The Effectiveness of Outpatient Appointment Reminder Systems in Reducing No-Show Rates

Background

Patients who do not keep physician appointments (no-shows) represent a significant loss to healthcare providers. For patients, the cost includes their dissatisfaction and reduced quality of care. An automated telephone appointment reminder system may decrease the no-show rate. Understanding characteristics of patients who miss their appointments will aid in the formulation of interventions to reduce no-show rates.

Methods

In an academic outpatient practice, we studied patient acceptance and no-show rates among patients receiving a clinic staff reminder (STAFF), an automated appointment reminder (AUTO), and no reminder (NONE). Patients scheduled for appointments in the spring of 2007 were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: STAFF (n = 3266), AUTO (n = 3219), or NONE (n = 3350). Patients in the STAFF group were called 3 days in advance by front desk personnel. Patients in the AUTO group were reminded of their appointments 3 days in advance by an automated, standardized message. To evaluate patient satisfaction with the STAFF and AUTO, we surveyed patients who arrived at the clinic (n = 10,546).

Results

The no-show rates for patients in the STAFF, AUTO, and NONE groups were 13.6%, 17.3%, and 23.1%, respectively (pairwise, P < .01 by analysis of variance for all comparisons). Cancellation rates in the AUTO and STAFF groups were significantly higher than in the NONE group (P < .004). Appointment reminder group, age, visit type, wait time, division specialty, and insurance type were significant predictors of no-show rates. Patients found appointment reminders helpful, but they could not accurately remember whether they received a clinic staff reminder or an automated appointment reminder.

Conclusions

A clinic staff reminder was significantly more effective in lowering the no-show rate compared with an automated appointment reminder system.     

Efficacy of a Transition Clinic on Hospital Readmissions

Background

A primary care–staffed transition clinic is one potential strategy for reducing 30-day re-admissions for patients without an established primary care physician, but the effectiveness has not been studied. The objective was to test whether patients who completed a postdischarge transition clinic appointment were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days.

Factors Associated With Adherence to 14-Day Office Appointments After Heart Failure Discharge

Background

Follow-up within 14 days after hospital discharge for heart failure (HF) may prevent 30-day hospital readmission, but adherence varies. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of nonadherence to scheduled appointments.

Can Group Medical Clinics Improve Lipid Management in Diabetes?

Background

Group medical clinics may improve diabetes and hypertension control, but data about dyslipidemia are limited. We examined the impact of group medical clinics on lipids among patients with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension.

Methods

Prespecified secondary analysis of 239 veterans randomized to group medical clinics or usual care. Lipids were assessed at study baseline, midpoint, and end. We used linear mixed models to compare lipid levels between arms and generalized estimating equation models to compare low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment. An additional post hoc analysis examined intensification of cholesterol-lowering medications in both arms.

Results

At baseline, mean total cholesterol was 169.7 mg/dL (SD 47.8), LDL-C 98.2 mg/dL (SD 41.7), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 39.3 mg/dL (SD 13.0). Median baseline triglycerides were 131 mg/dL (interquartile range 122). By study end, mean total cholesterol and LDL-C in group medical clinics were 14.2 mg/dL (P = .01) and 9.2 mg/dL (P = .02) lower than usual care, respectively; 76% of group medical clinic patients met goals for LDL-C, versus 61% of usual care patients (P = .02). Triglycerides and HDL-C remained similar between study arms. Treatment intensification occurred in 52% of group medical clinic patients, versus 37% of usual care patients between study baseline and end (P = .04). The mean statin dose was higher in group medical clinic patients at study midpoint and end.

Conclusions

Group medical clinics appear to enhance lipid management among patients with diabetes and hypertension. This may be a result of greater intensification of cholesterol-lowering medications in group medical clinics relative to usual care.     

Outcomes for Resident-Identified High-Risk Patients and Resident Perspectives of Year-End Continuity Clinic Handoffs

BACKGROUND

Many patients nationwide change their primary care physician (PCP) when internal medicine (IM) residents graduate. Few studies have examined this handoff.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patient outcomes and resident perspectives after the year-end continuity clinic handoff

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent a year-end clinic handoff in July 2010 and a comparison group of all other resident clinic patients from 2009–2011. PGY2 IM residents surveyed from 2010–2011.

