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Despite the implementation of internet patient portals into the safety net after the introduction of the Affordable Care Act in the United States, little attention has been paid to the process of engaging vulnerable patients into these portals. The portal is a health technology tool that was developed with a mainstream, English-speaking audience in mind. Thus, there are valid concerns that such technologies will actually exacerbate health care disparities, conferring further advantages to the already advantaged. In this paper, we describe a framework for portal engagement (awareness, registration, and use) among safety net patients. We incorporate the experiences in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to illustrate important contextual factors for portal outreach in our safety net. Finally, we discuss considerations for moving forward with health technology in the safety net as the next version of patient portals are being developed.

BackgroundUniversity of California at Los Angeles Health implemented a Best Practice Advisory (BPA) alert for the initiation of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) for individuals with diabetes. The BPA alert was configured with a “chart closure” hard stop, which demanded a response before closing the chart. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether the implementation of the BPA was associated with changes in ACEI and ARB prescribing during primary care encounters for patients with diabetes. MethodsWe defined ACEI and ARB prescribing opportunities as primary care encounters in which the patient had a diabetes diagnosis, elevated blood pressure in recent encounters, no active ACEI or ARB prescription, and no contraindications. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to compare the change in the probability of an ACEI or ARB prescription during opportunity encounters before and after BPA implementation in primary care sites that did (n=30) and did not (n=31) implement the BPA. In an additional subgroup analysis, we compared ACEI and ARB prescribing in BPA implementation sites that had also implemented a pharmacist-led medication management program. ResultsWe identified a total of 2438 opportunity encounters across 61 primary care sites. The predicted probability of an ACEI or ARB prescription increased significantly from 11.46% to 22.17% during opportunity encounters in BPA implementation sites after BPA implementation. However, in the subgroup analysis, we only observed a significant improvement in ACEI and ARB prescribing in BPA implementation sites that had also implemented the pharmacist-led program. Overall, the change in the predicted probability of an ACEI or ARB prescription from before to after BPA implementation was significantly greater in BPA implementation sites compared with nonimplementation sites (difference-in-differences of 11.82; P

Objective: Examine the impact of a primary care-embedded clinical pharmacist-led intervention (UCMyRx) on hemoglobin A1C and blood pressure control, relative to usual care, among patients with Type 2 diabetes (TD2) and Medicaid, in a large healthcare system. Methods: We used data extracted from the Electronic Health Records system and a Difference-In-Differences study design with a 2:1 propensity-matched comparison group to evaluate the impact of UCMyRx on HbA1c and systolic blood pressure among patients with TD2 and Medicaid, relative to usual care. Results: Having at least one UCMyRx clinical pharmacist visit was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c; (-.27%, P-value= .03) but no impact on SBP. We do not find differential UCMyRx effects on HbA1c or SBP among the subpopulations with baseline HbA1C ≥9% or SBP ≥150 mmHg, respectively. In Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)-stratified analyses we found stronger UCMyRx effects on HbA1C (-.47%, P-value< .02) among the CCI tercile with the lowest comorbidity score (CC1 ≤ 5). Significant UCMyRx effects are only observed among the subpopulation of Medicaid beneficiaries without Medicare (-.35%, P-value= .02). Conclusions: The UCMyRx intervention is a useful strategy for improving HbA1c control among patients with TD2 and Medicaid.

