Search

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may need to access rheumatology care between scheduled visits. WelTel is a virtual care platform that supports secure two‐way text‐messaging between patients and their health care team. The objective of the present study was to explore perspectives and experiences of health care providers (HCPs) and patients related to the use of WelTel as an adjunct to routine care. Methods Seventy patients with RA were enrolled in a six‐month WelTel pilot project launched in September 2021. Patients received monthly “How are you?” text message check‐ins and could message their health care team during clinic hours to request health advice. The current project is a qualitative study of the WelTel pilot. A subgroup of pilot participants was purposively sampled and invited to participate in interviews. A thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted using a deductive approach leveraging quality of care domains. Results Thirteen patients (62% female, mean age 62 years, 10 White) completed interviews. Patients’ views suggested that text messaging with the rheumatology team supported high‐quality care across multiple quality domains including patient‐centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, safety, effectiveness, equity, and appropriateness. Seven HCPs (57.1% female, one pharmacist and six rheumatologists) completed interviews. HCPs' perspectives varied based on their experience with the WelTel platform. Additional themes reported by HCPs included perceived increased workload and burnout. Conclusions Patients with RA perceived text‐based messaging as supporting high‐quality care. The impact of increased communications on HCP burnout and workload requires consideration, and future studies should evaluate the effect of texting on patient outcomes.

Objective We estimated the association between immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agent (IIA) exposure and severe COVID‐19 outcomes in a population‐based cohort study. Methods Participants were 18 years or older, tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 between February 6, 2020, and August 15, 2021, and were from administrative health data for the entire province of British Columbia, Canada. IIA use within 3 months prior to positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test included conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (antimalarials, methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, individually), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium [MMF], cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, individually and collectively), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biologics (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, collectively), non‐TNFi biologics or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) (rituximab separately from abatacept, anakinra, secukinumab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib and ustekinumab collectively), and glucocorticoids. Severe COVID‐19 outcomes were hospitalizations for COVID‐19, ICU admissions, and deaths within 60 days of a positive test. Exposure score–overlap weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics of participants with IIA use compared with nonuse of that IIA. Logistic regression measured the association between IIA use and severe COVID‐19 outcomes. Results From 147,301 participants, we identified 515 antimalarial, 573 methotrexate, 72 leflunomide, 180 sulfasalazine, 468 immunosuppressant, 378 TNFi biologic, 49 rituximab, 144 other non‐TNFi biologic or tsDMARD, and 1348 glucocorticoid prescriptions. Risk of hospitalizations for COVID‐19 was significantly greater for MMF (odds ratio [95% CI]): 2.82 [1.81‐4.40], all immunosuppressants: 2.08 [1.51‐2.87], and glucocorticoids: 1.63 [1.36‐1.96], relative to nonuse. Similar outcomes were seen for ICU admission and MMF: 2.52 [1.34‐4.74], immunosuppressants: 2.88 [1.73‐4.78], and glucocorticoids: 1.86 [1.37‐2.54]. Only glucocorticoids use was associated with a significant increase in 60‐day mortality: 1.58 [1.21‐2.06]. No other IIAs displayed statistically significant associations with severe COVID‐19 outcomes. Conclusion Current use of MMF and glucocorticoids were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 outcomes compared with nonuse. These results emphasize the variety of circumstances of patients taking IIAs.

We were tasked by Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force to describe severe adverse events (SAEs) associated with emergency department (ED) visits and/or hospitalizations in individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). At eight Canadian centres, data were collected from adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (AxS), systemic lupus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We administered questionnaires, analyzing SAEs experienced within 31 days following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. About two-thirds (63%) of 1556 participants were female; the mean age was 52.5 years. The BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine was the most common, with mRNA-1273 (Moderna) being second. A total of 49% of participants had IBD, 27.4% had RA, 14.3% had PsA, 5.3% had SpA, and 4% had SLE. Twelve (0.77% of 1556 participants) SAEs leading to an ED visit or hospitalization were self-reported, occurring in 11 participants. SAEs included six (0.39% of 1556 participants) ED visits (including one due to Bell’s Palsy 31 days after first vaccination) and six (0.39% of 1556 participants) hospitalizations (including one due to Guillain-Barré syndrome 15 days after the first vaccination). Two SAEs included pericarditis, one involved SLE (considered a serious disease flare), and one involved RA. Thus, in the 31 days after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in our IMID sample, very few serious adverse events occurred. As SARS-CoV2 continues to be a common cause of death, our findings may help optimize vaccination acceptance.

