Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection during Delta and Omicron variant predominance periods: a single-hospital retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Initial reports suggest the B.1.1.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Among Adults Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Periods of B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant Predominance - One Hospital, California, July 15-September 23, 2021, and December 21, 2021-January 27, 2022.

In mid-December 2021, the B.1.1.

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.

Development of a population-based screening questionnaire for COPD.

COPD is commonly under-diagnosed, in part because people at risk are unaware of the relevant risk factors and do not recognize related symptoms. Providing this information might permit earlier disease identification but the questions chosen should identify those with spirometrically defined airflow obstruction. Using a population-based data set, we have determined which questions identify persons most likely to have airflow obstruction.

Scoring system and clinical application of COPD diagnostic questionnaires.

Objectives: In most primary care settings, spirometric screening of all patients at risk is not practical. In prior work, we developed questionnaires to help identify COPD in two risk groups: (1) persons with a positive smoking history but no history of obstructive lung disease (case finding), and (2) patients with prior evidence of obstructive lung disease (differential diagnosis). For these questionnaires, we now present a scoring system for use in primary care.

International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Guidelines: integrating diagnostic guidelines for managing chronic respiratory diseases in primary care.

This is the first of the IPCRG Guideline papers. The IPCRG took on the task of producing an integrated guideline for the management of chronic respiratory diseases in primary care. This included some original work aimed at developing questionnaires suitable for improving the diagnosis and recognition of respiratory diseases in the primary care setting.

Coordinated diagnostic approach for adult obstructive lung disease in primary care.

Aims: To present an age-stratified approach to the diagnosis of obstructive lung disease based on asthma and COPD guidelines and epidemiology.

Methods: Asthma guidelines emphasize the role of the history and physical examination, with pulmonary function used primarily to confirm the diagnosis. COPD guidelines begin with symptoms and risk exposure, presenting spirometry as the primary diagnostic maneuver.

Symptom-based questionnaire for identifying COPD in smokers.

Background: Symptom-based questionnaires may enhance chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening in primary care.

Objectives: We prospectively tested questions to help identify COPD among smokers without prior history of lung disease.

Methods: Subjects were recruited via random mailing to primary care practices in Aberdeen, UK, and Denver, Colo.

Symptom-based questionnaire for differentiating COPD and asthma.

Background: Many patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD) carry an inaccurate diagnostic label. Symptom-based questionnaires could identify persons likely to need spirometry.

Objectives: We prospectively tested questions derived from a comprehensive literature review and an international Delphi panel to help identify chronic OLD (COPD) in persons with prior evidence of OLD.

Questions for COPD diagnostic screening in a primary care setting.

Objectives: To test questions usable in an ambulatory clinic to identify persons likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Analyses were performed as part of a study to identify patients with likely COPD in the Glenfield UK primary care clinic. Patients age 40 and older were recruited based on one of the following criteria: (1) respiratory medications in previous 2 years; (2) history of smoking or (3) history of asthma with no current medications based on case notes.

Comparison of existing symptom-based questionnaires for identifying COPD in the general practice setting.

Objective: Underdiagnosis of COPD is widespread, at least in part due to underuse of spirometry. Symptom-based questionnaires may be helpful as an adjunct to spirometry. The aim of this study was to determine which types of questions might aid in identifying COPD.

The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on long-term disability costs.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a cause of disability with subsequent costs remains poorly recognized. The small, growing body of literature on COPD shows that it is one of the leading causes of missed work.greater than asthma or diabetes.

Analysis of medication use patterns:apparent overuse of antibiotics and underuse of prescription drugs for asthma, depression, and CHF.

Objective: To assess the appropriateness of prescription medication use based upon widely accepted treatment guidelines.

Methods: We analyzed administrative claims for the period October 1, 1998, through September 20, 1999, supplied by 3 California health plans to determine medication use patterns for outpatient prescriptions. We compared these patterns to those expected in the presence of adherence to treatment guidelines.

Interpreting COPD prevalence estimates: what is the true burden of disease?

Study Objectives: To summarize the available data on COPD prevalence and assess reasons for conflicting prevalence estimates in the published literature.

Design: We reviewed published studies that (1) estimated COPD prevalence for a population, and (2) clearly described the methods used to obtain the estimates.

Results: Thirty-two sources of COPD prevalence rates, representing 17 countries and eight World Health Organization-classified regions, were identified and reviewed.

Worldwide guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comparison of diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of worldwide burden of disease, but is underdiagnosed and undertreated. We performed a systematic review of worldwide COPD clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to determine the degree of international consensus on major guideline recommendations.

Methods: The COPD CPG were identified from the medical literature and through contact with respiratory experts and organizations.