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Testing Rates (testing + rate)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Documented tuberculin skin testing among infliximab users following a multi-modal risk communication interventions,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 1 2006
Deborah Shatin PhD
Abstract Purpose Following its licensure, tuberculosis (TB) was reported as a potential adverse effect of infliximab. Subsequently, the product circular was changed to recommend tuberculin skin testing before patients received infliximab, which was reinforced by several risk communication efforts. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns and predictors of documented tuberculin skin testing in patients before and after manufacturer, federal, and academic risk communications. Methods Patients administered infliximab were identified from 11 health plans located throughout the United States, and claims data were examined to determine whether the patients had received a tuberculin skin test. Patients were divided into three cohorts depending on the timing of their first infliximab treatment in relation to the risk communication efforts. Results The overall tuberculin skin testing rate doubled from 15.4% in the first cohort to 30.9% in the last cohort, while the rate of pre-infliximab treatment testing increased from 0 to 27.7% (Chi-squared test for trend, p,<,0.0001 for both). Tuberculin skin testing rates were significantly higher in women, those with a diagnosis of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and those with a rheumatologist as prescriber. After multivariable analysis, only rheumatologist remained significantly associated with tuberculin skin testing. Conclusions Although the tuberculin skin testing rate was relatively low overall, tuberculin skin testing doubled over 30 months of ongoing risk communication efforts and under ascertainment likely occurred. We also found variation in the tuberculin skin testing rate associated with physician specialty. This study demonstrates a significant change in patient care following risk communication efforts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV-infected populations in Europe

HIV MEDICINE, Issue 2008
FF Hamers
This article aims to build a picture of HIV epidemiology in Europe by combining existing surveillance data to mathematical modelling to achieve observations closer to the dynamic reality of HIV infections across different parts of Europe. In the European Union (EU), where it is estimated that 30% of HIV-infected persons have not been diagnosed, the number of new HIV diagnoses has risen in recent years. However, trends must be interpreted with some caution around the differences and variations in surveillance systems and testing rates among affected populations and regions. By introducing mathematical models, we can build an overall picture from the pieces of information available. We present a mathematical model of the course of infection and the effect of ART which has been developed to fit as closely as possible to observed data from HIV cohorts. The preliminary estimates for the entire WHO European Region are that around 2.3 million people were living with HIV in Europe at the end of 2006, of whom around 50% have not been diagnosed. The model can also be used to assess the potential impact of earlier diagnoses. Observations show how a combination of surveillance data and modelling allows an estimation of the current state of the epidemic in Europe, though further developments in both areas are needed. [source]

Documented tuberculin skin testing among infliximab users following a multi-modal risk communication interventions,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 1 2006
Deborah Shatin PhD
Abstract Purpose Following its licensure, tuberculosis (TB) was reported as a potential adverse effect of infliximab. Subsequently, the product circular was changed to recommend tuberculin skin testing before patients received infliximab, which was reinforced by several risk communication efforts. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns and predictors of documented tuberculin skin testing in patients before and after manufacturer, federal, and academic risk communications. Methods Patients administered infliximab were identified from 11 health plans located throughout the United States, and claims data were examined to determine whether the patients had received a tuberculin skin test. Patients were divided into three cohorts depending on the timing of their first infliximab treatment in relation to the risk communication efforts. Results The overall tuberculin skin testing rate doubled from 15.4% in the first cohort to 30.9% in the last cohort, while the rate of pre-infliximab treatment testing increased from 0 to 27.7% (Chi-squared test for trend, p,<,0.0001 for both). Tuberculin skin testing rates were significantly higher in women, those with a diagnosis of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and those with a rheumatologist as prescriber. After multivariable analysis, only rheumatologist remained significantly associated with tuberculin skin testing. Conclusions Although the tuberculin skin testing rate was relatively low overall, tuberculin skin testing doubled over 30 months of ongoing risk communication efforts and under ascertainment likely occurred. We also found variation in the tuberculin skin testing rate associated with physician specialty. This study demonstrates a significant change in patient care following risk communication efforts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Antenatal screening practice for infectious diseases by general practitioners in Australia

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Michelle L. GILES
Introduction:, This study aimed to assess self-reported screening practice in the antenatal setting, factors associated with screening, barriers to universal testing for HIV and follow-up for infants born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected women. Methods:, A total of 3100 general practitioners (GPs) were mailed the survey. The half from Victoria was randomised to receive their questionnaire by registered post or regular post. All GPs from New South Wales (NSW) received their questionnaire via regular post. Results:, The overall response rate was 70%. Registered post resulted in a higher cumulative response rate compared with regular post (86% vs. 67%P < 0.001). Greater than 90% of respondents always screened for syphilis, rubella and hepatitis B virus. Testing for HIV and HCV approached 66% in NSW. In Victoria more respondents always screen for HCV (72%) compared with HIV-1 (64%). Respondents from NSW were less likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.64 (0.43, 0.94) P = 0.02) or HCV (AOR 0.75 (0.61, 0.92) P = 0.005) compared with Victoria. Older respondents were more likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (AOR 1.54 (1.05, 2.27) P = 0.03), cytomegalovirus (OR 1.5 (1.0, 2.1) P = 0.05) and chlamydia (AOR 1.88 (1.27, 2.77) P = 0.002). Of respondents who have managed a pregnant woman with HCV 25% inappropriately test infants for infection before one month of age. Conclusion:, This study highlights the need for more education and resources to increase HIV testing rates and to improve follow-up of an HCV-exposed infant. [source]

A population-based survey of prostate-specific antigen testing among California men at higher risk for prostate carcinoma

CANCER, Issue 4 2006
Benjamin A. Spencer M.D., M.P.H.
Abstract BACKGROUND Despite the lack of evidence demonstrating a survival benefit from prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, its use has become widespread, organizations have encouraged physicians to discuss early detection of prostate carcinoma, and two higher risk groups have been recognized. In the current study, the authors examined whether African-American men and men who had a family history of prostate carcinoma underwent PSA testing preferentially, and patterns of test use were examined according to age, race, and other factors. METHODS Data regarding self-reported PSA test use in the past year among men age 50 years and older without a history of prostate carcinoma (n = 8713 men) were analyzed from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey. RESULTS The overall rate of PSA use was 43.0%. Older age, higher socioeconomic status, having a usual source of healthcare, and a family history of prostate carcinoma were the strongest predictors of testing. Higher risk African-American men age 50 years and older were no more likely to be tested than white men. Men at higher risk who had a family history of prostate carcinoma were more likely to have been tested than men who had no such family history. CONCLUSIONS Rates of PSA use among higher risk men who had a family history of prostate carcinoma were higher compared with the rates among men without such a family history. However, PSA testing rates among higher risk African-American men were no different than the rates among lower risk white men, suggesting that some risk factors for prostate carcinoma (but not others) are associated with preferential testing. Testing in all groups was associated with access to care variables, highlighting the importance of removing barriers to preventive healthcare services. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source]