Abstract Background Care complexity can occur when patients experience health challenges simultaneously with social barriers including food and/or housing insecurity, lack of transportation or other factors that impact care and patient outcomes. People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience care complexity due to the chronicity of their condition and other biopsychosocial factors. There are few standardised instruments that measure care complexity and none that measure care complexity specifically in people with RA. Objectives We assessed the content validity of the INTERMEDS Self‐Assessment (IMSA) instrument that measures care complexity with a sample of adults with RA and rheumatology healthcare providers (HCPs). Cognitive debriefing interviews utilising a reparative framework were conducted. Methods Patient participants were recruited through two existing studies where participants agreed to be contacted about future studies. Study information was also shared through email blasts, posters and brochures at rheumatology clinic sites and trusted arthritis websites. Various rheumatology HCPs were recruited through email blasts, and divisional emails and announcements. Interviews were conducted with nine patients living with RA and five rheumatology HCPs. Results Three main reparative themes were identified: (1) Lack of item clarity and standardisation including problems with item phrasing, inconsistency of the items and/or answer sets and noninclusive language; (2) item barrelling, where items asked about more than one issue, but only allowed a single answer choice; and (3) timeframes presented in the item or answer choices were either too long or too short, and did not fit the lived experiences of patients. Items predicting future healthcare needs were difficult to answer due to the episodic and fluctuating nature of RA. Conclusions Despite international use of the IMSA to measure care complexity, patients with RA and rheumatology HCPs in our setting perceived that it did not have content validity for use in RA and that revision for use in this population under a reparative framework was unfeasible. Future instrument development requires an iterative cognitive debriefing and repair process with the population of interest in the early stages to ensure content validity and comprehension. Patient or Public Contribution Patient and public contributions included both patient partners on the study team and people with RA who participated in the study. Patient partners were involved in study design, analysis and interpretation of the findings and manuscript preparation. Data analysis was structured according to emergent themes of the data that were grounded in patient perspectives and experiences.

Objective The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe burden of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and trends from 1990 to 2019 using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) data, (2) to describe age and sex differences in RA and (3) to compare Canada’s RA burden to that of other countries.Methods Disease burden indicators included prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). GBD estimated fatal and non-fatal outcomes using published literature, survey data and health insurance claims. Data were analysed by Bayesian meta-regression, cause of death ensemble model and other statistical methods. DALYs for Canada were compared with DALYs of countries with similarly high Socio-Demographic Index values.Results In Canada, the RA prevalence rate increased by 27% between 1990 and 2019, mortality rate decreased by 27%, YLL rate decreased by 30%, YLD increased by 27% and DALY rate increased by 13%, all age standardised. The decline in RA mortality and YLL rates was especially pronounced after 2002. The disease burden was higher in females for all indicators, and DALY rates were higher among older age groups, peaking at age 75–79 years. Prevalence and DALYs were higher in Canada compared with global rates.Conclusion Trends in RA burden indicators over time and differences by age and sex have important implications for Canadian policy-makers, researchers and care providers. Early identification and management of RA in women may help reduce the overall burden of RA in Canada.

ObjectiveTo assess the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and type 2 diabetes newly initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is).MethodsWe performed a population-based cohort study using administrative health data from British Columbia. Patients with an IMID (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic disease, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease) and type 2 diabetes who newly initiated a GLP-1-RA or DPP-4i between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021 were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included MACE and its components (i.e., cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke). Cox proportional hazard regressions were used with propensity score overlap weighting. The analysis was repeated in age- and sex-matched adults without IMIDs.ResultsWe identified 10,855 adults with IMIDs and type 2 diabetes who newly initiated a GLP-1-RA or DPP-4i. All-cause mortality rate was lower among initiators of GLP-1-RAs compared to initiators of DPP-4is, with a weighted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.75) and rate difference (RD) of -9.4 (95% CI, -16.0 to -2.7) per 1000 person-years. Rate of MACE was also lower with GLP-1-RA exposure (HR 0.66 [0.50-0.88], RD -10.5 [-20.4 to -0.8]). Effect sizes were similar in adults without IMIDs.ConclusionIn patients with IMIDs and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1-RA exposure is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and MACE compared to a cardioneutral active comparator.

