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OBJECTIVE: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funded assisted living (AL), adult family home (AFH), and residential care for the first time in the Assisted Living Pilot Program (ALPP). This article describes the background and methods of the ALPP evaluation and the characteristics and experiences of the facilities. METHOD: Facility data were collected from the contracting/inspection process and a survey of ALPP facilities and those contacted but not participating in ALPP. RESULTS: Data on 131 participating facilities are presented: 41 AFHs, 47 assisted living facilities (ALFs), and 43 residential care facilities (RCFs). The average facility had 33 beds (about one quarter Medicaid beds), for-profit ownership, and private rooms for ALPP residents, and about half had private baths. About two thirds of ALPP AFH providers spoke a primary language other than English. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that a wide range of community facilities were willing to provide care to residents with heterogeneous needs on VA funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The Department of Veterans Affairs funded assisted living, adult family home, and adult residential care for the first time in the Assisted Living Pilot Program (ALPP). This article compares the use and cost for individuals that entered ALPP and a comparison group. METHOD: This was a nonrandomized study. The comparison group consisted of VA patients who were eligible but did not enter an ALPP facility. The ALPP (n = 393) and comparison (n = 259) groups were followed for 12 months to assess ALPP facility, case management, and health care costs. RESULTS: ALPP facility and ALPP case management costs were respectively $5,560 and $2,830 per individual. Total health care costs, including ALPP costs, were $11,533 higher for the ALPP group compared to the comparison group after adjusting for baseline differences. DISCUSSION: Although ALPP successfully helped individuals transition to longer term care in these facilities, it was more costly than the comparison group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To identify patient risk factors for pressure ulcers in a sample of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. DESIGN: A survey incorporating questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was mailed to individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders in 2003. A multiple logistic regression model including 2574 respondents was used to examine the association between patient characteristics and the self-report of pressure ulcers. RESULTS: Approximately 36% of respondents reported having pressure ulcers during the previous year. Respondent characteristics significantly associated with report of one or more pressure ulcers included diabetes (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.36, P < 0.001), smoking (IRR = 1.16, P = 0.030), injury duration >30 yrs (IRR = 1.27, P = 0.000), and reporting frequent depressive symptoms (IRR = 1.30, P < 0.001). Veterans who did not have injuries related to their military service (IRR = 1.39, P < 0.001) or who received care at non-VA facilities in addition to or instead of VA facilities (IRR = 1.13, P = 0.024) were more likely than other veterans to report pressure ulcers. CONCLUSION: Efforts to prevent pressure ulcers should include increased attention to managing diabetes and depressive symptoms. Further research to explore the association between multiple healthcare system use and the risk of pressure ulcers should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Support for increasing tenant frailty in assisted living (AL) is a complex and challenging issue. Philosophically, older persons, families, providers, and policymakers want to avoid unnecessary relocation. However, there is considerable opportunity for inconsistency in practice. We examined provider perspectives related to implementing aging-in-place, using information obtained from an evaluation of a three-year AL demonstration project in Illinois. We found differences in approaches to explicit move-out criteria, the actual application of moveout criteria, and provider willingness to develop flexible service plans. These findings raise questions for consideration in all states confronted with implementing the philosophy and intent of AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, or PARIHS, is a conceptual framework that posits key, interacting elements that influence successful implementation of evidence-based practices. It has been widely cited and used as the basis for empirical work; however, there has not yet been a literature review to examine how the framework has been used in implementation projects and research. The purpose of the present article was to critically review and synthesize the literature on PARIHS to understand how it has been used and operationalized, and to highlight its strengths and limitations. Methods We conducted a qualitative, critical synthesis of peer-reviewed PARIHS literature published through March 2009. We synthesized findings through a three-step process using semi-structured data abstraction tools and group consensus. Results Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria: six core concept articles from original PARIHS authors, and eighteen empirical articles ranging from case reports to quantitative studies. Empirical articles generally used PARIHS as an organizing framework for analyses. No studies used PARIHS prospectively to design implementation strategies, and there was generally a lack of detail about how variables were measured or mapped, or how conclusions were derived. Several studies used findings to comment on the framework in ways that could help refine or validate it. The primary issue identified with the framework was a need for greater conceptual clarity regarding the definition of sub-elements and the nature of dynamic relationships. Strengths identified included its flexibility, intuitive appeal, explicit acknowledgement of the outcome of 'successful implementation,' and a more expansive view of what can and should constitute 'evidence.' Conclusions While we found studies reporting empirical support for PARIHS, the single greatest need for this and other implementation models is rigorous, prospective use of the framework to guide implementation projects. There is also need to better explain derived findings and how interventions or measures are mapped to specific PARIHS elements; greater conceptual discrimination among sub-elements may be necessary first. In general, it may be time for the implementation science community to develop consensus guidelines for reporting the use and usefulness of theoretical frameworks within implementation studies.

Abstract Background Facilitation has been identified in the literature as a potentially key component of successful implementation. It has not, however, either been well-defined or well-studied. Significant questions remain about the operational definition of facilitation and about the relationship of facilitation to other interventions, especially to other change agent roles when used in multi-faceted implementation projects. Researchers who are part of the Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) are actively exploring various approaches and processes, including facilitation, to enable implementation of best practices in the Veterans Health Administration health care system – the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. This paper describes a systematic, retrospective evaluation of implementation-related facilitation experiences within QUERI, a quality improvement program developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Methods A post-hoc evaluation was conducted through a series of semi-structured interviews to examine the concept of facilitation across several multi-site QUERI implementation studies. The interview process is based on a technique developed in the field of education, which systematically enhances learning through experience by stimulating recall and reflection regarding past complex activities. An iterative content analysis approach relative to a set of conceptually-based interview questions was used for data analysis. Findings Findings suggest that facilitation, within an implementation study initiated by a central change agency, is a deliberate and valued process of interactive problem solving and support that occurs in the context of a recognized need for improvement and a supportive interpersonal relationship. Facilitation was described primarily as a distinct role with a number of potentially crucial behaviors and activities. Data further suggest that external facilitators were likely to use or integrate other implementation interventions, while performing this problem-solving and supportive role. Preliminary Conclusions This evaluation provides evidence to suggest that facilitation could be considered a distinct implementation intervention, just as audit and feedback, educational outreach, or similar methods are considered to be discrete interventions. As such, facilitation should be well-defined and explicitly evaluated for its perceived usefulness within multi-intervention implementation projects. Additionally, researchers should better define the specific contribution of facilitation to the success of implementation in different types of projects, different types of sites, and with evidence and innovations of varying levels of strength and complexity.