ImportanceAmong patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), Hispanic individuals are more likely than non-Hispanic White individuals to develop diabetes-related complications.ObjectiveTo examine the association of a pharmacist-led intervention (UCMyRx) with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among Hispanic patients with T2D.Design, setting, and participantsThis quality improvement study used electronic health record data and a difference-in-differences study design to evaluate the association of UCMyRx exposure with changes in HbA1c concentration and SBP among Hispanic patients with T2D, relative to usual care, at University of California, Los Angeles primary care clinics between February and April of 2023. The study population included patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnosis of T2D, self-reporting Hispanic ethnicity, age 18 years or older, with 1 or more visits with a UCMyRx pharmacist (treatment) or 2 or more visits, 2 or more years apart, during the study window (comparison). Additionally, patients had to have the following observations during the study window (March 2, 2013-December 31, 2018): (1) a HbA1c 8% or higher, anywhere between 365 days before and 14 days after the index date (date of the first UCMyRx visit or a randomly generated index date) and a follow-up HbA1c measure within 120 to 365 days after the index date (n = 396) and/or (2) a SBP 140 mm Hg or higher between 365 days before and 14 days after the index date, and a follow-up SBP measure within 120 to 450 days after the index date (n = 795).ExposurePharmacists review laboratory results/vital signs, perform medication reconciliation, and develop personally tailored interventions to address adherence barriers and increase guideline-concordant care.Main outcomes and measuresPre- to post-index date changes in HbA1c and SBP.ResultsOf the 931 unique patients with T2D analyzed, the mean (SD) age was 64 (14.1) years, and 552 (59.3%) were female. In adjusted analyses, having 1 or more UCMyRx visits was associated with a reduction in HbA1c concentration (β = -0.46%; 95% CI, -0.84% to -0.07%) but no change in SBP (β = -1.71 mm Hg; 95% CI, -4.00 to 0.58 mm Hg).Conclusions and relevanceIn this quality improvement study of UCMyRx among Hispanic patients with T2D, a negative association was observed between UCMyRx exposure and HbA1c concentration but not SBP. Pharmacist-led intervention may be a strategy for improving outcomes among Hispanic patients with T2D.

BACKGROUND: US housing policy places a high priority on homeownership, providing large homeowner subsidies that are justified in part by homeownerships purported health benefits. However, studies conducted before, during, and immediately after the 2007-2010 foreclosure crisis found that while homeownership is associated with better health-related outcomes for White households, that association is weaker or non-existent for African-American and Latinx households. It is not known whether those associations persist in the period since the foreclosure crisis changed the US homeownership landscape. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between homeownership and health and whether that relationship differs by race/ethnicity in the period since the foreclosure crisis. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 8 waves (2011-2018) of the California Health Interview Survey (n = 143,854, response rate 42.3 to 47.5%). PARTICIPANTS: We included all US citizen respondents ages 18 and older. MAIN MEASURES: The primary predictor variable was housing tenure (homeownership or renting). The primary outcomes were self-rated health, psychological distress, number of health conditions, and delays in receiving necessary medical care and/or medications. KEY RESULTS: Compared to renting, homeownership is associated with lower rates of reporting fair or poor health (OR = 0.86, P

BackgroundElectronic health (eHealth) literacy may affect telehealth uptake, yet few studies have evaluated eHealth literacy in underserved populations.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe technology access and use patterns as well as eHealth literacy levels among English-speaking and LEP patients in a Los Angeles safety net health system.MethodsPatients, aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension, and their caregivers were recruited from three primary care safety-net clinics in Los Angeles County (California) between June - July 2017. Participants' electronic health literacy was assessed by the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS); participants were also asked about technology access and use. We examined these measures in English-speaking and limited English proficient (LEP) Spanish-speaking patients.ResultsA total of 71 participants (62 patients and 9 caregivers) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 56 years old. More than half of participants used a phone that could connect to the Internet (67%). The mean score for 10 eHEALS items was in the moderate range (26/50 points). There was no difference in mean eHEALS between language groups. However, 47% of Spanish-speaking participants "agreed/strongly agreed" that they knew how to use the Internet to answer their health questions, compared to 68% of English-speaking participants (P

In August 2016, Illinois Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) restricted the use of zero tolerance disciplinary practices within public schools when addressing student behavior. In efforts to make school discipline less exclusionary and more effective, SB 100 mandated educators exhaust all means of interventions prior to suspending or expelling a student. Additionally, SB 100 recommended faculty professional development on effective classroom management, which is critical considering the majority of exclusionary discipline cases resulted from referrals by classroom educators for subjective deportment concerns and not from student possession of contraband. Using an online survey instrument, a sample of licensed educators in northeastern Illinois were asked to self-rate their preparedness in classroom management and indicate their awareness of zero tolerance policies. Results demonstrated significant difference of self-rated preparedness between general and special educators when addressing classroom deportment behaviors, while there was no difference in more intense behaviors (e.g., verbal threats, possession of contraband). Discussion on results and suggestions for future research are offered.