Abstract Objective To determine whether there were improvements in rheumatology care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between 2002 and 2019 in Ontario, Canada, and to evaluate the impact of rheumatologist regional supply on access. Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective study of all individuals diagnosed with RA between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2019. Performance measures evaluated were: (i) percentage of RA patients seen by a rheumatologist within one year of diagnosis; and (ii) percentage of individuals with RA aged 66 years and older (whose prescription drugs are publicly funded) dispensed a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) within 30 days after initial rheumatologist visit. Logistic regression was used to assess whether performance improved over time and whether the improvements differed by rheumatology supply, dichotomized as

Introduction Clinical (service) integration in primary care settings describes how comprehensive care is coordinated by family physicians (FPs) over time across healthcare contexts to meet patient care needs. To improve care integration and healthcare service planning, a systematic approach to understanding its numerous influencing factors is paramount. The objective of this study is to generate a comprehensive map of FP-perceived factors influencing clinical integration across diseases and patient demographics.Methods and analysis We developed the protocol with the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review methodology framework. An information specialist built search strategies for MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases using keywords and MeSH terms iteratively collected from a multidisciplinary team. Two reviewers will work independently throughout the study process, from article selection to data analysis. The identified records will be screened by title and abstract and reviewed in the full text against the criteria: FP in primary care (population), clinical integration (concept) and qualitative and mixed reviews published in 2011–2021 (context). We will first describe the characteristics of the review studies. Then, we will extract qualitative, FP-perceived factors and group them by content similarities, such as patient factors. Lastly, we will describe the types of extracted factors using a custom framework.Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required for a systematic review. The identified factors will help generate an item bank for a survey that will be developed in the Phase II study to ascertain high-impact factors for intervention(s), as well as evidence gaps to guide future research. We will share the study findings with various knowledge users to promote awareness of clinical integration issues through multiple channels: publications and conferences for researchers and care providers, an executive summary for clinical leaders and policy-makers, and social media for the public.

Objective The study objective was to assess adherence to system‐level performance measures measuring retention in rheumatology care and disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We used a validated health administrative data case definition to identify individuals with RA in Ontario, Canada, between 2002 and 2014 who had at least 5 years of potential follow‐up prior to 2019. During the first 5 years following diagnosis, we assessed whether patients were seen by a rheumatologist yearly and the proportion dispensed a DMARD yearly (in those aged ≥66 for whom medication data were available). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of remaining under rheumatologist care. Results The cohort included 50,883 patients with RA (26.1% aged 66 years and older). Over half (57.7%) saw a rheumatologist yearly in all 5 years of follow‐up. Sharp declines in the percentage of patients with an annual visit were observed in each subsequent year after diagnosis, although a linear trend to improved retention in rheumatology care was seen over the study period (P

Objective Synthesising evidence of the effects of interventions to improve work participation among people with health problems is currently difficult due to heterogeneity in outcome measurements. A core outcome set for work participation is needed.Study design and setting Following the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials methodology, we used a five-step approach to reach international multistakeholder consensus on a core outcome set for work participation. Five subgroups of stakeholders took part in two rounds of discussions and completed two Delphi voting rounds on 26 outcomes. A consensus of ≥80% determined core outcomes and 50%–80% consensus was required for candidate outcomes.Results Fifty-eight stakeholders took part in the Delphi rounds. Core outcomes were: ‘any type of employment including self-employment’, ‘proportion of workers that return to work after being absent because of illness’ and ‘time to return to work’. Ten candidate outcomes were proposed, among others: ‘sustainable employment’, ‘work productivity’ and ‘workers’ perception of return to work’.Conclusion As a minimum, all studies evaluating the impact of interventions on work participation should include one employment outcome and two return to work outcomes if workers are on sick leave prior to the intervention.

Abstract Background Precision medicine, as a personalized medicine approach based on biomarkers, is a booming field. In general, physicians and patients have a positive attitude toward precision medicine, but their knowledge and experience are limited. In this study, we aimed at assessing the expectations and educational needs for precision medicine among rheumatologists, rheumatology fellows and patients with rheumatic diseases in Canada. Methods We conducted two anonymous online surveys between June and August 2018, one with rheumatologists and fellows and one with patients assessing precision medicine expectations and educational needs. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results 45 rheumatologists, 6 fellows and 277 patients answered the survey. 78% of rheumatologists and fellows and 97.1% of patients would like to receive training on precision medicine. Most rheumatologists and fellows agreed that precision medicine tests are relevant to medical practice (73.5%) with benefits such as helping to determine prognosis (58.9%), diagnosis (79.4%) and avoid treatment toxicity (61.8%). They are less convinced of their usefulness in helping to choose the most effective treatment and to improve patient adherence (23.5%). Most patients were eager to take precision medicine tests that could predict disease prognosis (92.4%), treatment response (98.1%) or drug toxicity (93.4%), but they feared potential negative impacts like loss of insurability (62.2%) and high cost of the test (57.5%). Conclusions Our study showed that rheumatologists and patients in Canada are overall interested in getting additional precision medicine education. Indeed, while convinced of the potential benefits of precision medicine tests, most physicians don’t feel confident in their abilities and consider their training insufficient to incorporate them into clinical practice.