MEASUREMENTS

Percent of high-risk patients after the clinic handoff scheduled for an appointment, who saw their assigned PCP, lost to follow-up, or had an acute visit (ED or hospitalization). Perceptions of PGY2 IM residents surveyed after receiving a clinic handoff.

RESULTS

Thirty graduating residents identified 258 high-risk patients. While nearly all patients (97 %) were scheduled, 29 % missed or cancelled their first new PCP visit. Only 44 % of patients saw the correct PCP and six months later, one-fifth were lost to follow-up. Patients not seen by a new PCP after the handoff were less likely to have appropriate follow-up for pending tests (0 % vs. 63 %, P < 0.001). A higher mean no show rate (NSR) was observed among patients who missed their first new PCP visit (22 % vs. 16 % NSR, p < 0.001) and those lost to follow-up (21 % vs. 17 % NSR, p = 0.019). While 47 % of residents worried about missing important data during the handoff, 47 % reported that they do not perceive patients as “theirs” until they are seen by them in clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

While most patients were scheduled for appointments after a clinic handoff, many did not see the correct resident and one-fifth were lost to follow-up. Patients who miss appointments are especially at risk of poor clinic handoff outcomes. Future efforts should improve patient attendance to their first new PCP visit and increase PCP ownership.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11606-012-2100-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.KEY WORDS: outpatient handoffs, signout, resident continuity clinic, year-end transfer, transitions of care     

Resident trainees do not affect patient satisfaction in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic: A prospective study conducted in a Canadian gastroenterology clinic

BACKGROUND:

There is little literature regarding how a gastroenterology trainee affects a patient’s interpretation of care during outpatient clinic visits. Improving patient satisfaction is desirable and benefits may include enhanced patient compliance as well as providing trainees with areas for improvement.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate patient satisfaction in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic when seen by a trainee and attending physician versus an attending physician alone. The secondary objective was to evaluate physician characteristics that play a role in creating a positive clinical experience.

METHODS:

A randomized prospective survey study was conducted over an 11-month period (July 2012 to June 2013) at St Boniface Hospital (Winnipeg, Manitoba). Two gastroenterology fellows (postgraduate year 4 and 5) and nine internal medicine residents (postgraduate year 1 to 3) comprised the ‘trainee’ role, while three academic clinicians comprised the ‘attending’ role. Patients included individuals seen for an initial consultation and were >18 years of age.

RESULTS:

A total of 211 patients comprised the final study group, with 118 in the attending group and 93 in the trainee group. In univariate analysis, patients more often had a very good experience when seen by an attending physician alone versus a trainee and attending physician (73% versus 56%; P=0.016); however, on multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction (OR 0.89; P=0.931). Physician factors found to be associated with high patient satisfaction on multivariate analysis included: addressing all patient concerns (OR 27.56; P=0.021); giving the patient a preliminary diagnosis (OR 78.02; P=0.006); and feeling the physician was thorough (OR 72.53; P=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study did not reveal a difference in patient satisfaction if a patient sees an attending physician alone or with a trainee. Moreover, to improve patient satisfaction in a gastroenterology clinic, physicians should address all patient concerns, provide a preliminary diagnosis and appear to be thorough in their assessment. Further work to increase patient awareness on the role of residents in teaching hospitals is warranted to further promote careers in gastroenterology.     

Challenges and strategies pertaining to recruitment and retention of frail elderly in research studies: A systematic review

Introduction

Recruitment and retention of frail elderly in research studies can be difficult.

Objective

To identify challenges and strategies pertaining to recruitment and retention of frail elderly in research studies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, AgeLine, Embase) were searched from January 1992 to December 2012. Empirical studies were included if they explored barriers to or strategies for recruitment or retention of adults aged 60-plus who were identified as frail, vulnerable or housebound. Two researchers independently determined the eligibility of each abstract reviewed and assessed the level of evidence presented. Data concerning challenges encountered (type and impact) and strategies used (type and impact) were abstracted.

