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Over the past decade, access to National Health Service (NHS) dentistry in England has been problematic. There are increasing media reports of patients being unable to find treatment at a local NHS dentist. However, the extent of this issue varies by location and by the characteristics of the neighbourhood. The study uses official data sources on NHS dental provision and population. Travel accessibility is measured using car journey times. An advanced form of Floating Catchment Area accessibility is used, which accounts for supply competition, varying catchments, and distance decay. Spatial availability and accessibility indices are calculated. Ways in which the method can be used to explore various types of 'what-if' scenarios are outlined. Both availability and accessibility vary by the level of neighbourhood deprivation and the urban/rural nature of the neighbourhood. A case study, based on a real-world situation, shows the impact on the local neighbourhood of the closure of a dental practice. For all neighbourhoods, NHS dental provision is generally less than would be needed to provide basic dental care. The interpretation of outputs needs to take account of edge-effects near to Scotland and Wales. Possible improvements include the inclusion of other modes of travel and the exclusion of the population that does not want to access NHS care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Experiencing the onset of a chronic disease is a serious health event impacting living conditions and wellbeing. Investigating wellbeing development and its predictors is crucial to understand how individuals adapt to chronic illnesses. This study (i) analyzed the impact of a chronic disease on wellbeing development, and (ii) explored spatial healthcare access as potential moderating factor. Methods Data were obtained from the German Socio-economic Panel, a nationally representative household survey. A prospective sample of 3847 individuals was identified for whom the onset of cancer, cardiopathy, diabetes or stroke was observed between 2008 and 2020. Mixed models using an interrupted time series approach were performed to identify immediate level changes and longitudinal trend changes in wellbeing (operationalized with health and life satisfaction) after disease onset. Further, spatial access to healthcare (operationalized by two-stage floating catchment area measures) as potential moderating factor was examined using interaction effects. Results Chronic disease onset had an immediate negative level impact on health and life satisfaction. For health satisfaction, a negative pre-onset wellbeing trend was offset (but not reversed). A small positive trend was observed for life satisfaction after disease onset. Spatial access to healthcare was not associated with the magnitude of wellbeing reduction at onset. Conclusions Health and life satisfaction levels drop with the onset of a chronic disease with no recovery trend for health and little recovery for life satisfaction, implying persistently lower wellbeing levels after a chronic illness onset. Spatial access to healthcare does not affect the wellbeing change after disease onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been inconsistently associated with breast cancer incidence, however, few studies have considered historic exposure when levels were higher. Methods Outdoor residential PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using a nationwide spatiotemporal model for women in the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study, a prospective cohort located in 6 states (California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and 2 metropolitan areas (Atlanta, GA, and Detroit, MI) and enrolled in 1995-1996 (n = 196 905). Annual average PM2.5 concentrations were estimated for a 5-year historical period 10 years prior to enrollment (1980-1984). We used Cox regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and breast cancer incidence overall and by estrogen receptor status and catchment area. Results With follow-up of participants through 2017, a total of 15 870 breast cancer cases were identified. A 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 was statistically significantly associated with overall breast cancer incidence (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.13). The association was evident for estrogen receptor–positive (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.17) but not estrogen receptor–negative tumors (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.13; P heterogeneity = .3). Overall breast cancer hazard ratios were more than 1 across the catchment areas, ranging from a hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% CI = 0.96 to 1.64) for North Carolina to a hazard ratio of 1.04 (95% CI = 0.68 to 1.57) for Louisiana (P heterogeneity = .9). Conclusions In this large US cohort with historical air pollutant exposure estimates, PM2.5 was associated with risk of estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. State-specific estimates were imprecise but suggest that future work should consider region-specific associations and the potential contribution of PM2.5 chemical constituency in modifying the observed association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer centers, particularly those supported by the National Cancer Institute, are charged with reducing the cancer burden in their catchment area. However, methods to define both the catchment area and the cancer burden are diverse and range in complexity often based on data availability, staff resources, or confusion about what is required. This article presents a review of the current literature identifying 4 studies that have defined various aspects of the cancer burden in a defined geographical area and highlights examples of how some cancer centers and other health institutions have defined their catchment area and characterized the cancer burden within it. We then present a detailed case study of an approach applied by the University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to define its catchment area and its population cancer burden. We cite examples of how the Cancer Center research portfolio addresses the defined cancer burden. Our case study outlines a systematic approach to using publicly available data, such as cancer registry data, that are accessible by all cancer centers. By identifying gaps and formulating future research directions based on the needs of the population within the catchment area, epidemiologic studies and other types of cancer research can be directed to the population served. This review can help guide cancer centers in developing an approach to defining their own catchment area as mandated and applying research findings to this defined population.