Objectives To assess the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) and transplant recipients compared with matched general population comparators.Design Population-based matched cohort study using administrative health data sets.Setting British Columbia, Canada.Participants All adults with test-positive SARS-CoV-2 infections. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with ARDs and those with transplantation were matched to SARS-CoV-2-positive general population comparators on age (±5 years), sex, month/year of initial positive SARS-CoV-2 test and health authority.Outcome measures COVID-19-related hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, invasive ventilation and COVID-19-specific mortality. We performed multivariable conditional logistic regression models adjusting for socioeconomic status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension, rural address and number of previous COVID-19 PCR tests.Results Among 6279 patients with ARDs and 222 transplant recipients, all SARS-CoV-2 test positive, risk of hospitalisation was significantly increased among patients with ARDs (overall ARDs (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.30; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.43)); highest within ARDs: adult systemic vasculitides (aOR 2.18; 95% CI 1.17 to 4.05) and transplantation (aOR 10.56; 95% CI 6.88 to 16.22). Odds of ICU admission were significantly increased among patients with ARDs (overall ARDs (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.51)); highest within ARDs: ankylosing spondylitis (aOR 2.03; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.50) and transplantation (aOR 8.13; 95% CI 4.76 to 13.91). Odds of invasive ventilation were significantly increased among patients with ARDs (overall ARDs (aOR 1.60; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.01)); highest within ARDs: ankylosing spondylitis (aOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.14 to 6.06) and transplantation (aOR 8.64; 95% CI 3.81 to 19.61). Risk of COVID-19-specific mortality was increased among patients with ARDs (overall ARDs (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.47)); highest within ARDs: ankylosing spondylitis (aOR 2.15; 95% CI 1.02 to 4.55) and transplantation (aOR 5.48; 95% CI 2.82 to 10.63).Conclusions The risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes is increased in certain patient groups with ARDs or transplantation, although the magnitude differs across individual diseases. Strategies to mitigate risk, such as booster vaccination, prompt diagnosis and early intervention with available therapies, should be prioritised in these groups according to risk.

IntroductionArthritis is a leading cause of disability in First Nations communities and is often accompanied by other chronic diseases. Existing care models prioritize accessibility to specialty care for treatment, whereas patient-centred approaches support broader health goals. MethodsA patient care facilitator model of care, termed “arthritis liaison,” was developed with the community to support culturally relevant patient-centred care plans. Following a one-year-long intervention, we report on the feasibility and acceptability of this care model from the perspectives of patients and health care providers. ResultsThe arthritis liaison served as a bridge between the clinicians and patients, and fostered continuity, helping patients receive coordinated care within the community.

IntroductionL’arthrite est l’une des principales causes d’invalidité dans les collectivités des Premières Nations et elle s’accompagne souvent d’autres maladies chroniques. Les modèles de soins actuels donnent la priorité à l’accessibilité aux soins de traitement spécialisés alors que les approches centrées sur le patient ciblent des objectifs plus larges en matière de santé. MéthodologieUn modèle de soins fondé sur une facilitatrice des soins, appelée « agente de liaison avec les personnes atteintes d’arthrite », a été conçu en collaboration avec la collectivité pour créer des plans de soins axés sur le patient et adaptés à la culture. Au bout d’un an d’intervention, nous rendons compte de la faisabilité et de l’acceptabilité de ce modèle de soins du point de vue des patients et des fournisseurs de soins de santé. RésultatsL’agente de liaison avec les personnes atteintes d’arthrite a fait le pont entre les cliniciens et les patients et a favorisé la continuité des soins, de manière à aider les patients à recevoir des soins coordonnés au sein de la collectivité.

