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Gowri Anandarajah,1,2 Christopher Furey,1 Rabin Chandran,1 Arnold Goldberg,3,4 Fadya El Rayess,1 David Ashley,1 Roberta E Goldman,1,5 1Department of Family Medicine, 2Department of Medical Science, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 3Department of Family Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, 4Department of Family Medicine, Leigh Valley Family Health Network, Allentown, PA, 5Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Background: Although the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model is considered important for the future of primary care in the USA, it remains unclear how best to prepare trainees for PCMH practice and leadership. Following a baseline study, the authors added a new required PCMH block rotation and resident team to an existing longitudinal PCMH immersion and didactic curriculum within a Level 3-certified PCMH, aiming for “enhanced situated learning”. All 39 residents enrolled in a USA family medicine residency program during the first year of curricular implementation completed this new 4-week rotation. This study examines the effects of this rotation after 1 year. Methods: A total of 39 intervention and 13 comparison residents were eligible participants. This multimethod study included: 1) individual interviews of postgraduate year (PGY) 3 intervention vs PGY3 comparison residents, assessing residents’ PCMH attitudes, knowledge, and clinical experience, and 2) routine rotation evaluations. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed using immersion/crystallization. Rotation evaluations were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis of free text responses. Results: Authors analyzed 23 interviews (88%) and 26 rotation evaluations (67%). Intervention PGY3s’ interviews revealed more nuanced understanding of PCMH concepts and more experience with system-level PCMH tasks than those of comparison PGY3s. More intervention PGY3s rated themselves “extremely prepared” to implement PCMH than comparison PGY3s; however, most self-rated “somewhat prepared”. Their reflections demonstrated deeper understanding of PCMH implementation and challenges than comparison PGY3s but inadequate experience to directly see the results of successful solutions. Rotation evaluations from PGY1, PGY2, and PGY3s revealed strengths and several areas for improvement. Conclusion: Adding one 4-week block rotation to existing longitudinal training appears to improve residents’ PCMH knowledge, skills, and experience from “basic” to “intermediate”. However, this training level appears inadequate for PCMH leadership or for teaching junior learners. Further study is needed to determine the optimum training for different settings. Keywords: primary care, new models of healthcare, curriculum, family medicine, population health, residency education

Objective: The nature of communication between patients and their second-opinion hematology consultants may be very different in these one-time consultations than for those that are within long-term relationships. This study explored patients' perceptions of their second-opinion hematology-oncology consultation to investigate physician-patient communication in malignant disease at a critical juncture in cancer patients' care and decision-making.Methods: In-depth telephone interviews with a subset of 20 patients from a larger study, following their subspecialty hematology consultations.Results: Most patients wanted to contribute to the consultation agenda, but were unable to do so. Patients sought expert and honest advice delivered with empathy, though most did not expect the consultant to directly address their emotions. They wanted the physician to apply his/her knowledge to the specifics of their individual cases, and were disappointed and distrustful when physicians cited only general prognostic statistics. In contrast, physicians' consideration of the unique elements of patients' cases, and demonstrations of empathy and respect made patients' feel positively about the encounter, regardless of the prognosis.Conclusions: Patients provided concrete recommendations for physician and patient behaviors to enhance the consultation.Practice Implications: Consideration of these recommendations may result in more effective communication and increased patient satisfaction with medical visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer prevalence, survival, and mortality are thoroughly documented in the literature. Strategies to overcome the barriers to optimal cancer screening and management rely on effective communication and knowledge of sociocultural differences among minority populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although discrimination has been identified as a potential determinant of existing racial/ethnic health disparities, no studies have investigated whether racial discrimination contributes to disparities in physical activity.Purpose: The primary aim of the current study was to examine the association between interpersonal racial discrimination and physical activity.Methods: Baseline data were collected during 2004-2005 among a predominately black and Hispanic sample of adult residents living in 12 low-income-housing sites in Boston MA (n=1055). Residents reported experiences of lifetime racial discrimination during interviewer-administered surveys and wore a pedometer for 5 days to measure physical activity. For analyses, performed in 2009, linear regression models with a cluster design were conducted to predict physical activity, measured as steps per day.Results: Nearly 48% of participants reported ever experiencing racial discrimination, and discrimination was most commonly experienced on the street or in a public setting. No association was found between discrimination and physical activity, when examined in bivariate, multivariable, or race-stratified models.Conclusions: The current results indicate that self-reported racial discrimination is not a key determinant of physical activity among residents living in low-income housing. However, additional research is warranted to address current limitations of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand factors that women feel facilitate or hinder their receipt of diagnostic services following an abnormal screening mammogram.Methods: This qualitative study used a purposive sampling strategy to identify low-income, ethnically diverse women aged 40 or over who had a recent abnormal mammogram. Working with a community health center, breast evaluation center, and mobile mammography van, 64 women were interviewed to identify salient themes that differentiated women who received timely follow-up from those who did not.Results: Prominent themes among women who delayed follow-up included dissatisfaction with communication of results; perceived disrespect on the part of providers and clinic staff; logistical barriers to access of diagnostic services; anxiety and fear about a possible cancer diagnosis; and a lack of information about breast cancer screening and symptoms. Women who received timely care more often reported an appreciation of efforts by providers and clinic staff to support their prompt follow-up; availability of social support that facilitated appointment-keeping; confidence in their ability to advocate for their health; and a high priority placed on self-care.Conclusion: A comprehensive approach to improving timely diagnostic follow-up among underserved groups must address patient beliefs and attitudes, provider practices and communication, and practices at the health care systems level.Practice Implications: Implications and strategies for improving patient education, patient-provider communication, and organizational practices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies show interdisciplinary treatment is highly effective for addressing chronic pain syndromes, including headache disorders. Increasingly, advanced practice pharmacists work collaboratively with physicians to apply their unique skills to enhance patient outcomes., Objective: This qualitative study aimed to elucidate the potential in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for increased roles of clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs)-advanced practice pharmacists with a scope of practice-in collaborative, interdisciplinary headache care teams. Our research question was: How do CPPs integrate with interdisciplinary headache care teams in Headache Centers of Excellence (HCoE) and non-HCoE VHA facilities, and how can their roles be configured to optimize headache specialty care services?, Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit CPPs providing headache care within HCoEs and in non-HCoE VHA facilities for virtual, recorded, individual interviews. Multi-stage qualitative data analysis entailed: team discussions; immersion/crystallization for close reading of transcripts to identify emerging patterns of HCoE/non-HCoE comparison of CPPs' experiences; team data sorting using spreadsheets; and further immersion into sorted data for final identification of comparisons and interpretation of the data., Results: A total of 15 CPPs involved in headache care were interviewed, with about half working in HCoEs and half in non-HCoE VHA facilities across the United States. CPPs' roles within and outside HCoEs have considerable overlap as both groups co-manage patients with headache with physicians. CPPs have independent and collaborative responsibilities as they extend headache specialists' services by providing direct patient care and referring to additional providers for headache treatment. When their roles differ within and outside HCoEs it is largely due to level of integration on interdisciplinary headache or pain teams. CPPs in HCoEs collaborate with headache neurologists and interdisciplinary teams; some outside HCoEs do as well, while others work with primary care. CPPs' weekly time dedicated specifically to headache tends to be greater in HCoEs. Nevertheless, most interviewees in both groups stated patient need exceeds CPP availability at their facilities for conducting detailed chart reviews, initial visits to understand the context of patients' headache, and scheduled follow-ups over time to monitor and adjust treatment. CPPs also consult with and educate physicians on headache pharmacy, particularly regarding appropriate use of non-formulary medications., Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that CPPs' roles in headache care are valuable to clinical colleagues and their patients and should be leveraged and expanded within HCoEs and non-HCoE VHA facilities. When substantively integrated into interdisciplinary headache care teams, CPPs offer unique knowledge, headache management and patient behavior change skills, extend headache specialists' services, and provide both patient and physician education. These combined responsibilities contribute to enhancing patient outcomes and facilitating ongoing access to high quality, evidence-based headache care., (© 2024 American Headache Society.)

