Rural Residence Associated with Receipt of Recommended Post-Discharge COPD Care among a Cohort of U.S. Veterans.

Rationale: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural areas experience inequitable access to care.

Objective: To assess whether rural residence is associated with receipt of recommended post-discharge COPD care.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study of all U.

Recruiting Sexual and Gender Minority Veterans for Health Disparities Research: Recruitment Protocol of a Web-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The Health for Every Veteran Study is the first Veterans Health Administration-funded, nationwide study on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) veterans' health that relies exclusively on primary recruitment methods. This study aimed to recruit 1600 veterans with diverse sexual and gender identities to study the mental health and health risk behaviors of this population. A growing body of literature highlights the health inequities faced by LGBTQ+ veterans when compared with their heterosexual or cisgender peer groups.

Practice Pattern Variation in Adoption of New and Evolving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures.

Objective: Assess factors contributing to variation in the use of new and evolving diagnostic and interventional procedures for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Evidence-based practices for PCI have the potential to improve outcomes but are variably adopted. Finding possible drivers of PCI procedure-use variability is key for efforts aimed at establishing more uniform practice.

Disparities in Mental Health and Health Risk Behaviors for LGBT Veteran Subgroups in a National U.S. Survey.

This study examined differences in mental health and health risk behaviors across sexual orientation and gender identity among U.S. veterans.

Trends in Arterial Access Site Selection and Bleeding Outcomes Following Coronary Procedures, 2011-2018.

Background: Prior studies of radial access for cardiac catheterization have focused on early adopters of the technique, and some have described a risk/treatment paradox of low radial access use among high bleeding risk patients. This study aimed to determine (1) trends in radial access use over time, (2) if increasing use of radial access is driven by new invasive and interventional cardiologists (operators) or existing operators changing their practice, and (3) if increasing radial rates are associated with lower bleeding rates and elimination of the risk/treatment paradox.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study using data from the Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program, we calculated radial access rates and risk-adjusted postprocedural bleeding rates of patients undergoing diagnostic angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2011 and 2018 in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Design and baseline results of a coaching intervention for implementation of trans-radial access in percutaneous coronary intervention.

Trans-radial artery access (TRA) for cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention has many advantages over trans-femoral artery access (TFA), but implementation has been slow. The steep learning curve, logistical issues, and radiation exposure have been documented as barriers to implementation. Although many cardiac catheterization laboratories have overcome these barriers, we lack evidence on effective implementation strategies.

Association Between Mental Health Staffing Level and Primary Care-Mental Health Integration Level on Provision of Depression Care in Veteran's Affairs Medical Facilities.

We examined the association of mental health staffing and the utilization of primary care/mental health integration (PCMHI) with facility-level variations in adequacy of psychotherapy and antidepressants received by Veterans with new, recurrent, and chronic depression. Greater likelihood of adequate psychotherapy was associated with increased (1) PCMHI utilization by recurrent depression patients (AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.

Antidepressant adherence and risk of coronary artery disease hospitalizations in older and younger adults with depression.

Objectives: To assess whether the relationship between antidepressant adherence and coronary artery disease (CAD) hospitalizations varied between older and younger adults with depression.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics nationwide.

Racial and ethnic differences in receipt of antidepressants and psychotherapy by veterans with chronic depression.

Objective: This study characterized racial-ethnic differences in treatment of veterans with chronic depression by examining antidepressant and psychotherapy use among non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian-Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans.

Methods: Logistic regression models were estimated with data from the U.S.

Characteristics and well-being of informal caregivers: Results from a nationally-representative US survey.

Objectives: Given ongoing concerns about high levels of burden reported among some informal caregivers, the goal of this study was to characterize their sociodemographics, health, and well-being.

Methods: Using cross-sectional data from a large nationally representative survey in the United States (N = 438,712) we identified adults who provided informal care to friends or family members with a health problem, long-term illness, or disability. Descriptive statistics and propensity matching were used to characterize caregivers and compare their health and social support to sociodemographically-similar adults who were not caregivers.

Recruitment and retention rates in behavioral trials involving patients and a support person: a systematic review.

Background: Recruitment and retention challenges impede the study of behavioral interventions among patient-support person dyads.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to characterize recruitment and retention rates of behavioral interventions involving dyads.

Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines and with the guidance of a medical librarian, we searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and CINAHL from inception until July 2011.

Depression and anxiety diagnoses are not associated with delayed resolution of abnormal mammograms and pap tests among vulnerable women.

Background: Delays in care after abnormal cancer screening contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. Women with psychiatric disorders are less likely to receive cancer screening and may also have delays in diagnostic resolution after an abnormal screening test.

Objective: To determine if depression and anxiety are associated with delays in resolution after abnormal mammograms and Pap tests in a vulnerable population of urban women.

Patient navigation to increase mammography screening among inner city women.

Background: Lower mammography screening rates among minority and low income women contribute to increased morbidity and mortality from breast cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a patient navigation intervention on adherence rates to biennial screening mammography among women engaged in primary care at an inner-city academic medical center.

Design: Quality improvement intervention with a concurrent control group, conducted from February to November of 2008.