Context/objective: To describe patient experiences with fracture prevention and management among persons with spinal cord injuries/disorders (SCI/D)., Design: Qualitative data collected via semi-structured telephone interviews., Setting: Veterans Health Administration (VA) SCI/D System of Care., Participants: Veterans with SCI/D ( n  = 32) who had experienced at least one lower-extremity fracture in the prior 18 months., Interventions: N/A., Outcome Measures: Interview questions addressed patients': pre-fracture knowledge of osteoporosis and bone health, diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, history and experiences with fracture treatment, and post-fracture care and experiences., Results: Participants expressed concerns about bone health and fractures in particular, which for some, limited activities and participation. Participants recalled receiving little information from providers about bone health or osteoporosis and described little knowledge about osteoporosis prevention prior to their fracture. Few participants reported medication management for osteoporosis, however many reported receiving radiographs/scans to confirm a fracture and most reported being managed non-operatively. Some reported preference for surgical treatment and believed their outcomes would have been better had their fracture been managed differently. Many reported not feeling fully included in treatment decision-making. Some described decreased function, independence and/or participation post-fracture., Conclusion(s): Our results indicate that persons with SCI/D report lacking substantive knowledge about bone health and/or fracture prevention, and following fracture, feel unable and/or hesitant to resume pre-fracture participation. In addition, our findings indicate that individuals with SCI/D may not feel as engaged as they would like to be in establishing fracture treatment plans. As such, persons with SCI/D may benefit from ongoing discussions with providers about risks and benefits of fracture treatment options and consideration of subsequent function and participation, to ensure patients preferences are considered.

A survey of Veterans' Affairs Medical Centers on control of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and carbapenem-producing CRE (CP-CRE) demonstrated that most facilities use VA guidelines but few screen for CRE/CP-CRE colonization regularly or regularly communicate CRE/CP-CRE status at patient transfer. Most respondents were knowledgeable about CRE guidelines but cited lack of adequate resources.

Context/objective: The risk of lower extremity (LE) fractures in persons with spinal cord injury or disorders (SCI/D) is double that of the able-bodied population. LE fractures are the most common fracture location in SCI/D. Physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in rehabilitating LE fractures in Veterans with SCI/D. This paper describes their role in assisting persons with SCI/D and LE fractures to return to previous function and levels of participation., Design: Cross-sectional semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone. Setting: VA SCI centers., Participants: Purposive sample of therapists (PTs and OTs) experienced in LE fracture rehabilitation in SCI/D Interventions: NA., Outcome Measures: Coding of responses used a data-driven thematic and deductive approach, dictated by a semi-structured interview guide addressing the entire treatment process., Results: Participants strongly advocated for early PT/OT involvement in post-fracture rehabilitation in order to recommend braces and devices to minimize skin breakdown, and needs for patient equipment, skills training and/or caregiver assistance resulting from post-fracture mobility changes. Seating specialists should be involved in post-fracture seating assessments in wheelchair users to address changes in alignment, deformities, limb length discrepancies and/or seating posture during and following fracture management., Conclusion: PTs and OTs are critical in rehabilitating LE fractures in persons with SCI/D and LE fractures, bringing expertise in patient function, ambulatory status, transfer strategies, mobility equipment, spasticity, lifestyle, and home and caregiver support. Involving them early in the rehabilitation process, along with orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists and other SCI clinicians can address the multiple and often unique issues that occur in managing fractures in this population.

Background: Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and carbapenemase-producing (CP) CRE are difficult to treat, resulting in high mortality in healthcare settings every year. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) disseminated guidelines in 2015 and an updated directive in 2017 for control of CRE focused on laboratory testing, prevention, and management. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework was used to analyze qualitative interview data to identify contextual factors and best practices influencing implementation of the 2015 guidelines/2017 directive in VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). The overall goals were to determine CFIR constructs to target to improve CRE guideline/directive implementation and understand how CFIR, as a multi-level conceptual model, can be used to inform guideline implementation., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 29 VAMCs with staff involved in implementing CRE guidelines at their facility. Survey and VHA administrative data were used to identify geographically representative large and small VAMCs with varying levels of CRE incidence. Interviews addressed perceptions of guideline dissemination, laboratory testing, staff attitudes and training, patient education, and technology support. Participant responses were coded using a consensus-based mixed deductive-inductive approach guided by CFIR. A quantitative analysis comparing qualitative CFIR constructs and emergent codes to sites actively screening for CRE (vs. non-screening) and any (vs. no) CRE-positive cultures was conducted using Fisher's exact test., Results: Forty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2017 and August 2018 with laboratory staff (47%), Multi-Drug-Resistant Organism Program Coordinators (MPCs, 35%), infection preventionists (12%), and physicians (6%). Participants requested more standardized tools to promote effective communication (e.g., electronic screening). Participants also indicated that CRE-specific educational materials were needed for staff, patient, and family members. Quantitative analysis identified CRE screening or presence of CRE as being significantly associated with the following qualitative CFIR constructs: leadership engagement, relative priority, available resources, team communication, and access to knowledge and information., Conclusions: Effective CRE identification, prevention, and treatment require ongoing collaboration between clinical, microbiology, infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and infectious diseases specialists. Our results emphasize the importance of leadership's role in promoting positive facility culture, including access to resources, improving communication, and facilitating successful implementation of the CRE guidelines.

Objective: Persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience rapid sublesional bone loss following injury (1, 3). Evidence on preventing/managing osteoporosis in SCI is lacking. This project examined how providers manage bone loss in SCI. Design: Telephone interviews with SCI providers. Setting: VA SCI centers and clinics. Participants: Veterans Administration SCI centers and clinics were categorized on their average number of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans (FY2014-2016). Twelve SCI providers from high and low DXA-ordering sites were interviewed. Questions included osteoporosis screening/diagnosis, prevention/treatment strategies, secondary causes of osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fracture complications. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Results: Providers described a lack of standardized guidelines for managing osteoporosis in SCI. They most often screened for osteoporosis using DXA when: (1) considering use of a new device or activity, (2) for patients with a history of fracture. Some providers assumed that non-ambulatory SCI patients already have osteoporosis so infrequently ordered DXAs. Assessment of secondary causes of osteoporosis was uncommon. Fracture prevention strategies identified included weight-bearing and engaging in activities like adaptive sports. Vitamin D and calcium were frequently prescribed as a result of deficiencies identified during lab testing. Providers seldom prescribed FDA-approved medications for osteoporosis. Post-fracture complications encountered included nonunion/malunion and compartment syndrome. Providers indicated that patients often experienced psychological stress, anxiety and depression following fractures. Conclusion: Providers described a lack of evidence for screening and management of patients with SCI and osteoporosis. Future efforts should include developing evidence-informed guidelines to aid providers in osteoporosis management.

