Implementing a Review Process to Facilitate and Prioritize COVID-19 Research: Staying One Step Ahead of the Pandemic.

The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient in the state of New Jersey (NJ) was admitted on March 2, 2020. With the number of hospitalized patients increasing exponentially in the following days and no established treatment approaches, research was to play a significant role in this fight. To facilitate review of all COVID-19 research proposals in a large health care network in NJ, we established the COVID-19 Research Review Committee (RRC) and implemented a peer-review process prior to the Institutional Review Board submission.

Persistence of symptoms and quality of life at 35 days after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection.

Background: Characterizing the prevalence and persistence of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection following hospitalization and their impact is essential to planning post-acute community-based clinical services. This study seeks to identify persistent COVID-19 symptoms in patients 35 days post-hospitalization and their impact on quality of life, health, physical, mental, and psychosocial function.

Methods And Findings: This prospective cohort study used the PROMIS® Instruments to identify symptoms and quality of life parameters in consecutively enrolled patients between March 22 and April 16, 2020, in New Jersey.

Physician Workforce Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic at an Academic Medical Center.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the planning, implementation, and outcome of an acute care physician supplemental workforce during the local coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge at a 771-bed academic medical center, from March 25 to May 5, 2020, in New Jersey, United States.

Methods: The Department of Medicine sought participation by "independent" and redeployed "employed" physicians to provide acute hospital care, as well as assistance with occupational health and family communication. Plans addressed training, compensation, clinical privileges, malpractice, and collaboration with the existing hospitalist service.

Hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab therapy in COVID-19 patients-An observational study.

Hydroxychloroquine has been touted as a potential COVID-19 treatment. Tocilizumab, an inhibitor of IL-6, has also been proposed as a treatment of critically ill patients. In this retrospective observational cohort study drawn from electronic health records we sought to describe the association between mortality and hydroxychloroquine or tocilizumab therapy among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Putting Complex Older Persons First: How the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2019 Payment Proposal Fails Older Americans.

In July 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule for calendar year 2019 (MPFS2019). The proposal sets forth CMS-recommended updates to Medicare payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services provided in the next calendar year. From year to year, the rule also can serve as a vehicle for soliciting input on new payment proposals and changes to existing policies.

Improving hospital venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with electronic decision support.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) disease prophylaxis rates among medical inpatients have been noted to be <50%.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a computerized decision support application to improve VTE prophylaxis.

Design: Observational cohort study.

Geriatrics medication management rounds: a novel approach to teaching rational prescribing with the use of the medication screening questionnaire.

Prescribing for older adults has become increasingly complex as treatment regimens have intensified, and the use of herbal and over-the-counter medications has increased. This article describes an educational intervention called Geriatrics Medication Management Rounds, which uses a new and comprehensive assessment tool called the Medication Screening Questionnaire (MSQ). This case-based interactive session is aimed at teaching trainees and postgraduate physicians and pharmacists to examine the pharmacology, potential drug and disease interactions, efficacy, adherence issues, and goals of care for a geriatric patient's medication regimen.

Office management of deep venous thrombosis in the elderly.

Deep venous thrombosis is common in the elderly. Diagnosis and management are now a part of office practice. As signs and symptoms are inconsistent and nonspecific, diagnostic testing is necessary.

Anticoagulation for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, including those with falls and/or early-stage dementia: a single-center, retrospective, observational study.

Background: Anticoagulation for stroke prevention is underused in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Those with falls and/or early dementia may be at particular risk for stroke and hemorrhage.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prescribing patterns, risks, and benefits of anticoagulation with warfarin or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in elderly patients with AF at risk for stroke and hemorrhage, including those with falls and/or dementia.

Warfarin pharmacology, clinical management, and evaluation of hemorrhagic risk for the elderly.

Warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, is currently the most extensively used oral anticoagulant world-wide. It is prescribed for a variety of indications and has undergone extensive clinical study. Still, despite wide usage and considerable accumulated data from clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for a variety of thrombotic and thromboembolic conditions, warfarin is underutilized because its management is complex for both patients and physicians.