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Biomedical subjects

D H Solomon

Publications and source records attributed to D H Solomon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Access to bone mineral density testing in patients at risk for osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have documented suboptimal diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis in many settings. Consistent predictors of suboptimal management include patient age, physician training, and physician gender. We assessed whether access to bone mineral density (BMD) testing was a predictor of osteoporosis management in an at-risk population of patients from New Jersey. METHODS: Based on health care claims data, we identified three groups of at-risk beneficiaries, including women >or=65 (n=8,283), men and women >or=45 with a fracture (n=740), and men and women >or=45 taking chronic oral glucocorticoids (n=616). As the outcome of interest, we determined whether beneficiaries had undergone a BMD test and/or filled a prescription for a medicine used for osteoporosis (alendronate, calcitonin, hormone therapy, etidronate, risedronate, raloxifene, teriparatide) during the period 1 September 2002-31 August 2004. We assessed the relationship between this outcome and access to BMD testing. Access was characterized using two different measures: (1) the estimated driving time between each beneficiary's residence and the nearest BMD testing center ("driving time") and (2) the number of persons >or=65 years of age per BMD testing machine ("BMD scanner ratio") for each of the 21 counties in New Jersey. RESULTS: Of the 9,640 beneficiaries, we found that 3,104 (32%) had undergone a BMD test, 2,893 (30%) had filled a prescription for an osteoporosis medication, and 4,364 (45%) had one or both. Across the 21 counties of New Jersey, the percentage of at-risk patients who had a BMD test and/or medication for osteoporosis ranged from 38 to 52%. In models adjusted for patient factors and the clustering of patients in counties, driving time was not associated with patients being screened or treated for osteoporosis. The BMD scanner ratio was a weak predictor of osteoporosis management. CONCLUSION: Among beneficiaries of one large health insurer in New Jersey, two different measures of access to BMD testing were not important predictors of receiving testing and/or medications for osteoporosis.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2006

Patterns of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the pattern of this risk is not clear. This study investigated the relative risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and CVD mortality in adults with rheumatoid arthritis compared with adults without rheumatoid arthritis across age groups, sex and prior CVD event status. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study among all residents aged >or=18 years residing in British Columbia between 1999 and 2003. Residents who had visited the doctor at least thrice for rheumatoid arthritis (International Classification of Disease = 714) were considered to have rheumatoid arthritis. A non-rheumatoid arthritis cohort was matched to the rheumatoid arthritis cohort by age, sex and start of follow-up. The primary composite end point was a hospital admission for myocardial infarction, stroke or CVD mortality. RESULTS: 25 385 adults who had at least three diagnoses for rheumatoid arthritis during the study period were identified. During the 5-year study period, 375 patients with rheumatoid arthritis had a hospital admission for myocardial infarction, 363 had a hospitalisation for stroke, 437 died from cardiovascular causes and 1042 had one of these outcomes. The rate ratio for a CVD event in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 1.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 to 1.7), and the rate difference was 5.7 (95% CI 4.9 to 6.4) per 1000 person-years. The rate ratio decreased with age, from 3.3 in patients aged 18-39 years to 1.6 in those aged >or=75 years. However, the rate difference was 1.2 per 1000 person-years in the youngest age group and increased to 19.7 per 1000 person-years in those aged >or=75 years. Among patients with a prior CVD event, the rate ratios and rate differences were not increased in rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for CVD events and shows that the rate ratio for CVD events among subjects with rheumatoid arthritis is highest in young adults and those without known prior CVD events. However, in absolute terms, the difference in event rates is highest in older adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A randomized controlled trial of mailed osteoporosis education to older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis represents a growing public health concern; however, current rates of management are sub-optimal. The aim of our study was to assess, in a randomized controlled trial, the effect of a mailed educational intervention on older adults' knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding osteoporosis. The setting was a large publicly funded state pharmacy benefits program. The patients were 31,715 Medicare beneficiaries from Pennsylvania who participated in a drug benefits program for low-to-moderate income elderly people. METHODS: All women aged over 65 years, and all men and women with a history of fracture or long-term oral use of glucocorticoid, were included. Approximately half of the participants (intervention group) were randomly selected to receive three mailings aimed at improving knowledge of osteoporosis and enhancing preventive activities, such as using calcium and vitamin D, reducing fall risks in the home, obtaining a bone mineral density (BMD) test, and taking medications when necessary. The other participants did not receive the intervention mailings and served as controls. We surveyed a sample of intervention and control subjects to determine the effects of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy (confidence in one's ability to perform specific activities), and behavior regarding osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Six hundred randomly selected participants in the intervention group and an equal number in the control group were invited to participate. RESULTS: Twenty-six had died and 636 of the remaining 1,185 (54%) completed the survey. Respondents and non-respondents did not differ significantly with respect to measured sociodemographic factors. All scales had good reliability (all Cronbach's alphas>0.65). Knowledge of osteoporosis was generally very good and did not differ between intervention (mean=65% correct responses) and control subjects (mean=67% correct; P=0.4). Perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis was relatively high and similar across groups (P=0.4). Self-efficacy for participating in osteoporosis prevention and treatment was very strong in both the intervention (mean=4.3 on a 0-5 scale) and control (mean=4.2, P=0.03) groups . On average, subjects in the intervention group reported participating in 3.5 of 6 preventive osteoporosis activities compared with 3.4 in the control group (P=0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the controls, a mailed educational intervention for osteoporosis was not associated with better knowledge, higher perceived susceptibility, or performance of preventive measures among the at-risk older adults that we studied. The intervention group demonstrated a small increase in self-efficacy. More intensive patient interventions or intervention aimed at other aspects of the care process may be required to bring about changes that lead to a reduction in fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Factors related to the use of bone densitometry: survey responses of 494 primary care physicians in New England.

