Protecting the integrity of survey research.

Although polling is not irredeemably broken, changes in technology and society create challenges that, if not addressed well, can threaten the quality of election polls and other important surveys on topics such as the economy. This essay describes some of these challenges and recommends remediations to protect the integrity of all kinds of survey research, including election polls. These 12 recommendations specify ways that survey researchers, and those who use polls and other public-oriented surveys, can increase the accuracy and trustworthiness of their data and analyses.

Persistence of warfarin therapy for residents in long-term care who have atrial fibrillation.

Background: Among long-term care (LTC) residents with atrial fibrillation (AF), the use of warfarin to prevent stroke has been shown to be suboptimal. For those who begin warfarin prophylaxis in LTC, persistence on this therapy has not been reported.

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate persistence on warfarin among LTC residents with AF.

Warfarin for prevention of thrombosis among long-term care residents with atrial fibrillation: evidence of continuing low use despite consideration of stroke and bleeding risk.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to evaluate usage rates of warfarin in stroke prophylaxis and the association with assessed stages of stroke and bleeding risk in long-term care (LTC) residents with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of two LTC databases (the National Nursing Home Survey [NNHS] 2004 and an integrated LTC database: AnalytiCare) was conducted. The study involved LTC facilities across the USA (NNHS) and within 19 states (AnalytiCare).

Usage of medications with high potential to interact with warfarin among atrial fibrillation residents in long-term care facilities.

Objectives: The rate of potential warfarin drug-drug interactions among long-term care (LTC) residents with atrial fibrillation (AFib) is evaluated.

Research Design And Methods: LTC residents from two databases, the National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS) 2004 and the AnalytiCare™ multistate database, with an AFib diagnosis (ICD9 = 427.3x) were studied.

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in US nursing homes: results from the National Nursing Home Survey, 1985-2004.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in US nursing homes from 1985 to 2004 and to project the prevalence of AFib to 2030.

Design: This study is an analysis of cross-sectional data from the US National Nursing Home Survey, years 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2004.

Setting: Randomly selected long term care facilities in the United States licensed by the state or certified for Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement.