VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Objective Racial and ethnic disparities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcomes are well recognized. However, whether disparities in RA treatment selection and outcomes differ by urban versus rural residence, independent of race, have not been studied. Our objective was to evaluate whether biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) initiation after methotrexate administration differs by rural versus urban residence among veterans with RA. Methods In this retrospective cohort study using national US Veterans Affairs (VA) databases, we identified adult patients with RA based on the presence of diagnostic codes and DMARD administration. We included patients receiving an initial prescription of methotrexate (index date) between 2005 and 2014, with data through 2016 used for follow‐up. Urban–rural status was categorized using the Veteran Health Administration's Urban/Rural classification. Our primary outcome of interest was time to biologic initiation within two years of starting methotrexate. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conducted adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and rheumatoid factor or anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity. Results Among 17,395 veterans with RA (88% male, 42% with rural residence) fulfilling eligibility criteria, 3,259 (19%) initiated a biologic within the first two years of follow‐up. In multivariable models, residence in an urban area was associated with a statistically significant higher biologic administration compared to rural areas (adjusted hazard ratio 1.10 [95% confidence interval 1.02–1.18]). Conclusion Our study found only modest differences in the initiation of biologic therapies among rural‐ versus urban‐residing veterans with RA in the VA health care system. These findings suggest that disparities are not easily explained by rurality within the VA health care system.

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon‐Like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) are recommended in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for glycaemic control and for people with high cardiovascular risk. However, current guidelines do not specifically address the role of initial early combination therapy with SGLT2i and GLP‐1 RA or dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)/GLP‐1 RA, but rather sequential initiation with either in T2D. This review synthesizes the available evidence on the use of SGLT2i and GLP‐1‐based therapies for T2D and provides a rationale for their combination. The combination of SGLT2i with GLP‐1‐based therapies addresses complementary pathophysiological mechanisms and enhances efficacy in achieving target haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels. SGLT2i and GLP‐1 RA also have been shown to prevent complications of T2D. While both classes reduce adverse cardiorenal events, SGLT2i has a predominant effect on prevention of kidney dysfunction and heart failure, whereas GLP‐1 RA has a more marked effect on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Both drug classes have favourable safety profiles. Finally, weight loss with combination therapy may have disease‐modifying effects that may reverse T2D progression. We propose that the combination of SGLT2i with GLP‐1 RA or dual GIP/GLP‐1 RA should be considered for most patients with T2D who do not have contraindications.

This Viewpoint discusses how prerequisite comprehensive lifestyle interventions for novel antiobesity medications may disproportionately impact patients at highest risk of obesity-related complications and perpetuate disparities in care.

Frailty is a syndrome that can inform clinical treatments and interventions for older adults. Although implementation of frailty across medical subspecialties has the potential to improve care for the aging population, its uptake has been heterogenous. While frailty assessment is highly integrated into certain medical subspecialties, other subspecialties have only recently begun to consider frailty in the context of patient care. In order to advance the field of frailty‐informed care, we aim to detail what is known about frailty within the subspecialties of internal medicine. In doing so, we highlight cross‐disciplinary approaches that can enhance our understanding of frailty, focusing on ways to improve the implementation of frailty measures, as well as develop potential interventional strategies to mitigate frailty within these subspecialties. This has important implications for the clinical care of the aging population and can help guide future research.