Large population-based surveys have shown that approximately 30% of people over age 65 years have osteoporosis and that 17% of the population over 65 years will sustain a fracture during their lifetime. Many people with osteoporosis are never being evaluated even though effective treatments are available. We examined why primary care physicians order few bone mineral density scans. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians practicing in any of the six New England states. Target physician specialties included internal medicine, general practitioners/family physicians, and obstetrician-gynecologists who had a facsimile number listed with the American Medical Association. Demographics, practice characteristics, use of bone densitometry, and attitudes regarding osteoporosis, bone densitometry and health maintenance were assessed by questionnaire. Twelve percent (n=494) of the physicians responded to the questionnaire. Respondents were similar to non-respondents with respect to years of practice, training and geographical state, though they were more likely to be female (p < or =0.05). Respondents had a mean age of 51 years, and 51% were trained in internal medicine, 25% in general practice/family practice and 24% in obstetrics-gynecology. The mean number of self-reported bone densitometry referrals per month was 10+/-11, and 25% of respondents reported that they referred fewer than 4 patients per month. In adjusted logistic models, factors significantly associated with referring fewer than 4 patients per month were: training in internal medicine (odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.9) or general practice/family practice (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.2) versus obstetrics-gynecology; practicing in an urban setting (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.9) or rural/small town setting (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.1) versus a suburban setting; spending less than 50% of professional time in patient care (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7-9.5); seeing the lowest proportion of postmenopausal women (OR 2.5., 95% CI 1.2-5.3); the belief that calcium and vitamin D are adequate to treat osteoporosis (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.5); and the belief that osteoporosis treatment should not be based on bone density results (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.7-6.1). Potentially modifiable physician beliefs and a number of practice characteristics are associated with low referral rates for bone densitometry. Educational strategies aimed at improving the use of bone density testing should consider these factors.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2001

The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have a torn meniscus or ligament of the knee? Value of the physical examination.

