The American journal of managed care
-
Recent research suggests that second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) may be used more often than clinically warranted. An intervention consisting of academic detailing and a prescriber survey was employed to encourage the reduction of newly prescribed on-patent SGAs. ⋯ Academic detailing coupled with a provider survey did not decrease the rate of new prescriptions for on-patent SGAs. Reasons for prescribing SGAs were not consistent with recent research findings regarding efficacy and side effects.
-
Over the past 2 decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of racial disparities in patient care in the United States. Specifically, African Americans with diabetes are less likely to have recommended process of care measures performed and outcome benchmarks for quality of care. ⋯ African American patients with diabetes were as likely or more likely to have recommended process of care measures performed. In spite of this, intermediate diabetes outcomes were still poorer in the same African American population.
-
To examine the association between patient loyalty, as measured by member retention in the health plan, and access to My Health Manager (MHM), Kaiser Permanente's PHR, which is linked to its electronic health record, KP HealthConnect. ⋯ MHM use was significantly associated with voluntary membership retention. An indicator of patient loyalty, retention is critical to healthcare organizations.
-
To explore why health plans collect or forgo data collection efforts on race, ethnicity, and language (REL), and the challenges encountered in collecting and using data for quality improvement. ⋯ Health plans are eager to collaborate with new partners and share strategies to collect REL data as a foundation to reduce disparities. Opportunities exist to collaborate with employers and purchasers to improve the extent and quality of REL data and can ultimately lead to designing and implementing culturally appropriate programs in the workforce.