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Abstract Background As the demand for mental health and substance use (MHSU) services increases, there will be an even greater need for health human resources to deliver this care. This study investigates how family physicians’ (FP) contact volume, and more specifically, MHSU contact volume, is shaped by demographic trends among FPs in British Columbia, Canada. Methods We used annual physician-level administrative billing data and demographic information on FPs in British Columbia between 1996 and 2017. This study analyzes trends in primary care service provision among graduating cohorts of FPs, FPs of different ages (as measured by years since graduation), and FPs practicing during different time periods. Additionally, analyses are stratified by FP sex to account for potential differences in labour supply patterns between male and female FPs. Results Our results show that while FPs’ overall contacts with patients decreased between 1996 and 2017, their annual number of MHSU contacts increased, which was largely driven by an increase in substance use visits. Demographically, the proportion of female FPs in the labour force rose over time. Observed trends were similar, though not identical in male and female FPs, as males tended to have higher overall contact volume (both total contacts and MHSU), but also steeper declines in contact volume in later careers. The number of contacts (both total and MHSU) changed across career stage - rising steadily from start to mid-career, peaking at 20–30 years in practice, and decreasing steadily thereafter. This was evident for all cohorts and consistent over the 21-year study period but flattened in amplitude over time. Our findings also point to potential cohort effects on labour supply. The inverse U-shaped career trend extended to MHSU contacts, but its peak seems to have shifted to a later career stage (peaking at 30–40 years of practice) over time. Conclusions Our study shows changing dynamics in MHSU service delivery among FPs over time, across the life span and between FP sexes that are likely to influence access to care beyond simply the number of FPs. Given the healthcare needs of the population, these findings point to potential future changes in provision of MHSU services.

Background: As the demand for mental health and substance use (MHSU) services increases, there will be an even greater need for health human resources to deliver this care. This study investigates how family physicians' (FP) contact volume, and more specifically, MHSU contact volume, is shaped by demographic trends among FPs in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: We used annual physician-level administrative billing data and demographic information on FPs in British Columbia between 1996 and 2017. This study analyzes trends in primary care service provision among graduating cohorts of FPs, FPs of different ages (as measured by years since graduation), and FPs practicing during different time periods. Additionally, analyses are stratified by FP sex to account for potential differences in labour supply patterns between male and female FPs. Results: Our results show that while FPs' overall contacts with patients decreased between 1996 and 2017, their annual number of MHSU contacts increased, which was largely driven by an increase in substance use visits. Demographically, the proportion of female FPs in the labour force rose over time. Observed trends were similar, though not identical in male and female FPs, as males tended to have higher overall contact volume (both total contacts and MHSU), but also steeper declines in contact volume in later careers. The number of contacts (both total and MHSU) changed across career stage - rising steadily from start to mid-career, peaking at 20–30 years in practice, and decreasing steadily thereafter. This was evident for all cohorts and consistent over the 21-year study period but flattened in amplitude over time. Our findings also point to potential cohort effects on labour supply. The inverse U-shaped career trend extended to MHSU contacts, but its peak seems to have shifted to a later career stage (peaking at 30–40 years of practice) over time. Conclusions: Our study shows changing dynamics in MHSU service delivery among FPs over time, across the life span and between FP sexes that are likely to influence access to care beyond simply the number of FPs. Given the healthcare needs of the population, these findings point to potential future changes in provision of MHSU services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesPhysician pay-for-performance (P4P) programs frequently target inappropriate antibiotics. Yet little is known about P4P programs' effects on antibiotic prescribing among safety-net populations at risk for unintended harms from reducing care. We evaluated effects of P4P-motivated interventions to reduce antibiotic prescriptions for safety-net patients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs).Study designInterrupted time series.MethodsA nonrandomized intervention (5/28/2015-2/1/2018) was conducted at 2 large academic safety-net hospitals: Los Angeles County+University of Southern California (LAC+USC) and Olive View-UCLA (OV-UCLA). In response to California's 2016 P4P program to reduce antibiotics for acute bronchitis, 5 staggered Choosing Wisely-based interventions were launched in combination: audit and feedback, clinician education, suggested alternatives, procalcitonin, and public commitment. We also assessed 5 unintended effects: reductions in Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)-appropriate prescribing, diagnosis shifting, substituting antibiotics with steroids, increasing antibiotics for ARTIs not penalized by the P4P program, and inappropriate withholding of antibiotics.ResultsAmong 3583 consecutive patients with ARTIs, mean antibiotic prescribing rates for ARTIs decreased from 35.9% to 22.9% (odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.93) at LAC+USC and from 48.7% to 27.3% (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.93) at OV-UCLA after the intervention. HEDIS-inappropriate prescribing rates decreased from 28.9% to 19.7% (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.39-1.21) at LAC+USC and from 40.9% to 12.5% (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.88) at OV-UCLA. There was no evidence of unintended consequences.ConclusionsThese real-world multicomponent interventions responding to P4P incentives were associated with substantial reductions in antibiotic prescriptions for ARTIs in 2 safety-net health systems without unintended harms.