ObjectivePatients with multiple medical conditions and complex social issues are at risk for high utilization and poor outcomes. The Connecting Provider to Home program deployed teams of a social worker and a community health worker (CHW) to support patients with social issues and access to primary care. Our objectives were to examine the impact of the program on utilization and satisfaction with care among older adults with complex social and medical issues.DesignRetrospective quasi-experimental observational study with matched comparator group.SettingCommunity-based program in Southern California.ParticipantsFour hundred twenty community dwelling adults.InterventionCommunity-based healthcare program delivered by a social worker and CHW team for older adults with complex medical and social needs.MeasurementsAcute hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits in the 12 months preceding and following enrollment in the pilot program. A "difference-in-difference" analysis using a matched comparator group was conducted. Comparator group data of patients receiving usual care were obtained. Surveys were conducted to assess patient satisfaction and experiences with the program.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 74 years, and the program demonstrated statistically significant reductions in acute hospitalizations and ED use compared with 700 comparator patients. Pre/post-acute hospitalizations and ED visits were reduced in the intervention group. The average per patient per year reduction in acute hospitalizations was -0.66, whereas the average per patient reduction in ED use was -0.57. Patients enrolled in the program reported high levels of satisfaction and rated the program favorably.ConclusionsA care model with a social worker and CHW can be linked to primary care to address patient social needs and potentially reduce utilization of healthcare services and enhance patient experiences with care.

BackgroundPharmacists are effective at improving control of cardiovascular risk factors, but it less clear whether these improvements translate into less emergency department (ED) use and fewer hospitalizations. The UCMyRx program embed pharmacists in primary care.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine if the integration of pharmacists into primary care was associated with lower ED and hospital use for patients with diabetes.DesignThis was a quasi-experimental study with a comparator group.SubjectsThe analytic sample included patients with diabetes with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors (A1C >9%, blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol >130 mg/dL) who had 1 or more visits in either a UCMyRx (648 patients, 14 practices) or usual care practice (1944 patients, 14 practices).MeasuresOur outcomes were ED and hospitalization rates as measured before and after the consultations between UCMyRx and usual care. Our predictor variable was the pharmacist consultation. Poisson generalized estimating equations model was used to estimate the adjusted predicted change in utilization before and after the pharmacist consultation. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated was estimated.ResultsIn models adjusted, the adjusted mean predicted number of emergency department visits/month during the year before the consultation was 0.09 among UCMyRx patients. During the year after initiating the care with the pharmacists, this rate decreased to an adjusted mean monthly rate of 0.07, with an Average Treatment Effect on the Treated=0.021 (P=0.035), a predicted reduction of 21% in emergency department visits associated with the clinical pharmacist consults. There was a nonsignificant predicted 3.2% reduction in hospitalizations over time for patients in the UCMyRx program.ConclusionClinical pharmacists are an important addition to clinical care teams in primary care practices and significantly decreased utilization of the ED among patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Background/objectivesMedication discrepancies and adverse drug events are common following hospital discharge. This study evaluates whether a collaboration between community-based health coaches and primary care-based pharmacists was associated with a reduction in inpatient utilization following hospitalization.DesignRetrospective cohort study using propensity score matching.SettingUrban academic medical center and surrounding community.ParticipantsIntervention patients (n = 494) were adults aged 65 and older admitted to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Ronald Reagan Medical Center during the study period and who met study inclusion criteria. A matched-control group was composed of patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics who were admitted to the study site during the study period but who received usual care (n = 2,470). A greedy algorithm approach was used to conduct the propensity score match.InterventionFollowing acute hospitalization, a health coach conducted a home visit and transmitted all medication-related information to a pharmacist based in a primary care practice. The pharmacist compared this information with the patient's electronic medical record medication list and consulted with the patient's primary care provider to optimize medication management.MeasurementsThirty-day readmissions (primary outcome), 60- and 90-day readmissions, and 30-day emergency department (ED) visits (secondary outcomes) to UCLA Health.ResultsAmong 494 patients who received the intervention, 307 (62.1%) were female with a mean age of 83.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 76-90 years). Among 2,470 matched-control patients, 1,541 (62.4%) were female with a mean age of 82.7 years (IQR = 74.9-89.5 years). For the propensity score match, standardized mean differences were below .1 for 23 of 25 variables, indicating good balance. Patients who received this intervention had a significantly lower predicted probability of being readmitted within 30 days compared with matched-control patients (10.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.9-13.2) vs 21.4%; 95% CI = 19.8-23.0; P value < .001).ConclusionA home visit conducted by a health coach combined with a medication review by a primary care-based pharmacist may prevent subsequent inpatient utilization.