Background: In the United States (U.S.), racially minoritized people have higher rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality compared to white individuals as a result of racialized structural, social, economic, and health care inequities. However, cervical cancer screening guidelines are based on studies of predominately white individuals and do not substantially discuss or address racialized cervical cancer inequities and their social determinants, including racism., Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with health care providers (N = 30) and key informants with expertise in health equity (N = 18). We utilized semi-structured interview guides that addressed providers' views and experiences delivering cervical cancer screening to racially minoritized individuals and key informants' recommendations for advancing racial equity in the development and implementation of cervical cancer screening guidelines. Interviews were analyzed using a template style thematic analysis approach involving deductive and inductive coding, memo writing, and matrix analysis for theme development., Results: Most health care providers adopted a universal, one-size-fits-all approach to cervical cancer screening with the stated goal of ensuring racial equality. Despite frequently acknowledging the existence of racialized cervical cancer inequities, few providers recognized the role of social inequities in influencing them, and none discussed the impact of racism. In contrast, key informants overwhelmingly recommended that providers adopt an approach to cervical cancer screening and follow-up care that recognizes the role of racism in shaping racialized cervical cancer and related social inequities, is developed in partnership with racially minoritized communities, and involves person-centered, structurally-competent, and trauma-informed practices that address racially minoritized peoples' unique lived experiences in historical and social context. This racism-conscious approach is not to be confused with race-based medicine, which is an essentialist and racist approach to health care that treats race as a biological variable rather than as a social and political construct., Conclusions: Developers and implementers of cervical cancer screening guidelines should explicitly recognize and address the impact of racism on cervical cancer screening, follow-up care, and outcomes, meaningfully incorporate racially minoritized communities' perspectives and experiences, and facilitate provider- and institutional-level practices that foster racial equity in cervical cancer., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: We examined the perspectives of expert headache psychologists to inform best practices for integrating headache psychologists into the care of children and adults with headache disorders within medical settings., Background: Headache disorders are prevalent, chronic, and disabling neurological conditions. As clinical providers trained in evidence-based behavior change interventions with expertise in headache disorders, headache psychologists are uniquely positioned to provide behavioral headache treatment., Methods: In 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of expert headache psychologists working across the United States. Open-ended questions focused on their roles, clinical flow, and treatment content. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis method., Results: We interviewed seven expert headache psychologists who have worked for an average of 18 years in outpatient settings with pediatric (n = 4) and adult (n = 3) patients with headache. The themes that emerged across the clinical workflow related to key components of behavioral headache treatment, effective behavioral treatment referral practices, and barriers to patient engagement. The expert headache psychologists offered evidence-based behavioral headache interventions such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizing lifestyle modification as standalone options or concurrently with pharmacological treatment and were of brief duration. Participants reported many of their patients appeared reluctant to seek behavioral treatment for headache. Participants believed referrals were most effective when the referring provider explained to the patient the rationale for behavioral treatment, treatment content, and positive impact on headache activity, functioning, and quality of life. Barriers cited by participants to integrating headache psychology into headache care included the paucity of psychologists with specialized headache training, lack of insurance reimbursement, limited patient time to seek behavioral treatment, and inadequate patient knowledge of what behavioral treatment entails., Conclusion: Headache psychologists are often core members of multidisciplinary headache teams offering short-term, evidence-based behavioral interventions, both as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. However, barriers to care persist. Enhancing referring providers' familiarity with psychologists' role in headache care may aid successful referrals for behavioral interventions for headache., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Phenomenon: Most medical schools in Indonesia have developed innovations to integrate public health content into the curricula. However, ensuring that all schools meet appropriate standards regarding the quality of subjects, content relevancy, and course delivery takes time and effort. Approach: This study employed a rapid assessment procedure to identify the current knowledge and competencies required to practice medicine effectively in underserved, border, and outer island areas of Indonesia. Ninety-three participants from six remote districts were involved in 12 focus group discussions. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis using the social determinants of health as a guiding framework. Findings: Under decentralized health system governance, the local socio-geographical context is critical to understanding the current public health landscape. Medical education with respect to public health must emphasize physicians' ability to advocate and encourage the coordination of healthcare services in responding to disasters, as well as community-based surveillance and other relevant data for synergistic disease control. As part of a healthcare facility management team, prospective doctors should be able to apply systems thinking and provide critical input to improve service delivery at local health facilities. Also, recognizing underlying factors is essential to realizing effective interprofessional collaboration practices and aligning them with leadership skills. Insights: This study outlines recommendations for medical schools and relevant colleges in formulating compulsory block or integrated public health curricula. It also provides a public health learning topic that may aid medical schools in training their students to be competent for practice in underserved, border, and outer island areas. Medical schools should offer initiatives for students to acquire the necessary public health competencies merited by the population's health needs.