Traditionally, patients presenting to primary care with severe eczema would be referred to a dermatology clinic for an in‐person specialist appointment. With the rise of teledermatology, dermatologists are instead dispensing tailored written advice based on information provided in the referral. However, there is currently minimal literature assessing whether this advice translates into relevant prescriptions. This clinical audit examines GP prescribing practices and how they correlate to dermatologist recommendations with the objective of assessing whether this form of teledermatology is a viable method of providing care to paediatric eczema patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose 'Low-value' clinical care and medical services are 'questionable' activities, being more likely to cause harm than good or with disproportionately low benefit relative to cost. This study examined the predictive ability of the QUestionable In Training Clinical Activities Index (QUIT-CAI) for general practice (GP) registrars' (trainees') performance in Australian GP Fellowship examinations (licensure/certification examinations for independent GP). Methods The study was nested in ReCEnT, an ongoing cohort study in which Australian GP registrars document their in-consultation clinical practice. Outcome factors in analyses were individual registrars' scores on the three Fellowship examinations ('AKT', 'KFP', and 'OSCE' examinations) and pass/fail rates during 2012–21. Analyses used univariable and multivariable regression (linear or logistic, as appropriate). The study factor in each analysis was 'QUIT-CAI score percentage'—the percentage of times a registrar performed a QUIT-CAI clinical activity when 'at risk' (i.e. when managing a problem where performing a QUIT-CAI activity was a plausible option). Results A total of 1265, 1145, and 553 registrars sat Applied Knowledge Test, Key Features Problem, and Objective Structured Clinical Exam examinations, respectively. On multivariable analysis, higher QUIT-CAI score percentages (more questionable activities) were significantly associated with poorer Applied Knowledge Test scores (P  = .001), poorer Key Features Problem scores (P  = .003), and poorer Objective Structured Clinical Exam scores (P  = .005). QUIT-CAI score percentages predicted Royal Australian College of General Practitioner exam failure [odds ratio 1.06 (95% CI 1.00, 1.12) per 1% increase in QUIT-CAI, P  = .043]. Conclusion Performing questionable clinical activities predicted poorer performance in the summative Fellowship examinations, thereby validating these examinations as measures of actual clinical performance (by our measure of clinical performance, which is relevant for a licensure/certification examination). Key message What is already known on this topic—   Frequent performance of 'Questionable' clinical activities—activities more likely to cause harm than good or whose benefit is disproportionately low compared with its cost—can be seen a marker of the quality of health care delivery and clinical competence. Summative medical licensure/certification examination performance should reflect clinically important attributes of the candidate and provide confidence of future patient safety. What this study adds—   This study demonstrates that the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGPs') summative examination performance reflects clinical performance as assessed by a measure of 'questionable' actions in clinical practice. Performance on all three individual examination components—Applied Knowledge Test (a multiple-choice examination), Key Features Problem (a short answer plus multiple responses selection examination), and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (a clinical skills station examination), plus pass/fail status—was predicted by 'questionable' clinical practice. How this study might affect research, practice or policy—   The findings provide evidence for the validity of the RACGP Fellowship examination and similar licensure/certification examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to assess HIV symptoms from the perspective of both patients and HIV specialists and the impact of discontinuing antiretroviral treatment (ART) on symptomology. We gathered opinions from HIV specialists and people living with HIV about ideal ART parameters and treatment satisfaction. Methods: Ex post‐facto cross‐sectional surveys were administered to 502 people living with HIV and 101 HIV clinicians in Spain (18 sites). Results: The median age of participants with HIV was 43.2 years, 74.5% were male, and 91.6% had an undetectable viral load. The mean time since initiation of ART was 10.2 years. Between 54% and 67% of people living with HIV reported experiencing nervousness or anxiety, sadness, fatigue, sleep problems, or muscle/joint pain during the preceding 4 weeks. However, only 22%–27% of specialists acknowledged the presence of these symptoms. The most bothersome symptoms were related to mental health or the central nervous system. There were significant differences between the burden of symptoms reported by people living with HIV and those acknowledged by specialists. The symptoms that more frequently caused ART discontinuation were depression, dizziness, and sleep problems. Both people living with HIV and specialists prioritized ART efficacy and low toxicity, but their importance ratings differed for 5 of the 11 ART characteristics assessed. People living with HIV rated their satisfaction with ART at a mean (± standard deviation) of 8.9 ± 1.5 out of 10, whereas HIV specialists rated it lower, at 8.3 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite advances in HIV care and treatment, a large proportion of patients still experience symptoms. HIV specialists may not be fully aware of these. People living with HIV and HIV specialists are, overall, satisfied with ART. However, the importance they place on different ART characteristics may vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundChronic pain affects one-fifth of US adults. Reductions in opioid prescribing have been associated with increased non-prescription opioid use and, chronologically, increased stimulant (methamphetamine and cocaine) use. While non-prescription opioid use is commonly attributed to pain self-management, the role of stimulants in managing pain is unclear.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from a longitudinal study of patients with chronic non-cancer pain in an urban safety-net healthcare system who had been prescribed an opioid for ≥3 of the last 12 months, and had a history of non-prescription opioid, cocaine, or amphetamine use (N = 300). We estimated the prevalence and identified correlates of stimulant use to treat pain among a subgroup of patients who reported past-year stimulant use (N = 105). Data sources included computer-assisted questionnaire (demographics, substance use, pain), clinical exam and procedures (pain, pain tolerance), and chart abstraction (opioid prescriptions). We conducted bivariate analyses to assess associations between demographics, pain characteristics, non-opioid therapies, substance use, opioid prescriptions, and self-reported symptoms, with reporting using stimulants to treat pain. Demographic variables and those with significant bivariate associations were included in a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsFifty-two percent of participants with past-year stimulant use reported using stimulants in the past year to treat pain. Participants who used stimulants for pain reported slightly higher average pain in the past 3 months (median of 8 (IQR: 6-8) vs 7 (7-9) out of 10, p = 0.049). In the multivariable analysis, female gender (AOR= 3.20, 95% CI: 1.06-9.63, p = 0.039) and higher score on the Douleur Neuropathique 4 neuropathic pain questionnaire (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05-1.70, p = 0.017) were associated with past-year stimulant use to treat pain.ConclusionStimulants may be used for pain self-management, particularly for neuropathic pain and among women. Our findings suggest an underexplored motivation for stimulant use in an era of reduced access to prescribed opioids.

As opioid prescribing has declined, it is unclear how the landscape of prescription pain treatment across the U.S. has changed. We used nationally-representative data from the Medical Expenditure Health Survey, 2014 to 2018 to examine trends in prescriptions for opioid and non-opioid pain medications, including acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, and antidepressants among U.S. adults with self-reported pain. Overall, from 2014 to 2018, the percentage of participants receiving a prescription for opioids declined, (38.8% vs 32.8%), remained stable for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (26.8% vs 27.7%), and increased for acetaminophen (1.6% vs 2.3%), antidepressants (9.6% vs 12.0%) and gabapentinoids (13.2% vs 19.0%). In this period, the adjusted odds of receiving an opioid prescription decreased (aOR = .93, 95% CI = .90-.96), while the adjusted odds of receiving antidepressant, gabapentinoid and acetaminophen prescriptions increased (antidepressants: aOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.13 gabapentinoids: aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06-1.17; acetaminophen: aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.20). Secondary analyses stratifiying within the 2014 to 2016 and 2016 to 2018 periods revealed particular increases in prescriptions for gabapentinoids (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05-1.21) and antidepressants (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.12-1.35) since 2016. PERSPECTIVE: These data demonstrate that physicians are increasingly turning to CDC-recommended non-opioid medications for pain management, particularly antidepressants and gabapentinoids. However, evidence for these medications' efficacy in treating numerous common pain conditions, including low back pain, remains limited.

BackgroundBuprenorphine is a life-saving medication for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). U.S. federal law allows advanced practice clinicians (APCs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), to obtain a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in office-based practices. However, states regulate APCs' scope of practice (SOP) variously, including requirements for physician supervision. States may also have laws entirely banning NP/PA buprenorphine prescribing or requiring that supervising physicians have a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. We sought to identify prevalence of state laws other than SOP laws that either 1) prohibit NP/PA buprenorphine prescribing entirely, or 2) require supervision by a federally waivered physician.MethodsWe searched for state statutes and regulations in all 50 states and Washington D.C. regulating prescribing of buprenorphine for OUD by APCs during summer 2021. We excluded general scope of practice laws, laws only applicable to Medicaid-funded clinicians, laws not applicable to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and laws only applicable to NPs/PAs serving licensed SUD treatment facilities. We then conducted content analysis.ResultsOne state prohibits all APCs from prescribing buprenorphine for OUD, even though the state's general SOP laws permit APC buprenorphine prescribing. Five states require PA supervision by a federally waivered physician. Three states require NP supervision by a federally waivered physician.ConclusionsAside from general scope of practice laws, several states have created laws explicitly regulating buprenorphine prescribing by APCs outside of licensed state SUD facilities.

IntroductionOutpatient opioid prescribing is associated with opioid misuse in young adults, but the longitudinal association between general healthcare exposure and opioid misuse has not been explored. The objective of this study is to examine the association between healthcare exposure in young adulthood and future opioid misuse.MethodsData were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (2001-2018) and analyzed in 2021. Healthcare exposure (i.e., inpatient hospitalization and visits to the clinic, emergency department, mental-health facility, or dentist) between individuals aged 18 and 26 years was the primary independent variable; only patients who did not report opioid misuse at baseline were included. Opioid misuse was defined as using prescription painkillers without a doctor's permission and was measured 17 years after exposure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine any associations with opioid misuse (ages 33-43 years).ResultsA total of 8,225 young adults with a mean baseline age of 21.8 (SE=0.12) years met inclusion criteria. Approximately 13.7% reported new opioid misuse at follow-up. Those reporting opioid misuse at follow-up were more likely to be White, lack a college education, or report depression. Those exposed to inpatient hospitalization, emergency departments, or mental-health facilities had an increased risk of future opioid misuse.ConclusionsIn young adults reporting no opioid misuse at baseline, healthcare exposure was associated with an increased risk of opioid misuse later in adulthood in this large, national cohort. Physicians encounter this at-risk population daily, reinforcing the importance of responsible prescribing practices and the need for targeted screening, patient education, and intervention efforts in the healthcare setting.

