Conectar
Background
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide services to individuals facing systemic barriers to health equity and are disproportionately affected by adverse social determinants of health. To better align healthcare services with the needs of those individuals experiencing health inequities, it is essential to screen for and document problematic social contributors to health in electronic health records, which health systems have been mandated to document by 2026.
Objectives
The aims of this study were to 1) determine the prevalence of documented social contributors to health Z-codes among patients receiving care through Colorado nurse-led FQHCs across urban, rural, and frontier settings; and 2) estimate healthcare utilization and expenditures associated with the presence of documented social contributors to health Z-codes compared to a matched sample of patients without that Z-code documentation.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the Colorado All Payers Claim Database. Social contributor of health ICD-10 Z-codes, reflecting problematic social structural circumstances as defined by Healthy People 2030, were extracted from patients receiving care in FQHCs. Social contributor of health-related charges were computed using propensity matching to compare individuals with and without documented social contributors of health.
Results
Documentation of social contributors of health Z-codes was notably low. Housing instability was the most common Z-code documented. Chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heart disease were the most prevalent comorbidities among those with identified social contributors of health. The majority of patients with social contributors of health Z-codes were insured through Medicaid and lived in rural areas. Persons with documented social contributors of health had significantly higher predicted annual medical expenditures compared to those without documentation.
Discussion
The low prevalence of social contributors of health coding aligns with previous studies and represents a missed opportunity to provide targeted interventions for populations experiencing adverse social contributors. These findings underscore the need for strategizing and implementing plans to identify and code social contributors of health, especially in facilities serving those experiencing health inequities. Improved documentation of social contributors to health can facilitate data-driven resource allocation and tailored interventions to address adverse social determinants and promote health equity. Background
In hospitals that serve disproportionately patients of Black race, here termed Black-serving hospitals (BSH), nurse staffing is worse, mortality rates are higher, and nursing-sensitive indicators may be worse than in other hospitals, but this evidence has not been compiled.
Objective
The study objective was to examine whether nursing-sensitive indicators, which measure changes in patient health status directly affected by nursing care, differ in hospitals where Black patients predominantly access their care, as compared to other hospitals.
Methods
To fulfill the objective, a cross-sectional design using publicly available 2019 to 2022 Hospital Compare, 2019 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR), and case mix index (CMI) file databases were used. Four nursing-sensitive indicators were evaluated: pressure ulcer, postoperative sepsis, perioperative pulmonary embolus/deep vein thrombosis, and death rate among surgical inpatients with serious treatable complications (“failure to rescue”) in hospitals classified into high, medium, and low BSHs according to the percentage of patients of Black race in the MEDPAR data. Mean outcome differences across BSH categories were assessed through analyses of variance and regression models, which controlled for hospital CMI.
Results
The 3,101 hospitals were predominantly urban nonteaching hospitals in metropolitan areas. Although 12% of hospitals had Magnet designation, BSHs were disproportionately Magnet (14%). The outcome rates were 0.59 for pressure ulcers, 3.38 for perioperative pulmonary embolus/deep vein thrombosis, 143.58 for failure to rescue, and 4.12 for sepsis. Rates were significantly higher for pressure ulcers, perioperative pulmonary embolus/deep vein thrombosis, and sepsis in high BSHs. The mean failure to rescue rate was similar across low-to-high BSHs and did not show significant differences. These results were unchanged in models adjusting for CMI.
Discussion
The evidence suggests that several nursing-sensitive indicators are worse in high BSHs. Research linking nursing-sensitive indicators to nursing resources such as staffing is needed to explicate the mechanism underlying these findings. Poorer nursing-sensitive indicators in combination with poorer nurse staffing in high BSHs presents a priority for policy and management intervention. Background
The cost of cancer treatment is higher for breast cancer than any other cancer diagnosis, leaving women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) vulnerable to challenges given the extended length of cancer treatment, including financial, physical, and psychological burdens.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of women diagnosed with MBC in the realm of financial concerns and unmet support needs specific to their cancer treatment.
Methods
This qualitative, phenomenological study included individual interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Applied thematic analysis was completed using Atlas.ti. Interrater reliability using Cohen’s kappa was established at 0.80. Participants were recruited from a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center in the United States.