Objective: To investigate the association between prescriptions for bisphosphonates; calcium and vitamin D supplements; and receipt of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening, and incident fracture risk in men and women with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or disorder (SCID)., Design: Propensity-matched case-control analyses., Setting: United States Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities., Participants: A total of 7989 men and 849 women with an SCID included in VA administrative databases between October 1, 2005 and October 1, 2015 were identified (N=8838). Cases included 267 men and 59 women with a bisphosphonate prescription propensity matched with up to 4 controls., Interventions: Not applicable., Main Outcome Measures: Incident lower extremity fractures., Results: There was no significant association between prescriptions for bisphosphonates and incident lower extremity fractures in men (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.77) or women (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.28-3.75). In men, similar null associations were seen among those who were adherent to bisphosphonate therapy (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.73-2.16), were concomitant users of vitamin D and calcium and a bisphosphonate (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.57-1.96), had more than 1 fracture on different dates during the study period (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-1.16) and in those who had undergone DXA testing prior to the date of the bisphosphonate prescription and incident fracture (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.69-2.32)., Conclusions: In men with a traumatic SCI and women with a traumatic SCID, bisphosphonate therapies for osteoporosis do not appear to significantly affect fracture risk. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to definitively demonstrate efficacy of bisphosphonates for fracture prevention in this population. There is a compelling need to identify new medications to prevent fractures in this high-risk population., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: The primary objective was to review the literature regarding methodologies to assess fracture risk, to prevent and treat osteoporosis and to manage osteoporotic fractures in SCI/D. Study Design: Scoping review. Settings/Participants: Human adult subjects with a SCI/D. Outcome measures: Strategies to identify persons with SCI/D at risk for osteoporotic fractures, nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies for osteoporosis and management of appendicular fractures. Results: 226 articles were included in the scoping review. Risk of osteoporotic fractures in SCI is predicted by a combination of DXA-defined low BMD plus clinical and demographic characteristics. Screening for secondary causes of osteoporosis, in particular hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, vitamin D insufficiency and hypogonadism, should be considered. Current antiresorptive therapies for treatment of osteoporosis have limited efficacy. Use of surgery to treat fractures has increased and outcomes are good and comparable to conservative treatment in most cases. A common adverse event following fracture was delayed healing. Conclusions: Most of the research in this area is limited by small sample sizes, weak study designs, and significant variation in populations studied. Future research needs to address cohort definition and study design issues.

Laboratory identification of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a key step in controlling its spread. Our survey showed that most Veterans Affairs laboratories follow VA guidelines for initial CRE identification, whereas 55.0% use PCR to confirm carbapenemase production. Most respondents were knowledgeable about CRE guidelines. Barriers included staffing, training, and financial resources.

Objective: SBP variability may be a target for mitigating end-organ damage associated with vascular disease. We evaluated the relationship between increased SBP variability and risk of incident diabetic foot ulceration., Methods: Using a nested case-control design, we followed patients diagnosed with diabetes and treated within the US Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare system for development of a diabetic foot ulcer (event) between 2006 and 2010. Each case was randomly matched to up to five controls based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and calendar time. SBP variability was computed using at least three blood pressure measurements from the year preceding the event. The association between SBP variability and foot ulceration was examined using conditional logistic regression. Potential protective effects of calcium channel blockers, which blunt SBP variability, were also explored., Results: The study sample included 51 111 cases and 129 247 controls. Compared with those in quartile 1 (lowest variability), patients in quartiles 2-4 had higher adjusted odds ratios for diabetic foot ulcer development: 1.11 (95% CI 1.07-1.16), 1.20 (95% CI 1.15-1.25), 1.29 (95% CI 1.24-1.34) (P for trend <0.001). Calcium channel blockers were associated with reduced risks of ulceration for those without peripheral vascular disease (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.84-0.90, P < 0.001) or neuropathy (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.82-0.89, P < 0.001) in adjusted subgroup analyses., Conclusion: This study describes a graded relationship between SBP variability and risk of diabetic foot ulceration, providing a potential new and modifiable target to reduce this common complication.

Aim: Statins reduce morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes, but their use remains suboptimal. Understanding trends in statin use may inform strategies for improvement., Methods: We enrolled a national, retrospective cohort of 899,664 veterans aged≥40years with diabetes in 2003. We followed them through 2011, dividing the nine-year follow-up into 90-day periods. For each period, we determined statin use, defined as possession of ≥30-day supply. We examine factors associated with statin uptake among baseline non-users with a multivariate model., Results: Baseline prevalence of statin use was 43%, increased by 1.8% per period (p for trend<0.001), and reached a maximum of ~59%. Statin use among non-Hispanic racial/ethnic minorities lagged behind their white counterparts. Among baseline non-users, statin use was 9% after Year 1 and reached 36% by Year 9. Factors associated with statin uptake included use of hypoglycemic agents, HbA1c between 7 and 8.9% (53-74mmol/mol), hypertension, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and Hispanic ethnicity., Conclusion: Statin use is slowly increasing among patients with diabetes, and at varying rates within subgroups of this population. Policies that prioritize these subgroups for statin promotion may help guide future, intervention-based research to increase compliance with current guidelines., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework has been used by implementation researchers to assess factors impacting implementation and to use that information to identify optimal interventions and implementation strategies. In this paper, two studies are presented demonstrating the utility of PARIHS as a tool for retrospective and prospective evaluation of implementation in the health care setting., Study Design: Descriptive case study., Methods: A qualitative consensus process was used to evaluate provider perceptions of PARIHS constructs of evidence, context, and facilitation and their subelements which were scored on a continuum of low to high., Results: The first example demonstrates retrospective use of PARIHS which provided insight into the factors contributing to variations in implementation across sites in an ongoing program. Evidence was strong (high), whereas context noted some challenges in culture and measurement (mixed), and the presence of dedicated program facilitators was positive but dual roles limited their ability to fully support implementation (mixed). The second example demonstrates prospective use of PARIHS for evaluation which gathered information about intervention sites for the purposes of selecting implementation strategies responsive to site needs. Evidence supporting the intervention was limited (low), context noted that limited awareness of the intervention was a challenge (low), and that a strong internal facilitator supported implementation (high)., Linking Evidence to Action: The descriptive case study presented here underscores the value of a theory-guided approach to implementation and highlights that PARIHS can help implementers understand factors impacting implementation, identify areas for future intervention, and inform selection of strategies to support or enhance implementation efforts., (Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)

