The American journal of managed care
-
The management of chronic conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB), is often limited by lack of patient adherence to medication. This article compares persistence rates among Medicaid patients who were prescribed 1 of 3 drugs for treatment of OAB: 2 long-acting agents with once-daily dosing, tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules (tolterodine ER) and oxybutynin chloride extended release (oxybutynin ER), and oxybutynin immediate release (oxybutynin IR), requiring 3 tablets daily. ⋯ Persistence rates are better for patients taking drugs with once-daily dosing, but there is a need for a better understanding of non-persistent patients.
-
Review Comparative Study
A qualitative review of studies of diabetes preventive care among minority patients in the United States, 1993-2003.
To review existing data to determine whether ethnic disparities exist for diabetes-related preventive care among adults in the United States. ⋯ Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines, rates of diabetes preventive care are low, particularly for some measures in ethnic minority groups. Additional data are needed to further elucidate these disparities.
-
Comparative Study
Is patient HMO insurance or physician HMO participation related to racial disparities in primary care?
To examine the relationship between racial disparities in common primary care procedures and patient HMO membership and physician level of HMO participation. ⋯ Neither patient HMO membership nor physician level of HMO participation is substantially associated with racial disparities in primary care.
-
To compare the effectiveness of antihyperglycemic therapies in type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (baseline glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C] > 8%). ⋯ Overall, therapy initiation resulted in an impressive population-level benefit. However, since most new initiators still had not achieved good control within 12 months, careful monitoring and prompt therapy intensification remain important.