Background: In the setting of a known thrombotic event, computed tomography (CT) studies provide reasonable sensitivity for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the incidence and accuracy of a DVT diagnosis on CT studies not targeted for the detection of DVT are not well described. In addition, the clinical impact of DVTs incidentally identified on CT is unknown., Methods: In this single-institution retrospective study, we queried all contrasted CT studies of the lower extremities performed over a 10-year period. Regular expressions applied to the radiology reports associated with the CT studies identified studies with positive findings associated with DVT. These selected reports were then manually reviewed to confirm the presence of a DVT. Patient demographics and relevant medical and surgical history were obtained through a chart review. Follow-up information was obtained for 1 year after the incident CT and included treatment course, additional imaging, and adverse events. An incidental DVT was one identified in a patient in whom the DVT was not noted in a prior study and for whom the study indication did not include concern for DVT or pulmonary embolism., Results: Of 16,637 lower extremity contrasted CT studies queried, 37 study reports identified a DVT. However, only 13 patients had a finding of an incidental DVT (10-year incidence of 0.08%). Among these 13 patients, 11 underwent additional imaging, including 9 who had a subsequent venous duplex and 2 who had subsequent CT studies. Among those with a subsequent duplex, DVT was not identified in eight cases, whereas in one case, DVT was confirmed. Among those with subsequent CT studies, DVT was not identified in one case and was confirmed in one case. Of the 13 patients with incidental DVTs, 3 were initiated on anticoagulation based on their initial CT findings alone. Among these, two did not experience any complications from their DVT or anticoagulation regimen. One did experience major bleeding complications, requiring additional procedures., Conclusions: Incidental DVTs are a rare finding in lower extremity CT studies, noted to occur in only 0.08% of studies. Most patients with incidental DVTs receive additional imaging, with negative findings in 80% of cases. This study identified that 23% of patients were initiated on anticoagulation due to the CT findings, with a 33% rate of significant complications. Currently, a CT venogram is not recommended as a first-line modality for the diagnosis of DVT. However, there is no guidance regarding the need for repeat imaging in patients with incidentally diagnosed lower extremity DVTs identified on CT. Additional study is needed to provide evidence for guideline development., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To gather and leverage the voices of students to drive creation of required, integrated palliative care curricula within undergraduate medical education in Massachusetts, which is lacking in a majority of U.S. medical schools., Method: The study was conducted by the Massachusetts Medical Schools' Collaborative, a working group committed to ensuring all medical students in Massachusetts receive foundational training in serious illness communication (SIC) and palliative care. Eight focus groups (2 per participating medical school) were conducted during January-May 2021 and included a total of 50 students from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, and the UMass Chan Medical School. Data collected from focus groups were discussed and coded. Themes were identified using the immersion/crystallization qualitative data analysis approach., Results: Six key themes emerged. Students viewed SIC as essential to high-quality medical practice regardless of specialty, and believed training in SIC skills and palliative care should be required in medical school curricula. Students preferred to learn and practice these skills using frameworks, particularly in real-world situations. Students recognized the expertise of palliative care specialists and described them as a scarce, often misunderstood resource in health care. Students reported it was mostly "luck" if they were included in family meetings and observed good role models. Finally, students desired practice in debriefing after difficult and emotional situations., Conclusions: This study confirms long-standing themes on students' experiences with SIC and palliative care topics, including feeling inadequately prepared to care for seriously ill patients as future physicians. Our study collected students' perspectives as actionable data to develop recommendations for curricular change. Collaborative faculty also created recommendations based on the focus group data for immediate and ongoing SIC and palliative care curricular change in Massachusetts, which can apply to medical schools nationwide., (Copyright © 2024 the Association of American Medical Colleges.)

Background Since headache specialists cannot treat all the patients with headache disorders, multidisciplinary teams that include health psychologists are becoming more prevalent. Health psychologists mainly use a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), along with biofeedback on occasion, to effectively address patients' pain and headache disorders. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is one setting that routinely includes a health psychologist with advanced training in pain disorders in their pain care to its veterans. The VHA has established Headache Centers of Excellence (HCoE) around the country to provide multidisciplinary treatment for patients with headache disorders, which enables headache specialists to regularly interact with health psychologists. Objective The study's objective is to evaluate headache specialists' views of health psychologists in the treatment of patients with headache disorders. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with headache specialists in academic-based healthcare settings, the community, and VHA HCoE sites. The interviews were audio-recorded and de-identified so they could be transcribed and analyzed using content matrix analysis. Results Four themes emerged: headache specialists desired to work with health psychologists and included them as members of multidisciplinary teams; valued health psychologists because they provided non-pharmacological treatments, such as CBT and biofeedback; preferred in-person communication with health psychologists; and used multiple titles when referring to health psychologists. Conclusion Headache specialists valued health psychologists as providers of behavioral and non-pharmacological treatments and considered them essential members of multidisciplinary teams. Headache specialists should strive to work with a headache psychologist, not just a general health psychologist. By committing to this, headache specialists can foster changes in the quality of care, resource allocation, and training experiences related to health psychologists., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2024, Takagishi et al.)

People assigned female at birth (AFAB) with minoritized racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identities experience notable barriers to high-quality sexual healthcare. In confronting these barriers, patient-provider communication can be a crucial factor, influencing patients' experiences and access to relevant sexual health information and services by determining the quality of care. However, research that investigates this communication among AFAB patients with minoritized social positions is scarce, indicating a research gap regarding the perspectives and roles of healthcare providers in addressing such barriers to care for minoritized patients. Thus, we conducted a qualitative research study, using individual in-depth interviews, to explore the multi-level factors that influence providers' attitudes, knowledge, and skills regarding sexual health communication with AFAB patients with minoritized racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identities. Interpreting study findings within frameworks of person-centered care, intersectionality, and structural competency, we identified three cross-cutting themes. We found that providers frequently drew on their prior professional training, personal lived experiences, and population-level health disparities data when engaging in sexual health communication with minoritized AFAB patients. Participants reported minimal explicit training in anti-racist and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+)-competent care as a significant barrier to engaging in equitable sexual health communication with minoritized AFAB patients, which was exacerbated by many providers' lack of shared social positions and lived experiences with these patients. Providers also frequently applied population-level data to individual patients when formulating counseling and recommendations, which may undermine person-centered sexual health communication. Our findings suggest that critical anti-racist and LGBTQ+-competent provider training is urgently needed, and that health professional education and institutions must be transformed to better reflect and consider the experiences of patients with minoritized racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identities., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) can occur due to multiple etiologies with variable radiographic appearance, often indistinguishable from underlying adrenal neoplasms. There is a lack of AH literature and evidence-based guidelines. Our study aimed to understand the prevalence and etiology of AH, follow-up, and incidence of underlying neoplasm., Methods: An institutional database was queried from January 2006 to October 2021 for patients with AH on imaging, excluding patients with known malignancies, adrenal masses, or prior adrenal surgery. Demographics, medical history, hematoma size, laterality, biochemical evaluation, intervention, and additional imaging were reviewed., Results: Of 490,301 imaging reports queried, 530 (0.11%) with AH met inclusion criteria. Most imaging (n = 485, 91.5%) was performed during trauma evaluation. Two patients underwent dedicated intervention at presentation. Interval imaging was performed in 114 (21.5%) patients at a median of 2.6 (interquartile range 0.99-13.4) mo, with resolution (n = 84, 73.7%) or decreased size of AH (n = 21, 18.4%) in most patients. Only 10 patients (1.9%) saw an outpatient provider in our system to address AH or evaluate for underlying mass, and 9 (1.7%) underwent biochemical screening. Thirteen patients (11% of 118 patients with any follow-up) had evidence of an adrenal mass, confirmed on serial imaging (n = 10) or adrenalectomy (n = 3). Scans performed for nontrauma indications were significantly more likely to have an underlying mass (n = 6/26 [23.1%]) than those performed for trauma evaluation (n = 7/92 [7.6%], P = 0.04)., Conclusions: AH is a rare finding associated with an increased rate of underlying adrenal mass, particularly when unrelated to trauma. Most AH resolves spontaneously without intervention. Follow-up imaging at 6 mo can help distinguish mass-associated AH from simple hemorrhage., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Undocumented monolingual Spanish-speaking immigrants are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States. This paper explores the barriers that prevent IPV disclosure in healthcare settings. Qualitative interviews ( n  = 14) were conducted with previously undocumented Spanish-speaking legal clients of a community domestic violence agency. The major barriers expressed by the interviewees regarding IPV screening and disclosure include limited opportunities for IPV screening, misinformation about legal rights from abusers, fear of deportation and separation from children, and lack of knowledge about resources., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Primary care clinicians have an important role in the management of dementia and have expressed interest in continuing education. The authors describe a model they used for providing dementia education in primary care, Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), and an overview of its major features. A partnership including academic institutions and a national healthcare association is then outlined, including the unique features of the ECHO model developed through this partnership. A mixed-methods methodology was used for programmatic evaluation. This use of mixed methods adds vital new knowledge and learner perspectives that are key to planning subsequent ECHO courses related to dementia and primary care. The discussion includes an exploration of the significance of these findings for understanding the motivations of primary care providers for participation in the educational program, as well as the limitations of the current study. A final section explores the next steps in the continued development of the model and its implications for geriatrics education in dementia care, especially the supportive role that ECHO courses can play in meeting the challenges of dementia care.

