Value of repeat head computed tomography after traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial to improve patient outcomes. While initial head computed tomography (CT) scan is the optimum tool for quick and accurate detection of intracranial hemorrhage, the guidelines on use of repeat CT differ among institutions. Three systematic reviews have been conducted on a similar topic; none have performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of all studies.

Implementation and evaluation of a low health literacy and culturally sensitive diabetes education program.

Low health literacy is more prevalent in persons with limited education, members of ethnic minorities, and those who speak English as a second language, and is associated with multiple adverse diabetes-related health outcomes. This study examined the effectiveness of a low health literacy and culturally sensitive diabetes education program for economically and socially disadvantaged adult patients with type 2 diabetes. A pre-post prospective study design was used to examine outcomes over 12 months.

An analysis of the New York University Emergency Department Algorithm's suitability for use in gauging changes in ED usage patterns.

Background: The Emergency Department Algorithm (EDA) developed at New York University uses administrative discharge data to distill hundreds of International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for emergency department (ED) visits into 4 categories, making it attractive to researchers and policy makers. The EDA has been used to analyze patterns of ED visits in a wide variety of locations and populations. However, there are concerns regarding the validity and use of the EDA for research and policy.

Association of health information technology and teleintensivist coverage with decreased mortality and ventilator use in critically ill patients.

Background: Little evidence exists to support implementing various health information technologies, such as telemedicine, in intensive care units.

Methods: A coordinated health information technology bundle (HITB) was implemented along with remote intensivist coverage (RIC) at a 727-bed academic community hospital. Critical care specialists provided bedside coverage during the day and RIC at night to achieve intensivist coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The influence of year-end bonuses on colorectal cancer screening.

Objective: To estimate the effect of physician bonus eligibility on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, controlling for patient and primary care physician characteristics.

Study Design: Retrospective study using managed care plan claims data from 2000 and 2001.

Methods: Data on 50-year-old commercially insured patients in a managed care health plan were linked to enrollment and provider files.