CONTEXT: While most meniscal or ligamentous knee injuries heal with nonoperative treatments, a subset should be treated with arthroscopic or open surgery. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the accuracy of the clinical examination for meniscal or ligamentous knee injuries. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966-December 31, 2000) and HealthSTAR (1975-December 31, 2000) databases were searched for English-language articles describing the diagnostic accuracy of individual examination items for the knee and a combination of physical examination items (composite examination). Other data sources included reference lists from relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies selected for data extraction were those that compared the performance of the physical examination of the knee with a reference standard, such as arthroscopy, arthrotomy, or magnetic resonance imaging. Eighty-eight articles were identified, of which 23 (26%) met inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: A rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon independently reviewed each article using a standardized rating scale that scored the assembly of the study, the relevance of the patients enrolled, the appropriateness of the reference standard, and the blinding of the examiner. DATA SYNTHESIS: Summary likelihood ratios (LRs) were estimated from random effects models. The summary LRs for physical examination for tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, using the anterior drawer test, were 3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-22.0) for a positive examination and 0.30 (95% CI, 0.05-1.50) for a negative examination; the Lachman test, 25.0 (95% CI, 2.7-651.0) and 0.1 (95% CI, 0.0-0.4); and the composite assessment, 25.0 (95% CI, 2.1-306.0) and 0.04 (95% CI, 0.01-0.48), respectively. The LRs could not be generated for any specific examination maneuver for a posterior cruciate ligament tear, but the composite assessment had an LR of 21.0 (95% CI, 2.1-205.0) for a positive examination and 0.05 (95% CI, 0.01-0.50) for a negative examination. Determination of meniscal lesions, using McMurray test, had an LR of 1.3 (95% CI, 0.9-1.7) for a positive examination and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.6-1.1) for a negative examination; joint line tenderness, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.8-1.0) and 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0-1.3); and the composite assessment, 2.7 (95% CI, 1.4-5.1) and 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2-0.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: The composite examination for specific meniscal or ligamentous injuries of the knee performed much better than specific maneuvers, suggesting that synthesis of a group of examination maneuvers and historical items may be required for adequate diagnosis.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries↗
PubMed2001

Novel cross-linked polyacrylamide matrices: an investigation using gradient gel electrophoresis.

Gradient gel electrophoresis was used to examine the separation properties of novel cross-linking compounds for polyacrylamide (PAAm). At low %T and at the same %C protein migration difference is accentuated for bismethacrylamide cross-linked networks relative to bisacrylamide cross-linked networks. Similar properties were observed for cyclic monomers at low %T. This trend is maintained throughout the gradient. However, at higher %T migration differential relative to N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (Bis) was less pronounced. Evidence from gradient gels suggests that reactivity and functionality of vinyl groups impose an overriding control over network formation.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗
PubMed2001

Novel cross-linked homogeneous polyacrylamide gels with improved separation properties: investigation of the cross-linker functionality.

Polyacrylamide (PAAm) gels were synthesized using cross-linkers with their potential functionality (twice the number of double bonds of a cross-linker) varying from six to sixteen. Improved electrophoretic separation and highly desirable porosity and sieving properties were observed for most of the PAAm gels containing novel cross-linkers. An increase in the potential functionality of cross-linkers used in PAAm gels was an important factor, influencing the pore size and pore size distribution of the network.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗
PubMed2001

