Minimizing hair dispersal: Is this an opportunity for improvement in health care-acquired infection prevention?

We performed a study to understand common practices in surgical site hair removal and barriers to guideline compliance in surgical site hair removal. We found most health care providers in the United States do not remove hair outside of the operating room. Our findings reveal minimizing hair dispersal in the operating room, including improved and innovative ways for collecting clipped loose hair, is a significant area for improvement in surgical quality and health care-acquired infection prevention.

Race-ethnicity, crime, and other factors associated with adherence to inhaled corticosteroids.

Background: Previous studies have shown differences in adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) by race-ethnicity, yet little is known about factors that contribute to adherence within these groups. Environmental stressors, such as crime exposure, which has been associated with asthma morbidity, might also predict ICS adherence.

Objective: We sought to identify factors associated with ICS adherence among patients with asthma and among African American patients and white patients separately.

Relationship between adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and poor outcomes among adults with asthma.

Background: Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) can improve asthma symptoms and prevent exacerbations. However, overall adherence is poor among patients with asthma. Objective To estimate the proportion of poor asthma-related outcomes attributable to ICS nonadherence.

Clinical outcomes and adherence to medications measured by claims data in patients with diabetes.

Objective: Although poor medication adherence may contribute to inadequate diabetes control, ways to feasibly measure adherence in routine clinical practice have yet to be established. The present study was conducted to determine whether pharmacy claims-based measures of medication adherence are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: The study setting was a large, integrated delivery and financial system serving the residents of southeastern Michigan.

Risk factors for emergency department use among children with asthma using primary care in a managed care environment.

Objective: To identify risk factors for emergency department (ED) use among children with asthma using primary care in a managed care environment.

Design: Using automated data sources, children with asthma were identified and followed for 2-year periods. We fit logistic regression models using generalized estimating equation approaches to identify ED risk factors.

The use of computerized birthday greeting reminders in the management of diabetes.

Background: Although mailed reminders have been used for prevention among general populations, few studies have evaluated their effectiveness among chronically ill populations.

Objective: We evaluated the effectiveness of mailed reminders for improving diabetes management. The reminder included a letter from the individual's primary care physician (PCP), a self-care handbook, a preventive care checklist, and specific recommendations regarding receipt of routine monitoring and screening.