Care maps are an effective tool for optimizing quality of care of infectious diseases in a resource-constrained short-stay ambulatory care setting

Care maps (CMs), which are innovative, comprehensive, educational, and simple medical tools, were developed for 6 common diseases, including heart failure, stroke, hyperglycemia, urinary tract infection, dengue infection, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, were implemented in a short-stay ambulatory ward. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of and level of clinician satisfaction with CMs in an ambulatory care setting. A retrospective chart review study comparing the quality of care between before and after CM implementation was conducted. The medical records of patients who were admitted to a short-stay ambulatory ward in a tertiary referral center were reviewed. Demographic data, severity of disease, quality of care, length of stay (LOS), admission cost, and CM user satisfaction were collected and recorded. The medical records of 1116 patients were evaluated. Of those, 589 and 527 patients were from before (non-CM group) and after CM (CM group) implementation, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups for age, gender, or disease-specific severity the median (interquartile range) total and essential quality scores were significantly higher in the CM group than in the non-CM group [total quality score 85.3 (75.0–92.9) vs 61.1 (50.0–75.0); P < .001, and essential quality scores 90.0 (75.0–100.0) vs 60.0 (40.6–80.0); P < .0001, respectively]. All aspects of quality of care were significantly improved between before and after CM implementation. Overall median LOS was significantly decreased from 3.8 (2.5–5.7) to 3.0 (2.0–4.9) days, but there was no significant decrease for admission cost. However, CMs were able to significantly reduce both LOS and admission cost in the infectious disease-related subgroup. Most CM users reported satisfaction with CMs. CMs were shown to be an effective tool for improving the quality of care in patients with ambulatory infectious diseases. In that patient subgroup, LOS and admission cost were both significantly reduced compared to pre-CM implementation

Post universal health coverage trend and geographical inequalities of mortality in Thailand

BACKGROUND: Thailand has achieved remarkable improvement in health status since the achievement of universal health coverage in 2002. Health equity has improved significantly. However, challenges on health inequity still remain.This study aimed to determine the trends of geographical inequalities in disease specific mortality in Thailand after the country achieved universal health coverage. METHODS: National vital registration data from 2001 to 2014 were used to calculate age-adjusted mortality rate and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). To minimize large variations in mortality across administrative districts, the adjacent districts were systematically grouped into “super-districts” by taking into account the population size and proximity. Geographical mortality inequality among super-districts was measured by the coefficient of variation. Mixed effects modeling was used to test the difference in trends between super-districts. RESULTS: The overall SMR steadily declined from 1.2 in 2001 to 0.9 in 2014. The upper north and upper northeast regions had higher SMR whereas Greater Bangkok achieved the lowest SMR. Decreases in SMR were mostly seen in Greater Bangkok and the upper northern region. Coefficient of variation of SMR rapidly decreased from 20.0 in 2001 to 12.5 in 2007 and remained close to this value until 2014. The mixed effects modelling revealed significant differences in trends of SMR across super-districts. Inequality in mortality declined among adults (≥15 years old) but increased in children (0–14 years old). A declining trend in inequality of mortality was seen in almost all regions except Greater Bangkok where the inequality in SMR remained high throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A decline in the adult mortality inequality across almost all regions of Thailand followed universal health coverage. Inequalities in child mortality rates and among residents of Greater Bangkok need further exploration

Accuracy and the factors influencing the accuracy of death certificates completed by first-year general practitioners in Thailand

Background Although death certificates (DCs) provide valuable health information which may help to guide local health policies and priorities, there is little information concerning their validity in Thailand. First-year general practitioners (GPs) have a major role in DC completion, especially in provincial general hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and factors influencing the accuracy of DCs completed by first-year GPs in Thailand, compared with the cause of death (COD) derived from medical records by experts. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at 14 provincial general hospitals in Thailand during the June 2011 to May 2012 study period. Medical records and DCs completed by first-year GPs who graduated from 16 Thai medical schools were sampled. The cause of death recorded on the DCs was compared with the medical conditions and histories derived from patient medical records. A cross-sectional survey of the 210 GPs who completed the DCs reviewed in this study was also conducted. Respondent GPs’ demographic characteristics, factors associated with COD, and COD coding system were evaluated. Results Five hundred and sixty-three medical records and corresponding DCs were included. Of those, 36.9% of DCs were found to be correct. Common mistakes included incorrect sequence of events leading to death (32.4%), and mode of death use (26.2%). Of the 210 GPs, 155 questionnaires were completed and returned. The mean time spent on recording COD and completing DCs in the medical school curriculum was 2.1 ± 0.9 h and only 27.7% of participants had experience in completing DCs by themselves during medical school. Mean medical school GPA was significantly higher in the correctly completed DC GPs group than in the incorrectly completed DC GPs group (3.3 ± 0.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.3; p = 0.03). However, no significant difference was found for other factors associated with COD between groups. Conclusions This is the first study documenting gaps and disparities in DC accuracy, and factors influencing completion of DCs among first-year GPs in Thailand, based on a clinical assessment of medical records. GPs made errors on 63.1% of DCs. This finding suggests that proven education, system-related support, and additional training interventions specific to DC completion are required