Use of risk stratification to identify patients with unstable angina likeliest to benefit from an invasive versus conservative management strategy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine whether patient characteristics collected at presentation can identify which patients benefit from immediate coronary angiography and revascularization. BACKGROUND: Risk stratification may offer a method for identifying which patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQMI) are likeliest to benefit from invasive management strategies. METHODS: The analysis was based on data from a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1,473 patients presenting with unstable angina or NQMI who were randomly assigned to an early invasive or early conservative (medical) management strategy. We constructed a risk-stratification score for each patient based on adjusted odds ratios for clinical variables likely to predict adverse outcomes. We stratified all trial subjects by their risk scores and studied the rates of death or myocardial infarction (MI) of the early invasive management strategy in each stratum. RESULTS: The final multivariate model included older age, ST segment depression on presentation, history of complicated angina before presentation, and elevation in baseline creatine kinase-MB fraction. Although patients with a higher risk score had an increased rate of death or MI within 42 days and 365 days (p < 0.001) in both management strategies, early invasive management for patients in the high and very high risk categories was associated with a lower rate of death or MI within 42 days compared with conservative management. No such benefit was seen in patients in the larger group of patients in the very low, low or moderate risk categories (p = 0.03 for the interaction between risk category and management assignment). CONCLUSIONS: Risk stratification may be an effective method for identifying those patients with unstable angina or NQMI most likely to benefit from early invasive management. Selective use of early invasive management can have a substantial impact in reducing morbidity and mortality in higher risk patients, but may not be warranted in lower risk patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The Vulnerable Elders Survey: a tool for identifying vulnerable older people in the community.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a simple method for identifying community-dwelling vulnerable older people, defined as persons age 65 and older at increased risk of death or functional decline. To assess whether self-reported diagnoses and conditions add predictive ability to a function-based survey. DESIGN: Analysis of longitudinal survey data. SETTING: A nationally representative community-based survey. PARTICIPANTS: Six thousand two hundred five Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey; development and comparison of scoring systems that use age, function, and self-reported diagnoses to predict future death and functional decline. RESULTS: A multivariate model using function, self-rated health, and age to predict death or functional decline was only slightly improved when self-reported diagnoses and conditions were included as predictors and was significantly better than a model using age plus self-reported diagnoses alone. These analyses provide the basis for a 13-item function-based scoring system that considers age, self-rated health, limitation in physical function, and functional disabilities. A score of >or=3 targeted 32% of this nationally representative sample as vulnerable. This targeted group had 4.2 times the risk of death or functional decline over a 2-year period compared with those with scores <3. The receiver operating characteristics curve had an area of.78. An alternative scoring system that included self-reported diagnoses did not substantially improve predictive ability when compared with a function-based scoring system. CONCLUSIONS: A function-based targeting system effectively and efficiently identifies older people at risk of functional decline and death. Self-reported diagnoses and conditions, when added to the system, do not enhance predictive ability. The function-based targeting system relies on self-report and is easily transported across care settings.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Referrals for musculoskeletal disorders: patterns, predictors, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with musculoskeletal referral and determine whether referral influences clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients included in the study presented with knee or shoulder pain to primary care physicians affiliated with an academic teaching hospital. The primary clinical outcome was change in pain or function measured up to 12 months after initial presentation. Covariates included baseline pain and function, duration of complaint, initial diagnosis, insurance status, and several demographic factors. RESULTS: Forty-one percent (65 of 160 patients) were referred for knee or shoulder conditions, 47 (29%) patients were referred only to an orthopedic surgeon, and 12 (8%) only to a rheumatologist; 6 (4%) patients saw both specialists. For patients with knee pain, the only variable correlated with referral was an initial diagnosis of internal derangement (p = 0.02). No variable was significantly associated with referral for shoulder pain. Baseline pain, baseline function, duration of complaint, age, and insurance status were not associated with referral for either knee or shoulder pain (all p values > 0.05). The variables most associated with improvement in pain and function were more severe pain and function at baseline (all p values < 0.0001). In multivariate analyses controlling for clinical and demographic factors among patients with shoulder complaints, referral was associated with significantly less improvement in clinical outcomes than non-referral (p = 0.02). Referral was not associated with clinical outcomes for patients with knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: Referral was common for patients with knee or shoulder conditions. The only baseline variable correlated with referral was a diagnosis of knee internal derangement. Referral was not associated with improvement in pain or function and may actually be correlated with worse outcomes among patients with shoulder pain, although this is likely due to unmeasured factors contributing to the referral decision.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cultural and economic factors that (mis)shape antibiotic use: the nonpharmacologic basis of therapeutics.