Abstract Introduction In collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association’s Physician Learning Program we developed individualized physician reports and held a group feedback session on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) performance measures (PM) to facilitate treat-to-target (T2T) strategies and evaluated physician experiences with this process. Methods 5 PMs addressing T2T concepts from an established Canadian quality framework were operationalized for physician practice reports at 2 university-affiliated rheumatology clinics. Rheum4U, a quality improvement and research platform, was the data source. The audit results were reviewed in a facilitated group feedback session. Rheumatologists provided experiential feedback on the process through survey and/or an interview. Transcripts from interviews were analyzed using a 6-step thematic analysis. Results 11 of 12 eligible rheumatologists consented to receive practice reports and provided feedback through surveys (n = 5) and interviews (n = 6). The practice reports from Rheum4U (n = 448 patients) revealed high rates of yearly follow-up (> 85%, PM1) and 100% performance on documentation of disease activity at ≥ 50% of visits (PM2). Only 34% of patients were seen within 3 months if not in remission (PM3) with 62% (2017) and 69% (2018) of those with active RA achieving a LDA state within 6 months (PM4). Approximately 70% of patients were in remission at any time point (PM5). All survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed comparison to peers was valuable and helped them reflect on their practice. Several strategies for improvement were identified, including but not limited to, leveraging of electronic records for future audit and feedback reports, providing additional granularity of results, additional stratification of results, and using high-performing peers as the comparator rather than the group mean. Conclusions Audit and feedback was perceived by clinicians as a useful strategy for evaluating T2T efforts in RA. Future work will focus on longitudinal evaluation of the clinical impact of this quality improvement initiative.

Objective Balanced scorecards (BSCs) were developed in the early 1990s in corporate settings as a strategic performance management tool that emphasised measurement from multiple perspectives. Since their introduction, BSCs have been adapted for a variety of industries, including to healthcare settings. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the application of BSCs in healthcare.Methods Medline, Embase and CINHAL databases were searched using keywords and medical subject headings for ‘balanced scorecard’ and related terms from 1992 to 17/04/2020. Title and abstract screening and full text review were conducted in duplicate by two reviewers. Studies describing the development and/or implementation of a BSC in a healthcare setting were included. Data were abstracted using pilot-tested forms and reviewed for key themes and findings.Results 8129 records were identified and 841 underwent a full text review. 87 articles were included. Over 26 countries were represented and the majority of BSCs were applied at a local level (54%) in hospital settings (41%). While almost all discussed Kaplan and Norton’s original BSC (97%), only 69% described alignment with a strategic plan. Patients/family members were rarely involved in development teams (3%) which typically were comprised of senior healthcare leaders/administrators. Only 21% of BSCs included perspectives using identical formatting to the original BSC description. Lessons learnt during development addressed three main themes: scorecard design, stakeholder engagement and feasibility.Conclusions BSC frameworks have been used in various healthcare settings but frequently undergo adaptation from the original description in order to suit a specific healthcare context. Future BSCs should aim to include patients/families to promote patient-centred healthcare systems. Considering the heterogeneity evident in development approaches, methodological guidance in this area is warranted.

Abstract Background Active self-management is a process where patients are fully engaged in managing their health in daily life by having access to contextualized health data and tailored guidance to support a healthy lifestyle. This study aims to determine whether an e-health intervention that incorporates symptom/disease activity monitoring and physical activity counselling can improve self-management ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The ‘Empowering active self-management of arthritis: Raising the bar with OPERAS (an On-demand Program to EmpoweR Active Self-management)’ project is a randomized controlled trial that uses a delayed control design. One hundred thirty-four participants with RA will be randomly assigned to start the intervention either immediately (immediate group) or 6 months later (delayed group). The intervention involves (1) use of a Fitbit-compatible web app to record and monitor their RA disease activity, symptoms, and time spent on physical activity and a Fitbit; (2) group education and individual counselling by a physiotherapist (PT); and (3) six phone calls with a PT. The primary outcome measure is self-management ability measured by the Patient Activation Measure. Secondary outcome measures include disease status, fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, and characteristics of habitual behavior and also time spent in physical activity and sedentary activity with a wearable multi-sensor device (SenseWear Mini). After the 6-month intervention, we will interview a sample of participants to examine their experiences with the intervention. Discussion The results of this study will help to determine whether this technology-enhanced self-management intervention improves self-management ability and health outcomes for people living with RA. A limitation of this study is that participants will need to self-report their symptoms, disease status, and treatment use through questionnaires on the OPERAS web app. The user-friendly interface, reminder emails from the research staff, and tailored guidance from PTs will encourage participants to actively engage with the app. Trial registration Date of last update in ClinicalTrials.gov: January 2, 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03404245.