Results
Sixteen participants were interviewed. A majority were White, non-Hispanic, married, unemployed, and had obtained at least a bachelor’s degree level of education. Nearly 19% of participants reported a gross household income of below $50,000. The mean age of participants was 55.6 years. Two major themes were identified, with each having three corresponding subthemes, including: 1) financial toxicities (cost of cancer treatments and medications, limitations of health insurance, and effect on employment); and 2) unmet support needs (managing usual responsibilities, emotional support, community and organizational support).
Discussion
The results highlight the financial and psychosocial needs of women with MBC. Treatment costs take a huge financial toll on patients and their families, including insured women with higher household incomes. Participants expressed a desire for specific MBC resources and support. Background
Despite experiencing an increased incidence in stroke, minority groups have the lowest reported knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and are less likely to receive time-sensitive interventions. There is a need to explore the relationship between social determinants of health and stroke awareness and severity within at-risk communities.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore relationships between social determinants of health and stroke awareness and severity in an underserved area located in a city borough in Northeastern United States.
Methods
We used an exploratory descriptive retrospective design and existing data. Data from 1,162 patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of stroke (ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or intracerebral hemorrhage) were analyzed to explore the relationship between social determinants of health (age, sex, race, ethnicity, payer status, zip code) and stroke awareness and severity.
Results
Age group, race, and hospital arrival method were all significant indicators of time to arrival at the hospital. When holding all other factors in the model constant, being 65 years of age or older was associated with a decrease in time to reach the hospital compared to those under 65 years of age. Those who traveled by private transport had longer discovery to arrival times when holding all other factors constant, as compared to those who arrived by emergency medical services. Compared to persons who were White, persons who were Black or Asian saw increased times to hospital arrival.
Discussion
This study found that social determinants of health including age, race, sex, and insurance type significantly influenced stroke awareness and/or severity. These study findings can be used by stroke program leadership and community nurses to direct community-centered stroke awareness outreach. Background
Chronic pain is a major cause of distress and disability, and biomarkers may aid in the assessment and treatment of it. Urine metabolites may be valuable bioindicators that can provide biological insight regarding chronic pain.
Objectives
To investigate the relationship between a multimarker composite measure of metabolites and patient-reported outcomes scores in adults with chronic pain, using data from a pragmatic clinical trial with a sequential, multiple-assignment randomized trial design.
Methods
Self-reported measures and urine samples from 169 active-duty service members with chronic pain were collected. Urine was analyzed using a preestablished panel of metabolites, including four previously identified biomarkers of pain: kynurenic acid, pyroglutamic acid, ethylmalonic acid, and methylmalonate. Multivariable linear regression models—adjusted for participant characteristics such as age and sex—were used to cross-sectionally examine the relationship between 11 patient-reported outcomes (fatigue, sleep-related impairment, anxiety, depression, anger, pain catastrophizing, physical function, pain interference, satisfaction with participation with social roles, pain intensity, and pain impact score) and the four urine metabolites both individually and as a composite (urine metabolite pain indicator, or UMPI). Given the study’s small sample size and exploratory nature, a significance threshold of p ≤ .10 was used for all analyses.
Results
The UMPI showed statistically significant associations with five self-reported measures (fatigue, anxiety, depression, physical functioning, and pain impact score); adjusted Pearson correlations ranged from .18 to .25. Individual metabolite analyses supported these findings, with all relationships between individual metabolites and self-reported measures showing positive associations. Kynurenic acid and ethylmalonic acid showed the strongest associations, each having statistically significant relationships with four individual self-reported measures, while pyroglutamic acid had statistically significant relationships with three self-reported measures and methylmalonate with none. The UMPI demonstrated feasible reliability.
Discussion
Our finding of associations between the UMPI and components of the self-reported measures supports the development of the UMPI and these four urine metabolites as biomarkers for chronic pain outcomes. Further research is planned and will be essential for establishing mechanistic insight and guiding biomarker development within the context of pain management. Background
Females with autism often receive late diagnoses—especially those with average or above-average intellectual abilities—highlighting the need to explore the unique experiences of this population for better health care support.
Objective
To explore the experiences and perceptions of females who received a late diagnosis on the autism spectrum in terms of coping and managing their diagnosis.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 using semistructured interviews with 14 late-diagnosed autistic female subjects. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed, and thematic analysis of the interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti v.9 software. Findings were reported following standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines.
Results
Two main themes emerged: (a) getting a diagnosis: fitting into the norm, and (b) navigating the distinct significance for autistic females. The findings indicated that masking strategies contribute to delayed diagnoses, and social and health care stigma surrounding autism in females was evident. Areas for improving access to resources and support programs were identified.