The use of antibiotics in both ambulatory and inpatient settings is heavily shaped by cultural and economic factors as well as by microbiological considerations. These nonpharmacologic factors are relevant to clinicians and policymakers because of the clinical and fiscal toll of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, including excessive use, preventable adverse effects, and the increasing prevalence of resistant organisms. An understanding of the determinants of antibiotic consumption is critical to explain current patterns of use and to devise programs to reduce inappropriate use. Patient motivations include the desire for a tangible product of the clinical encounter coupled with incorrect perceptions of the effectiveness of antibiotics, particularly in viral infections. Physician behavior can be explained by such factors as lack of information, a desire to satisfy patient demand, and pressure from managed care organizations to speed throughput. Marketing campaigns directed at both physicians and patients further serve to increase demand, especially for newer, costlier products. Studies of antibiotic use patterns in inpatient and outpatient care consistently demonstrate considerable inappropriate prescribing, which is likely to exacerbate the emergence of resistant organisms. Several approaches have been shown to improve the rationality of antibiotic use. Computer-based algorithms or reminders can prompt physicians to improve antibiotic choices at the time of prescribing; paper-based order entry forms can achieve the same goal. Interactive educational outreach ("academic detailing") is a practical implementation of social marketing principles to improve antibiotic use. Public education programs directed at consumers can help to reduce the inappropriate patient demand that helps to drive much improper antibiotic prescribing.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and the risk of hip fractures in elderly patients.

CONTEXT: Recent animal studies have found that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) lipid-lowering drugs (statins) substantially increase bone formation, but whether statin use in humans results in clinically meaningful bone formation or a reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of statins is associated with reduced hip fracture risk. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING AND PATIENTS: A total of 6110 New Jersey residents aged 65 years or older and enrolled in Medicare and either Medicaid or the Pharmacy Assistance for the Aged and Disabled program. Case patients (n=1222) underwent surgical repair of a hip fracture in 1994. Control patients (n=4888) were identified at a ratio of 4:1 and frequency-matched to case patients for age and sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of hip fracture by statin use in the 180 days and 3 years prior to the index date (the earliest date of admission for surgery), adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics and health care utilization. RESULTS: Use of statins in either the prior 180 days (adjusted OR, 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.76) or prior 3 years (adjusted OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40-0.82) was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hip fracture, even after controlling for variables such as race, insurance status, psychoactive medications, estrogen and thiazide use, ischemic heart disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. No significant relationship was observed between use of nonstatin lipid-lowering agents and hip fracture risk. Clear relationships were observed between the degree of reduction in hip fracture risk and the extent of statin use; there was no evidence of such relationships with nonstatin lipid-lowering agents. After adjusting for extent of statin use in the prior 3 years, current use (on the index date) was associated with a 71% reduction in risk (adjusted OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10-0.81). The relationship between statin use and hip fracture risk persisted after controlling for variables such as the number of medications, the Charlson comorbidity index score, and hospitalization or nursing home stay in the last 180 days, as well as after excluding patients who were in a nursing home prior to their index date or who died in the year after their index date. Use of nonstatin lipid-lowering agents was not observed to be associated with reduction in hip fracture risk in any of these alternative models or analyses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support an association between statin use by elderly patients and reduction in the risk of hip fracture. Controlled trials are needed to exclude the possibility of unmeasured confounders. JAMA. 2000;283:3211-3216

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Characterization of the pore structure of aqueous three-dimensional polyacrylamide gels with a novel cross-linker.