Background: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) assesses safety after metabolic and bariatric surgery and the impact on weight and obesity-related diseases. However, changes in quality of life are likely what matters most to patients, and these are not currently assessed. The best way to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is to use validated patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), which capture patients' perspectives of their quality of life both before and after surgery., Objectives: Identify the outcomes most important to bariatric surgery patients and identify the most appropriate validated PROMs to implement in a national program for the MBSAQIP., Setting: Five hospitals from a single healthcare system in New England., Methods: A series of 18 focus groups and/or interviews conducted with patients, patients' family members, and bariatric health providers determined the outcomes most important to bariatric patients and which validated PROMs would accurately measure those outcomes. Immersion crystallization was used to analyze focus group data and identify appropriate PROMs., Results: Focus group participants ranked health as the most important outcome for metabolic and bariatric surgery. Self-confidence, mobility, and everyday activities were the next highest ranked HRQoL domains. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10-Item Global Health Survey was selected as the general health measure. The Obesity-Related Problems scale and the Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality of Life Instrument were the disease-specific measures selected for inclusion in the MBSAQIP PROMs program., Conclusion: The addition of PROMs to the MBSAQIP provides a unique opportunity to monitor HRQoL at the national level, which can foster improved shared decision-making before surgery., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reports findings from a qualitative study of New York City faith leaders' efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities during the first two years of the pandemic. Faith leaders were recruited via reputational case sampling to participate in individual, key informant interviews. This study used a social-contextual approach to health promotion by exploring the influence of faith leaders and religious communities on health behaviors. Results suggest that engaged faith leaders worked individually and collaboratively to support the changing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their religious communities and those in the surrounding area. This study highlights the importance of faith leaders as supporters, communicators, and advocates, and provides directions for future research on the impact of faith leaders on individuals' experiences and health behaviors during a pandemic., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To explore the risk perceptions and COVID-19 prevention practices of dormitory residents in Indonesia. Participants : Nineteen dormitory residents, 3 staff and 1 dormitory manager were recruited from the Saint Theresa Avila student dormitory. Methods: This qualitative study used individual interviews and framework analysis. Results: Generally, the study confirms that there is a gap between risk perception and COVID-19 prevention practices among dormitory residents. There are barriers in accessing hand washing facilities and in complying with COVID-19 prevention protocols including not wearing masks, not following quarantine procedures and visiting friends' rooms. Conclusion: Dormitory managers and staff should repeatedly remind residents to wear masks and maintain safe distance through sending short messages on dormitory social media groups. In addition to psychological assistance and basic supplies during self-quarantine, providing sanitizer and installing posters detailing the hand-washing steps are essential at each hand-washing facility in the dormitory.

Patients living with headache diseases often have difficulty accessing evidence-based care. Authors conducted a qualitative research study with 20 patients receiving headache care at seven Headache Centers of Excellence within the Veterans Health Administration to examine their experiences navigating headache care. This study employed thematic qualitative analysis and conducted cross-case comparisons. Several key findings emerged. 1) Most patients saw multiple healthcare providers over numerous years before reaching a headache specialist to manage chronic headaches. 2) Receipt of high-quality and comprehensive headache specialty care was associated with high satisfaction. 3) Patients with headache diseases reported oftentimes they experienced an arduous journey across multiple healthcare systems and between several healthcare providers before receiving evidence-based headache treatment that they found acceptable. Results demonstrate that most patients were satisfied with their current specialty headache care in the Veterans Health Administration. Authors discuss implications for future studies and highlight ways to improve patient satisfaction and timely access to appropriate headache care., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Introduction: Clinical outcomes of implantable port catheters (IPCs) placed via alternative veins such as the external jugular and cervical collaterals have not been well established. This investigation evaluates the short- and long-term outcomes of IPCs inserted via alternate cervical veins (ACV) compared to traditionally inserted IPCs via the internal jugular vein (IJV)., Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients who received an IPC between 2010 and 2020 via an ACV-defined as the external jugular vein, superficial cervical vein, or unnamed collateral veins-were identified. Based on power analysis, a matched control group of 72 patients who received IPCs via the IJV was identified. Non-inferiority analysis for port complications was performed between the two groups based on the selected non-inferiority margin of 20%. Secondary end points included complication-free survival and comparison of complications by the time at which they occurred., Results: ACV access was non-inferior to traditional access for overall complications. Alternate access resulted in fewer complications than traditional access with an estimated reduction of - 7.0% [95% CI - 23.6%, 39.7%]. There was no significant difference in peri-procedural and post-procedural complications between the two groups. Complication-free survival was also equivalent between the two groups., Conclusion: IPC placement via ACVs was non-inferior to IPCs placed via traditional access through the IJV. When abnormal pathology obviates the use of IJV access, other cervical veins may be considered prior to seeking alternate locations such as femoral, translumbar, inferior vena cava, and hepatic veins., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a common and significant morbidity among children following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the evidence for effective PPCS treatments remains limited. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in PPCS adult patients. This randomized, sham-control, double blind trial evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on children (age 8-15) suffering from PPCS from mild-moderate TBI events six months to 10 years prior. Twenty-five children were randomized to receive 60 daily sessions of HBOT (n = 15) or sham (n = 10) treatments. Following HBOT, there was a significant increase in cognitive function including the general cognitive score (d = 0.598, p = 0.01), memory (d = 0.480, p = 0.02), executive function (d = 0.739, p = 0.003), PPCS symptoms including emotional score (p = 0.04, d = - 0.676), behavioral symptoms including hyperactivity (d = 0.244, p = 0.03), global executive composite score (d = 0.528, p = 0.001), planning/organizing score (d = 1.09, p = 0.007). Clinical outcomes correlated with significant improvements in brain MRI microstructural changes in the insula, supramarginal, lingual, inferior frontal and fusiform gyri. The study suggests that HBOT improves both cognitive and behavioral function, PPCS symptoms, and quality of life in pediatric PPCS patients at the chronic stage, even years after injury. Additional data is needed to optimize the protocol and to characterize the children who can benefit the most., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Primary hepatic neoplasia is uncommonly reported in dogs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent neoplasia identified in dogs and considerable effort has been committed towards identifying definitive and palliative treatment options. HCC is well recognized in humans as a sequelae of liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, while in dogs a similar link has failed to be fully elucidated. Management of HCC in people may be curative or palliative dependent on staging and transplant eligibility. Despite differences in etiology, there is substantial similarity between treatment options for liver neoplasia in human and veterinary medicine. The below summary provides a comparative discussion regarding hepatic neoplasia in dogs and people with a specific focus on HCC. Diagnosis as well as descriptions of the myriad treatment options will be reviewed.