Results

Of 916 articles identified in the searches, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The level of evidence of the studies retained varied from poor to good. Lack of perceived benefit, distrust of research staff, poor health and mobility problems were identified as common challenges. The most frequently reported strategies used were to establish a partnership with staff that participants knew and trusted, and be flexible about the time and place of the study. However, few studies performed analyses to compare the impact of specific challenges and strategies on refusal or drop-out rates.

Conclusions

This review highlights the need to improve knowledge about the impact of barriers and strategies on recruitment and retention of frail older adults. This knowledge will help to develop innovative and cost-effective ways to increase and maintain participation, which may improve the generalizability of research findings to this population.     

Mobile Health Technology for Atrial Fibrillation Management Integrating Decision Support,Education, and Patient Involvement: mAF App Trial

Background

Mobile Health technology for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation is unknown.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Diabetes Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) as Implemented in Five Veterans Affairs Health Systems: a Multi-site Cluster Randomized Pragmatic Trial

ObjectiveTo examine whether diabetes shared medical appointments (SMAs) implemented as part of usual clinical practice in diverse health systems are more effective than usual care in improving and sustaining A1c improvements.Research Design and MethodsA multi-site cluster randomized pragmatic trial examining implementation in clinical practice of diabetes SMAs in five Veterans Affairs (VA) health systems was conducted from 2016 to 2020 among 1537 adults with type 2 diabetes and elevated A1cs. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either: (1) invitation to participate in a series of SMAs totaling 8–9 h; or (2) continuation of usual care. Relative change in A1c (primary outcome) and in systolic blood pressure, insulin starts, statin starts, and anti-hypertensive medication classes (secondary outcomes) were measured as part of usual clinical care at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months (~7 months after conclusion of the final SMA in four of five sites). We examined outcomes in three samples of SMA participants: all those scheduled for a SMA, those attending at least one SMA, and those attending at least half of SMAs.ResultsBaseline mean A1c was 9.0%. Participants scheduled for an SMA achieved A1c reductions 0.35% points greater than the control group between baseline and 6-months follow up (p = .001). Those who attended at least one SMA achieved reductions 0.42 % points greater (p < .001), and those who attended at least half of scheduled SMAs achieved reductions 0.53 % points greater (p < .001) than the control group. At 12-month follow-up, the three SMA analysis samples achieved reductions from baseline ranging from 0.16 % points (p = 0.12) to 0.29 % points (p = .06) greater than the control group.ConclusionsDiabetes SMAs as implemented in real-life diverse clinical practices improve glycemic control more than usual care immediately after the SMAs, but relative gains are not maintained. Our findings suggest the need for further study of whether a longer term SMA model or other follow-up strategies would sustain relative clinical improvements associated with this intervention.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02132676","term_id":"NCT02132676"}}NCT02132676Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-020-06570-y.KEY WORDS: shared medical appointment, peer support, disease management, implementation, diabetes mellitus, pragmatic clinical trial     

Transition Intervention for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease

Background

There is little evidence regarding the efficacy of interventions to prepare adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) to enter adult care.

Feasibility of Sonographer-Administered Echocontrast in a Large-Volume Tertiary-Care Echocardiography Laboratory

Background

Contrast echocardiography has been shown to improve diagnostic quality, especially in technically difficult patients. However, the learning curve and increased time for preparation and image acquisition have led to low use.

Methods

We sought to determine whether the contrast echocardiography procedure performed independently by a specialized, trained sonographer could improve efficiency. In our centre, routine echocardiograms were scheduled for 1 hour, and any study exceeding 1 hour would result in patient booking cancellations. We compared the standard of care, in which a physician or nurse administers echocontrast, with a sonographer-administered program (SAP).

Results

The time to complete contrast echocardiograms was significantly reduced by the SAP strategy (43 min 17 s ± 23 min 42 s vs 1 h 1 min 6 s ± 31 min 0 s, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of the inpatients and outpatients demonstrated similar results. Only 10% of studies (6 of 61) in the SAP exceeded 60 minutes, compared with 45% (34 of 76) in the standard-of-care group (P < 0.001). Based on study volumes in our centre, the net improvement in productivity with the SAP could be up to 5.3% annually.

Conclusion

Sonographer-administered echocontrast is feasible and potentially removes a barrier to implementation of contrast echocardiography.     