The properties of polyacrylamide hydrogels synthesized with a novel hexafunctional (three double bonds) cross-linker, hexahydro-1,3,5-triacryloyl-s-triazine (1a), was evaluated and compared to the currently used tetrafunctional (two double bonds) cross-linker N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (Bis). A variety of characterization techniques that require very little sample preparation and data handling were chosen and include polymerization temperature profiles and conversions, water swelling, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), Gradiflow electrophoretic separation process and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The alternative use of 1a compared to Bis results in polyacrylamide gels with larger pore sizes and a broad pore size distribution.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2000

Should postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis who are starting corticosteroid treatment be screened for osteoporosis? A cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different strategies for preventing corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. METHODS: Simulated cohorts of postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starting corticosteroid treatment were examined. A Markov decision analysis model was developed to compare different management strategies, including watchful waiting, screen and treat, and empirical treatment. Treatment thresholds for the screen and treat strategy were varied from bone mineral density (BMD) T scores <-1.0 to BMD T scores <-4.0. RESULTS: Compared with a watchful waiting approach, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for a strategy of screen and treat with alendronate at a BMD T score of <-1.0 was $92,600 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. This result was sensitive to the cost and efficacy of osteoporosis therapy and, importantly, to the treatment threshold. At a treatment threshold of a BMD T score <-2.5, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of screening and treating was $76,100 per QALY. None of these results differed substantially for women taking estrogen replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a strategy of screening and treating postmenopausal female RA patients with BMD T scores of < -1.0, compared with watchful waiting, was greater than that of other well-accepted medical interventions. The cost-effectiveness ratios were more acceptable when a T score treatment threshold of <-2.5 was used. These conclusions are limited by the lack of data on fracture and treatment efficacy in corticosteroid-treated patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2000

Outcomes of care and resource utilization among patients with knee or shoulder disorders treated by general internists, rheumatologists, or orthopedic surgeons.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have suggested that specialists may achieve better clinical outcomes for patients, albeit often at greater cost. We sought to compare outcomes of care and resource utilization among patients with shoulder or knee problems who were treated by general internists, rheumatologists, and orthopedic surgeons. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Outpatients with knee or shoulder complaints who were seen by general internists, rheumatologists, or orthopedic surgeons at an academic medical center were administered questionnaires at enrollment in the study and again 3 months later. The questionnaires included validated measures of satisfaction, functional status, and pain severity, as well as resource utilization. We compared baseline clinical characteristics, satisfaction with care, resource utilization, and changes in function and symptoms during 3 months of follow-up among patients who were cared for by the three different types of providers. RESULTS: A total of 534 patients responded to the baseline survey and 436 (82%) to the 3-month follow-up survey. About 60% (n = 323) had knee pain. Orthopedists cared for 40% (n = 211) of the patients, with the remainder treated in approximately equal numbers by general internists or rheumatologists. At baseline, patients of internists had less severe pain (differences of 0.3 to 0.6 points on a 1 to 5 scale, P <0.05) and functional limitations (differences of 0.4 to 0.6 points on a 1 to 5 scale, P <0.0006) than patients of rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons. Adjusting for baseline differences, there were no significant differences among provider groups in pain relief or functional improvement during follow-up. However, in adjusted analyses, patients with shoulder pain who were cared for by orthopedic surgeons were least satisfied with the office environment [adjusted mean (+/- SD) satisfaction score of 1.6 +/- 0.8 on a 1 to 4 scale for orthopedic surgeons vs 1.3 +/- 0.8 for rheumatologists and 1.4 +/- 0.8 for internists, P = 0.004]. Among patients with knee pain, those treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons were more satisfied with the doctor-patient interaction (adjusted mean satisfaction scores of 1.1 +/- 0.9 for rheumatologists and 1.2 +/- 0.7 for orthopedic surgeons on a 1 to 4 scale vs 1.4 +/- 0.8 for general internists, P = 0.003). Orthopedic surgeons obtained significantly more radiographs of the knee or shoulder and more magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee. Rheumatologists performed significantly more aspirations or injection procedures. Among all patients, those treated by rheumatologists were most satisfied with the physician interaction, and those treated by orthopedic surgeons were most satisfied with treatment results. CONCLUSION: The relative benefits of specialist compared with generalist care for patients with knee or shoulder pain depend on the importance attached to resource utilization, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed2000

Can history and physical examination be used as markers of quality? An analysis of the initial visit note in musculoskeletal care.