Discussion
The results show that masking and camouflaging are predominant strategies among autistic females, contributing to delayed diagnoses and exposing them to additional risks. Enhancing resources and training for health care professionals is necessary to address the specific needs of this population. Background
Population aging has increased the need for solutions that help older adults live independently in their own homes, where medication management is a major challenge.
Objectives
In this systematic review, we assessed the effects of medication dispensers among home-dwelling older adults on outcomes within the five domains of the Quintuple Aim framework: user experiences, health and well-being outcomes, health service utilization and costs, care professional experiences, and equity.
Methods
We identified relevant studies by searching databases (Scopus, CENTRAL, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Reviews) from January 2017 to April 2022 with a predefined search strategy and two-person abstract and full-text screening. Two authors extracted the most relevant data and assessed quality for each included study. We assessed the evidence using a four-level quality rating measure: strong, moderate, limited, or no evidence.
Results
We included five original studies and three systematic reviews, which provided information on 20 additional original studies. Data were extracted from these 25 original studies. We found significant results in 16 of them, mostly pointing to the beneficial effects of dispenser devices. Significant results for health and well-being outcomes were found in 13 out of 21 studies in which these were assessed, for service utilization in two out of five studies, for costs in two out of three studies, and for patient/carer experiences in one out of five studies. No study evaluated professional experiences or equity outcomes. Overall, strong evidence of a beneficial effect of dispenser devices in any outcome is lacking, but they can improve health outcomes (moderate evidence of beneficial effects of using dispenser devices on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c levels). For other outcome domains, there is no or only limited evidence for beneficial effects of dispenser devices.
Discussion
We found that the use of dispenser devices by home-dwelling older adults can improve clinical health outcomes and may reduce health service utilization and costs. More high-quality research is needed to get a better insight into their effects on service utilization and costs. Future studies should also examine the effects on care professionals’ experiences and equity. Background
The wear and tear from chronic stress exposure has been linked to premature aging through allostatic load; however, it is unclear how chronic stress exposure affects physical functioning and physical activity in older adults.
Objectives
The study aims were to examine the behavioral and functional adaptation to chronic stress in older adults and its mediational pathways.
Methods
Data from the Health and Retirement Study 2016 and 2020 (N = 3075, mean age 66 years) were analyzed. Chronic and perceived stress exposure was quantified using Troxel’s Chronic Stressors Scale and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Physical activity was quantified using self-reported questionnaires, including light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Physical functioning was operated as a latent construct with four perceived physical limitations (i.e., difficulty in movement, hand strength, shortness of breath, and balance). The cross-sectional data were analyzed using latent regression analysis. The longitudinal data were analyzed using serial mediation based on MacKinnon’s bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals.
Results
Cross-sectionally, psychological stress, as a latent construct indicated by stress exposure and stress perception, explained more variances in perceived physical limitation than physical activity. Longitudinally, perceived stress and physical activity mediated the relationship between chronic stress exposure and perceived physical limitation with significant indirect effects. Furthermore, perceived physical limitation suppressed the effect of chronic stress exposure on physical activity levels. The effects of mediation and suppression remained significant after the adjustment for age, gender, years of education, race, number of comorbidities, working status, and marital status.
Discussion
The promotion of physical activity and physical functioning in older adults might not achieve the optimal outcome if the program design overlooks the target population’s chronic stress process and functional limitations. Background
Gamification uses game-based mechanics, aesthetics, and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. However, gaps remain in understanding and implementing gamification in rehabilitation care, necessitating further exploration and clarification of the best evidence for application of gamification.
Objective
To conduct a scoping review of the use of gamification in rehabilitation care for adults with chronic illnesses, summarizing the scope, forms, elements, guiding theories, effectiveness, and ease of use of gamification.
Methods
Eight databases in English or Chinese were searched from January 1, 2011 to May 20, 2024 following the standard scoping review framework.
Results
A total of 24 papers were included. Gamification was applied in the rehabilitation of endocrine, skeletal, circulatory, neurological, and cerebrovascular diseases, primarily using virtual reality and three-dimensional forms. Eight gamification elements were most commonly utilized. Positive outcomes included enhanced rehabilitation knowledge, improved attitudes, better physical function, and increased self-care ability. Most patients found gamified rehabilitation care engaging and easy to use.