Metabolic Syndrome and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women

Background

Limited literature suggests that sexual dysfunction in women covaries with the metabolic syndrome. This study examined the association of sexual function with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in healthy older women.

Methods

There were 376 postmenopausal, community-dwelling women from the Rancho Bernardo Study (mean baseline age = 73 years) that completed a clinic visit during 1999-2002 and returned the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire mailed in 2002.

Results

Thirty-nine percent reported being sexually active; 41.5% met a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The number of metabolic syndrome components was strongly associated with decreased sexual activity, desire, and low sexual satisfaction. Waist girth, diabetes, and hypertension were associated with decreased sexual activity. Elevated triglycerides were associated with low desire. Among the cardiovascular endpoints, heart attack, coronary artery bypass, and angina were associated with decreased sexual activity, but not with sexual desire or satisfaction. Past diagnosis of heart failure, poor circulation, and stroke were not associated with sexual function. Sexually active women with metabolic syndrome met criteria for sexual dysfunction in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains. The FSFI Total Score did not differ significantly between sexually active and inactive women.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome was associated with decreased sexual activity, desire, and satisfaction in all women and with sexual dysfunction in most domains in sexually active women. Coronary artery disease was more prevalent in women with low sexual activity.     

Variantes pequeñas de Staphylococcus aureus: utilidad de distintas pruebas para su diagnóstico y estudio de sensibilidad

Introduction

Small colony variants of Staphylococcus aureus (SCVSA) are a sub-population with special features.

Methods

The phenotypic features and antibiotic susceptibility of four clinical isolates SCVSA were studied.

Results

Colonies grew in the usual culture media, except in Mueller Hinton. All isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole.

Discussion

As SCVSA are isolated with low frequency, it is necessary to determine the optimal methods for their identification and antibiotic susceptibility study.     

Patient ventilator asynchrony in critically ill adults: Frequency and types

Background

Patient ventilator asynchrony (PVA) occurs frequently, but little is known about the types and frequency of PVA. Asynchrony is associated with significant patient discomfort, distress and poor clinical outcomes (duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stay).

Methods

Pressure–time and flow–time waveform data were collected on 27 ICU patients using the Noninvasive Cardiac Output monitor for up to 90 min per subject and blinded waveform analysis was performed.

Results

PVA occurred during all phases of ventilated breaths and all modes of ventilation. The most common type of PVA was Ineffective Trigger. Ineffective trigger occurs when the patient's own breath effort will not trigger a ventilator breath. The overall frequency of asynchronous breaths in the sample was 23%, however 93% of the sample experienced at least one incident of PVA during their observation period. Seventy-seven percent of subjects experienced multiple types of PVA.

Conclusions

PVA occurs frequently in a variety of types although the majority of PVA is ineffective trigger. The study uncovered previously unidentified waveforms that may indicate that there is a greater range of PVAs than previously reported. Newly described PVA, in particular, PVA combined in one breath, may signify substantial patient distress or poor physiological circumstance that clinicians should investigate.     

Effectiveness of a pedometer-based program using a socio-cognitive intervention on physical activity and quality of life in a setting of cardiac rehabilitation

Background

Physical activity contributes to improve health and quality of life. However, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle is elevated after an acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the impact of a pedometer-based program associated with a socio-cognitive intervention on physical activity behaviour, cardiovascular risk factors, and quality of life during the year after an acute coronary syndrome event. During hospitalization, we randomized 32 patients to an experimental group and 33 patients to a usual care group. The experimental intervention included 6 consultations with a clinical nurse specialist during 12 months.

Results

Groups characteristics were comparable. At baseline, the percentage of participants considered in the active range category was similar between groups (31% vs 41%; P = 0.915). However, the proportion of participants who were still active was greater in the experimental group than in the usual care group at 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up (75% vs 41%; 68% vs 36%, and 83% vs 55%, respectively; P < 0.05). After 12 months, changes in overall quality of life and in health and the functioning scores were different between groups (interaction effects [groups by time] P = 0.048 and P = 0.036, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of a pedometer concomitantly with a socio-cognitive intervention improves adherence to physical activity and quality of life during the year after an acute coronary syndrome event. This finding is relevant because physical activity and quality of life are a great concern in preventive cardiology. These results support applying this innovative approach in cardiac rehabilitation programs.     