Abstract Background The study evaluates Performance Measures (PMs) for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): The percentage of patients with new onset JIA with at least one visit to a pediatric rheumatologist in the first year of diagnosis (PM1); and the percentage of patients with JIA under rheumatology care seen in follow-up at least once per year (PM2). Methods Validated JIA case ascertainment algorithms were used to identify cases from provincial health administrative databases in Manitoba, Canada in patients 12 and > 14 months between consecutive visits were also calculated. Results One hundred ninety-four incident JIA cases were diagnosed between 01/04/2008 and 03/31/2015. The median age at diagnosis was 9.1 years and 71% were female. PM1: Across the years, 51–81% of JIA cases saw a pediatric rheumatologist within 1 year. PM2: Between 58 and 78% of patients were seen in yearly follow-up. Gaps > 12, and > 14, months were observed once during follow-up in 52, and 34%, of cases, and ≥ twice in 11, and 5%, respectively. Conclusions Suboptimal access to pediatric rheumatologist care was observed which could lead to diagnostic and treatment delays and lack of consistent follow-up, potentially negatively impacting patient outcomes.

Objective To determine the prevalence of physician burnout during the pandemic and differences by gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.Design, setting and participants We conducted a cross-sectional survey (August–October in 2020) of internal medicine physicians at two academic hospitals in Vancouver, Canada.Primary and secondary outcomes Physician burnout and its components, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.Results The response rate was 38% (n=302/803 respondents, 49% women,). The prevalence of burnout was 68% (emotional exhaustion 63%, depersonalisation 39%) and feeling low personal accomplishment 22%. In addition, 21% reported that they were considering quitting the profession or had quit a position. Women were more likely to report emotional exhaustion (OR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.73, p=0.03) and feeling low personal accomplishment (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.09 to 4.70, p=0.03) than men. Visible ethnic minority physicians were more likely to report feeling lower personal accomplishment than white physicians (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.55, p=0.001). There was no difference in emotional exhaustion or depersonalisation by ethnicity or sexual orientation. Physicians who reported that COVID-19 affected their burnout were more likely to report any burnout (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.99 to 7.01, p

Objectives To obtain stakeholder perspectives to inform the development and implementation of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) healthcare quality measurement framework.Design Qualitative study using thematic analysis of focus groups and interviews.Setting Arthritis stakeholders from across Canada including healthcare providers, persons living with RA, clinic managers and policy leaders were recruited for the focus groups and interviews.Participants Fifty-four stakeholders from nine provinces.Interventions Qualitative researchers led each focus group/interview using a semistructured guide; the digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim. Two teams of two coders independently analysed the transcripts using thematic analysis.Results Perspectives on the use of different types of measurement frameworks in healthcare were obtained. In particular, stakeholders advocated for the use of existing healthcare frameworks over frameworks developed in the business world and adapted for healthcare. Persons living with RA were less familiar with specific measurement frameworks, however, they had used existing online public forums for rating their experience and quality of healthcare provided. They viewed a standardised framework as potentially useful for assisting with monitoring the care provided to them individually. Nine guiding principles for framework development and 13 measurement themes were identified. Perceived barriers identified included access to data and concerns about how measures in the framework were developed and used. Effective approaches to framework implementation included having sound knowledge translation strategies and involving stakeholders throughout the measurement development and reporting process. Clinical models of care and health policies conducive to outcome measurement were highlighted as drivers of successful measurement initiatives.Conclusion These important perspectives will be used to inform a healthcare quality measurement framework for RA.

Introduction Cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to spread around the world even one year after the declaration of a global pandemic. Those with weakened immune systems, due to immunosuppressive medications or disease, may be at higher risk of COVID-19. This includes individuals with autoimmune diseases, cancer, transplants, and dialysis patients. Assessing the risk and outcomes of COVID-19 in this population has been challenging. While administrative databases provide data with minimal selection and recall bias, clinical and behavioral data is lacking. To address this, we are collecting self-reported survey data from a randomly selected subsample with and without COVID-19, which will be linked to administrative health data, to better quantify the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with immunosuppression. Methods and analysis Using administrative and laboratory data from British Columbia (BC), Canada, we established a population-based case-control study of all individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Each case was matched to 40 randomly selected individuals from two control groups: individuals who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., negative controls) and untested individuals from the general population (i.e., untested controls). We will contact 1000 individuals from each group to complete a survey co-designed with patient partners. A conditional logistic regression model will adjust for potential confounders and effect modifiers. We will examine the odds of COVID-19 infection according to immunosuppressive medication or disease type. To adjust for relevant confounders and effect modifiers not available in administrative data, the survey will include questions on behavioural variables that influence probability of being tested, acquiring COVID-19, and experiencing severe outcomes. Ethics and dissemination This study has received approval from the University of British Columbia Clinical Research Ethics Board [H20-01914]. Findings will be disseminated through scientific conferences, open access peer-reviewed journals, COVID-19 research repositories and dissemination channels used by our patient partners.