BackgroundThere is limited research on how the opioid epidemic and consequent risk reduction policies have affected pain management among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze how the Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) implemented at the Veterans Health Administration affected opioid prescribing patterns and opioid-related toxicity.MethodsWe performed an interrupted time series analysis of 42 064 opioid-naïve patients treated at the Veterans Health Administration for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancer from 2011 to 2016. Segmented regression was used to evaluate the impact of the OSI on the incidence of any new opioid prescriptions, high-risk prescriptions, persistent use, and pain-related emergency department (ED) visits. We compared the cumulative incidence of adverse opioid events including an opioid-related admission or diagnosis of misuse before and after the OSI. All statistical tests were 2-sided.ResultsThe incidence of new opioid prescriptions was 26.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 25.0% to 28.4%) in 2011 and increased to 50.6% (95% CI = 48.3% to 53.0%) by 2013 before OSI implementation (monthly rate of change: +3.3%, 95% CI = 1.3% to 4.2%, P

ObjectivesReduction in unnecessary services is one strategy for increasing the value of health care. Reference laboratory, or send-out, tests are associated with considerable costs. We investigated whether displaying cost and turnaround time (TAT), or time-to-result, for reference laboratory tests at the time of order entry in the electronic health record (EHR) system would impact provider ordering practices.MethodsReference laboratory test cost and TAT data were randomized prior to the study and only displayed for the intervention group. A 24-month dataset composed of 12 months each for baseline and study periods was extracted from the clinical data mart. A difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was conducted using a linear mixed-effects model to estimate the association between the intervention and changes in test-ordering patterns.ResultsIn the inpatient setting, the DIDs of aggregate test-order costs and volume were not different among the control and intervention groups (p = 0.31 and p = 0.26, respectively). In the ambulatory setting, the DIDs of aggregate test-order costs and volume were not different among the control and intervention groups (p = 0.82 and p = 0.51, respectively). For both inpatient and ambulatory settings, no significant difference was observed in the DID of aggregate test-order costs and volumes calculated in respect to stratified relative cost and TAT groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionLack of alternative tests, test orders placed at a late step in patient management, and orders facilitated by trainees or mid-level providers may have limited the efficacy of the intervention. Our randomized study demonstrated no significant association between the display of cost or TAT display and ordering frequency.

BackgroundA study has shown that industry payments to physicians for drugs are associated not only with higher drug prescriptions but also with higher non-drug costs due to additional utilization of healthcare services. However, the association between industry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs and the costs and number of percutaneous coronary interventions they perform has not been investigated.ObjectiveTo examine the association between industry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs and the costs and number of percutaneous coronary interventions they perform.DesignUsing the 2016 Open Payments Database linked to the 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data, we examined the association between the value of industry payments related to the antiplatelet drugs prasugrel and ticagrelor and healthcare spending and volume for cardiovascular procedures, adjusted for potential cofounders.SubjectsA total of 7456 cardiologists who performed diagnostic cardiac catheterizations on Medicare beneficiaries in 2017.Main measuresPrimary outcomes included (1) healthcare spending on cardiac procedures, (2) diagnostic cardiac catheterization volumes, and (3) rates of coronary stenting. Secondary outcomes were total expenditures for all drugs and for antiplatelet drugs.Key resultsIndustry payments for antiplatelet drugs were associated with higher healthcare spending on cardiac procedures (adjusted difference, +$50.9 for additional $100 industry payments; 95% CI, +$25.5 to +$76.2; P < 0.001), diagnostic cardiac catheterizations (+0.1 procedures per cardiologist; 95% CI, +0.03 to +0.1; P=0.001), and stent use (+0.5 per 1000 diagnostic cardiac catheterizations per cardiologist; 95% CI, +0.2 to +0.9; P=0.002). Industry payments for antiplatelet drugs were associated with higher total costs for all drugs and antiplatelet drugs.ConclusionsIndustry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs were associated with both prescribing of antiplatelet drugs and the use of cardiac procedures and stents. Further research is warranted to understand whether the observed associations are causal or reflect a greater propensity for higher volume proceduralists to have relationships with industry.

BackgroundThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) March 2016 opioid prescribing guideline did not include prescribing recommendations for surgical pain. Although opioid over-prescription for surgical patients has been well-documented, the potential effects of the CDC guideline on providers' opioid prescribing practices for surgical patients in the United States remains unclear.MethodsWe conducted an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) of 37,009 opioid-naïve adult patients undergoing inpatient surgery from 2013-2019 at an academic medical center. We assessed quarterly changes in the discharge opioid prescription days' supply, daily and total doses in oral morphine milligram equivalents (OME), and the proportion of patients requiring opioid refills within 30 days of discharge.ResultsThe discharge opioid prescription declined by -0.021 (95% CI, -0.045 to 0.003) days per quarter pre-guideline versus -0.201 (95% CI, -0.223 to -0.179) days per quarter post-guideline (p

BackgroundRib fractures are common in trauma patients and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Adequate analgesia is essential to avoid the complications associated with rib fractures. Opioids are frequently used for analgesia in these patients. This study compared the effect of a multimodal pain regimen (MMPR) on inpatient opioid use and outpatient opioid prescribing practices in adult trauma patients with rib fractures.Study designA pre-post cohort study of adult trauma patients with rib fractures was conducted at a Level I trauma center before (PRE) and after (POST) implementation of an MMPR. Patients on long-acting opioids before admission and those on continuous opioid infusions were excluded. Primary outcomes were oral opioid administration during the first 5 days of hospitalization and opioids prescribed at discharge. Opioid data were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs).ResultsSix hundred fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria (323 PRE, 330 POST). There was a significant reduction in the daily MME during the second through fifth days of hospitalization; and the average inpatient MME over the first five inpatient days (23 MME PRE vs. 17 MME POST, p = 0.0087). There was a significant reduction in the total outpatient MME prescribed upon discharge (322 MME PRE vs. 225 MME POST, p = 0.006).ConclusionThe implementation of an MMPR in patients with rib fractures resulted in significant reduction in inpatient opioid consumption and was associated with a reduction in the quantity of opiates prescribed at discharge.Level of evidenceTherapeutic/Care Management; level IV.

According to a national claims database, remote retinal imaging utilization in the U.S. increased rapidly from 2011 to 2020, but insurance coverage declined, with disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations including older, Black, and lower-income patients.

ObjectiveSarcoidosis is often treated with glucocorticoids, although the use of biologics is growing. Prescribing patterns for biologics for patients with sarcoidosis in US rheumatology practices have never been examined. Given that there are no steroid-sparing US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for sarcoidosis, we sought to characterize the real-world treatment of sarcoidosis and to assess practice-level variation in prescribing patterns.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of patients with sarcoidosis using data from the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry (2014-2018). The RISE registry represents an estimated 32% of the US clinical rheumatology workforce. Adult patients with ≥2 codes for sarcoidosis ≥30 days apart were included. We examined sarcoidosis-specific medication use at any time during the study period. Data were analyzed at the practice level.ResultsA total of 3,276 patients with sarcoidosis from 184 practices were included. Of those patients, 75.1% were women, with a mean age of 59.0 ± 12.5 years; 48.3% were White and 27.6% were Black. Overall, 59.3% of patients were prescribed glucocorticoids, and 24.7% received prolonged glucocorticoid therapy (≥10 mg/day for ≥90 days). In all, 12.1% received a biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (tsDMARD), most commonly tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. There was wide practice-level variation among 31 practices with ≥30 patients with sarcoidosis; biologic use ranged from 15.6% to 69.2%. Infliximab represented the most common biologic prescribed.ConclusionIn a large sample of US rheumatology practices, 12.1% of patients with sarcoidosis received biologics or tsDMARDs. We found high variability in biologic use across practices. The significant use of long-term glucocorticoids suggests unmet therapeutic needs in this patient population.