Socio-economic effects and cost saving potential of remote patient monitoring (SAVE-HM trial)

Objective

In the SAVE-trial we evaluated the safety, reliability and improvements of patient management using the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring®-System (HM) in pacemaker (PM) and implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.

Design

115 PM (Module A) and 36 ICD-patients (Module B) were recruited 3 months after implantation.

Patients

65 patients in Module A were randomised to HM-OFF and had one scheduled outpatient clinic follow-up (FU) per year, whereas patients randomised to HM-ON were equipped with the mobile transmitter and discharged without any further scheduled in-office FU. In Module B 18 patients were randomised to HM-OFF and followed by standard outpatient clinic controls every 6 months; 18 patients were randomised to HM-ON receiving remote monitoring plus one outpatient clinic visit per year; unscheduled follow-ups were performed when necessary.

Results

The average follow-up period was 17.1 ± 9.2 months in Module A and 26.3 ± 8.6 months in Module B. In both modules, the number of FUs per year was significantly reduced (Module A HM-ON 0.29 ± 0.6 FUs/year vs HM-OFF 0.53 ± 0.5 FUs/year; p < 0.001; Module B HM-ON 0.87 ± 0.25 vs HM-OFF 1.73 ± 0.53 FU/year, p < 0.001). Cost analysis was significantly lower in the HM-ON group compared to the HM-OFF group (18.0 ± 41.3 and 22.4 ± 26.9€ respectively; p < 0.003). 93% of the unscheduled visits in Module B were clinically indicated, whereas 55% of the routine FUs were classified as clinically unnecessary.

Conclusion

Remote home monitoring of pacemaker and ICD devices was safe, reduced overall hospital visits, and detected events that mandated unscheduled visits.     

The effect of nurse-led group discussions by race on depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure

Background

African Americans with heart failure (HF) have the highest rates of depression among all ethnicities in the USA.

Resident Satisfaction with Continuity Clinic and Career Choice in General Internal Medicine

Background

The quality of the continuity clinic experience for internal medicine (IM) residents may influence their choice to enter general internal medicine (GIM), yet few data exist to support this hypothesis.

Objective

To assess the relationship between IM residents’ satisfaction with continuity clinic and interest in GIM careers.

Design

Cross-sectional survey assessing satisfaction with elements of continuity clinic and residents'' likelihood of career choice in GIM.

Participants

IM residents at three urban medical centers.

Main Measures

Bivariate and multivariate associations between satisfaction with 32 elements of outpatient clinic in 6 domains (clinical preceptors, educational environment, ancillary staff, time management, administrative, personal experience) and likelihood of considering a GIM career.

Key Results

Of the 225 (90 %) residents who completed surveys, 48 % planned to enter GIM before beginning their continuity clinic, whereas only 38 % did as a result of continuity clinic. Comparing residents’ likelihood to enter GIM as a result of clinic to likelihood to enter a career in GIM before clinic showed that 59 % of residents had no difference in likelihood, 28 % reported a lower likelihood as a result of clinic, and 11 % reported higher likelihood as a result of clinic. Most residents were very satisfied or satisfied with all clinic elements. Significantly more residents (p ≤ 0.002) were likely vs. unlikely to enter GIM if they were very satisfied with faculty mentorship (76 % vs. 53 %), time for appointments (28 % vs. 11 %), number of patients seen (33 % vs. 15 %), personal reward from work (51 % vs. 23 %), relationship with patients (64 % vs. 42 %), and continuity with patients (57 % vs. 33 %). In the multivariate analysis, being likely to enter GIM before clinic (OR 29.0, 95 % CI 24.0–34.8) and being very satisfied with the continuity of relationships with patients (OR 4.08, 95 % CI 2.50–6.64) were the strongest independent predictors of likelihood to enter GIM as a result of clinic.

Conclusions

Resident satisfaction with most aspects of continuity clinic was high; yet, continuity clinic had an overall negative influence on residents’ attitudes toward GIM careers. Targeting resources toward improving ambulatory patient continuity, workflow efficiency and increasing pre-residency interest in primary care may help build the primary care workforce.Key Words: medical education—career choice, medical education—graduate, primary care, ambulatory medicine