Subclavian vein (SCV) effort thrombosis, also known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome or venous thoracic outlet syndrome, is an uncommon condition that affects individuals with an irregularly narrow thoracic outlet who engage in repetitive overhead motions of the affected arm. Venous injury arises from microtraumas that occur from the repetitive compression of the SCV between the first rib and the overlying clavicle. Additional sources of extrinsic compression can be due to the anterior scalene muscle, subclavius muscle, and costoclavicular ligament. SCV effort thrombosis is a distinct entity from other forms of deep venous thrombosis and requires unique diagnostic and treatment considerations. Early catheter-directed therapy in the form of pharmacomechanical or catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with prompt surgical thoracic outlet decompression offers patients the best chances for early and durable symptom relief., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an ideal primary care model for patients across the lifespan. Family Medicine (FM) practice and training often address adults more than children/adolescents. Few studies describe the efficacy of education programs seeking to enhance PCMH-based care of children/adolescents., Methods: At the Brown FM Residency in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (RI), from 2015-2020, we aimed to enhance care of children/adolescents through a HRSA-funded program that enhanced PCMH-based care for children/adolescents and related resident education. Our mixed- methods evaluation assessed learner experiences. Vaccination data assessed patient impact., Results: 119/155 (77%) residents completed surveys over four years and learning and performance improved, especially in PCMH principles and behavorial health (BH) competencies. Vaccination rates improved. Qualitative interviews supported quantitative results., Conclusions: Enhancing care for children/adolescents within a FM residency clinic requires a multi-pronged approach. This initiative improved children/adolescents' care and increased residents' learning and performance.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of telehealth for headache services within the Veterans Health Administration's facilities housing a Headache Centers of Excellence and multiple stakeholder's perspectives to inform future telehealth delivery., Background: Telehealth delivery of headache treatment may enhance patient access to headache care, yet little is known about the utilization or patient and provider perceptions of telehealth for veterans with headache., Methods: This mixed-methods study analyzed multiple data sources: (1) administrative data, which included 58,798 patients with medically diagnosed headache disorders, documented in at least one outpatient visit, from August 2019 through September 2020 from the 12 Veterans Health Administration's facilities with a Headache Center of Excellence and (2) qualitative semistructured interviews with 20 patients and 43 providers 6 months before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and 10 patients and 20 providers 6 months during the beginning of the pandemic., Results: During the pandemic, in-person visits declined from 12,794 to 6099 (52.0%), whereas video (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.66, 2.52), and telephone visits (IRR = 15.2, 95% CI = 10.7, 21.6) significantly increased. Utilization differed based on patient age, race/ethnicity, and rurality. Patients and providers perceived value in using telehealth, yet had limited experience with this modality pre-pandemic. Providers preferred in-person appointments for initial encounters and telehealth for follow-up visits. Providers and patients identified benefits and challenges of telehealth delivery, often relying on multiple delivery methods for telehealth to enhance patient engagement., Conclusions: The uptake of telehealth delivery of headache-related care rapidly expanded in response to the pandemic. Patients and providers were amenable to utilizing telehealth, yet also experienced technological barriers. To encourage equitable access to telehealth and direct resources to those in need, it is crucial to understand patient preferences regarding in-person versus telehealth visits and identify patient groups who face barriers to access., (Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)

Background: Untreated latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a major source of active tuberculosis disease in the United States. In 2016, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that screening for latent tuberculosis infection among individuals at increased risk be performed as routine preventive care. Traditionally, LTBI management-including both testing and treatment-has been conducted by specialists in the United States. It is believed that knowledge gaps among primary care team members and discomfort with LTBI treatment are significant barriers to LTBI management being conducted in primary care., Methods and Objectives: This qualitative study sought to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of primary care team members regarding the LTBI care cascade, and to identify each stepwise barrier limiting primary care teams in following the USPSTF recommendations., Results: We conducted 24 key informant interviews with primary care providers and nurses in Rhode Island. Our results demonstrate that overall, few primary care providers and nurses felt comfortable with LTBI management, and their confidence and comfort decreased throughout the cascade. Participants felt least confident with LTBI treatment and held misconceptions about LTBI testing, such as high cost. Although participants were not confident about LTBI treatment, most were enthusiastic about treating patients if provided additional training. Participants suggested that their lack of knowledge regarding LTBI treatment led to high rates of referral to specialist providers., Conclusion: The gaps revealed in this study can inform training curricula for primary care team members in Rhode Island and nationally to shift the USPSTF policy into practice, and, ultimately, contribute to TB elimination in the United States., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background and Objective: Comprehensive headache care involves numerous specialties and components that have not been well documented or standardized. This study aimed to elicit best practices and characterize important elements of care to be provided in multidisciplinary headache centers., Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of headache neurology specialists from across the US, using open-ended questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Coded data were further analyzed using immersion/crystallization techniques for final interpretation., Results: Mean years providing headache care was 17.7 (SD = 10.6). Twelve of the 13 participants held United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties headache certification. Six described their practice site as providing multidisciplinary headache care. Participants explained most of their patients had seen multiple doctors over many years, and had tried numerous unsuccessful treatments. They noted patients with chronic headache frequently present with comorbidities and become stigmatized. All participants asserted successful care depends on taking time to talk with and listen to patients, gain understanding, and earn trust. All participants believed multidisciplinary care is essential within a comprehensive headache center, along with staffing enough headache specialists, implementing detailed headache intake and follow-up protocols, and providing the newest medications, neuromodulation devices, botulinum toxin injections, monoclonal antibodies, nerve blocks and infusions, and treatment from a health psychologist. Other essential services for a headache center are other behavioral health practitioners providing cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, biofeedback and pain management; and autonomic neurology, neuropsychology, vestibular audiology, sleep medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, speech therapy, nutrition, complementary integrative health modalities, and highly trained support staff., Conclusion: While headache neurology specialists form the backbone of headache care, experts interviewed for this study maintained their specialty is just one of many types of care needed to adequately treat patients with chronic headache, and this is best provided in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary center., (© 2022 American Headache Society.)