Background In the United States, historically minoritized populations experience disproportionately high incidence of progressive kidney disease but are often unprepared for kidney failure. Due to limited options for health care, many minoritized patients with kidney disease rely on Community Health Centers (CHCs) for affordable ambulatory care. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 139,275 adults aged 18-64 years who were enrolled in Medicaid or uninsured at time of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) onset during 2016-2020. We examined whether CHC penetration of the state-level low-income population was associated with ESKD incidence, process measures reflective of pre-ESKD care quality, and survival and kidney transplant waitlisting one year after ESKD onset. We obtained population characteristics of the 1,370 Health Resources and Services Administration CHCs and 50 states (and the District of Columbia) for the same period. Results Mean CHC penetration among low-income residents (percentage of low-income residents who were CHC patients in each state) was 36% (standard deviation, 19%). The Northeast (Census region) had the highest proportion of states with high CHC penetration and the South had the highest proportion of states with low CHC penetration. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and obesity were lower in states with high versus low CHC penetration. There were no significant differences in age- and sex-standardized ESKD incidence according to CHC penetration. In individual-level analyses, higher CHC penetration was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of prolonged nephrology care (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.04 [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.03, 1.05]), arteriovenous fistula or graft usage at hemodialysis initiation (OR: 1.11 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.12]), home dialysis usage (OR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.05]), and one-year kidney transplant waitlisting (OR: 1.19 [95% CI: 1.18, 1.21]) and ESKD survival (OR: 1.06 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.07]). Conclusions Among Medicaid enrollees and uninsured adults with incident kidney failure, higher CHC penetration was associated with a lower prevalence of kidney disease risk factors, and better preparedness for, and higher survival after, ESKD onset. These findings warrant additional study into the role and impact of Community Health Centers in addressing longstanding disparities in kidney health.

Purpose. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, with most cases attributable to cigarette smoking. Many communities within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) umbrella have high rates of smoking, but focused lung cancer prevention is limited. Our objective was to utilize a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to guide the development of a program focused on lung cancer prevention in LGBTQ+ elders. Methods. Through community partnerships, we recruited participants who self-identified as LGBTQ+ and were eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS) to participate in semi-structured qualitative discussions with complementary surveys. Qualitative guides were developed to collect data on determinants of smoking cessation and LCS and to elicit feedback on interventions to support lung cancer prevention through a tailored approach to patient navigation. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid templated analysis to elucidate themes. Results. The 21 enrolled participants had diverse sexual and gender identities and 57% were of minoritized race/ethnicity. Most (81%) had experience with smoking cessation but few (10%) had undergone LCS. Overall themes suggest interest in personalized (to individuals), tailored (to the LGBTQ+ community) and integrated longitudinal programs to support lung cancer prevention. Themes suggest strong endorsement of focused messaging to LGBTQ+ persons and reducing stigma related to LGBTQ+ identity and smoking. Conclusions. Themes highlight the need for integrated tobacco and LCS programming which can provide longitudinal support, and ideally, center community settings and peer support. This formative work will be utilized to adapt a patient navigation program to assist screen-eligible LGBTQ+ elders.

Objective To review United States chiropractic state boards acceptance of chiropractic residencies and fellowships as continuing education (CE). Methods Between February 2024 and April 2024, board websites and accompanying policy documents for all 50 states and the District of Columbia were manually searched for content related to residencies and fellowships and whether they were considered CE. Information regarding CE credit requirements for new licensees was also collected. Results were tabulated in a spreadsheet and descriptive analysis was performed. Consensus among a minimum of 5 of 6 investigators was sought. Results Four states (Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, and Minnesota) accept residencies or fellowships for CE credit, 6 states possess unclear regulatory language regarding these programs, and 41 states make no mention of these training programs among approved CE. Twenty-one states required CE credits during a licensee’s initial renewal period, 1 state was unclear based on website content alone, and 29 states did not mandate CE for initial license renewal. More than 90% (19/21) of states that require CE for a licensee’s first renewal do not or are unclear if they accept residencies or fellowships for credit. Conclusion Few chiropractic state boards currently accept residencies and fellowships as approved CE. As the number of these postdoctoral training programs for chiropractors grow, more state boards may be asked to determine their CE policies on them.

