Public Health Commons^™

Six-Year Experience Of Influenza Vaccination As A Condition Of Employment For A Large Regional Health Care System, John R. Brill, Mark Hermanoff, Angela Tonozzi, Mary Jo Capodice, Jennifer Farrar, Zarina Dawoodbhai

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Influenza remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Health care workers (HCW) can be both victims and vectors of influenza. Influenza vaccination of HCW is protective for both caregivers and patients, but voluntary programs generally fail to achieve rates recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite a complex, multifaceted influenza program initiated in 1996 that included significant education and promotion as well as free on-site vaccination, annual Aurora Health Care caregiver immunization rates remained in the mid-70s until adoption of a “condition of employment” strategy in 2011.

Purpose: Discuss the annual …

Improving Chronic Pain Management Processes In Primary Care Using Practice Facilitation And Quality Improvement: The Central Appalachia Inter-Professional Pain Education Collaborative, Roberto Cardarelli, Sarah Weatherford, Jennifer Schilling, Dana King, Sue Workman, Wade Rankin, Juanita Hughes, Jonathan Piercy, Amy Conley-Sallaz, Melissa Zook, Kendra Unger, Emma White, Barbara Astuto, Bobbi Stover

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: With the increasing burden of chronic pain and opioid use, provider shortages in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia have experienced many challenges related to chronic pain management. This study tested a practice facilitator model in both academic and community clinics that selected and implemented best practice processes to better assist patients with chronic pain and increase the use of interdisciplinary health care services.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, a practice facilitator was assigned to each state’s clinics and trained clinic teams in quality improvement methods to implement chronic pain tool(s) and workflow processes. Charts for 695 patients with chronic …

Identifying And Targeting Age-Related Colorectal Cancer Screening Rate Disparities In Family Medicine Residency Clinics, Jonathan J. Blaza, Jasmine R. Wiley, Matthew Gill, Alonzo Jalan, Will Lehmann, Deborah Simpson, Jeffrey A. Stearns

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Health care systems continuously seek to improve patient care through population-level analysis of clinical quality metrics and patient characteristics to identify disparities in care. Nationally, disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates have been identified with lower screening rates reported for patients who are uninsured and/or lower socioeconomic status, African American/black, Asian, and non-English-speaking Hispanic patients. No age-related CRC screening rate disparities with associated interventions have been reported.

Purpose: Determine and address CRC screening disparities in care provided to eligible patients > 50 years old in two primary care residency clinics.

Methods: Retrospective analysis using REAL-G (race, ethnicity, age, preferred …

Life Expectancy At Birth In Milwaukee County: A Zip Code-Level Analysis, Erica S. Lecounte, Geoffrey R. Swain

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Life expectancy at birth is used as a barometer of the health and well-being of a population. Life expectancies vary widely across Wisconsin counties. While much of the analysis of life expectancy in Wisconsin has focused on counties, there may be important differences in life expectancy within counties by zip code.

Methods: To calculate life expectancy, death count data and population estimates were entered into an abridged life table using the Chiang methodology. Data were linked with measures from the American Community Survey to examine the relationship between life expectancy and zip code characteristics.

Results: Life expectancy varies greatly …

Sensitivity Of Current Methods For Diagnosing And Documenting Metabolic Syndrome Within A Large Community-Based Health Care System, Tiffany A. Mullen, Danielle M. Greer, Jennifer T. Fink, Renee E. Walker

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of metabolic conditions, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglyceride level, low high-density-lipoprotein level and high fasting blood glucose level, that increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions. Various combinations of diagnostic criteria have been proposed, including those by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), among others. However, inconsistent use of diagnostic criteria and inadequate scientific evidence supporting use of specific criteria are current problems in health care.

Purpose: Quantify the prevalence of MetS diagnosis within the …

The Lifestyle Initiative: An Innovative Coaching-Based Quality Improvement Study To Improve The Health Of Aurora Health Care Caregivers And Family Members, Tiffany A. Mullen, Jessica J.F. Kram, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Self-management support has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Health coaching, one form of self-management support, empowers patients within the health care system by providing information and through collaboratively developed care plans.

Purpose: Assess the impact of The Lifestyle Initiative, a coaching-based health program utilized by Aurora Health Care caregivers or family members.

Methods: The Lifestyle Initiative is a coaching-based approach for Aurora caregivers or family members enrolled in Aurora’s health insurance network. Individuals were recruited from the care management database, and all participants had an Aurora primary care provider. Participation was limited to those ≥ 18 years of …

Advancing Learning Health Systems Through Embedded Research: The 23rd Annual Conference Of The Health Care Systems Research Network, Harold S. Luft, Ming Tai-Seale, Sarah M. Greene

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The 23rd annual conference of the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN, formerly the HMO Research Network) was held in San Diego, California, March 21–23, 2017, attracting 387 attendees. As a consortium of 20 research organizations embedded in or affiliated with large health care delivery organizations, the HCSRN has held annual research conferences since 1994. The overall aim of the conferences is to bring researchers, project staff, research funders and other stakeholders together to share latest scientific findings and foster new research ideas and collaborations. The 2017 conference was hosted by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute.

Each host …