Patency of ePTFE Arteriovenous Graft Placements in Hemodialysis Patients: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are an appropriate option for vascular access in certain hemodialysis patients. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has become the dominant material for such grafts, due in part to innovations in graft design and surgical interventions to reduce complications and improve patency rates. Comprehensive evidence syntheses have not been conducted to update AVG performance in an era in which both access choice and ePTFE graft functioning may have changed.

Association of Standardization of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy and High-Value Care: An Evidence-Based Approach.

This cohort study assesses utilization patterns of continuous renal replacement therapy and attempts to establish evidence-based guidelines to standardize the process flow and to promote meaningful use.

The Enhanced Care Program: Impact of a Care Transition Program on 30-Day Hospital Readmissions for Patients Discharged From an Acute Care Facility to Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Background: Increased acuity of skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients challenges the current system of care for these patients.

Objective: Evaluate the impact on 30-day readmissions of a program designed to enhance the care of patients discharged from an acute care facility to SNFs.

Design: An observational, retrospective cohort analysis of 30-day hospital readmissions for patients discharged to 8 SNFs between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015.

Tools for Communication: Novel infrastructure to address patient-perceived gaps in oncology care .

Background: Healthcare providers (HCPs) and patient communication are integral to high-quality oncology care. The patient and HCP perspectives are needed to identify gaps in care and develop communication tools.
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Patient-level costs of major cardiovascular conditions: a review of the international literature.

Objective: Robust cost estimates of cardiovascular (CV) events are required for assessing health care interventions aimed at reducing the economic burden of major adverse CV events. This review synthesizes international cost estimates of CV events.

Methods: MEDLINE database was searched electronically for English language studies published during 2007-2012, with cost estimates for CV events of interest - unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and CV revascularization.