Performance of a rule-based semi-automated method to optimize chart abstraction for surveillance imaging among patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: We aim to develop and test performance of a semi-automated method (computerized query combined with manual review) for chart abstraction in the identification and characterization of surveillance radiology imaging for post-treatment non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Methods: A gold standard dataset consisting of 3011 radiology reports from 361 lung cancer patients treated at the Veterans Health Administration from 2008 to 2016 was manually created by an abstractor coding image type, image indication, and image findings. Computerized queries using a text search tool were performed to code reports.

A common language for Gulf War Illness (GWI) research studies: GWI common data elements.

Aims: The Gulf War Illness programs (GWI) of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program collaborated with experts to develop Common Data Elements (CDEs) to standardize and systematically collect, analyze, and share data across the (GWI) research community.

Main Methods: A collective working group of GWI advocates, Veterans, clinicians, and researchers convened to provide consensus on instruments, case report forms, and guidelines for GWI research. A similar initiative, supported by the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) was completed for a comparative illness, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and provided the foundation for this undertaking.

Diffusion, implementation, and use of Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) in the Veterans Health Administration (VA).

This case study describes the implementation of the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VA). VA REDCap enables secure and standardized data collection, fosters collaboration with external researchers through use of a widely used data management tool, facilitates multisite studies through use of data forms that can be shared across sites within and outside the VA, is well suited to health services research studies and quality improvement projects, and enables exporting data for analysis in the VA secure computing environment. Using a diffusion of innovation framework approach, authors explore organizational factors that shaped adoption of REDCap technology and constraints on its use within the VA.

Empowering patients in chronic care to improve diabetes distress and glycaemic control: Protocol for a hybrid implementation-effectiveness clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative goal-setting intervention (Empowering Patients in Chronic Care [EPIC]) to improve glycaemic control and diabetesrelated distress, and implementation into routine care across multiple primary care clinics.

Design: Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of the EPIC intervention with enhanced usual care (EUC) at five clinic sites located in the greater Chicago and Houston areas. We will measure differences in haemoglobin A (HbA) and diabetes distress scale scores among study arms at post-intervention and maintenance (6 months post-intervention).

The value of peer support for self-management of diabetes among veterans in the Empowering Patients In Chronic care intervention.

Aim: To examine the value of peer support in the self-management of diabetes among veterans in an integrated health care system.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with veterans and clinicians 6 months after their participation in Empowering Patients in Chronic Care (EPIC), a group-based diabetes intervention with a peer-support component. Interviews elicited clinicians' narratives of how peer support unfolded in the groups and veterans' experiences of giving and receiving support from their peers.

A research agenda for care coordination for chronic conditions: aligning implementation, technology, and policy strategies.

The U.S. healthcare system is changing, spurred on by increasing use of information technologies, changes in legislation and policy, and consumer demand for more convenient, timely, and patient-centered care.

Veterans' access to and use of Medicare and Veterans Affairs health care.

Objectives: We examined the impact of access to care characteristics on health care use patterns among those veterans dually eligible for Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) services.

Methods: We used a retrospective, cross-sectional design to identify veterans who were eligible to use VA and Medicare health care in calendar year 1999. We analyzed national VA utilization and Medicare claims data.

Using administrative databases for outcomes research: select examples from VA Health Services Research and Development.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates and maintains one of the largest health care systems under a single management structure in the world.