BACKGROUND: The medical record serves as an important source of information regarding the care process, but few studies have examined whether thoroughness of documentation is associated with outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to analyze the initial visit note for 513 patients presenting with acute musculoskeletal pain, compare thoroughness of documentation by physician specialty, and determine whether thoroughness of documentation was associated with clinical improvement or patient satisfaction. METHODS: A structured medical record abstraction was performed to examine whether treating physicians documented key historical and physical exam findings. Satisfaction with care, symptom relief, and functional improvement were assessed after 3 months with validated survey instruments. RESULTS: In the initial visit note, 43+/-16% of selected historical findings and 28+/-17% of physical examination findings were documented. Orthopedic surgeons documented 2 to 4 more historical and physical examination items (P <0.01) and assigned more specific diagnoses (P <0.01) than rheumatologists and general internists. Multivariate models showed a very weak association between all aspects of documentation and patient satisfaction with the provider-patient interaction (all partial R2 <0.016) and no association between documentation and 3-month pain relief or functional status. Patients' perception of physician communication was more highly associated with patient satisfaction (P = 0.0001) than was documentation. CONCLUSIONS: No provider types consistently documented many important historical items and physical examination findings. While thoroughness of documentation was not associated with clinical outcomes, there was a very weak relationship between documentation and patient satisfaction with provider-patient interactions.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Selecting target conditions for quality of care improvement in vulnerable older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a set of geriatric conditions as optimal targets for quality improvement to be used in a quality measurement system for vulnerable older adults. DESIGN: Discussion and two rounds of ranking of conditions by a panel of geriatric clinical experts informed by literature reviews. METHODS: A list of 78 conditions common among vulnerable older people was reduced to 35 on the basis of their (1) prevalence, (2) impact on health and quality of life, (3) effectiveness of interventions in improving mortality and quality of life, (4) disparity in the quality of care across providers and geographic areas, and (5) feasibility of obtaining the data needed to test compliance with quality indicators. A panel of 12 experts in geriatric care discussed and then ranked the 35 conditions on the basis of the same five criteria. We then selected 21 conditions, based on panelists' iterative rankings. Using available national data, we compiled information about prevalence of the selected conditions for community-dwelling older people and older nursing home residents and estimated the proportion of inpatient and outpatient care attributable to the selected conditions. RESULTS: The 21 conditions selected as targets for quality improvement among vulnerable older adults include (in rank order): pharmacologic management; depression; dementia; heart failure; stroke (and atrial fibrillation); hospitalization and surgery; falls and mobility disorders; diabetes mellitus; end-of-life care; ischemic heart disease; hypertension; pressure ulcers; osteoporosis; urinary incontinence; pain management; preventive services; hearing impairment; pneumonia and influenza; vision impairment; malnutrition; and osteoarthritis. The selected conditions had mean rank scores from 1.2 to 3.8, and those excluded from 4.6 to 6.9, on a scale from 1 (highest ranking) to 7 (lowest ranking). Prevalence of the selected conditions ranges from 10 to 50% among community-dwelling older adults and from 25 to 80% in nursing home residents for the six most common selected conditions. The 21 target conditions account for at least 43% of all acute hospital discharges and 33% of physician office visits among persons 65 years of age and older. Actual figures must be higher because several of the selected conditions (e.g., end-of-life care) are not recorded as diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-one conditions were selected as targets for quality improvement in vulnerable older people for use in a quality measurement system. The 21 geriatric conditions selected are highly prevalent in this group and likely account for more than half of the care provided to this group in hospital and ambulatory settings.

Aged↗