Purpose: To investigate the degree to which morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferencing is utilized in interventional radiology (IR), identify impediments to its adoption, and assess the experience of those using this tool., Materials and Methods: Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) were offered a 9-question survey of practices and experiences regarding M&M conferencing within their quality assessment (QA) programs., Results: Among 604 respondents, 37.8% were university-based practitioners and 60% were from outside of university practices. Of all respondents, 43% reported practicing 100% IR, with 28.5% practicing IR 75%-99% and 11% practicing IR <50% of the time. The use of M&M conferencing was significantly greater in university practices (90.7%) than in nonuniversity practices (37.1%) and among practitioners performing at least 75% IR (71.2%) than among those practicing <75% (28.8%). The conferences were held monthly (66.6%) or more often, and the majority (56%) of the events identified were scored using the SIR severity score. Approximately 20% of M&M conferences were multidisciplinary, shared most commonly with vascular surgery. The reasons cited for not using M&M included the lack of time and the logistical challenges of the process. However, among those who participate in M&M conferences, the QA goals of the conference were met at very high rates., Conclusions: M&M conferencing is well established in university IR programs and among full-time practitioners but much less so elsewhere. For those sites that do not utilize M&M conferencing, there may be a considerable benefit to addressing the obstacles that are limiting their implementation of this tool., (Copyright © 2021 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate veteran patient and provider perceptions and preferences on complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) for headache management., Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has spearheaded a Whole Health system of care focusing on CIM-based care for veteran patients. Less is known about patients' and providers' CIM perceptions and preferences for chronic headache management., Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 veteran patients diagnosed with headache and 43 clinical providers, across 12 VHA Headache Centers of Excellence (HCoE), from January 2019 to March 2020. We conducted thematic and case comparative analyses., Results: Veteran patients and VHA clinical providers viewed CIM favorably for the treatment of chronic headache. Specific barriers to CIM approaches included: (1) A lack of personnel specialized in specific CIM approaches for timely access, and (2) variation in patient perceptions and responses to CIM treatment efficacy for headache management., Conclusion: Veteran patients and VHA clinical providers in this study viewed CIM favorably as a safe addition to mainstream headache treatments. Advantages to CIM include favorable adverse effect profiles and patient autonomy over the treatment. By adding more CIM providers and resources throughout the VHA, CIM modalities may be recommended more routinely in the management of veterans with headache., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To examine perceptions of Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) policies and programs focused on the first 1000 days-gestation through age 2 years-among community stakeholders in Washington Heights and the South Bronx, two neighborhoods in New York City with disproportionately high prevalence of childhood obesity., Methods: A multilevel framework informed interview guide development. Using purposeful sampling, we recruited study participants who were (1) able to speak English or Spanish and (2) resided or employed in Washington Heights or the South Bronx. Participants included community leaders (local government officials, community board members, and employees from community- and faith-based organizations) as well as community members. Trained research staff conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews. Using immersion/crystallization and template style coding, the study team performed thematic analysis until no new relevant themes emerged., Results: Among the 19 female study participants, perceived facilitators to SSB policy and program implementation included sustained partnerships with broad coalitions; continual education and clear messaging; and increased accessibility to healthier beverages. Perceived barriers included systems-level challenges accessing programs that support healthy beverage options, and individual-level lack of access to affordable healthy beverages. Acceptable potential intervention strategies included messaging that emphasizes health in pregnancy and infancy; policies that require healthy beverages as the default option in restaurants; and policies that remove SSBs from childcare settings. Some strongly favored SSB excise taxes while others opposed them, but all participants supported reinvestment of SSB tax revenue into health resources among marginalized communities., Conclusions: A multi-pronged approach that incorporates engagement, access, equitable reinvestment of revenue, and continual clear messaging may facilitate implementation of policies and programs to reduce SSB consumption in the first 1000 days., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

From March-June 2020, Rhode Island utilized a 209-room hotel as a quarantine/isolation (Q/I) facility for COVID-positive individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore experiences of key stakeholders in designing and implementing the intervention. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: 1) the isolative nature of Q/I housing tended to negatively affect residents' mental health, 2) the addition of medical oversight was a key positive development for the intervention, 3) the security presence involved in the response tended to exacerbate residents' mental health challenges, and 4) COVID-19 and this Q/I response highlighted homelessness itself as a public health crisis that must be addressed. Findings from this study may be useful for informing ongoing COVID-19 and future epidemic/pandemic responses, particularly with respect to addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Study Objective: To explore minority, adolescent birth and perinatal experiences to inform and improve quality of care for this unique group., Design: Mixed quantitative and qualitative study guided by Bourdieu's Social Fields framework., Setting: Clinic dedicated to parenting adolescents, and a local charter school founded to serve pregnant and parenting young adults., Participants: Sample size for quantitative data: n = 27; qualitative data: n = 14. Average age was 16.39 years (SD = 1.29); most self-identified as Latina/Hispanic or African American/Black/Afro-Caribbean/African., Interventions and Main Outcome Measures: We used 2 validated surveys: Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), and the Postpartum Worry Scale-Revised (PWS-R). The BSS-R has 10 items, and quantifies labor and delivery experiences. The PWS-R has 20 items, and quantifies maternal, infant, and social-emotional worries. The qualitative, semistructured 30-minute interviews with a subset of survey respondents further explored perinatal mental health, labor experiences, and support networks., Results: BSS-R data resulted in an average score of 25.14 (SD = 5.35), which correlated to moderate satisfaction with birth experience (range, 0-40 with 0 = most negative). The PWS-R average score of 55.79 (SD = 21.06) indicated elevated postpartum worry (range, 20-100 with 20 = most worry). Qualitative interviewees worried about relationships and newborn well-being; support networks fluctuated; distinct events, pain, and fear during labor dominated birth stories. Advice for peers included: tending to social support, stress, and self-care. Nonjudgmental communication, empathy, and emotional connection were desired attributes of their health care team. Participants had anxiety related to social networks and newborn care. Although birth experiences were moderately positive, they were also described as stressful. However, participants were resourceful, insightful, and took advantage of social supports., Conclusion: Birth experiences, patterns of stress, and support networks are uniquely identified and utilized by adolescent mothers. Being heard and feeling connected to providers empowered this group of young, minority adolescents. Participant advice could inform future educational courses, programs, and hospital innovations for perinatal adolescents., (Copyright © 2021 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Key elements of social integration of refugees overlap with the social determinants of health. Limited research exists about Syrian refugees' resettlement in Rhode Island (RI)., Methods: Case study life history method: Two Syrian women in RI were interviewed and observed longitudinally. Content analysis cycles led to emerging topics. Key informant interviews informed the question guide., Results: Several themes emerged: (1) Interpreters, community health workers (CHWs), and patient navigators help access healthcare; (2) Education about healthcare maintenance is important; (3) Anti-refugee bias has compromised safety and psychosocial wellness; (4) Although hard work is prioritized, high hopes for education and employment conflict with reality; and (5) Syrian women have unique experiences during resettlement., Conclusions: RI leaders can address resettlement challenges through investment in CHW programs, peer-led health initiatives, English language education, interpreter services, psychosocial support, migrant rights education, social opportunities, and job training and matching.