Aims: To examine the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability and the risk of microvascular complications in a non-elderly diabetic population., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of individuals aged ≤60years treated for diabetes in 2003 in the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. Individuals were followed for five years for any new diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy. In each year of follow-up, individuals were classified into quartiles based on their SBP variability., Results: We identified 208,338 patients with diabetes without diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy at baseline. Compared to individuals with the least SBP variability (Quartile 1), those with most variability (Quartile 4) had 81% (OR=1.81; 95% CI, 1.72-1.91), 17% (OR=1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.21), 30% (OR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.25-1.35), and 19% (OR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.15-1.23) higher incidence of nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and any complication, respectively, after adjusting for mean SBP, demographic and clinical factors., Conclusions: We found a significant graded relationship between SBP variability and the incidence of each complication and of any combined endpoint. This is the first study showing a significant association between SBP variability and the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To identify characteristics associated with pressure ulcer (PrU) healing for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)., Design: Secondary analysis of a large clinical trial's data for healing PrUs in individuals with SCI; prospective Delphi process was conducted with SCI and/or PrU experts., Setting: Spinal cord injury centers., Participants: There were 629 screening and 162 treatment participants (N=791); 185 SCI clinicians/national PrU/wound care experts participated in the Delphi process., Interventions: None., Main Outcome Measure: PrU healing of 50% and 100% at weeks 4 and 12., Results: Poisson regression models using the top Delphi-recommended factors found that only ulcer stage consistently predicted 50% and 100% healing at weeks 4 and 12. Additionally, ischial/perineal location was associated with 33% higher likelihood of 50% healing at week 4. Patient noncompliance with treatment recommendations, the top-ranked Delphi factor, did not predict healing at week 4 or 12. Expanded models found that at week 4, baseline PrU size, PrU stage IV, PrU pain, and American Spinal Injury Association grade A significantly predicted 100% healing, while at week 12, only PrU stage (IV) significantly predicted 100% healing. Significant predictors of 50% healing at week 4 included baseline PrU size, stage, ischial/perianal location body mass index >30kg/m 2 , foul odor, and signs of infection. At week 12, PrU duration, paraplegia predicted 50% healing. SCI center identifiers consistently showed 2- to 5-fold variation in predicting 50% PrU healing at weeks 4 and 12., Conclusions: Delphi panel-recommended factors (eg, patient compliance) did not predict PrU healing. Reducing center-level variability in wound healing by learning from best practices should be a health system goal. PrU healing in SCI is still poorly understood, and future studies should focus on as yet unidentified or underappreciated factors., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

We report on healthcare worker use of a safe zone (outside a 3-foot perimeter around the patient's bed) and personal protective equipment in 2 inpatient spinal cord injury/disorder units. Workers remained within the safe zone during 22% of observations but were less compliant with personal protective equipment inside the zone. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:714-716.

Objective: The objective was to implement the evidence-based Spinal Cord Impairment Pressure Ulcer Monitoring Tool (SCI-PUMT) in 23 Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Centers (SCI/D) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)., Setting: A collaborative was held in Minnesota that was attended by key personnel from SCI/D Centers in the VHA., Methods: This initiative was based on a 3-year longitudinal study that established the validity and reliability of a novel pressure ulcer monitoring tool for persons with spinal cord impairment. A multifaceted evidence-based strategy was used to implement the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's framework of Plan-Do-Study-Act. The plan was executed by clinical champions who implemented the tool in their respective SCI/D Centers following a conference that used both didactic and practicum approaches., Outcomes: A 15-item toolkit was developed to educate clinicians and patients regarding use of the SCI-PUMT. Toolkit elements were frequently accessed over the VA intranet (n = 3254). The 1.5-day national conference rolled out the new tool to the SCI/D Centers. Pre/post SCI-PUMT knowledge of the SCI-PUMT improved by 78% during the conference. Following the conference, periodic conference calls cemented the implementation efforts of the SCI-PUMT clinical champions and barriers were mitigated.

Objective: Community-acquired pressure ulcers (PrUs) are a frequent cause of hospitalization of Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recommends that SCI annual evaluations include assessment of PrU risk factors, a thorough skin inspection and sharing of recommendations for PrU prevention strategies. We characterized consistency of preventive skin care during annual evaluations for Veterans with SCI as a first step in identifying strategies to more actively promote PrU prevention care in other healthcare encounters., Design/setting/participants: Retrospective cross-sectional observational design, including review of electronic medical records for 206 Veterans with SCI admitted to 2 VA SCI centers from January-December, 2011., Outcome Measures: Proportion of applicable skin health elements documented (number of applicable elements/skin health elements documented)., Results: Our sample was primarily white (78%) male (96.1%), and mean age = 61 years. 40% of participants' were hospitalized for PrU treatment, with a mean of 294 days (median = 345 days) from annual evaluation to the index admission. On average, Veterans received an average of 75.5% (IQR 68-86%) of applicable skin health elements. Documentation of applicable skin health elements was significantly higher during inpatient vs. outpatient annual evaluations (mean elements received = 80.3% and 64.3%, respectively, P > 0.001). No significant differences were observed in documentation of skin health elements by Veterans at high vs. low PrU risk., Conclusion: Additional PrU preventive care in the VHA outpatient setting may increase identification and detection of PrU risk factors and early PrU damage for Veterans with SCI in the community, allowing for earlier intervention.