ObjectivesThere has been increased focus nationally on limiting opioid prescriptions. National data demonstrates a decrease in annual opioid prescriptions among emergency medicine physicians. We analyzed data from 2012 to 2020 from a large academic health system in California to understand trends in opioid prescribing patterns for emergency department (ED) discharged patients and assessed the potential impact of two initiatives at limiting local opioid prescriptions.MethodsIn 2012-2020, monthly ED visit data was used to evaluate the total number of outpatient opioid prescriptions and percent of ED visits with opioid prescriptions (as primary outcomes). Descriptive statistics, graphic representation, and segmented regression with interrupted times series were used based on two prespecified time points associated with intensive local initiatives directed at limiting opioid prescribing1) comprehensive emergency medicine resident education and 2) electronic health record (EHR)-based intervention.ResultsBetween March 2012 and July 2020, a total of 41,491 ED discharged patients received an opioid prescription. The three most commonly prescribed drugs were hydrocodone (84.1%), oxycodone (10.8%), and codeine (2.8%). After implementing comprehensive emergency medicine resident education, the total number of opioid prescriptions, the percentage of opioid prescriptions over total ED visit numbers and the total tablet number showed decreasing trends (p's ≤ 0.01), in addition to the natural (pre-intervention) decreasing trends. In contrast, later interventions in the EHR tended to show attenuated decreasing trends.ConclusionsFrom 2012 to 2020, we found that total opioid prescriptions decreased significantly for discharged ED patients. This trend is seen nationally. However, our specific interventions further heightened this downward trend. Evidence-based legislation, policy changes, and educational initiatives that impact prescribing practices should guide future efforts.

Background and objectivesTo identify intraoperative factors during laparoscopic hysterectomy associated with postoperative opioid use and increased pain scores during the acute postoperative period.MethodsThis is a prospective survey-based cohort study at two teaching hospitals in the Boston metropolitan area. A total of 125 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were enrolled. Surveys were administered by telephone at one-week postoperatively and in-person at their two-week postoperative visit to elicit opioid consumption converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and pain scores.ResultsThe median total opioid consumption was 37.5 MME (range 0-960 MMEs). Intraoperative factors associated with increased total MME consumption were lower uterine weight and resection of endometriosis at the time of surgery. Patients with uteri less than 250 grams used twice as much opioid compared to participants with uteri greater than 250 grams (median of 49.8 MME (interquartile range [IQR] 7.5-120.5) vs. 22.5 MME (IQR 7.5-61.0). The median opioid consumption by patients with resection or ablation of endometriosis was three times that of those who did not undergo surgical treatment of endometriosis (97.0 MME (IQR 53.1-281.3) vs. 30.0 MMEs (IQR 7.5-81.3 MME)). Maximum pain scores and reported pain score at one and two-week interviews were also significantly higher in patients with these characteristics.ConclusionSeveral easily identified intraoperative factors may be correlated with opioid requirements during the acute postoperative period. This can allow surgeons to set expectations and dispense patient-specific opioid prescriptions. Individualizing prescriptions may lower the amount of excess circulating opioids and help combat the opioid epidemic.

BackgroundWhether the presence of dementia in patients makes it difficult for physicians to assess the risk such patients might have for serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Our objective was to examine the differential association of four clinical factors (deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/PE, malignancy, recent surgery, and tachycardia) with PE testing for patients with dementia compared to patients without dementia.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of emergency department (ED) visits to 104 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals from 2011 to 2018 by patients aged 60 years and over presenting with shortness of breath (SOB). Our outcomes were PE testing (CT scan and/or D-dimer) and subsequently diagnosed acute PE.ResultsThe sample included 593,001 patient visits for SOB across 7124 ED physicians; 5.6% of the sample had dementia, and 10.6% received PE testing. Three of the four clinical factors examined had a lower association with PE testing for patients with dementia. For example, after taking into account that at baseline, physicians were 0.9 percentage points less likely to test patients with dementia than patients without dementia for PE, physicians were an additional 2.6 percentage points less likely to test patients with dementia who had tachycardia than patients without dementia who had tachycardia. We failed to find evidence that any clinical factor examined had a differentially lower association with a subsequently diagnosed acute PE for patients with dementia.ConclusionsClinical factors known to be predictive of PE risk had a lower association with PE testing for patients with dementia compared to patients without dementia. These results may be consistent with physicians missing these clinical factors more often when evaluating patients with dementia, but also with physicians recognizing such factors but not using them in the decision-making process. Further understanding how physicians evaluate patients with dementia presenting with common acute symptoms may help improve the care delivered to such patients.

Substance use in the U.S. varies by geographic region. Opioid prescribing practices and marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine availability are evolving differently across regions. We examined self-reported substance use among people living with HIV (PLWH) in care at seven sites from 2017-2019 to understand current regional substance use patterns. We calculated the percentage and standardized percentage of PLWH reporting current drug use and at-risk and binge alcohol use by U.S. Census Bureau geographic region and examined associations in adjusted logistic regression analyses. Among 7,686 PLWH, marijuana use was the most prevalent drug (30%), followed by methamphetamine/crystal (8%), cocaine/crack (7%), and illicit opioids (3%). One-third reported binge alcohol use (32%). Differences in percent of current use by region were seen for marijuana (24-41%) and methamphetamine/crystal (2-15%), with more use in the West and Northeast, and binge alcohol use (26-40%). In adjusted analyses, PLWH in the Midwest were significantly less likely to use methamphetamine/crystal (aOR: 0.13;0.06-0.25) or illicit opioids (aOR:0.16;0.05-0.53), and PLWH in the Northeast were more likely to use cocaine/crack (aOR:1.59;1.16-2.17), compared to PLWH in the West. Understanding differences in substance use patterns in the current era, as policies continue to evolve, will enable more targeted interventions in clinical settings among PLWH.

BackgroundLimiting the incidence of opioid-naïve patients who transition to long-term opioid use (i.e., continual use for > 90 days) is a key strategy for reducing opioid-related harms.ObjectiveTo identify variables constructed from data routinely collected by prescription drug monitoring programs that are associated with opioid-naïve patients' likelihood of transitioning to long-term use after an initial opioid prescription.DesignStatewide cohort study using prescription drug monitoring program data PARTICIPANTS: All opioid-naïve patients in California (no opioid prescriptions within the prior 2 years) age ≥ 12 years prescribed an initial oral opioid analgesic from 2010 to 2017.Methods and main measuresMultiple logistic regression models using variables constructed from prescription drug monitoring program data through the day of each patient's initial opioid prescription, and, alternatively, data available up to 30 and 60 days after the initial prescription were constructed to identify probability of transition to long-term use. Model fit was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic).Key resultsAmong 30,569,125 episodes of patients receiving new opioid prescriptions, 1,809,750 (5.9%) resulted in long-term use. Variables with the highest adjusted odds ratios included concurrent benzodiazepine use, ≥ 2 unique prescribers, and receipt of non-pill, non-liquid formulations. C-statistics for the day 0, day 30, and day 60 models were 0.81, 0.88, and 0.94, respectively. Models assessing opioid dose using the number of pills prescribed had greater discriminative capacity than those using milligram morphine equivalents.ConclusionsData routinely collected by prescription drug monitoring programs can be used to identify patients who are likely to develop long-term use. Guidelines for new opioid prescriptions based on pill counts may be simpler and more clinically useful than guidelines based on days' supply or milligram morphine equivalents.