Discussion
The application of gamification in adult chronic disease rehabilitation care shows great promise. However, the lack of theory-driven or longitudinal data in some studies highlights the need for more randomized controlled and longitudinal research to explore the effectiveness of gamified intervention. Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of obstetric complications remains high throughout the postpartum period.
Objective
We developed and tested a novel, integrated model of group postpartum care titled Focused-Postpartum Care (Focused-PPC) to improve outcomes. In this paper, we report clinical outcomes of participants in the intervention arm and differences in knowledge of postbirth warning signs among those in the intervention and control arms.
Methods
Focused-PPC encompassed recommended clinical assessments, targeted education, and peer support up to 1 year after birth. Focused-PPC was implemented as a parallel randomized controlled trial involving 192 postpartum women across four health centers in Tamale, Ghana, from February 2022 to August 2023. Eligible participants 18 years or older with a live birth were randomly assigned to either the Focused-PPC intervention arm or the control arm at a 1:1 allocation and were not blinded to their allocation. At each health center, 48 participants were allocated to either an intervention or control arm. Focused-PPC groups in the intervention arm consisted of eight participants per group. Participants in the intervention arm received the Focused-PPC integrated group model of care. Participants in the control arm received the standard of postnatal care already administered at each health center.
Results
Baseline analysis included 96 participants from the control arm and 91 participants from the intervention arm. We found that vital signs and clinical outcomes were relatively stable; however, incidences of hypertension substantially decreased among participants in the intervention arm. By 3 months postbirth, most participants in the intervention arm were able to identify all postbirth warning signs and retain this knowledge compared to the control arm. Those in the intervention arm were also knowledgeable of more warning signs at each time point compared to the control arm.
Discussion
An integrated, evidence-based approach to postpartum care, such as Focused-PPC, has potential to increase knowledge and improve clinical outcomes among mothers in Ghana. Background
Tongue-tie is associated with nipple pain and early breastfeeding cessation. To date, research has been limited by small sample sizes and a dearth of evidence on the effects of tongue-tie on infant feeding symptoms and physiologic breastfeeding mechanics.
Objectives
In this article, we describe the protocol for our study exploring infant feeding, negative breastfeeding symptoms, maternal anatomy, and physiologic sucking data between infants with and without tongue-tie.
Methods
A prospective cohort study design is being employed. Over 8 weeks, three visits will be conducted with a sample of mothers and their infants without tongue-tie and a sample of mothers and their infants diagnosed with tongue-tie undergoing treatment via frenotomy. The aims of the study were to compare breastfeeding symptoms, breast anatomy, infant feeding symptoms, feeding efficiency, and nutritive sucking parameters between infants with and without tongue-tie, further comparing these metrics pretreatment and posttreatment via frenotomy with the non-tongue-tied age-matched counterparts.
Results
This study is currently ongoing.
Discussion
Tongue-tie is an everyday problem; clear guidelines are needed to decide whether to treat it. This novel, innovative, and multidisciplinary research study aims to fill critical gaps in understanding the physiological and functional effects of tongue-tie on breastfeeding, offering evidence to inform better clinical decisions and support effective interventions. Background
Due to significant gaps in knowledge around women's health, Congress commissioned the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) to conduct a consensus study on funding allocation, workforce needs, and priority research areas for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Objectives
This manuscript summarizes the key points of the new National Academies report on women's health research for NIH, presents the relevance and importance for nursing research, and briefly discusses the need for increased representation of nurse scientists on National Academies panels.
Methods
Beginning in the Fall of 2023, a multidisciplinary panel of 17 experts was convened by National Academies to address gaps in women's health research at NIH. The committee was tasked to identify research priorities for NIH-funded research with a focus on conditions that are female specific, are more common in women, or affect women differently. In addition, the committee was asked to make recommendations on NIH training and education to strengthen the women's health research workforce; changes to NIH structural, systems, and review processes; and allocation of funding to more equitably reflect the burden of disease among women.
Results
The committee found that, from 2013 to 2023, only 8.8% of NIH research dollars focused on women's health research and that basic knowledge about women's physiological, hormonal fluctuations, and chromosomal differences is lacking. Data are also needed to better understand diseases that are female specific, are more common in women, or affect women differently. The committee made eight recommendations for transformative change at NIH related to women's health research.
Discussion
Overall, the report describes the need for transformative change at NIH to advance the science on women's health research and improve outcomes. This includes a comprehensive approach and recommendations that would double the NIH's investment in women's health research, enhance accountability, and provide rigorous oversight, prioritization, and integration of women's health research across NIH. 
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