Background: There are currently no national standards for lunch period lengths or physical activity in schools. Research is needed to better understand the impact of school initiatives that improve policies related to lunch and movement opportunities on student outcomes. Additionally, best practices are necessary to support schools that are considering initiatives that address these factors., Objective: This study examined the impact of implementing longer lunch periods, recess, and other movement opportunities on student outcomes and best practices for implementation., Design: A mixed-methods study including surveys and semistructured interviews and focus groups conducted during the 2019-2020 school year., Participants/setting: Surveys (n = 5107) from students in grades 3 and 4 attending 19 pilot and 11 matched control elementary schools and interviews/focus groups among principals, cafeteria managers, teachers, and parents in a representative subsample (n = 6) of pilot schools in Anchorage Alaska., Main Outcome Measures: Students' self-reported hunger levels and mood and perceptions and supportive strategies from school principals, cafeteria staff, teachers, and parents were examined., Statistical Analyses Performed: Mixed-model analysis of variance accounting for student demographics with students as a random effect (students nested within schools) were used to examine differences in hunger and mood. For interviews/focus groups, responses were analyzed qualitatively using principles of content analysis., Results: Longer lunch periods were associated with significantly reduced hunger at the end of lunch period and significantly increased self-reported happiness in the cafeteria. Based on interviews/focus groups with school staff and parents, the initiative was generally perceived positively with reported benefits including reductions in disciplinary issues and improvements in student focus, social and emotional learning, and overall student happiness and well-being. Several supportive strategies were identified., Conclusions: Initiatives that increase lunch period lengths and physical activity opportunities have the potential to reduce students' hunger levels and improve focus and behaviors in the classroom. Schools should consider similar initiatives that incorporate the suggested strategies to potentially improve outcomes among students., (Copyright © 2021 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Effective clinical care for chronic pain requires accurate, comprehensive, meaningful pain assessment. This study investigated healthcare providers' perspectives on seven pain measurement indices for capturing pain intensity. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample from four US regions of 20 healthcare providers who treat patients with chronic pain. The qualitative interview guide included open-ended questions to address perspectives on pain measurement, and included quantitative ratings of the importance of seven indices [ average pain, worst pain, least pain, time in no/low pain, time in high pain, fluctuating pain, unpredictable pain ]. Qualitative interview data were read, coded and analyzed for themes and final interpretation. Standard quantitative methods were used to analyze index importance ratings. Results: Despite concerns regarding 10-point visual analog and numeric rating scales, almost all providers used them. Providers most commonly asked about average pain , although they expressed misgivings about patient reporting and the index's informational value. Some supplemented average with worst and least pain , and most believed pain intensity is best understood within the context of patient functioning. Worst pain received the highest mean importance rating (7.60), average pain the second lowest rating (5.65), and unpredictable pain the lowest rating (5.20). Discussion: Assessing average pain intensity obviates obtaining clinical insight into daily contextual factors relating to pain and functioning. Pain index use, together with timing, functionality and disability, may be most effective for understanding the meaning to patients of high pain, how pain affects their life, how life affects their pain, and how pain changes and responds to treatment., Competing Interests: AS is a Senior Scientist with the Gallup Organization and a consultant with IQVIA and Adelphi Values, Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Goldman, Broderick, Junghaenel, Bolton, May, Schneider and Stone.)

Pain assessment that fully represents patients' pain experiences is essential for chronic pain research and management. The traditional primary outcome measure has been a patient's average pain intensity over a time period. In this series of 3 articles, we examine whether pain assessment can be enhanced by considering additional outcome measures capturing temporal aspects of pain, such as pain maxima, duration, and variability. Ecological momentary assessment makes the assessment of such indices readily available. In this first article, we discuss the rationale for considering additional pain indices derived from ecological momentary assessment and examine which are most important to stakeholders. Patients (n = 32), clinicians (n = 20), and clinical trialists (n = 20) were interviewed about their preference rankings for Average, Worst, and Least Pain, Time in High Pain, Time in No/Low Pain, Pain Variability, and Pain Unpredictability. Each stakeholder group displayed a distinct preference hierarchy for different indices, and there were few commonalities between groups. Patients favored Worst Pain and Time in High Pain, followed by Pain Variability and Unpredictability. Trialists favored Average Pain, whereas clinicians favored Worst Pain. Results suggest that multiple temporal aspects of pain are relevant for stakeholders and should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of pain management. PERSPECTIVE: Examining which aspects of pain are most important to measure from the perspective of different stakeholders can facilitate efforts to include all relevant treatment outcomes. Our study suggests that multiple temporal aspects of pain intensity are important to stakeholders. This should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of pain management., (Copyright © 2020 United States Association for the Study of Pain, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We need to understand the continued concerns and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines within marginalized communities in the United States. Our study explores the concerns and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines, by language group, at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Rhode Island., Methods: We conducted an exploratory, mixed data collection telephone survey in languages spoken in the community (Spanish, Cape Verdean (CV) Creole/Portuguese, and English). Participants were asked about their COVID-19 vaccination status, as well as vaccine concerns and acceptability via 9 closed-ended and 2 open-ended questions. Chi squared and multivariate analysis was used to compare concerns and acceptability across languages. Coding and immersion/crystallization techniques were used to identify qualitative data themes., Results: The overall response rate was 58%. Side effects were cited as the most frequent (66%) concern among all language groups. Concern about the speed of vaccine development, vaccine ingredients, and being in a research trial varied significantly by language. Qualitative findings included concerns about chronic medical conditions and generalized fear of vaccine safety. English speakers were the most likely to report concerns and CV Creole/Portuguese speakers were the least likely to report concerns about the vaccine. Spanish and CV Creole/Portuguese participants who were not yet vaccinated reported higher acceptability to receive the vaccine compared to English speakers, with odds ratios of 2.00 (95% CI: 1.00-4.00) and 1.27 (95% CI: 0.62-2.60), respectively., Conclusion: To mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics, strategies must be based on understanding the beliefs and perceptions of marginalized communities.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the performance of two commonly used Doppler ultrasound parameters, namely, venous flow phasicity and response to Valsalva maneuver, in detecting iliocaval obstruction., Methods: All imaging studies of patients seen by interventional radiology for lower extremity venous disease at a single institution from 1996 to 2018 were retrospectively identified. Lower extremity ultrasounds with a concurrent magnetic resonance, computed tomography, or conventional venogram performed within the next 7 days, which served as gold standard, were further identified (n = 192 examinations, including 313 limbs). Iliocaval obstruction were assessed by two ultrasound criteria: (1) nonphasic flow and/or (2) nonresponsive flow to Valsalva in the common femoral vein. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) for diagnosing iliocaval obstruction were calculated for each ultrasound criterion, and also for when the two criteria were assessed jointly., Results: Of the 313 limbs assessed for venous flow phasicity, 133 (42.5%) had an iliocaval obstruction confirmed on subsequent venography. Nonphasic flow demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 82.8%, NPV of 78.4%, and PPV of 74.8% for diagnosing iliocaval obstruction. Of the 212 limbs assessed for Valsalva response, 88 (41.5%) had a confirmed iliocaval obstruction. Nonresponsive flow to Valsalva demonstrated a sensitivity of 13.6%, specificity of 97.6%, NPV of 61.6%, and PPV of 80.0% for diagnosing iliocaval obstruction. Joint assessment using phasicity and Valsalva criteria demonstrated a sensitivity of 68.2%, specificity of 87.2%, NPV of 79.6%, and PPV of 78.9%., Conclusions: In this tertiary care setting, Doppler ultrasound examination was not a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting iliocaval obstruction., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: The patient-centred medical home (PCMH) is an innovative approach to health care reform. Despite a well-established process for recognizing PCMH practices, fidelity to, and/or adaptation of, the PCMH model can limit health care and population health improvements. This study explored the connection between fidelity/adaptation to the PCMH model with implementation successes and challenges through the experiences of family and internal medicine PCMH physicians., Methods: Interviews were conducted at two academic PCMH clinics with faculty and resident physicians. Data were transcribed and coded on the basis of an a priori code list. Together, the authors reviewed text and furthered the analysis process to reach final interpretation of the data., Results: Ten faculty and nine resident physicians from the Family Care Centre (FCC; n = 11) and the Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC; n = 8) were interviewed. Both FCC and IMC physicians spoke positively about their clinic's adherence to the PCMH model of enhanced access to care, coordinated/integrated care, and improvements in quality and safety through data collection and documentation. However, physicians highlighted inadequate staffing and clinic hours. FCC physicians also discussed the challenge of providing high-quality care amidst differences in coverage between payers., Conclusion: There remains significant variability in PCMH characteristics across the United States and Canada. This qualitative analysis uncovered factors contributing to fidelity/adaptation to the PCMH model in two academic PCMH clinics. For the PCMH to achieve the Triple Aim promise of improved patient health and experience at a reduced cost, policy must support fidelity to core elements of the PCMH., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: Research on employee opinions of workplace wellness programs is limited., Methods: At a large academic medical center in Boston, we conducted 12 focus groups on employee perceptions of wellness programs. We analyzed data using the immersion-crystallization approach. Participant mean age (N = 109) was 41 years; 89% were female; 54% were white., Results: Employees cited prominent barriers to program participation: limited availability; time and marketing; disparities in access; and workplace culture. Encouraging supportive, interpersonal relationships among employees and perceived institutional support for wellness may improve workplace culture and improve participation. Employees suggested changes to physical space, including onsite showers and recommended that a centralized wellness program could create and market initiatives such as competitions and incentives., Conclusion: Employees sought measures to address serious constraints on time and space, sometimes toxic interpersonal relationships, and poor communication, aspects of workplaces not typically addressed by wellness efforts.