Triaging burn patients is a daunting task because burn injuries are rare; this inexperience leads to uncertainty in treatment and referral algorithms. Our regional burn center's catchment area includes eight states. Outlying facilities consult via telephone through the medical center's transfer center. Referring provider assessments of depth or size of injury infrequently correlates with burn provider's assessments. This causes over- and under-triage of patients managed outside of burn centers. A quality improvement telemedicine project was developed to allow burn providers to review photos with referring providers to determine best management, provide pertinent education, and initiate appropriate and timely resuscitation. Details tracked include date of service, consulting provider, follow-up education offered, and whether the image reviewed changed or confirmed the requested plan of care. Of the 155 cases between January 2017 and August 2018, 24.5% of patient images changed the initial transfer decision, and 75.5% confirmed the initial plan of care. Of the cases requiring change of plan, 60.5% were down-triaged to outpatient care and 39.5% were up-triaged to transfer. Implementation of this telemedicine program has increased efficiency of resource utilization, timely resuscitation, appropriate transfer of patients requiring admission, and real-time education. Findings suggest advanced practice providers' assessments are similar to those of referring physicians. These observations may have significant implications on Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) guidelines defining physician to physician consultation and support efficient use of available resources. Telemedicine facilitates access to specialized care and improves fiscal responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who inject drugs in cities where syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are well established may have different risks for HIV infection. In 1997, we interviewed 149 female syringe exchangers in San Francisco, CA, a city with high rates of injection drug use that is home to one of the largest and oldest SEPs in the United States. In this report, we describe their sociodemographics, health, and risk behavior, and we examine factors associated with recent syringe sharing. Fifty percent of respondents were women of color and the median age was 38 years. Most (86%) injected heroin and nearly half were currently homeless or had recently been incarcerated. One-third of all women reported needle sharing in the prior month. This was higher than the rate of needle sharing reported by a mixed gender sample of San Francisco exchangers in 1993, although it resembled the rate reported by a mixed gender sample in 1992. In a multivariate analysis, syringe sharing was associated with age, housing status, and sexual partnerships. Syringe sharers were more likely to be young, homeless, or have a sexual partner who was also an injection drug user. While wide access to sterile syringes is an important strategy to reduce HIV transmission among injection drug users (IDU), syringe exchange alone cannot eradicate risky injection by female IDU. Additional efforts to reduce risky injection practices should focus on younger and homeless female IDU, as well as address selective risk taking between sexual partners.

During the last 25 years, numerous studies have been conducted to promote breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. Most of these studies focused on individual-level factors predicting screening, but we are unaware of any that directly examined community and ecological influences. The goal of this project, Promoting Access to Health for Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian Women (PATH for Women), was to increase community capacity for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow up in Los Angeles and Orange counties. We focused on Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander women because, although they have the lowest rates for cancer, compared to all other ethnic groups, relatively few programs have specifically targeted Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women to promote and sustain screening practices. The PATH for Women project involved a partnership between 5 community-based organizations and 2 universities, and included 7 Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities: Cambodians, Chamorros, Laotians, Thais, Tongans, Samoans, and Vietnamese. In this paper, we share our experiences in developing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-mapping evaluation component that was used to explore availability and accessibility to culturally responsive breast and cervical cancer screening services for Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander women in all 7 communities. We describe the methods used to develop the maps, and present the preliminary findings that demonstrate significant geographic and language barriers to accessing healthcare providers, services for breast and cervical cancer screening, and follow up, in each of the communities. Finally, we discuss implications for programs designed to promote breast and cervical screening and policy education.