Objective: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability is emerging as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, and other atherosclerotic conditions. Our objective is to examine whether it has any prognostic value for lower-extremity amputations., Research Design and Methods: This is a nested case-control study of a cohort of patients with diabetes aged<60 years and treated in the US Department of Veterans Healthcare system in 2003. They were followed over five years for any above-ankle (major) amputations. For each case with a major amputation (event), we randomly selected up to five matched controls based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and calendar time. SBP variability was computed using three or more blood pressure measures taken during the one-year period before the event. Patients were classified into quartiles according to their SBP variability., Results: The study sample included 1038 cases and 2932 controls. Compared to Quartile 1 (lowest variability), Quartile 2 had 1.4 times (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.00-2.07) and Quartiles 3 and 4 (highest) had 2.5 times (OR for Quartile 3=2.62, 95% CI=1.85-3.72; OR for Quartile 4=2.50, 95% CI=1.74-3.59) higher risk of major amputation (P for trend<0.001). This gradient relationship held in both normotensive and hypertensive groups as well as for individuals without prior peripheral vascular disease., Conclusions: This is the first study to show a significant graded relationship between SBP variability and risk of major amputation among non-elderly persons with diabetes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: To prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder (SCI/D) Centers, the "Guidelines for Implementation of MRSA Prevention Initiative in the Spinal Cord Injury Centers" were released in July 2008 in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. The purpose of this study was to use the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Systems (PARiHS) framework to evaluate the experiences of implementation of SCI/D MRSA prevention guidelines in VA SCI/D Centers approximately 2-3 years after the guidelines were released., Methods: Mixed methods were used across two phases in this study. The first phase included an anonymous, web-based cross-sectional survey administered to providers at all 24 VA SCI/D Centers. The second phase included semi-structured telephone interviews with providers at 9 SCI/D Centers. The PARiHS framework was used as the foundation of both the survey questions and semi-structured interview guide., Results: The survey was completed by 295 SCI/D providers (43.8 % response rate) from 22 of the 24 SCI/D Centers (91.7 % participation rate). Respondents included nurses (57.3 %), therapists (24.4 %), physicians (11.1 %), physician assistants (3.4 %), and other health care professionals (3.8 %). Approximately 36 % of the SCI/D providers surveyed had not seen, did not remember seeing, or had never heard of the MRSA SCI/D guidelines, whereas 42.3 % of providers reported that the MRSA SCI/D guidelines were fully implemented in their SCI/D Center. Data revealed numerous barriers and facilitators to guideline implementation. Facilitators included enhanced leadership support and provider education, focused guideline dissemination to reach SCI/D providers, and strong perceived evidence supporting the guidelines. Barriers included lack of awareness of the guidelines among physical therapists and physician assistants and challenges in cohorting/isolating MRSA-positive patients and following contact precautions., Conclusions: Successful implementation of MRSA infection prevention guidelines in SCI/D settings requires (1) guideline dissemination that reaches the full range of SCI/D providers working in inpatient, outpatient, and other care settings, (2) provider education that is frequent and systematic, (3) strong leadership support, and (4) that barriers unique to the recommendations are addressed. These findings may be used to inform selection of implementation strategies and optimize infection prevention beyond MRSA as well as in other specialty care populations.

The objective of this analysis was to understand the relationship between knowledge and attitudes regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and hand hygiene behavior based on a baseline survey administered to Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Higher knowledge was associated with higher attitude scores (r = 0.35, P = .003), but knowledge and attitudes were not associated with behavior. Also, those with quadriplegia had higher knowledge scores (P = .03). Knowledge and attitudes, although related, do not appear to fully explain patients' hand hygiene behavior., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Pressure ulcers are one of the most common causes of morbidity, mortality and rehospitalization for those living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Literature examining risk and recurrence of pressure ulcers (PrUs) has primarily focused on the nursing home elderly who do not have SCI. More than 200 factors that increase PrU risk have been identified. Yet unlike the elderly who incur pressure ulcers in nursing homes or when hospitalized, most persons with SCI develop their pressure ulcers as outpatients, while residing in the community. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides medical care for a large number of persons with chronic SCI. Included in the VHA SCI model of chronic disease management is the provision of an annual Comprehensive Preventive Health Evaluation, a tool that has potential to identify individuals at high risk for PrUs. This research was motivated by the clinical observation that some individuals appear to be protected from developing PrUs despite apparently 'risky' behaviors while others develop PrUs despite vigilant use of the currently known preventative measures. There is limited literature regarding protective factors and specific risk factors that reduce PrU occurrence in the community dwelling person with chronic SCI have not been delineated. The purpose of this study is to examine the preliminary hypothesis that there are biological and/or psychosocial factors that increase or reduce vulnerability to PrUs among persons with SCI. A limited number of refined hypotheses will be generated for testing in a prospective fashion. A retrospective cross-sectional survey of 119 randomly selected Veterans with SCI undergoing the Comprehensive Health Prevention Evaluation during the year 2009 was performed. Factors that differed between patients with 0, 1 or ⩾2 PrUs were identified and stratified, with an emphasis on modifiable risk factors. Three hypotheses generated from this study warrant further investigation: (1) cumulative smoking history increases the risk of PrUs independent of co-morbidities, (2) being moderately overweight, BMI>25, with or without spasticity, is a modifiable factor that may be protective and (3) increased use of a caregiver does not reduce PrU risk. Prospective studies that focus on these hypotheses will lead to evidence-based risk assessment tools and customized interventions to prevent PrUs in persons with SCI in the outpatient setting., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The goal of this study was to assess current practices for training of spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) health care workers and education of veterans with SCI/D in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spinal cord injury (SCI) centers on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevention., Methods: Mixed methods. A Web-based survey was distributed to 673 VA SCI/D providers across 24 SCI centers; 21 acute care and 1 long-term care facility participated. There were 295 that responded, 228 had complete data and were included in this analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 SCI/D providers across 9 SCI centers., Results: Nurses, physicians, and therapists represent most respondents (92.1%, n = 210); over half (56.6%, n = 129) were nurses. Of providers, 75.9% (n = 173) reported receiving excellent or good training on how to educate patients about MRSA. However, nurses were more likely to report having excellent or good training for how to educate patients about MRSA (P = .005). Despite this, only 63.6% (n = 82) of nurses perceived the education they provide patients on how MRSA is transmitted as excellent or good., Conclusion: Despite health care workers reporting receiving excellent or good training on MRSA-related topics, this did not translate to excellent or good education for patients, suggesting that health care workers need additional training for educating patients. Population-specific MRSA prevention educational materials may also assist providers in educating patients about MRSA prevention for individuals with SCI/D., (Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Objective: To compare a multicomponent motivational interviewing (MI)/self-management (SM) intervention with a multicomponent education intervention to improve skin-protective behaviors and prevent skin worsening in veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) hospitalized for severe pressure ulcers (PrUs)., Design: Single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial., Setting: Six Veterans Affairs SCI centers., Participants: Veterans admitted for a severe (stage III/IV) PrU were followed up to 6 months postdischarge., Intervention: Telephone-based individual MI counseling plus SM skills group (SM+MI; n=71) versus an active control group of telephone-based individual educational counseling plus group education (n=72)., Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported skin-protective behaviors, objective skin worsening., Results: Intention-to-treat analyses found nonsignificant increases in skin behaviors in the SM+MI versus education control intervention arms at 3 and 6 months. The difference in behaviors used between SM+MI and education control intervention participants was 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], -11.3 to 2.7) (0-3mo) and 3.0% (95% CI, -8.7 to 3.9) (0-6mo). High rates of skin worsening were observed (n=74, 51.7%), usually within 3 months postdischarge and most frequently within the month postdischarge. Skin worsening, skin-related visits, and readmissions did not differ by study arm. Study limitations are presented., Conclusions: For persons with chronic SCI and severe PrUs, complicated by multiple comorbidities, a primary focus on improving patient behavior is likely insufficient to address the complex problem of PrUs in SCI. More health care systems-level changes such as collaborative care may be needed to reduce PrU recurrence, especially in this era in which many people are discharged from the hospital unhealed or with little sitting tolerance., (Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and effect of a nurse-administered patient educational intervention about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevention on knowledge and behavior of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D)., Design: Blinded, block-randomized controlled pilot trial., Setting: Two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI Centers., Participants: Veterans were recruited March-September 2010 through referral by a healthcare provider from inpatient, outpatient, and residential care settings., Intervention: Thirty participants were randomized to the nurse-administered intervention and 31 to the usual care group. The intervention included a brochure and tools to assist nurses in conducting the education., Outcome Measures: Pre- and post-intervention measurement of knowledge and behaviors related to MRSA and prevention strategies and feasibility measures related to implementation., Results: Participants were primarily male (95.1%), white (63.9%), with tetraplegia (63.9%) and mean age and duration of injury of 64.3 and 20.5 years, respectively. The intervention groups mean knowledge score significantly increased between pre- and post-test (mean change score = 1.70, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.25-3.15) while the usual care groups score did not significantly change (mean change score = 1.45, 95% CI -0.08-2.98). However, the mean knowledge change between intervention and usual care groups was not significantly different (P = 0.81). Overall behavior scores did not significantly differ between treatment groups; however, the intervention group was more likely to report intentions to clean hands (90.0% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.03) and asking providers about MRSA status (46.7% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.01). Nurse educators reported that the quality of the intervention was high and could be implemented in clinical care., Conclusions: A targeted educational strategy is feasible to implement in SCI/D clinical practices and may improve some participants' knowledge about MRSA and increase intentions to improve hand hygiene and engagement with providers about their MRSA status.