BackgroundSevere acute pain is still commonly treated with opioid analgesics in the United States, but this practice could prolong the duration of pain.ObjectivesEstimate the risk of experiencing persistent pain after opioid analgesic use after emergency department (ED) discharge among patients with suspected urolithiasis.MethodsWe analyzed data collected for a longitudinal, multicenter clinical trial of ED patients with suspected urolithiasis. We constructed multilevel models to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of reporting pain at 3, 7, 30, or 90 days after ED discharge, using multiple imputation to account for missing outcome data. We controlled for clinical, demographic, and institutional factors and used weighting to account for the propensity to be prescribed an opioid analgesic at ED discharge.ResultsAmong 2413 adult ED patients with suspected urolithiasis, 62% reported persistent pain 3 days after discharge. Participants prescribed an opioid analgesic at discharge were OR 2.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-3.46) more likely to report persistent pain than those without a prescription. Those who reported using opioid analgesics 3 days after discharge were OR 2.24 (95% CI 1.77-2.84) more likely to report pain at day 7 than those not using opioid analgesics at day 3, and those using opioid analgesics at day 30 had OR 3.25 (95% CI 1.96-5.40) greater odds of pain at day 90.ConclusionsOpioid analgesic prescription doubled the odds of persistent pain among ED patients with suspected urolithiasis. Limiting opioid analgesic prescribing at ED discharge for these patients might prevent persistent pain in addition to limiting access to these medications.

PurposeWe examined changes in urological care delivery due to COVID-19 in the U.S. based on patient, practice, and local/regional demographic and pandemic response features.Materials and methodsWe analyzed real-world data from the American Urological Association Quality (AQUA) Registry collected from electronic health record systems. Data represented 157 outpatient urological practices and 3,165 providers across 48 U.S. states and territories, including 3,297,721 unique patients, 12,488,831 total outpatient visits and 2,194,456 procedures. The primary outcome measure was the number of outpatient visits and procedures performed (inpatient or outpatient) per practice per week, measured from January 2019 to February 2021.ResultsWe found large (>50%) declines in outpatient visits from March 2020 to April 2020 across patient demographic groups and states, regardless of timing of state stay-at-home orders. Nonurgent outpatient visits decreased more across various nonurgent procedures (49%-59%) than for procedures performed for potentially urgent diagnoses (38%-52%); surgical procedures for nonurgent conditions also decreased more (43%-79%) than those for potentially urgent conditions (43%-53%). African American patients had similar decreases in outpatient visits compared with Asians and Caucasians, but also slower recoveries back to baseline. Medicare-insured patients had the steepest declines (55%), while those on Medicaid and government insurance had the lowest percentage of recovery to baseline (73% and 69%, respectively).ConclusionsThis study provides real-world evidence on the decline in urological care across demographic groups and practice settings, and demonstrates a differential impact on the utilization of urological health services by demographics and procedure type.

This research examined whether pediatric inpatients without an anxiety/mood disorder are more likely to receive opioids in response to pain compared to patients diagnosed with a mental health condition. Research questions were tested using cross-sectional inpatient electronic medical record data. Propensity score matching was used to match patients with a disorder with patients without the disorder (anxiety analyses: N = 2892; mood analyses: N = 1042). Although patients with anxiety and mood disorders experienced greater pain, physicians were less likely to order opioids for these patients. Analyses also disclosed an interaction of anxiety with pain-the pain-opioid relation was stronger for patients without an anxiety disorder than for patients with an anxiety diagnosis. Instead, physicians were more likely to place non-opioid analgesic orders to manage the pain of patients with anxiety disorders. Findings imply that pain management decisions might be influenced by patient's mental health.

IntroductionA better understanding of pain treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and substance use is needed, especially as opioid prescribing policies are changing. We sought to identify factors associated with pain treatment satisfaction in individuals with CNCP on recent opioid therapy and prior or active substance use.MethodsAn exploratory cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from a cohort study of 300 adults with CNCP receiving >20 morphine milligram equivalents of opioids for ≥3 of the preceding 12 months and prior or active substance use. Participants completed interviews, clinical assessments, urine drug screening, and medical chart review.ResultsParticipants were predominantly middle-aged (mean age 57.5 years), Black (44%), and cisgender men (60%). One-third (33%) had high, 28% moderate, and 39% low pain treatment satisfaction. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tobacco use, past-year opioid discontinuation, and higher average pain scores were associated with lower satisfaction. HIV and prescription cannabis use were associated with higher satisfaction.ConclusionsThe relationship between PTSD and tobacco use with lower satisfaction should be explored to augment pain outcomes. Higher satisfaction among individuals with HIV and prescription cannabis use presents potential research areas to guide CNCP management and reduce reliance on opioid therapies.

BackgroundAn unprecedented shift to remote heart failure outpatient care occurred during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Given challenges inherent to remote care, we studied whether remote visits (video or telephone) were associated with different patient usage, clinician practice patterns, and outcomes.MethodsWe included all ambulatory cardiology visits for heart failure at a multisite health system from April 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019 (pre-COVID) or April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020 (COVID era), resulting in 10 591 pre-COVID in-person, 7775 COVID-era in-person, 1009 COVID-era video, and 2322 COVID-era telephone visits. We used multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regressions with propensity weighting and patient clustering to study ordering practices and outcomes.ResultsCompared with in-person visits, video visits were used more often by younger (mean 64.7 years [SD 14.5] versus 74.2 [14.1]), male (68.3% versus 61.4%), and privately insured (45.9% versus 28.9%) individuals (P

BackgroundAlthough specific interventions previously demonstrated benefit in patients with ARDS, use of these interventions is inconsistent, and patient mortality remains high. The impact of variability in center management practices on ARDS mortality rates remains unknown.Research questionWhat is the impact of treatment variability on mortality in patients with moderate to severe ARDS in the United States?Study design and methodsWe conducted a multicenter, observational cohort study of mechanically ventilated adults with ARDS and Pao2 to Fio2 ratio of ≤ 150 with positive end-expiratory pressure of ≥ 5 cm H2O, who were admitted to 29 US centers between October 1, 2016, and April 30, 2017. The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality. Center variation in ventilator management, adjunctive therapy use, and mortality also were assessed.ResultsA total of 2,466 patients were enrolled. Median baseline Pao2 to Fio2 ratio was 105 (interquartile range, 78.0-129.0). In-hospital 28-day mortality was 40.7%. Initial adherence to lung protective ventilation (LPV; tidal volume, ≤ 6.5 mL/kg predicted body weight; plateau pressure, or when unavailable, peak inspiratory pressure, ≤ 30 mm H2O) was 31.4% and varied between centers (0%-65%), as did rates of adjunctive therapy use (27.1%-96.4%), methods used (neuromuscular blockade, prone positioning, systemic steroids, pulmonary vasodilators, and extracorporeal support), and mortality (16.7%-73.3%). Center standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), calculated using baseline patient-level characteristics to derive expected mortality rate, ranged from 0.33 to 1.98. Of the treatment-level factors explored, only center adherence to early LPV was correlated with SMR.InterpretationSubstantial center-to-center variability exists in ARDS management, suggesting that further opportunities for improving ARDS outcomes exist. Early adherence to LPV was associated with lower center mortality and may be a surrogate for overall quality of care processes. Future collaboration is needed to identify additional treatment-level factors influencing center-level outcomes.Trial registryClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03021824; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

BackgroundThe Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship provide a framework to improve antibiotic use. We report the impact of core elements implementation within Veterans Health Administration sites.MethodsIn this quasiexperimental controlled study, effects of an intervention targeting antibiotic prescription for uncomplicated acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) were assessed. Outcomes included per-visit antibiotic prescribing, treatment appropriateness, ARI revisits, hospitalization, and ARI diagnostic changes over a 3-year pre-implementation period and 1-year post-implementation period. Logistic regression adjusted for covariates (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) and a difference-in-differences analysis compared outcomes between intervention and control sites.ResultsFrom 2014-2019, there were 16 712 and 51 275 patient visits within 10 intervention and 40 control sites, respectively. Antibiotic prescribing rates pre- and post-implementation within intervention sites were 59.7% and 41.5%, compared to 73.5% and 67.2% within control sites, respectively (difference-in-differences, P < .001). Intervention site pre- and post-implementation OR to receive appropriate therapy increased (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.31-2.14), which remained unchanged within control sites (OR,1.04; 95% CI, .91-1.19). ARI-related return visits post-implementation (-1.3% vs -2.0%; difference-in-differences P = .76) were not different, but all-cause hospitalization was lower within intervention sites (-0.5% vs -0.2%; difference-in-differences P = .02). The OR to diagnose non-specific ARI compared with non-ARI diagnoses increased post-implementation forintervention (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.21 -1.34) but not control (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, .94-1.01) sites.ConclusionsImplementation of the core elements was associated with reduced antibiotic prescribing for RIs and a reduction in hospitalizations. Diagnostic coding changes were observed.