A pragmatic and scalable strategy using mobile technology to promote sustained lifestyle changes to prevent Type 2 diabetes in India and the UK – a randomised controlled trial

Aims/hypothesis This randomised controlled trial was performed in India and UK in people with prediabetes to study whether mobile phone short message services can be used to motivate and educate people to follow lifestyle modification, to prevent type 2 diabetes. Methods The study was performed in people with prediabetes (n=2062, control: n=1031; intervention: n=1031) identified by glycosylated haemoglobin A1c42 and 47mmol/mol (6.0% and 6.4%). Participants were recruited from public and private sector organisations in India and by the NHS Health Checks programme in the UK. Allocation to the study groups was performed using a computer generated sequence (1:1) in India and by stratified randomisation in permuted blocks in the UK. Investigators in both countries remained blinded throughout the study period. All participants received advice on healthy lifestyle at baseline. The intervention group in addition received supportive text messages using mobile phone short messaging services2-3 times per week. Participants were assessed at intervals for 2years. The primary outcome was conversion to diabetes and secondary outcomes included anthropometry, biochemistry, dietary and physical activity change, blood pressure and quality of life. Results At 2years follow-up, in the intention-to-treat population the hazard ratio for development of diabetes calculated using a discrete-time proportional hazards model was 0.89,95%CI(0.74-1.07) p=0.22. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes. Conclusions/Interpretation This trial in 2 countries with varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds showed no significant reduction in the progression in diabetes in 2 years by lifestyle modification using short messaging services (Hazard Ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.74 – 1.07, p=0.22

Protocol for a clinical trial of text messaging in addition to standard care versus standard care alone in prevention of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modification in India and the UK

Background Type 2 diabetes is a serious clinical problem in both India and the UK. Adoption of a healthy lifestyle through dietary and physical activity modification can help prevent type 2 diabetes. However, implementing lifestyle modification programmes to high risk groups is expensive and alternative cheaper methods are needed. We are using a short messaging service (SMS) programme in our study as a tool to provide healthy lifestyle advice and an aid to motivation. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy and user acceptability of text messaging employed in this way for people with pre-diabetes (HbA1c 6.0% to ≤6.4%; 42–47 mmol/mol) in the UK and India. Methods/design This is a randomised, controlled trial with participants followed up for 2 years. After being screened and receiving a structured education programme for prediabetes, participants are randomised to a control or intervention group. In the intervention group, text messages are delivered 2–3 times weekly and contain educational, motivational and supportive content on diet, physical activity, lifestyle and smoking. The control group undergoes monitoring only. In India, the trial involves 5 visits after screening (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). In the UK there are 4 visits after screening (0, 6, 12 and 24 months). Questionnaires (EQ-5D, RPAQ, Transtheoretical Model of Behavioural Change, and food frequency (UK)/24 h dietary recall (India)) and physical activity monitors (Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers) are assessed at baseline and all follow-up visits. The SMS acceptability questionnaires are evaluated in all follow-up visits. The primary outcome is progression to type 2 diabetes as defined by an HbA1c of 6.5% or over(India) and by any WHO criterion(UK). Secondary outcomes are the changes in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose; lipids; proportion of participants achieving HbA1c ≤6.0%; HOMA-IR; HOMA-β; acceptability of SMS; dietary parameters; physical activity and quality of life. Discussion The study is designed to assess the efficacy of tailored text messaging in addition to standard lifestyle advice to reduce the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes in the two different countrie

Withdrawal of sulfonylureas from patients with type 2 diabetes receiving long-term sulfonylurea and insulin combination therapy results in deterioration of glycemic control: a randomized controlled trial

