Healthcare utilization and costs of Veterans screened and assessed for traumatic brain injury.

Approximately 15% of casualties in the Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]) conflicts received mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). To identify Veterans who may benefit from treatment, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a national clinical reminder in 2007 to screen for TBI. Veterans who screen positive are referred for a comprehensive TBI evaluation.

Eliminating central line-associated bloodstream infections: a national patient safety imperative.

Background: Several studies demonstrating that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are preventable prompted a national initiative to reduce the incidence of these infections.

Methods: We conducted a collaborative cohort study to evaluate the impact of the national "On the CUSP: Stop BSI" program on CLABSI rates among participating adult intensive care units (ICUs). The program goal was to achieve a unit-level mean CLABSI rate of less than 1 case per 1,000 catheter-days using standardized definitions from the National Healthcare Safety Network.

Medication acquisition across systems of care and patient-provider communication among older veterans.

Purpose: The results of a survey assessing Medicare Part D enrollment, the use of pharmacotherapies for chronic diseases, and other medication-use issues in a population of elderly military veterans are presented.

Methods: Medicare-eligible (i.e.

An evaluation of the Veterans Affairs traumatic brain injury screening process among Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.

Objective: To describe the early results of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) screening program for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with receiving a TBI screen and results of the screening.

Audiological issues and hearing loss among Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.

We examined the prevalence, severity, etiology, and treatment of audiology problems among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A retrospective chart review was performed of 250 Veterans with mild TBI. Results of a comprehensive second-level mild TBI evaluation and subsequent visits to audiology were evaluated.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders.

Background And Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) are common and costly conditions among Veterans. However, little is known about CKD among adults with SCI/D.

Methods: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of Veterans with SCI/D across all VA facilities in 2006.

Prevalence and treatment of headaches in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives: To report the prevalence and characteristics of headaches in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to describe most common treatment strategies after neurological evaluation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. The setting was a United States Veterans Healthcare Administration Polytrauma Network Site.