ImportanceSubstantial patient racial and ethnic differences in opioid prescribing have been documented, but how much of these differences were attributable to physicians prescribing opioids differently to patients of racial and ethnic minority groups is unknown, particularly during the first wave of the opioid epidemic when the dangers of opioid prescribing and use were not as well known.ObjectiveTo examine associations of patient race and ethnicity with differences in opioid prescribing by the same primary care physician (PCP) for new low back pain episodes among older adults from 2007 to 2014.Design setting and participantsThis cross-sectional study used Medicare data of PCP office visits by Medicare beneficiaries who were 66 years or older with new low back pain.Main outcomes and measuresPrescribing of any opioid in the first year of a new low back pain episode (days 1-365) and subsequent long-term use of an opioid (prescribed for ≥180 days in days 366-730).ResultsAmong the study population of 274 771 patients (mean [SD] age, 77.1 [7.2] years; 192 105 [69.9%] women) with new low back pain, 15 285 (6%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 16 079 (6%) were Black, 21 289 (8%) were Hispanic, and 222 118 (81%) were White, cared for by 63 494 physicians. In adjusted analysis, on average, 11.5% of the White patients (95% CI, 11.4 to 11.6) received an opioid prescription in the first year of new low back pain. The same prescribing physician was 1.5 percentage points (PP; 95% CI, -2.2 PP to -0.8 PP) less likely to prescribe an opioid if the patient was Black, 2.7 PP (95% CI, -3.5 PP to -1.8 PP) less likely if the patient was Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1.0 PP (95% CI, -1.7 PP to -0.3 PP) less likely if the patient was Hispanic. The same physician was more likely to prescribe a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to a patient of a racial or ethnic minority group. White patients with new low back pain were more likely to develop subsequent long-term opioid use than patients of racial and ethnic minority groups (eg, 1.8% for White patients vs 0.5% for Hispanic patients).Conclusions and relevanceThis cross-sectional study found that from 2007 to 2014, primary care physicians prescribed opioids for new low back pain more often to White patients than to patients of racial and ethnic minority groups. These results suggest that there may have been unequal treatment of pain by physicians when less was known about the morbidity associated with opioid use.

ObjectiveTo understand medication, lifestyle, and clinical care changes of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first months (March 2020 through May 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US.MethodsData were collected from adults with RA participating in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases observational registry, who answered COVID-19 web-based surveys in May 2020 and previously provided baseline characteristics and medication use prior to the US COVID-19 pandemic. We compared medication changes by disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) exposure in logistic models that were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities including pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, education level, health insurance status, RA disease activity, fatigue, and polysymptomatic distress.ResultsOf 734 respondents, 221 (30%) reported medication changes. Among respondents who experienced a medication change, i.e., "medication changers/changers," glucocorticoids (GCs) were more commonly used compared to respondents who did not experience a medication change ("non-changers") (33% versus 18%). Non-hydroxychloroquine conventional DMARDs were less commonly used in changers compared to non-changers pre-COVID-19 (49% versus 62%), and changers reported more economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to non-changers (23% versus 15%). While JAK inhibitor use was associated with the likelihood of a medication change, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.0, 3.4), only pre-COVID GC use remained a strong predictor for medication change in multivariable models (OR 3.0 [95% CI 1.9, 4.9]). Change in care was observed to have a significant association with pulmonary disease (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.3, 6.5]), worse RA disease activity (OR 1.1 [95% CI 1.0, 1.1]), and GC use (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0, 2.5]). While the incidence of medication changes was the same before and after the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidance for the management of rheumatic disease in adult patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were first published in April 2020, self-imposed changes in medication were approximately twice as likely before publication of the guidelines, and physician-guided changes were more likely after publication.ConclusionPersons with RA in the US made substantial medication changes during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes among persons with RA after publication of the ACR guidance in April 2020 were made with increased physician guidance.

ObjectiveTo explore US provider perspectives about self-sourced medication abortion and how their attitudes and clinic practices changed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Study designWe conducted a multi-method study of survey and interview data. We performed 40 baseline interviews and surveys in spring 2019 and 36 follow-up surveys and ten interviews one year later. We compared pre- and post-Likert scale responses of provider views on the importance of different aspects of standard medication abortion assessment and evaluation (e.g., related to ultrasounds and blood-typing). We performed content analysis of the follow-up interviews using deductive-inductive analysis.ResultsSurvey results revealed that clinics substantially changed their medication abortion protocols in response to COVID-19, with more than half increasing their gestational age limits and introducing telemedicine for follow-up of a medication abortion. Interview analysis suggested that physicians were more supportive of self-sourced medication abortion in response to changing clinic protocols that decreased in-clinic assessment and evaluation for medication abortion, and as a result of physicians' altered assessments of risk in the context of COVID-19. Having evidence already in place that supported these practice changes made the implementation of new protocols more efficient, while working in a state with restrictive abortion policies thwarted the flexibility of clinics to adapt to changes in standards of care.ConclusionThis exploratory study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered clinical assessment of risk and has shifted practice towards a less medicalized model. Further work to facilitate person-centered abortion information and care can build on initial modifications in response to the pandemic.ImplicationsCOVID-19 has shifted clinician perception of risk and has catalyzed a change in clinical protocols for medication abortion. However, state laws and policies that regulate medication abortion limit physician ability to respond to changes in risk assessment.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are typically viral; however, in the USA, approximately one-third of adults and 52% of children with ARTIs receive an antibiotic, making antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs a major contributor to the problem of inappropriate prescribing. Relying on a synthesis of work across pediatric and adult primary care, this article shows some of the main ways that patients and parents pressure physicians for antibiotics, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and how physicians combat that pressure. All data are from video recordings of community-based clinical encounters allowing us to see what is happening "on the ground." Strategies that physicians actually use are documented; however, untutored physicians do not rely on these reliably or strategically, leaving substantial room for the deployment of a three-pronged communication strategy that can reduce patient pressure and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