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic inflammatory arthritis. For decades studies showed that RA patients died earlier than their general population counterparts. Some inception cohorts have failed to detect an increased mortality risk, possibly due to limited follow-up or to improvement in mortality risk in cohorts of more recent onset. Objectives and Approach We evaluated mortality risk in RA patients and estimated when the increased risk appears. Using a common protocol, we conducted distributed analyses using administrative data, of incident RA patients in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario (ON) over 2000-2015. We identified all RA patients (using validated criteria), and identified non-RA comparators, matched 1:2 on age, sex and index years. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression, controlling for comorbidities and other factors. To estimate when the increased risk appeared we included an interaction with follow-up time, to detect if and how the HR varied by RA duration. Results Among 13834 RA patients in BC (27668 comparators), 66% were female with a mean age of 58 years at cohort entry. Among 27405 RA patients in ON (54810 comparators), 70% were female with a mean age of 56 years. The prevalence of individual comorbidities was comparable across RA cohorts. During follow-up, 23% of RA patients in each province died, with corresponding crude mortality rates of 2.3 deaths per 100 person-years in both provinces. Multivariable analyses detected an increased mortality risk in RA by 6 years of follow-up, with a linear relationship suggesting further increase over time. By 10 years, the adjusted HR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.07,1.22) in BC and 1.13 (95% CI 1.08,1.18) in ON. Conclusion/Implications In 2 large Canadian RA inception cohorts, a small increased mortality risk appeared after 6 years of RA duration and increased to a 14% (in BC) and 13% (in ON) increased mortality risk after 10 years, suggesting increased efforts to prevent disease progression and optimizing comorbidity management are needed.

To conduct a systematic review of studies reporting on the validity of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for identifying stroke in administrative data.MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (inception to February 2015) for studies: (a) Using administrative data to identify stroke; or (b) Evaluating the validity of stroke codes in administrative data; and (c) Reporting validation statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), or Kappa scores) for stroke, or data sufficient for their calculation. Additional articles were located by hand search (up to February 2015) of original papers. Studies solely evaluating codes for transient ischaemic attack were excluded. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers; article quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.Seventy-seven studies published from 1976-2015 were included. The sensitivity of ICD-9 430-438/ICD-10 I60-I69 for any cerebrovascular disease was ≥ 82% in most [≥ 50%] studies, and specificity and NPV were both ≥ 95%. The PPV of these codes for any cerebrovascular disease was ≥ 81% in most studies, while the PPV specifically for acute stroke was ≤ 68%. In at least 50% of studies, PPVs were ≥ 93% for subarachnoid haemorrhage (ICD-9 430/ICD-10 I60), 89% for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICD-9 431/ICD-10 I61), and 82% for ischaemic stroke (ICD-9 434/ICD-10 I63 or ICD-9 434&436). For in-hospital deaths, sensitivity was 55%. For cerebrovascular disease or acute stroke as a cause-of-death on death certificates, sensitivity was ≤ 71% in most studies while PPV was ≥ 87%.While most cases of prevalent cerebrovascular disease can be detected using 430-438/I60-I69 collectively, acute stroke must be defined using more specific codes. Most in-hospital deaths and death certificates with stroke as a cause-of-death correspond to true stroke deaths. Linking vital statistics and hospitalization data may improve the ascertainment of fatal stroke.

BACKGROUND: Though administrative databases are increasingly being used for research related to myocardial infarction (MI), the validity of MI diagnoses in these databases has never been synthesized on a large scale. OBJECTIVE: To conduct the first systematic review of studies reporting on the validity of diagnostic codes for identifying MI in administrative data. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (inception to November 2010) for studies: (a) Using administrative data to identify MI; or (b) Evaluating the validity of MI codes in administrative data; and (c) Reporting validation statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, or Kappa scores) for MI, or data sufficient for their calculation. Additonal articles were located by handsearch (up to February 2011) of original papers. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers; article quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. RESULTS: Thirty studies published from 1984-2010 were included; most assessed codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9th revision. Sensitivity and specificity of hospitalization data for identifying MI in most [≥50%] studies was ≥86%, and PPV in most studies was ≥93%. The PPV was higher in the more-recent studies, and lower when criteria that do not incorporate cardiac troponin levels (such as the MONICA) were employed as the gold standard. MI as a cause-of-death on death certificates also demonstrated lower accuracy, with maximum PPV of 60% (for definite MI). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization data has higher validity and hence can be used to identify MI, but the accuracy of MI as a cause-of-death on death certificates is suboptimal, and more studies are needed on the validity of ICD-10 codes. When using administrative data for research purposes, authors should recognize these factors and avoid using vital statistics data if hospitalization data is not available to confirm deaths from MI.

