elicitation methods are available, but it is unclear if any confer advantages based on principles of measurement science. We review belief-elicitation methods for Bayesian analysis and determine if any of them had an incremental value over the others based on its validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Study Design and Setting: A systematic review was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Current Index to Statistics, MathSciNet, and Zentralblatt Math were searched using the terms (prior OR prior probability distribution) AND (beliefs OR elicitation) AND (Bayes OR Bayesian). Studies were evaluated on: design, question stem, response options, analysis, consideration of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Results: We identified 33 studies describing methods for elicitation in a Bayesian context. Elicitation occurred in cross-sectional studies (n =30, 89%), to derive point estimates with individual-level variation (n =19; 58%). Although 64% (n =21) considered validity, 24% (n =8) reliability, 12% (n =4) responsiveness of the elicitation methods, only 12% (n =4) formally tested validity, 6% (n =2) tested reliability, and none tested responsiveness. Conclusions: We have summarized methods of belief elicitation for Bayesian priors. The validity, reliability, and responsiveness of elicitation methods have been infrequently evaluated. Until comparative studies are performed, strategies to reduce the effects of bias on the elicitation should be used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]