The role of technology in special education has increased over the last 20 years. Expedited by the introduction of Apple iPad and its implementation of touch-based input, the perception of technology has grown from a functional role for students with disabilities to a bridge in accessing general education curriculum. However, quality adoption of new technology within the classroom relies heavily on professional development of the special educator. This paper offers a discussion on the expansion of technology in special education, various attributes associated with quality educator training on technology, and the results of a five-year investigation on the formal training of special educators using iPad tablets. Results indicated longitudinal training focused on active learner experiences had a significant effect on the likelihood of special educator iPad tablet adoption and the resulting implementation in the classroom. Recommendations on educator professional training on iPad tablets follows results.

BACKGROUND: Patient activation is associated with better outcomes in chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the psychometric properties of the 12-item Altarum Consumer Engagement™ Measure (ACE-12) in patients with prediabetes. PARTICIPANTS: ACE-12 was administered to patients in the Prediabetes Informed Decisions and Education Study. MAIN MEASURES: We conducted an exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analytic models. We evaluated item response categories using item characteristic curves. Construct validity was assessed by examining correlations of the ACE-12 scales with education, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, and weight loss. KEY RESULTS: Participants (n = 515) had a median age of 58; 56% were female; 17% Hispanic; 54% were non-White. The scree plot and Tucker and Lewis reliability coefficient (0.95) suggested three factors similar to the original scales. One item loaded on the navigation rather than the informed choice scale. Ordinal alpha coefficients for the original scales were commitment (0.75); informed choice (0.71); and navigation (0.54). ICCs indicated that one or more of the response categories for 5 of the 12 items were never most likely to be selected. Patients with lower education were less activated on the commitment (r = - 0.124, p = 0.004), choice (r = - 0.085, p = 0.009), and overall score (r = - 0.042, p = 0.011). Patients with depressive symptoms had lower commitment (r = - 0.313, p ≤ 0.001) and overall scores (r = - 0.172, p = 0.012). Patients with poorer health scored lower on the Commitment (r = - 0.308, p ≤ 0.001), Navigation (r = - 0.137, p ≤ 0.001), and overall score (r = - 0.279, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The analyses provide some support for the psychometric properties of the ACE-12 in prediabetic patients. Future research evaluating this tool among patients with other chronic conditions are needed to determine whether Q1 (I spend a lot of time learning about health) should remain in the informed choice or be included in the navigation scale. Additional items may be needed to yield acceptable reliability for the navigation scale.

BackgroundBlack individuals with type 2 diabetes suffer disproportionate morbidity and mortality relative to whites with type 2 diabetes, irrespective of health insurance coverage.ObjectiveExamine the impact of a primary care-embedded clinical pharmacist-led intervention (UCMyRx) on cardiovascular risk factor control among blacks with type 2 diabetes in a large healthcare system.DesignWe used data extracted from the electronic health records (EHR) system and a difference-in-differences study design with a propensity-matched comparison group to evaluate the impact of UCMyRx on HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among black patients with type 2 diabetes, relative to usual care.ParticipantsIndividuals with type 2 diabetes identified as either black or African American in the EHR that were ≥ 18 years of age that had the following observations during the study window (03/02/2013-12/31/18: (1) HbA1C ≥ 8%, at least once, anywhere between 365 days before and 14 days after the UCMyRx visit and a follow-up HbA1c measure within 120 to 365 days after the visit and/or (2) SBP ≥ 140 mmHg at least once between 365 days before and 14 days after the UCMyRx visit that had a follow-up SBP measure within 120 to 450 days after the visit.InterventionUCMyRx pharmacists review labs and vital signs, perform medication reconciliation, use a standardized survey to assess barriers to medication adherence, and develop tailored interventions to improve medication adherence.Main measuresChange in HbA1c and change in SBP from before to after the first UCMyRx visit.Key resultsHaving at least one visit with a UCMyRx clinical pharmacist was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c (- 0.4%, p value = .01); however, there was no significant impact on SBP (- .051 mmHg, p value = 0.74).ConclusionsThe UCMyRx intervention is a useful strategy for improving HbA1c control among blacks with type 2 diabetes.