Background The increase in the number of people with dementia in the coming years will be significant and could be as high as 132,000 people by 2041. There is a growing need for enhanced post diagnostic supports for patients living with dementia and their families. We identified the need for a localised educational resource for families and supportive others attending our specialist memory service Methods Staff from the Integrated Care Team, Specialist Memory Service and Primary Care were trained by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland to deliver a 6 week 'Insights Into Dementia' carers course. Tutors and dementia advisors from the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland provided in-depth training prior to course delivery and feedback to the facilitators on a weekly basis. The course included advice and education on Dementia; Changing Relationships, Communication; Responding to changes in behaviour; Nutrition; Engaging in activities; Assisting with personal care and Safety in the home. Families gained advice regarding their self-care needs and learned how to access information and support.  All services involved worked together to identify, refer and support families with dementia in the local area. The group took place in an accessible location at a time which accommodated families to attend. Each course attendee completed a questionnaire prior to and after commencing the group. Results The group has delivered education and support to 48 families to date. Feedback from participants was very positive with self-reported increase in confidence, knowledge and awareness about dementia. Waiting time to access support has significantly decreased. Every course has led to a support group who meet up on a regular basis in their community. Conclusion This novel collaboration has become a key part of the integrated care pathway we have developed to support people living with dementia and their supportive others in our catchment area. The Integrated Care approach has served to enrich the programme and allow for timely signposting to localised supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Integrated Care Team for Older People (ICTOP) in Sligo formed in 2018 to provide home based rehabilitation for acutely frail older adults to enable them to continue to live independently. It serves a predominantly rural catchment area with 14.5% aged >65 years versus the national average of 11%.1 An in-home person-centred multi-disciplinary approach is utilized based on the principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). This observational study aims to describe the typical user of this service, interventions and outcomes to date. Methods An Excel database was compiled and analysed from CGA of consecutive referrals from June to December 2018. Results Of the 70 referrals studied, 69% resided in rural Sligo, two thirds were female and there was a mean age of 82.3 (range 68-95). The median Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale level was 6 and the median Timed Up and Go was 28seconds. Hospital in-patients accounted for 58% of referrals with functional deterioration (74%), mobility decline (72%) and cognitive decline (28%) the most frequent referral reasons. Gait imbalance was the most prevalent co-morbidity (77%). There was an average of 4.5 home visits per person. Over 80% of referrals received combined physiotherapy and occupational therapy input, with Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Dementia involvement in 40%, speech and language therapy in 26% and social work in 15%. CGA identified additional clinical and social needs in 100%, and the team made 217 onward referrals to available community health and social supports. ICTOP referral decreased length of stay by 2.6days and only one patient required long term care. Conclusion The use of a multidisciplinary team providing domiciliary assessments decreased hospital stay, facilitated maintenance of independent living and addressed both identified and un-identified needs in a frail older person's population. Further evaluation over time is needed to indicate impact on readmission rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The National Clinical Programme for Older Persons was introduced in the Model 4 Adult teaching hospital in 2012 with the development of a Specialist Geriatric Ward, supported by an existing Day Hospital and access to post acute rehabilitation in the local model 3 hospital. The continuing growth of the population over 70 years in the catchment area and the increasing awareness of the complex needs of this group of patients required a new way of thinking and working. Methods Using Lean methodology the group restructured the focus of the care pathway for older persons using evidence based practice and data collection. Workstreams have been identified and iterative project charters established to guide and empower staff to design and evaluate the supports they provide. Key internal and external stakeholders were identified and invited to participate in the ongoing steering group and the voice of the customer was used to underpin targeted improvements. Results The hospital now has a structured framework for the delivery and evaluation of care provided to older persons attending our services. Overall governance is provided by a Frailty Steering Group with strong clinical leadership and is informed by agreed quality indicators and realtime data. Despite increases in numbers requiring admission, length of stay has decreased, readmission rates have remained stable and a greater proportion of our patients are accessing both offsite rehabilitation and home supports on discharge. Conclusion This is an ongoing project with medium and long term goals