Background Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease has been associated with early-term delivery and cesarean delivery (CD). We implemented a multi-institutional standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) through the University of California Fetal-Maternal Consortium. Our objective was to decrease early-term (37-39 weeks) delivery and CD in pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital heart disease using a SCAMP methodology to improve practice in a high-risk and clinically complex setting. Methods and Results University of California Fetal-Maternal Consortium site-specific management decisions were queried following SCAMP implementation. This contemporary intervention group was compared with a University of California Fetal-Maternal Consortium historical cohort. Primary outcomes were early-term delivery and CD. A total of 496 maternal-fetal dyads with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease were identified, 185 and 311 in the historical and intervention cohorts, respectively. Recommendation for later delivery resulted in a later gestational age at delivery (38.9 versus 38.1 weeks, P=0.01). After adjusting for maternal age and site, historical controls were more likely to have a CD (odds ratio [OR],1.8; 95% CI, 2.1-2.8; P=0.004) and more likely (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.3) to have an early-term delivery than the intervention group. Vaginal delivery was recommended in 77% of the cohort, resulting in 61% vaginal deliveries versus 50% in the control cohort (P=0.03). Among pregnancies with major cardiac lesions (n=373), vaginal birth increased from 51% to 64% (P=0.008) and deliveries ≥39 weeks increased from 33% to 48% (P=0.004). Conclusions Implementation of a SCAMP decreased the rate of early-term deliveries and CD for prenatal congenital heart disease. Development of clinical pathways may help standardize care, decrease maternal risk secondary to CD, improve neonatal outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe. The online survey organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency Division of Human Health collected information on changes in cardiac imaging procedural volumes between March 2019 and March/April 2020. Data were collected from 909 centres in 108 countries. Centres in Northern and Southern Europe were more likely to cancel all outpatient activities compared with Western and Eastern Europe. There was a greater reduction in total procedure volumes in Europe compared with the rest of the world in March 2020 (45% vs 41%, p=0.003), with a more marked reduction in Southern Europe (58%), but by April 2020 this was similar in Europe and the rest of the world (69% vs 63%, p=0.261). Regional variations were apparent between imaging modalities, but the largest reductions were in Southern Europe for nearly all modalities. In March 2020, location in Southern Europe was the only independent predictor of the reduction in procedure volume. However, in April 2020, lower gross domestic product and higher COVID-19 deaths were the only independent predictors. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on care of patients with cardiac disease, with substantial regional variations in Europe. This has potential long-term implications for patients and plans are required to enable the diagnosis of non-COVID-19 conditions during the ongoing pandemic.

ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of blood product transfusion, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, and characterize pretransfusion hematologic values for infants during their initial hospitalization after birth.Study designRetrospective cohort study using data from 7 geographically diverse US academic and community hospitals that participated in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III (REDS-III) from 2013 to 2016. Pretransfusion hematologic values were evaluated closest to each transfusion and no more than 24 hours beforehand.ResultsData from 60 243 infants were evaluated. The incidence of any transfusion differed by gestational age (P 45 for all gestational age groups examined. The median pretransfusion international normalized ratio for the entire cohort was 1.7 (10th-90th percentile 1.2-2.8).ConclusionsThere is wide variability in pretransfusion hemoglobin, platelet count, and international normalized ratio values for neonatal transfusions. Our findings suggest that a large proportion of neonatal transfusions in the US are administered at thresholds greater than supported by the best-available evidence and highlight an opportunity for improved patient blood management.

BackgroundIn the past two decades, the U.S. saw an alarmingly increasing trend of benzodiazepine prescribing. Mandatory use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) was suggested to have the potential to reduce opioid prescribing, but little is known about its impacts on benzodiazepines. This study examined whether PDMP data use mandates were associated with changes in benzodiazepine prescribing in the U.S. Methods: Aggregate state quarterly prescription drug records of benzodiazepines for Medicaid enrollees during 2010-2017 were obtained from the U.S. Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data. Three population-adjusted outcome variables were evaluated, including quantity, dosage, and Medicaid spending of benzodiazepine prescriptions per quarter per 100 Medicaid enrollees. The primary policy variable was the state-wide implementation of PDMP data use mandates for benzodiazepines. To account for between-state variations in mandates, an additional policy variable was considered to indicate strong mandates on PDMP data use, which required all prescribers to query a patient's PDMP records for first prescribing and subsequent prescribing at least every 12 months. Linear regressions with difference-in-difference approach were used to assess the associations between PDMP data use mandates and benzodiazepine prescribing, controlling for state-level time-varying policy and socioeconomic covariates. Results: The state-wide implementation of PDMP data use mandates for benzodiazepines was not associated with quantity, dosage, or Medicaid spending of benzodiazepine prescriptions. Strong mandates on PDMP data use were not associated with any benzodiazepine prescribing outcomes, either. Conclusions: There was no evidence for the associations between PDMP data use mandates for benzodiazepines and changes in benzodiazepine prescribing among Medicaid enrollees. Future research is warranted to replicate the study in other populations using individual patient records and continuously monitor the trends in benzodiazepine prescribing in association with PDMPs.

PurposeThough utilization of medical procedures has been shown to vary considerably across the United States, similar efforts to characterize variation in the delivery of radiation therapy (RT) procedures have not been forthcoming. Our aim was to characterize variation in the delivery of common RT procedures in the Medicare population. We hypothesized that delivery would vary significantly based on provider characteristics.MethodsThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File was linked to the CMS Physician Compare (PC) database by physician NPI to identify and sum all treatment delivery charges submitted by individual radiation oncologists in the non-facility-based (NFB) setting in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine provider characteristics (gender, practice rurality, practice region, and years since graduation) that predicted for the delivery of 3D conformal RT (3DCRT), intensity modulated RT (IMRT), stereotactic body RT (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy delivery in the Medicare patient population. The overall significance of categorical variables in the multivariable logistic regression model was assessed by the likelihood ratio test (LRT).ResultsIn total, 1,802 physicians from the NFB practice setting were analyzed. Male gender predicted for greater LDR brachytherapy delivery (OR 8.19, 95% CI 2.58-26.05, p

This study estimates differences in influenza vaccination rates by patient race and sex between patients of female and male physicians working in the same outpatient practice.

BackgroundPediatric anesthesiology has been greatly impacted by COVID-19 in the delivery of care to patients and to the individual providers. With this study, we sought to survey pediatric centers and highlight the variations in care related to perioperative medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the availability of protective equipment, the practice of pediatric anesthesia, and economic impact.AimThe aim of the survey was to determine how COVID-19 directly impacted pediatric anesthesia practices during the study period.MethodsA survey concerning four major domains (testing, safety, clinical management/policy, economics) was developed. It was pilot tested for clarity and content by members of the Pediatric Anesthesia COVID-19 Collaborative. The survey was administered by email to all Pediatric Anesthesia COVID-19 Collaborative members on September 1, 2020. Respondents had six weeks to complete the survey and were instructed to answer the questions based on their institution's practice during September 1 - October 13, 2020.ResultsSixty-three institutions (100% response rate) participated in the COVID-19 Pediatric Anesthesia Survey. Forty-one hospitals (65%) were from the United States, and 35% included other countries. N95 masks were available to anesthesia teams at 91% of institutions (n = 57) (95% CI: 80%-96%). COVID-19 testing criteria of anesthesia staff and guidelines to return to work varied by institution. Structured simulation training aimed at improving COVID-19 safety and patient care occurred at 62% of institutions (n = 39). Pediatric anesthesiologists were economically affected by a reduction in their employer benefits and restriction of travel due to employer imposed quarantine regulations.ConclusionOur data indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the testing, safety, clinical management, and economics of pediatric anesthesia practice. Further investigation into the long-term consequences for the specialty is indicated.

Background/objectivesPsychotropic and opioid medications are routinely prescribed for symptom management in hospice, but national estimates of prescribing are lacking. Changes in Medicare hospice payment in 2014 provide the first opportunity to examine psychotropic and opioid prescribing among hospice beneficiaries, and the factors associated with use of specific medication classes.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a 20% sample of traditional and managed Medicare with Part D enrolled in hospice, 2014-2016.SettingBeneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare hospice benefit.ParticipantsMedicare beneficiaries ≥65 newly enrolled in hospice between July 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016 (N = 554,022).Main outcomePrevalence of psychotropic and opioid medication prescribing by class and factors associated with prescribing.Results70.3% of hospice beneficiaries were prescribed a psychotropic and 63.3% were prescribed an opioid. The most common psychotropic classes prescribed were: benzodiazepines (60.6%), antipsychotics (38.3%), antidepressants (18.4%), and antiepileptics (10.2%). Lorazepam (56.4%), morphine (52.8%), and haloperidol (28.6%) were received by the most beneficiaries. Prevalence of any psychotropic and opioid prescription was highest among beneficiaries who were female (76.7%), non-Hispanic white (76.6%), and those with cancer (78.9%). Compared to white beneficiaries, non-Hispanic black beneficiaries were less likely to receive nearly every class of medication, with significantly lower odds of receiving opioids (64.1% vs 57.9%; AOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.72-0.77) and benzodiazepines (61.6% vs 52.2%; AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.64-0.68). Differences were seen across hospice diagnosis; those with cancer were more likely to receive opioids, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics but less likely to receive antidepressants and antiepileptics.ConclusionsPsychotropic and opioid medications are frequently prescribed in hospice. Observed variations in prescribing across race and ethnicity may reflect disparities in prescribing as well as patient preferences for care. Further work is important to understand factors driving prescribing given limited studies surrounding medication prescribing in hospice.