Background We previously reported in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), pretreatment higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and absolute (abx) neutrophils as well as lower percent (%) lymphocytes correlated with worse overall survival (OS). In this study we aimed to develop a prognostic signature for HNSCC treated with ICIs using these peripheral blood biomarkers (PBBMs). Methods Adults with R/M HNSCC treated with ICIs at our institution from 08/2012 to 03/2021 with pretreatment PBBMs were included. Follow-up continued until 02/15/2022. The cohort (n = 151) was randomly split into training (n = 100) and testing (n = 51) datasets. A prognostic score incorporating LDH, % lymphocytes, and abx neutrophils was developed from the training dataset using Cox proportional hazards regression. In the training dataset, a grid search identified the optimal cutpoints classifying patients into high, medium, and low-risk groups (trichotomized signature) as well as high vs. low-risk groups (dichotomized signature). The prognostic score, dichotomized and trichotomized signatures were then validated in the testing dataset. Results Training and testing datasets showed no clinically meaningful differences in clinicodemographic characteristics or PBBMs. An OS prognostic model was developed from the training dataset: Risk score = 1.24*log10(LDH) − 1.95*log10(% lymphocytes) + 0.47*log10(abx neutrophils). Optimal risk score cutpoints for the dichotomized and trichotomized signatures were defined in the training dataset, and Kaplan-Meier curves for both dichotomized and trichotomized signatures showed good separation between risk groups. Risk scores were calculated in the testing dataset, where the trichotomized signature demonstrated overlap between low and medium-risk groups but good separation from the high-risk group while the dichotomized signature showed clear separation between low and high-risk groups. Higher risk score correlated with worse OS (HR 2.08, [95%CI 1.17–3.68], p = 0.012). Progression-free survival Kaplan-Meier curves likewise showed excellent separation between dichotomized risk groups in the training and testing datasets. Conclusions We developed a prognostic signature for OS based on 3 previously identified PBBMs for HNSCC treated with ICIs and identified a high-risk group of patients least likely to have survival benefit from ICIs. This signature may improve ICI patient selection and warrants validation in an independent cohort as well as correlation with CPS.

Background: Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) have well-established benefit for patients with heart failure (HF) or coronary artery disease with type 2 diabetes (CAD+T2D), but use remains low. We aimed to characterize post-hospitalization use of these novel medications by provider specialty in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Methods: Using VA health record and administrative data, two patient cohorts were retrospectively identified with hospitalization from 2017-2023 for either HF or CAD+T2D. Provider-level encounter data and outpatient prescriptions within 6 months of discharge were assessed for ARNI and SGLT2i for HF and SGTL2i or GLP-1 RA for CAD+T2D among primary care, cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology providers. Medication utilization was counted equally for providers seeing the same patient, regardless of which provider initiated the prescription. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize frequency and proportions of novel medication use by specialty in 4 categories with respect to hospital discharge: 1) only before, 2) continued, 3) new start, or 4) untreated. Results: There were 215,816 patient-provider encounters in the HF cohort and 171,540 encounters in the CAD+T2D cohort. Cardiology providers had the highest rate (11.9%) and largest number (n=11,397) of new starts for ARNI. For SGLT2i for HF, endocrinology had the highest rate (12.9%) but the smallest number (n=794) of new starts. For SGTL2i or GLP-1 RA for CAD+T2D, endocrinology had the highest rate (13.8%), but primary care had the highest number (n=7,426) of new starts. In total, 10% of visits had a new start while >70% of patients were untreated with novel medication classes. Conclusion: Most post-hospitalization care for HF and CAD+T2D was provided by primary care and cardiology. Cardiologists and endocrinologists were most likely to use novel cardiovascular medications, but endocrinologists accounted for a small proportion of total HF and CAD care. Future work should focus on implementation strategies to address the large opportunity for improvement in guideline-concordant care across all specialties.

Background Health care systems are increasingly focused on assessing patient well-being and functioning. The objective of the current analysis was to evaluate a pragmatic question: to what extent and in what way can the PHQ-2, a routinely collected screening measure, be used to help clinicians and a learning health system understand the well-being and functioning of its beneficiaries? Methods The current analysis focused on 2872 Veterans who completed a large-scale longitudinal survey about health and wellness for whom we were able to link survey responses to PHQ-2 scores recorded in their electronic health records (EHR). Regression analyses examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between PHQ-2 scores recorded in the EHR and measures of well-being (life satisfaction, purpose in life, and social health) and functioning (pain severity and interference, physical and mental health, and perceived stress). Results Veterans were aged 65 years on average (11% women). PHQ-2 scores were correlated cross-sectionally with all well-being and functioning measures; however, there was minimal variance accounted for. Changes in the PHQ-2 over time were associated with 3 measures: purpose in life ( b = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.34, −0.04), mental health functioning ( b = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.54, −0.04), and perceived stress ( b = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.24). Conclusions The PHQ-2 was minimally associated with patient well-being and functioning, with more work needed on how the PHQ-2 may be used in large health care settings within the context of VA Whole Health. Assessment of well-being is critical as VA’s Whole Health transformation continues, and identifying strategies for well-being measurement is an integral next step.