Objectives/background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be prevented by routine colonoscopy. CRC screening in special populations, e.g. spinal cord injury and disorders, presents unique barriers and, potentially, a higher risk of complications. We were concerned about potentially higher risks of complications and sought to determine the safety of colonoscopy., Methods: Retrospective observational design using medical record review for 311 patients who underwent 368 colonoscopies from two large VA SCI centers from 1997-2008. Patient demographics and peri-procedural characteristics, including indication, bowel prep quality, and pathological findings are presented. Descriptive statistics are presented., Results: The population was predominantly male and Caucasian, and 199 (64%) had high-level injuries (T6 or above). Median age at colonoscopy was 61 years (interquartile range 53-69). Just <1/2 of the colonoscopies were diagnostic, usually for evidence of rectal bleeding. Although a majority of colonoscopies were reported as poorly prepped, the proportion that were adequately prepped increased over time (from 3.7 to 61.3%, P = <0.0001). Of the 146 polyps removed, 101 (69%) were adenomas or carcinomas. Ten subjects had 11 complications, none of which required surgical intervention., Conclusions: Although providing quality colonoscopic care in this population is labor intensive, the data suggests that it appears safe and therapeutically beneficial. The results indicate that the risk of screening is outweighed by the likelihood of finding polyps. Recognition of the benefit of colonoscopy in this population may have improved bowel prep and reporting over time. Spinal cord injury providers should continue to offer screening or diagnostic colonoscopy to their patients when indicated, while being aware of the special challenges that they face.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a frequent cause of healthcare-associated infection. Individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) are at high risk of MRSA colonization and infection. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released guidelines to prevent the spread of MRSA in Veterans with SCI/D; however, available patient educational materials did not address the unique issues for this population., Objective: To assess perceptions of SCI/D providers and Veterans with SCI/D regarding MRSA and their educational needs about MRSA prevention, with an ultimate goal of developing patient educational materials that address the issues unique to SCI/D., Methods: Purposive samples of SCI/D providers (six groups) and Veterans with SCI/D (one group) at two VA facilities participated in 60-90-minute focus group sessions. Qualitative data were analyzed using latent content and constant comparative techniques to identify focal themes., Participants: Thirty-three providers (physicians and nurses working in inpatient, outpatient, and homecare settings) and eight Veterans participated., Results: Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis: knowledge about MRSA, hand hygiene, and barriers to educating Veterans with SCI/D., Conclusions: SCI/D providers and Veterans with SCI/D identified gaps in general MRSA knowledge, gaps in knowledge of good hand hygiene practices and of required frequency of hand hygiene, and barriers to educating Veterans with SCI/D during inpatient stays. Future educational materials and strategies should address these gaps.

