Publications by authors named "Joann Zell Gillis"
Objective: Disease activity and medication use can complicate pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We therefore examined contraceptive counseling and use among women in the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study.
Methods: In 2008, we queried participants regarding their pregnancy intentions, contraceptive use, and receipt of contraceptive counseling.
Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily affects women of reproductive age. Here we summarize the scientific evidence supporting recently developed quality indicators (QIs) pertaining to reproductive health.
Methods: We used a modification of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to develop QIs for SLE.
Frequent use of the emergency department among persons with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)
March 2010
Objective: To describe characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who are frequent users of the emergency department and to identify predictors of frequent emergency department use.
Methods: Data for this study were derived from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study, a large cohort of persons with SLE who undergo annual structured interviews. Participants were categorized into 1 of 3 levels of emergency department utilization: nonusers (no visits in the preceding year), occasional users, (1-2 visits), and frequent users (> or =3 visits).
Objective: To systematically develop a quality indicator (QI) set for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: We used a validated process that combined available scientific evidence and expert consensus to develop a QI set for SLE. We extracted 20 candidate indicators from a systematic literature review of clinical practice guidelines pertaining to SLE.
Objective: To estimate health care costs and costs associated with changes in work productivity among persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the US.
Methods: Data were derived from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study. Participants provided information on their health care resource use and employment.
Objective: To assess the specific contribution of memory impairment to employment status in persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: A total of 832 patients with SLE were surveyed and data collected on demographics, SLE symptoms and activity, health status, depression, medications, health resource utilization, and current employment status. Participants underwent screening for memory impairment and based on their scores were categorized to 3 levels of memory function: intact, mild-moderate impairment, and severe impairment.
Objective: To evaluate the associations between Medicaid insurance and distance traveled by patients to treating physicians and health care utilization for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: A total of 982 adults with SLE were recruited between 2002 and 2004. We calculated the distance between patient homes and physicians using Mapquest, an Internet mapping program.
Objective: To examine the role of sociodemographic factors (age, race/ethnicity, and sex) and socioeconomic factors (income and education) in the utilization of rheumatology subspecialty care in a large cohort of subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Data were derived from a cohort of 982 English-speaking subjects with SLE. Between 2002 and 2004, trained survey workers administered a telephone survey to subjects eliciting information regarding demographics, SLE disease status, medications, health care utilization, health insurance, and socioeconomic status.