Introduction COVID‐19 survivors are at greater risk for new medical conditions. Among older adults, where multimorbidity and functional impairment are common, frailty measurement provides a tool for understanding how infection impacts future health beyond a one‐disease‐at‐a‐time approach. We investigated whether COVID‐19 was associated with change in frailty among older Veterans. Methods Data were from the Veterans Affairs (VA) COVID‐19 Observational Research Collaboratory, which extracted VA medical record data. We included Veterans who had COVID‐19 from March 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021 and matched uninfected controls. We excluded those <50 years at index or did not survive 12 months after. Frailty was assessed at the index date and 12 months using the VA Frailty Index (VA‐FI). We assessed the number of new VA‐FI deficits over 12 months. Analysis was done by negative binomial regression adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and BMI. Coefficients are given as the ratio of the mean number of new deficits in COVID‐19 cases versus controls during follow‐up. Results We identified 91,338 COVID‐19‐infected Veterans and an equal number of matched controls. Median (IQR) age was 68.9 years (60.3–74.2), 5% were female, 71% were White, and baseline VA‐FI was 0.16 (0.10, 0.26). Median (IQR) number of new deficits at 1 year was 1 (0–2) for infected and 0 (0–1) for uninfected controls. After adjustment, those with COVID‐19 accrued 1.54 (95% CI 1.52–1.56) times more deficits than those who did not. The five most common new deficits were fatigue (9.7%), anemia (6.8%), muscle atrophy (6.5%), gait abnormality (6.2%), and arthritis (5.8%). Discussion We found a greater increase in frailty among older Veterans with COVID‐19 compared with matched uninfected controls, suggesting that COVID‐19 infection has long‐term implications for vulnerability and disability among older adults. Functional impairments such as fatigue, impaired mobility, and joint pain may warrant specific attention in this population.

BACKGROUND Limited research has explored the effect of cardiovascular risk and amyloid interplay on cognitive decline in East Asians. METHODS Vascular burden was quantified using Framingham's General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FRS) in 526 Korean Brain Aging Study (KBASE) participants. Cognitive differences in groups stratified by FRS and amyloid positivity were assessed at baseline and longitudinally. RESULTS Baseline analyses revealed that amyloid‐negative (Aβ–) cognitively normal (CN) individuals with high FRS had lower cognition compared to Aβ– CN individuals with low FRS (p < 0.0001). Longitudinally, amyloid pathology predominantly drove cognitive decline, while FRS alone had negligible effects on cognition in CN and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that managing vascular risk may be crucial in preserving cognition in Aβ– individuals early on and before the clinical manifestation of dementia. Within the CN and MCI groups, irrespective of FRS status, amyloid‐positive individuals had worse cognitive performance than Aβ– individuals. Highlights Vascular risk significantly affects cognition in amyloid‐negative older Koreans. Amyloid‐negative CN older adults with high vascular risk had lower baseline cognition. Amyloid pathology drives cognitive decline in CN and MCI, regardless of vascular risk. The study underscores the impact of vascular health on the AD disease spectrum.