Weerachai Srivanichakorn,1 Apiradee Sriwijitkamol,2 Aroon Kongchoo,2 Sutin Sriussadaporn,2 Nattachet Plengvidhya,2 Raweewan Lertwattanarak,2 Sathit Vannasaeng,2 Nuntakorn Thongtang2 1Division of Ambulatory Medicine, 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand Background: The benefit of sulfonylureas (SUs) to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving long-term insulin treatment is unclear. This study evaluated glycemic control and beta-cell function after SU withdrawal in these patients. Methods: In this 8-week randomized controlled study, patients with type 2 diabetes who had been treated with insulin for at least 3 years plus moderate to high doses of SUs were randomly assigned to withdrawal (n=16) or continuation (n=16) of SUs. Clinical characteristics, glycemic control, hypoglycemic events, and insulin secretion, including homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-B) score, C-peptide concentration, and Matsuda index, were evaluated at baseline and after 2 and 8 weeks. Results: Thirty patients (16 in the SU withdrawal group and 14 in the SU continuation group) completed the study. Median duration of diabetes was 17 (range 5&ndash;40) years. Baseline clinical characteristics, glycemic control, and HOMA-B were similar in the two groups, but the mean fasting C-peptide concentration was higher in the SU withdrawal group. After 8 weeks, the SU withdrawal group showed a significant increase in mean glycosylated hemoglobin levels from 7.8%&plusmn;0.5% (62&plusmn;5 mmol/mol) to 8.6%&plusmn;1.2% (71&plusmn;13 mmol/mol; P=0.002), whereas the SU continuation group showed a slight but not significant increase from 7.7%&plusmn;0.5% (61&plusmn;5 mmol/mol) to 7.9%&plusmn;1.2% (63&plusmn;13 mmol/mol; P=0.37). Insulin secretion, as measured by C-peptide and HOMA-B, decreased by 18% and 36%, respectively, in the SU withdrawal group. Hypoglycemic events were significantly more frequent in the SU continuation group whereas body weight did not change significantly in either group. Conclusion: Withdrawal of SU from patients with type 2 diabetes receiving long-term combination treatment with SU and insulin resulted in deterioration of glycemic control and insulin secretion. Keywords: insulin, sulfonylurea withdrawal, type 2 diabetes, long-term combinatio

Cardiometabolic risk factors in Thai individuals with prediabetes treated in a high-risk, prevention clinic - unexpected relationship between HDL cholesterol and glycaemia in men

BACKGROUND: Relationships between cardiometabolic risk and glycaemia have been rarely studied in people under clinical evaluation and treatment for cardiometabolic risk and with prediabetes. We investigated relationships between glycaemia and cardiometabolic risk factors in clinic participants with prediabetes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected at a centre in Thailand. Clinic attendees were at high-risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, with HbA1c 39-<48 mmol/mol or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 5.6-<7.0 mmol/L. The relationships between glycaemia and cardiometabolic risk factors were explored. RESULTS: Of 357 participants, two or more insulin resistance-related metabolic disturbances were present in 84%; 61% took a statin and 75% an antihypertensive agent. Independently of age, gender, adiposity, medication use, possible NAFLD and gender-glycaemia interaction, neither FPG nor HbA1c were associated with variation in any other cardiometabolic risk factors. HDL cholesterol decreased with HbA1c in women (female*HbA1c interaction, p=0.03) but, unexpectedly, increased with FPG in men (male*FPG interaction, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Overall, in Thai people treated for high-cardiometabolic risk and with prediabetes defined by FPG and/or HbA1c, neither FPG nor HbA1c were associated with other cardiometabolic risk factors. However, according to gender, HDL cholesterol showed the expected relationship with glycaemia in women but the reverse in men

Fasting plasma glucose and variation in cardiometabolic risk factors in people with high-risk HbA1c-defined prediabetes: a cross-sectional multiethnic study.

AIMS: Variation in cardiometabolic risk in prediabetes and any impacts of ethnicity on such variation have been little studied. In an ethnically diverse dataset, selected according to a high-risk HbA1c-based definition of prediabetes, we have investigated relationships between glycaemia and cardiometabolic risk factors and the influence of ethnicity on these relationships. METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a diabetes prevention study in the UK and a chronic care clinic in Thailand, selected for people without diabetes (fasting plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/l) with HbA1c 6.0% - 6.4% (42-47 mmol/mol). Thai (n=158) and UK White (n=600), South Asian (n=112), Black (n=70) and other/mixed (n=103) groups were distinguished and measurements included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure (BP), lipids and insulin resistance-related risk factors (IRFs). RESULTS: Independently of individual characteristics including ethnicity, only systolic BP was weakly associated with FPG (beta coefficient 1.76 (95%CI 0.10 to 3.42), p=0.03), and only LDL-c with IFG (FPG 5.6-<7) (adjusted -0.14 (-0.27, -0.003) p 0.04). There were no significant independent associations with cardiometabolic risk factors when categories of impaired fasting glucose (FPG ≥ 6.1 to <7.0 mmol/L) were considered. Relative to White, South Asian ethnicity was independently associated with lower systolic and diastolic BP, Black with lower triglycerides, cholesterol/HDL-c ratio and having 2 or more IRFs, and Thai with lower cholesterol/HDL-c ratio and all three non-white ethnicities with lower total and LDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: In high-risk HbA1c-defined prediabetes additional measurement of FPG will add little to evaluation of cardiometabolic risk. Additionally, UK Whites tend to have the most adverse cardiometabolic profile of any ethnic group