PurposeMinority race and lower socioeconomic status are associated with lower rates of opioid prescription and undertreatment of pain in multiple noncancer healthcare settings. It is not known whether these differences in opioid prescribing exist among patients undergoing cancer treatment.Methods and materialsThis observational cohort study involved 33,872 opioid-naive patients of age > 65 years undergoing definitive cancer treatment. We compared rates of new opioid prescriptions by race or ethnicity and socioeconomic status controlling for differences in baseline patient, cancer, and treatment factors. To evaluate downstream impacts of opioid prescribing and pain management, we also compared rates of persistent opioid use and pain-related emergency department (ED) visits.ResultsCompared with non-Hispanic White patients, the covariate-adjusted odds of receiving an opioid prescription were 24.9% (95% CI, 16.0 to 33.9, P < .001) lower for non-Hispanic Blacks, 115.0% (84.7 to 150.3, P < .001) higher for Asian-Pacific Islanders, and not statistically different for Hispanics (-1.0 to 14.0, P = .06). There was no significant association between race or ethnicity and persistent opioid use or pain-related ED visits. Patients living in a high-poverty area had higher odds (53.9% [25.4 to 88.8, P < .001]) of developing persistent use and having a pain-related ED visit (39.4% [16.4 to 66.9, P < .001]).ConclusionFor older patients with cancer, rates of opioid prescriptions and pain-related outcomes significantly differed by race and area-level poverty. Non-Hispanic Black patients were associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of receiving an opioid prescription. Patients from high-poverty areas were more likely to develop persistent opioid use and have a pain-related ED visit.

Antibiotic prescribing practices across the Veterans' Health Administration (VA) experienced significant shifts during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. From 2015 to 2019, antibiotic use between January and May decreased from 638 to 602 days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 days present (DP), while the corresponding months in 2020 saw antibiotic utilization rise to 628 DOT per 1,000 DP.

ObjectiveBecause the treatment of intermittent claudication (IC) is elective, good short- and long-term outcomes are imperative. The objective of the present study was to examine the outcomes of endovascular management of IC reported in the Vascular Quality Initiative and compare them with the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines for IC treatment to determine whether real-world results are within the guidelines.MethodsPatients undergoing peripheral vascular intervention for IC from 2004 to 2017 with complete data and >9 month follow-up were included. The primary outcome measures were IC recurrence and repeat procedures performed ≤2 years after the initial treatment.ResultsA total of 16,152 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 66 years. Of the 16,152 patients, 61% were men, 45% were current smokers, and 28% had been discharged without antiplatelet or statin medication. Adjusted analyses revealed that treatment of more than two arteries was associated with a shorter time to IC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.31) and a shorter time to repeat procedures (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.45). The use of atherectomy was also associated with a shorter time to IC recurrence (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.33) and a shorter time to repeat procedures (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13-1.52). Discharge with antiplatelet and statin medications was associated with a longer time to IC recurrence (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91) and a longer time to repeat procedures (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.87). Life-table analysis at 2 years revealed that only 32% of patients were free from IC recurrence, although 76% had not undergone repeat procedures. Stratified by anatomic treatment level, 37% of isolated aortoiliac interventions, 22% of aortoiliac and femoropopliteal interventions, 30% of isolated femoropopliteal interventions, and 20% of femoropopliteal and tibial interventions had remained free from IC recurrence at 2 years.ConclusionsMost patients treated with an endovascular approach to IC did not meet the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines for long-term freedom from recurrent symptoms of >50% at 2 years. Many lacked preprocedure optimization of medical management. The use of atherectomy and treatment of more than two arteries were associated with poor outcomes after peripheral vascular intervention for IC, because only 32% of these patients were free from recurrent symptoms at 2 years. Even when risk factor modification is optimized before the procedure, vascular specialists should be aware of the association between atherectomy and multivessel interventions with poorer long-term outcomes and counsel patients appropriately before intervention.

BackgroundRecent changes in opioid prescribing practices in the US may exacerbate disparities in opioid access among Black compared to White patients.MethodsTo evaluate racial disparities in opioid prescribing and stewardship, we used baseline data collected from 2017 to 2019 for a longitudinal cohort of patients with chronic non-cancer pain and a history of illicit substance use. Sociodemographic characteristics, pain, psychological distress, substance use, and opioid prescription practices were compared between Black and White participants. We conducted multivariable logistic regression with race as the outcome. We also compared yellow flag events (opioid-related emergency department visits, illicit substances on urine drug screens, provider-documentation of concerning behaviors) by race.ResultsOver half of participants analyzed were Black (57%) and the remainder White (43%). Participants with worse average pain in the past three months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]:1.29, 95%CI:1.08-1.55, p = 0.006) had higher odds of being Black. Past-year injection drug use (AOR:0.39, 95%CI:0.16-0.94, p = 0.04) and a higher past-year maximum opioid dose (AOR per 10 morphine milligram equivalents (MME):0.99, 95%CI:0.98-1.00, p = 0.006) were associated with lower odds of being Black. We found no differences by race in the use of opioid stewardship measures or discontinuation of opioids based on yellow flag events.ConclusionLower past-year maximum MME dose, despite higher average pain and less injection drug use, may represent bias away from prescribing opioids for chronic pain among Black patients. This could be due to unmeasured implicit provider bias or patient-level factors (e.g., utilizing non-opioid pain coping strategies or being less likely to request additional opioids).

PurposePrescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been established to combat the opioid epidemic, but there is no data on their efficacy in children. We hypothesized that a statewide PDMP mandate would be associated with fewer opioid prescriptions in pediatric surgical patients.MethodsPatients

The California Bridge Program supports expansion of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in emergency departments (EDs) and hospital inpatient units across the state. Here, we describe the change in activity before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) California statewide shutdown. Of the 70 participating hospitals regionally distributed across California, 52 report MOUD-related activity monthly. We analyzed data on outcomes of OUD care and treatment: identification of OUD, acceptance of referral, receipt of buprenorphine prescription, administration of buprenorphine, and follow-up linkage to outpatient OUD treatment, from May 2019 to April 2020. In estimating the expected number of patients who met each outcome in April 2020, we found decreases in the expected to observed number of patients across all outcomes (all p-values

BackgroundHow clinical teams function varies across sites and may affect follow-up of abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results.AimsThis study aimed to identify the characteristics of clinical practices associated with higher diagnostic colonoscopy completion after an abnormal FIT result in a multi-site integrated safety-net system.MethodsWe distributed survey questionnaires about tracking and follow-up of abnormal FIT results to primary care team members across 11 safety-net clinics from January 2017 to April 2017. Surveys were distributed at all-staff clinic meetings and electronic surveys sent to those not in attendance. Participants received up to three reminders to complete the survey.ResultsOf the 501 primary care team members identified, 343 (68.5%) completed the survey. In the four highest-performing clinics, nurse managers identified at least two team members who were responsible for communicating abnormal FIT results to patients. Additionally, team members used a clinic-based registry to track patients with abnormal FIT results until colonoscopy completion. Compared to higher-performing clinics, lower-performing clinics more frequently cited competing health issues (56% vs. 40%, p = 0.03) and lack of patient priority (59% vs. 37%, p