Objective: To analyze the organization of the Brazilian Breast Cancer Care Network, according to the perspective of managers of the Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde Sudeste (Southeast Regional Coordination of Health) of the city of São Paulo., Method: A descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out with seven managers of this Coordination. The interview data were analyzed based on the components of the operational structure of the Brazilian Health Care Network: Communication Center; Secondary and Tertiary Care Points; Support Systems; Logistic Systems; and Network Governance System., Results: There is heterogeneity in the operationalization of the Care Network and the obstacles to its integration and comprehensiveness were: fragility of the bond with the users; high turnover of professionals in Primary Health Care; lack of standardization of the reference system and counter-referral, and low cooperation between municipal and state health services., Final Considerations: The organization of the Brazilian Breast Cancer Care Network is fragmented, thus compromising the comprehensiveness of care.

Objectives: Patient-centered medical home transformation initiatives for enhancing team-based, patient-centered primary care are widespread in the United States. However, there remain large gaps in our understanding of these efforts. This article reports findings from a contextual, whole system evaluation study of a transformation intervention at eight primary care teaching practice sites in Rhode Island. It provides a picture of system changes from the perspective of providers, staff, and patients in these practices., Methods: Quantitative/qualitative evaluation methods include patient, provider, and staff surveys and qualitative interviews; practice observations; and focus groups with the intervention facilitation team., Results: Patient satisfaction in the practices was high. Patients could describe observable elements of patient-centered medical home functioning, but they lacked explicit awareness of the patient-centered medical home model, and their activation decreased over time. Providers' and staff's emotional exhaustion and depersonalization increased slightly over the course of the intervention from baseline to follow-up, and personal accomplishment decreased slightly. Providers and staff expressed appreciation for the patient-centered medical home as an ideal model, variously implemented some important patient-centered medical home components, increased their understanding of patient-centered medical home as more than specific isolated parts, and recognized their evolving work roles in the medical home. However, frustration with implementation barriers and the added work burden they associated with patient-centered medical home persisted., Conclusion: Patient-centered medical home transformation is disruptive to practices, requiring enduring commitment of leadership and personnel at every level, yet the model continues to hold out promise for improved delivery of patient-centered primary care., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Radiology reports are a rich resource for advancing deep learning applications in medicine by leveraging the large volume of data continuously being updated, integrated, and shared. However, there are significant challenges as well, largely due to the ambiguity and subtlety of natural language. We propose a hybrid strategy that combines semantic-dictionary mapping and word2vec modeling for creating dense vector embeddings of free-text radiology reports. Our method leverages the benefits of both semantic-dictionary mapping as well as unsupervised learning. Using the vector representation, we automatically classify the radiology reports into three classes denoting confidence in the diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage by the interpreting radiologist. We performed experiments with varying hyperparameter settings of the word embeddings and a range of different classifiers. Best performance achieved was a weighted precision of 88% and weighted recall of 90%. Our work offers the potential to leverage unstructured electronic health record data by allowing direct analysis of narrative clinical notes.

Multilayer electroactive polymer films actuate a small hand-held device that can display tool tip forces during MR-guided interventions. The display produces localized skin stretch at the thumb and index fingertips. Tests confirm that the device does not significantly affect MR imaging and produces detectable stimuli in response to forces measured by a biopsy needle instrumented with optical fibers. Tests with human subjects explored robotic and teleoperated paradigms to detect when the needle contacted a membrane embedded at variable depth in a tissue phantom that approximated the properties of porcine liver. In the first case, naive users detected membranes with a 98.9% success rate as the needle was driven at fixed speed. In the second case, users with experience in needle-based procedures controlled the needle insertion and detected membranes embedded in tissue phantoms with a 98% success rate. In the second experiment, some users detected membranes with very light contact forces, but there was greater subject-to-subject variation.