Context/objective: Pressure ulcers (PrUs) are a serious, costly and potentially life-long complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Co-morbid conditions increase PrU risk, adding to the health behavior challenges faced by people with SCI. Little is known about medical co-morbidities, health beliefs, risk, protective behaviors, and readiness to improve skin care behaviors in people with SCI. This study describes the potentially modifiable medical and behavioral risk factors among veterans with SCI and severe (Stage III/IV) PrUs., Design: Cross-sectional observational design., Setting: 6 VA SCI Centers., Participants: Convenience sample from a larger intervention study of 148 veterans hospitalized for PrUs., Interventions: Not applicable., Outcome Measures: Knowledge, PrU risk, skin protective behaviors, health beliefs, and practices, health locus of control, skin worsening., Results: Most ulcers were stage IV (73%) and about half had 2+ PrUs. Participants reported a mean of 6.7 co-morbid conditions (respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal disease/urinary tract infection, autonomic dysreflexia, diabetes, bowel/bladder incontinence). Potential intervention opportunities include proactive assistance with management of multiple chronic conditions, substance abuse, nutrition, adherence to skin protective behaviors, readiness to change, and access to resources. Overall knowledge about PrUs was low, especially for how to prevent PrUs and what to do if skin breakdown occurs., Conclusion: Future research should address whether comprehensive models that include patient self-management, decision support and health care system, and proactive behavior change assistance for patients help reduce PrU incidence and recurrence in persons with SCI., Trial Registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00105859.

Background: Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk for pressure ulcers (PrUs) throughout their lifetime due to decreased mobility, lack of sensation, and other physiological changes. The high prevalence and recurrence rates, and costs associated with PrUs in veterans with SCI indicate the need for a reliable and practical method of detecting early PrUs., Objective: To assess the feasibility of obtaining biophysical measures of sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) using a handheld dermal phase meter to predict PrUs., Design/methods: Prospective observational design. Thirty-four veterans at two VA SCI centers (Hines, Long Beach) received daily (n = 12) or weekly (n = 22) SEM and concurrent visual skin assessment (VSA) across nine anatomic locations for up to 6 weeks. Outcome measures: SEM, visual skin assessment (VSA), and stage I PrUs., Findings/results: SEM was lowest for normal skin (39.3 dermal phase units (DPU), SD = 12.6) and higher for erythema/stage 1 PrUs (40.8 DPU, SD = 10.4) across all anatomic sites. Buttocks SEM were different between normal skin (40.5 DPU, SD = 10.3) and erythema/stage1 PrUs (43.8, SD = 9.5). SEM taken at heels were lower across all skin conditions (normal skin 28.2 DPU; erythema/stage 1 PrUs 34.7 DPU). SEM was taken when generalized edema present was lower than without generalized edema., Conclusions: Preliminary results of using SEM to detect early PrU damage may translate from nursing home (NH) residents to persons with SCI. This study provides a foundation for a larger study to implement and assess SEM use as a method of prevention of PrUs.

Large increases in the need for long-term care (LTC) services are expected as baby boomers age. Little has been published about patient and caregiver preferences for information about LTC. However, our qualitative research findings suggest that potential consumers may find it difficult to obtain accurate and timely information about LTC programs and services. In-person, semistructured interviews were conducted with 47 subjects, including patients (n = 25) within 90 days of their referral to a LTC placement (including NH, assisted living, home care, and community) and their caregivers (n = 22). Interview questions addressed the events that seemed to trigger their need for a LTC referral, the resources they used to become more informed about LTC options and the issues they confronted with the LTC referral process. Qualitative analyses identified a number of patient and informal caregiver-reported barriers to making decisions about LTC services, including insufficient information about LTC programs and community resources, unclear funding requirements and inadequate funding, and difficulty knowing how to plan for LTC or make LTC decisions. A potential solution may be an online LTC Guide designed to provide accurate information about the range of LTC services, with an emphasis on home and community-based services. This Guide was developed to address the gap in comprehensive LTC information identified in the findings of this study.

Context: Spinal cord injury and/or disorders (SCI/D) is a costly chronic condition. Impaired mobility, and lengthy travel distances to access specialty providers are barriers that can have adverse impact on expenses and quality of care. Although ample opportunities for use of telehealth technologies exist between medical facilities, and from clinical to home settings, field experience has largely been focused on home telehealth services to promote better patient self-management skills and improve clinical outcomes., Findings: This paper provides an overview of published literature on use of telehealth technologies with the SCI/D population. Presentation of case studies describe telehealth as a potential strategy for addressing disparities in providing quality care, and explore comprehensive management of multiple health issues in individuals with SCI/D. Experiences of providers in both private sector health-care systems and VHA medical facilities are described. Development of telehealth clinical protocols and adaptive devices that can be integrated with equipment to accommodate for the functional limitations in the SCI/D population are discussed as necessary for expansion of use of telehealth services. Rigorous research studies are lacking. As use of this technology spreads and issues surrounding implementation are addressed, we look forward to increased research to assess and evaluate its efficacy in the SCI/D population., Conclusion/clinical Relevance: Telehealth in the home setting appears to be able to help persons with SCI/D remain in the community. As the use of telehealth increases, research will be necessary in both clinical and home settings to assess its efficacy in improving outcomes in the SCI/D population.

Background: The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, or PARIHS, is a conceptual framework that posits key, interacting elements that influence successful implementation of evidence-based practices. It has been widely cited and used as the basis for empirical work; however, there has not yet been a literature review to examine how the framework has been used in implementation projects and research. The purpose of the present article was to critically review and synthesize the literature on PARIHS to understand how it has been used and operationalized, and to highlight its strengths and limitations., Methods: We conducted a qualitative, critical synthesis of peer-reviewed PARIHS literature published through March 2009. We synthesized findings through a three-step process using semi-structured data abstraction tools and group consensus., Results: Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria: six core concept articles from original PARIHS authors, and eighteen empirical articles ranging from case reports to quantitative studies. Empirical articles generally used PARIHS as an organizing framework for analyses. No studies used PARIHS prospectively to design implementation strategies, and there was generally a lack of detail about how variables were measured or mapped, or how conclusions were derived. Several studies used findings to comment on the framework in ways that could help refine or validate it. The primary issue identified with the framework was a need for greater conceptual clarity regarding the definition of sub-elements and the nature of dynamic relationships. Strengths identified included its flexibility, intuitive appeal, explicit acknowledgement of the outcome of 'successful implementation,' and a more expansive view of what can and should constitute 'evidence.', Conclusions: While we found studies reporting empirical support for PARIHS, the single greatest need for this and other implementation models is rigorous, prospective use of the framework to guide implementation projects. There is also need to better explain derived findings and how interventions or measures are mapped to specific PARIHS elements; greater conceptual discrimination among sub-elements may be necessary first. In general, it may be time for the implementation science community to develop consensus guidelines for reporting the use and usefulness of theoretical frameworks within implementation studies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides integrated services to more than 25,000 veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). VA data offer great potential for providing insights into healthcare utilization and morbidity, and these capabilities are central to efforts to improve healthcare for veterans with SCI/D. The objective of this article is to introduce researchers to the use of VA data to examine questions related to SCI/D using examples from Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative studies. Sources of VA data available to investigators interested in SCI/D-related research include national-level VA administrative and clinical databases and primary data (medical record review, patient surveys). Methods used to identify veterans with SCI/D include the Allocation Resource Center cohort, the Spinal Cord Dysfunction (SCD) Registry, and the VA inpatient SCI flag; only 33% of veterans were included in all three groups (n = 12,306). While neurological level of SCI was unknown for approximately a third of veterans (from SCD Registry data alone), the percent decreased to 13% when augmented with diagnostic codes. Primary data can be used to augment other missing SCI data and to provide more detailed information about complications commonly associated with SCI/D.

