Economic burden of psoriasis compared to the general population and stratified by disease severity

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate health care utilization and costs for patients with psoriasis vs. the general population and by psoriasis severity.     

Management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in primary care: a European observational study

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care, as part of the RANGE (Retrospective ANalysis of GERD) study.     

Assessment of asthma control in primary care

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma in patients who are visiting their primary care provider for any reason.     

Results of the CAPPS: COPD – Assessment of Practice in Primary Care Study

Abstract

Objective:

Since many patients with COPD in the US are managed by primary care physicians, we evaluated adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines in a primary care setting.     

Dosing patterns of three tumor necrosis factor blockers among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a large United States managed care population

Abstract

Objective:

To describe dosing patterns of etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in US managed care.     

Association of blood glucose levels with in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission in patients undergoing invasive cardiovascular surgery

Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the association of mean and maximum blood glucose (BG) levels with in-hospital mortality and 30-day hospital readmission among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) undergoing invasive cardiovascular (CV) surgery.     

Long-term treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease in primary and secondary care: results from an international survey

Abstract

Objective:

The International Outcomes Survey in Dementia (IOSID) was initiated to observe the effects of current standard of care for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on patient outcomes and caregiver burden in a real-life setting.     

Differences in rates of hypoglycemia and health care costs in patients treated with insulin aspart in pens versus vials

Abstract

Objectives:

To study whether initiation of insulin aspart therapy with a pen vs. a vial/syringe has an impact on the risk of subsequent hypoglycemic episodes and health care costs.     

Prevalence of COPD among symptomatic patients in a primary care setting

Abstract

Objective:

Spirometry is recognized as the gold standard assessment for the diagnosis of COPD. However, spirometry continues to be underused, perpetuating the underdiagnosis of COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of COPD in a primary care setting in patients with a smoking history and self-reported chronic bronchitis symptoms.     

Variations in blood pressure and lipid goal attainment in primary care

Abstract

Background:

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Blood pressure (BP) and lipid levels are modifiable and yet most patients fail to achieve their recommended target goals. The objective of this review was to examine the variations in achievement of optimal BP and lipid levels in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease at a primary care level.     

Peripatetic intravenous service for metabolic bone disease: case study in patient centred-care for new NHS

Abstract

Objective:

To develop a ‘close to patient’ peripatetic intravenous service (PIVS) for delivery of specialist osteoporosis care in a community setting without increasing cost and with a reduced carbon footprint.     

Efficacy and long-term tolerability of sublingual fentanyl orally disintegrating tablet in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain

Abstract

Background and objectives:

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) represents an important clinical challenge in the care of patients with cancer. This trial evaluated the efficacy and long-term tolerability of a sublingual formulation of the fast-acting opioid fentanyl, for the treatment of BTcP in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer.     

Home pregnancy test compared to standard-of-care ultrasound dating in the assessment of pregnancy duration

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the level of agreement between the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator home pregnancy test and standard-of-care ultrasound in assessing pregnancy duration in a real-life, observational setting encompassing routine, clinical care.     

Achieving recommended low density lipoprotein cholesterol goals and the factors associated with target achievement of hypercholesterolemia patients with rosuvastatin in primary care

Abstract

Objective:

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and requires continuous management. The role of primary physicians in this regard is important, yet the factors associated with successful lipid lowering treatments in primary clinics have not been clearly identified. We aimed to evaluate the rate of successful hypercholesterolemia treatment in Korean primary care, and to identify the factors associated with achieving low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets.     

First-year treatment costs among new initiators of topical prostaglandin analog identified from November 2007 through April 2008

Abstract

Objective:

Ocular surface disease (OSD) is a common side effect of ophthalmic medications containing the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Little is known whether and how glaucoma treatment patterns and annual costs vary based on the presence of BAK. The objective of this analysis was to estimate first-year treatment costs among new initiators of topical prostaglandin analogs in a managed care population.     

Changes in calculated coronary heart disease risk using proactive multifactorial intervention versus continued usual care in Latin-American and non-Latin-American patients enrolled in the CRUCIAL trial

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the change in calculated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk using a proactive multifactorial intervention (PMI) versus usual care (UC), among Latin-American (LA) and non-LA patients enrolled in the CRUCIAL trial.     

Health-related quality of life,work productivity and health care resource use associated with constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Objectives:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Prevalence estimates of IBS vary widely, from 10 to 15%, in the U.S. However, few studies have examined constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C), a subtype of IBS. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of IBS-C on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), work productivity and activity impairment, and health care resource use.     

The use of high doses of OROS hydromorphone in an acute palliative care unit

Abstract

Objectives:

To characterize patients who received high doses of OROS hydromorphone (OROD-HY), a retrospective study of patients admitted in an acute pain relief and palliative care unit for a period of two years (from June 2009 to June 2011) was performed.     

Simplifying anemia management in hemodialysis patients: ESAs administered at longer dosing intervals can enhance opportunities to provide patient-focused care

Abstract

Objective:

To review issues and challenges in caring for hemodialysis patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease, specifically focusing on the effects of longer erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosing intervals on processes of care.     

Changing trends in osteoporosis care from specialty to primary care physicians

Abstract

Background:

Inadequate treatment by non-specialty primary care physicians (PCPs) has been a concern in improving osteoporosis care. An increase in outpatient visits by older patients seeking osteoporosis care has been reported. But what percentages of these visits are made to PCPs are unknown. We investigated recent trends of outpatient visits and treatment for osteoporosis in older adults (>50 years) by physician type (PCPs vs. specialty care non-PCPs).