Objective Investigate the association between the MUC5B rs35705950 promoter variant and survival in RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Methods We studied participants in the Veteran Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry with validated ILD diagnoses. Participants were followed until death or end of study period. The MUC5B rs35705950 promoter variant was measured using an Infinium genotyping array, assuming autosomal dominant inheritance. Survival and cause of death were determined from VA death records and the National Death Index. Associations of the MUC5B promoter variant with survival were tested in Cox regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Results Among 263 participants with RA-ILD (mean age 69 years, 95% male, 73% white race, 85% smoking history), the MUC5B promoter variant was present in 33.5%. Mortality rate was similar between those with (12.2/100PY [95% CI: 9.4, 15.8]) and without (11.1/100PY [95% CI: 9.1, 13.5]) the variant. MUC5B status was not significantly associated with survival overall (aHR 0.97 [95% CI: 0.68, 1.37]) or when stratified by ILD pattern (clinical usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP] aHR 0.86 [95% CI: 0.55, 1.35]; clinical non-UIP aHR 1.15 [95% CI: 0.63, 2.09]). Further, MUC5B status was not significantly associated with respiratory-related (aHR 0.83 [95% CI: 0.42, 1.66]) or non-respiratory causes of death (aHR 1.08 [95% CI: 0.72, 1.62]). Conclusion While associated with RA-ILD risk, the MUC5B promoter variant was not predictive of survival among RA-ILD patients in this multicentre cohort. Further studies are needed to identify other genetic and non-genetic prognostic factors in RA-ILD to inform disease management.

Vaccine hesitancy, especially related to COVID-19 vaccinations among Veterans, may limit uptake. Behaviorally informed text-based messages have the potential to improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations. To evaluate the impact of two different behaviorally informed text message nudges on COVID-19 vaccine scheduling and completion, compared to standard control message. Prospective, three-arm patient-level randomized quality improvement trial. Between March and May 2021, 20,523 Veterans were eligible for the initial series of COVID-19 vaccination, enrolled at two large Veterans Health Administration sites. Arm 1 (Control): standard scheduling message; Arm 2 (Social Good): standard message plus behaviorally informed text message “When you get a vaccine now, you help protect yourself, your family, and your community”; and Arm 3 (Scarcity): standard plus behaviorally informed text message “Only a limited number of vaccine appointments are available.” Outcomes were vaccine scheduling and/or completion rate within 7 days of receipt of text message (primary), and within 14 days and 30 days after receipt of text message (secondary). Veterans had an overall rate of 19% of scheduling or receiving a vaccination in 7 days. In our adjusted intention-to-treat analysis, we found no difference between intervention social good or scarcity (aOR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.88–1.09, for both arms) compared to standard scheduling message. We found no statistical differences in our secondary outcomes. During the initial phases of vaccine roll-out, two behaviorally informed text messages did not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among Veterans compared to a standard scheduling message.

Introduction Anticipating and addressing implementation challenges is critical to ensuring success of mobile healthcare programs. Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic (O&P) Care (MoPOC) is a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that aims to improve access to VA-based O&P services through a national network of traveling O&P clinicians who deliver care in rural communities. We conducted an iterative evaluation guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to identify challenges and associated strategies for successful implementation of this mobile O&P program. Methods MoPOC is delivered by an O&P clinician anchored at a VA medical center (VAMC). Clinicians travel to remote VA clinics and Veteran's homes with a custom vehicle which provides storage and a workshop to modify O&P devices. Each clinician is supported by a program support assistant. MoPOC was implemented in three phases. The qualitative evaluation of MoPOC implementation was conducted as part of a larger evaluation of MoPOC program outcomes. We conducted semi-structured interviews and regular check-ins with MoPOC clinicians, site managers, and stakeholders both prior to implementation and throughout the implementation process. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed across sites and comparatively by phase using a rapid matrix analysis to identify themes related to adoption and implementation challenges and key strategies developed to address those challenges. Results We identified four key themes related to successful program implementation, each with associated challenges and improvement strategies: (1) “Finding the right sites for MoPOC” through intentional recruitment and site selection; (2) Identifying the “sweet spot”: Balancing program capacity, sustainability, and MoPOC clinician satisfaction; (3) Shifting from testing to standardizing; and (4) “Being strategic with hiring” to improve program adoption. Discussion Implementation challenges were related to recruiting and selecting successful sites, ensuring timely program adoption, balancing site level adaptation and program standardization, and scaling programs to enhance efficiency, reach, and satisfaction. An iterative approach guided by the RE-AIM framework resulted in program improvement and more rapid implementation in each successive phase. The challenges described in MoPOC implementation may be common issues in implementing new mobile programs in rural areas.