Objectives. Assisted living programs demonstrate variation in structure and services. The Department of Veterans Affairs funded this care for the first time in the Assisted Living Pilot Program (ALPP). This article presents resident health outcomes and the relationship between facility characteristics and outcomes. Method. This article presents results on 393 ALPP residents followed for 12 months after admission to 95 facilities. Results. A total of 19.8% residents died, and the average activities of daily living impairment did not change significantly. Half of the residents remained in an ALPP facility, with the average resident spending 315 days in the community during the 12-month follow-up period. This article found a limited number of characteristics of structure and staffing to be significantly associated with outcomes. Discussion. If differences among facility characteristics are not clearly related to differences in outcomes, then choices among type of setting can be based on the match of needs to available services, location, or preferences.

Background/objective: To describe characteristics of recurrent pressure ulcers (PrUs) in veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI)., Design: Descriptive, cohort study., Settings and Participants: Twenty-four veterans with SCI from 6 SCI centers in the Department of Veterans Affairs., Methods: Data from a prospective study evaluating PrUs were analyzed for 24 veterans with 29 recurrent PrUs during 9 months. Additional retrospective medical record data were analyzed for 15 veterans who received inpatient treatment., Results: Participants were male, 50% non-Hispanic white, with paraplegia (63%), complete SCI (83%), a mean age of 56 years, and mean time since SCI of 21 years. Most PrUs recurred (63%, n = 15 patients) in the same location as the most recent ulcer and at the ischial tuberosities (63%). Mean time to recurrence was 16.6 weeks. PrUs were stage III (28%, n = 8) or IV (45%, n = 13) with undermining (48%), necrotic slough (50%), and minimal exudate. One third were (n = 9) larger than 16 cm2. Mean Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool Score was 33.63. Inpatient medical record data (n = 15) showed 73% with documentation indicating infection treated with antibiotics (53%, n = 8 patients), osteomyelitis (47%, n = 7), and/or cellulitis (13%, n = 2) noted. Plastic surgery consultation was obtained for 67% with surgery as an option for 73% (1 without consultation). Scheduled repositioning was documented for 21%., Conclusions: Most PrUs were severe, located at the same anatomic site, and recurred within 4 months, suggesting that the recurrent ulcers were more likely incomplete healing of the initial PrUs. This sample of veterans with SCI provides early data on recurrent PrU characteristics.

Background: Among veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI), severe pressure ulcers (PrU) are treated by interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams in SCI units., Method: Cross-sectional survey administered to therapists attending a conference of the Therapy Leadership Council in SCI., Participants: Respondents included physical therapists (PTs; n=24) and occupational therapists (OTs; n=15)., Main Outcome Measurements: Wound care practices as indicated by 75% or more of participants as "usual practice"., Results: In general, therapist involvement with wound care was initiated by physician order (e.g., electrical stimulation) or postsurgery protocols. "Usual practice" after tissue healing included progressive range of motion; initial remobilization (first sitting after wound healing); progression of sitting time including assessment of skin tolerance; instruction in pressure relief maneuvers/techniques; and instruction in safe transfers. Practices in prevention of a new ulcer included education and evaluation of seating posture/positioning., Conclusions: Results indicate that centers may delegate responsibilities for management of ulcers differentially by discipline. A limitation was that we were unable to determine whether these centers were the same or different for OT and PT respondents. Although sample size was small and some sites had multiple respondents, the survey showed a growing role for OTs and PTs in PrU treatment. Because 75% of each discipline reported that there were usual practices, including patient education and remobilization protocols, this area requires further study to determine the clinical outcomes in terms of preventing PrUs and recurrence.

The purpose of this study was to obtain information about Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) long-term care (LTC) referrals that could be used to develop interventions that increase the likelihood of referrals to home and community-based services (HCBS) instead of institutional care. This primarily qualitative study was conducted at five VA Medical Centers. The study used three linked methods: interviews with patients and informal caregivers; focus groups with LTC administrators, providers, and social workers; and written rankings of the barriers to HCBS referrals. We unexpectedly identified a cluster of findings indicating the importance of physicians' role in the LTC referral process and the need for more LTC training, particularly about HCBS.

Background/objective: To predict recurrence of pressure ulcers (PrUs) in a high-risk population of veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI)., Design: Cross-sectional observational design., Participants: A convenience sample of 64 subjects from 6 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI Centers who had been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of stage III-IV pelvic PrUs and were healed at the time of discharge back to the community., Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures were pelvic PrU recurrence, defined as self-reported new skin breakdown (stage II or greater) in the pelvic area (not necessarily in the same location as previous ulcer) and time to recurrence., Results: There were no differences between those with/without recurrences with regard to age, age at/level of injury, number of previous ulcers or surgery, rate of or time, to recurrence. Mean age was 56 years; most were white and men, lived at home, and had some college education. Mean time since SCI was 22 years; 28% had tetraplegia; mean number of prior pressure ulcers was 3; and almost one half had a previous ulcer in the same location. The strongest predictor of recurrence in a multivariate logistic regression was African American race (odds ratio = 9.3). Additional predictors included higher scores on the Charlson Co-Morbidity Index (indicating a higher burden of illness), the Salzburg PrU Risk Assessment Scales, and longer sitting time at discharge., Conclusion: Identifying individuals at highest risk for recurrence and developing effective prevention programs are essential rehabilitation goals. We recommend that the unique findings of this exploratory study be considered preliminary until replication of these results is published.