Association between previous health care use and initiation of inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist combination therapy among US patients with asthma.

Background: Combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta(2)-adrenergic agonist (ICS/LABA) therapy is recommended for patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled by other maintenance therapies and for those with moderate to severe asthma.

Objectives: This study examined the appropriateness of initiation of ICS/LABA combination therapy based on health care use criteria and the proportions of US patients filling prescriptions for either of 2 available therapies.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from commercially insured asthma patients aged 12 to 64 years who initiated combination therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC) or budesonide/ formoterol fumarate dihydrate (BFC) from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008.

Incorporating tailored interactive patient solutions using interactive voice response technology to improve statin adherence: results of a randomized clinical trial in a managed care setting.

The current study presents the impact of a behavior change program to increase statin adherence using interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Subjects were affiliated with a large health benefit company, were prescribed a statin (index) and had no lipid-lowering pharmacy claims in the previous 6 months, and were continuously enrolled in the plan for 12 months prior and 6 months post index statin. Potential subjects (1219) were contacted by the IVR system; 497 gave informed consent.

Design and evaluation of interventions promoting periconceptional multivitamin use.

Background: Periconceptional folic acid use reduces the risk of neural tube defects and possibly other birth defects. The effectiveness of two interventions to increase the use of multivitamins among women of childbearing ages was evaluated.

Methods: Quasi-experimental interrupted time series design with a nonequivalent control group.

The impact of a large-scale population-based asthma management program on pediatric asthma patients and their caregivers.

Background: The consequences of pediatric asthma include missed school attendance, limitations in physical activity, and increased health care utilization and costs. Caregivers of asthmatic children are affected through missed work days and decreased job productivity. In response to these issues, a disease management program encompassing asthmatic children and their caregivers was developed as part of the core services offered to members of a large, national health care plan.