OBJECTIVE:Heart failure (HF) is an important covariate and outcome in studies of elderly populations and cardiovascular disease cohorts, among others. Administrative data is increasingly being used for long-term clinical research in these populations. We aimed to conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting on the validity of diagnostic codes for identifying HF in administrative data. METHODS:MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (inception to November 2010) for studies: (a) Using administrative data to identify HF; or (b) Evaluating the validity of HF codes in administrative data; and (c) Reporting validation statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value, or Kappa scores) for HF, or data sufficient for their calculation. Additional articles were located by hand search (up to February 2011) of original papers. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers; article quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Using a random-effects model, pooled sensitivity and specificity values were produced, along with estimates of the positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR = LR+/LR-) of HF codes. RESULTS:Nineteen studies published from 1999-2009 were included in the qualitative review. Specificity was ≥95% in all studies and PPV was ≥87% in the majority, but sensitivity was lower (≥69% in ≥50% of studies). In a meta-analysis of the 11 studies reporting sensitivity and specificity values, the pooled sensitivity was 75.3% (95% CI: 74.7-75.9) and specificity was 96.8% (95% CI: 96.8-96.9). The pooled LR+ was 51.9 (20.5-131.6), the LR- was 0.27 (0.20-0.37), and the DOR was 186.5 (96.8-359.2). CONCLUSIONS:While most HF diagnoses in administrative databases do correspond to true HF cases, about one-quarter of HF cases are not captured. The use of broader search parameters, along with laboratory and prescription medication data, may help identify more cases.

PURPOSE. To synthesize current knowledge about the effectiveness and the magnitude of the effect, of Academic Detailing (AD), as a stand-alone intervention, at modifying drug prescription behavior of Family Physicians (FPs) in primary care settings. METHODS. A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases of all English language articles between January 1983 and July 2010 was conducted. We hand-searched the bibliographies of articles retrieved from the electronic search to identify additional studies. Inclusion criteria were: full-length articles describing original research; randomized controlled trial (RCT), or observational study design with a control group; studies of AD delivered to FPs; AD as a stand-alone intervention; drug prescription as the target behavior. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers. Outcomes evaluated were: the difference in relative change in prescription rate between the intervention and control groups; the difference in absolute change in prescription rate between the intervention and control groups; and effect size, calculated as the standardized mean difference. RESULTS. 11 RCTs and 4 observational studies were included. Five RCTS described results showing effectiveness, while 2 RCTs reported a positive effect on some of the target drugs. Two observational studies found AD to be effective, while 2 did not. The median difference in relative change among the studies reviewed was 21% (interquartile range 43.75%) for RCTs, and 9% (interquartile range 8.5%) for observational studies. The median effect size among the studies reviewed was - 0.09 (interquartile range 2.73). Conclusion. This systematic review demonstrates that AD can be effective at optimizing prescription of medications by FPs. Although variable, the magnitude of the effect is moderate in the majority of studies. This systematic review also provides evidence supportive of the use of AD as a strategy to promote evidence based prescription of medications or incorporation of clinical guidelines into clinical practice. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Health administrative data are frequently used for diabetes surveillance. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commonly-used diabetes case definition (two physician claims or one hospital discharge abstract record within a two-year period) and their potential effect on prevalence estimation.Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched Medline (from 1950) and Embase (from 1980) databases for validation studies through August 2012 (keywords: "diabetes mellitus"; "administrative databases"; "validation studies"). Reviewers abstracted data with standardized forms and assessed quality using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) criteria. A generalized linear model approach to random-effects bivariate regression meta-analysis was used to pool sensitivity and specificity estimates. We applied correction factors derived from pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates to prevalence estimates from national surveillance reports and projected prevalence estimates over 10 years (to 2018).The search strategy identified 1423 abstracts among which 11 studies were deemed relevant and reviewed; 6 of these reported sensitivity and specificity allowing pooling in a meta-analysis. Compared to surveys or medical records, sensitivity was 82.3% (95%CI 75.8, 87.4) and specificity was 97.9% (95%CI 96.5, 98.8). The diabetes case definition underestimated prevalence when it was ≤10.6% and overestimated prevalence otherwise.The diabetes case definition examined misses up to one fifth of diabetes cases and wrongly identifies diabetes in approximately 2% of the population. This may be sufficiently sensitive and specific for surveillance purposes, in particular monitoring prevalence trends. Applying correction factors to adjust prevalence estimates from this definition may be helpful to increase accuracy of estimates.