identified across all workstreams. The evidence and data gathered will inform service planning and resource allocation. A number of collaborative research proposals are now being considered from across acute hospital and Community Healthcare Organisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is much focus on the dearth of resources within healthcare systems, with a focus on health services. In 2018, we held a speed networking event for two local areas of a HSE Community Healthcare Organisation. This highlighted the vast array of supports available to assist older people to live well. This, alongside a Listening to Older Person's Workshop, highlighted the need for a local directory of services. Methods In considering potential networking attendees, a social determinants of health approach (Dahlgren and Whitehead, 1991) was adopted to scope all supports available across community, acute, voluntary and statutory health and social care services within the area. This was expanded on further to develop the directory. Results The directory provides details of 358 organisations, individuals and groups available to support older persons within a catchment area with a population of 13,833 older persons (CSO Census, 2016). Hospital services comprised 27 of these while community HSE and GP health services made up 130. The remaining 201 were local and national NGOs and community groups ranging in service provision, a sample of which as follows: 39 provided some level of social/education engagement, three befriending, 18 counselling, five housing specific, 11 substance dependency, 12 provided supports to persons impacted by abuse. A further 20 national NGOs provided a local service or helpline with a focus on a particular health diagnosis. Conclusion This exercise shows the vast number of services available within just one small region, to support older persons to live well at home. The directory has been approved as a template for other networks in the CHO. It is being adapted into an online version by an interagency group. Using this template nationally has the potential to overcome gaps in health service resources, and support true integration, in line with the ICPOP (2016) 10 step framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Day care is an important service for some people with dementia and their carers. In Ireland, day care services for people with dementia are delivered by a mix of dementia specific day-care centres and generic centres that cater for people with dementia to various degrees. In this paper we map the geographic variation in the supply of day care services for people with dementia relative to potential need. Methods Using a national HSE survey of day care centres, we estimate the current supply of day care services for people with dementia in both generic and dementia specific centres by combining a number of qualitative and quantitative measures. To identify the variation in supply, we map day care provision at local and regional levels to the number of people with dementia in the area. To consider geographic accessibility, we map and analyse the population living outside the catchment area of the day care centres. Results There is significant variation across the country in the existing capacity of day care centres to cater for people with dementia. The number of places per 100 persons with dementia varies from 9 to 16 across the Community Health Organisation areas. We show that 20 per cent of people with dementia are not living within a 15km radius of a day care centre that caters for people with dementia. Conclusion Day care has a place in the menu of service for people with dementia living in the community. As the number of people with dementia grows, investment in day care centres needs to be targeted to areas of greatest need. In many parts of the country, the current day care centres have limited capacity to provide a service for people with dementia that live in their catchment area. There is considerable geographical inequity in day care provision for people with dementia across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background According to the 2017 National Stroke Register Report; 75% of strokes occur in patients aged 65 years and older. Within the audit 19 stroke units reported that 70.6% of stroke patients were admitted to a stroke unit and their median length of stay of 9 days. Numerous studies have shown better outcomes in patients admitted to a stroke unit versus a medical unit leading to national stroke networks and bypass protocols for patients. However, stroke patients can still be found in non-stroke unit hospitals such as our own. Methods Demographics from HIPE data was collected on all stroke patients admitted to our hospital between January 1st and December 31st 2017. Basic statistical methods were used to analyse the data. Results We analyzed 103 patient records. The average age at presentation was 73 years (range: 35-97) and 60.1% were males. The average length of hospital stay was 16.1 days (range 1- 130 days). Ischemic (77%) events were more common than haemorrhagic events (23%). The three most common co-morbidities were hypertension (45%), hyperlipidemia (30%) and atrial fibrillation (19%). Discharge destination was home (66%), nursing home (14%), national rehabilitation (2%) and an 18% mortality rate within 3 months. The mortality rate was higher in the hemorrhagic (42%) compared to ischemic (11%). Conclusion The average length of stay was 16.1 days, considerably higher than the national stroke unit average of 9. The overall mortality rate was 5% higher than the national of 13%. Limited rehabilitation services and time awaiting national rehabilitation beds contributed to the long LOS. There is a definite need for a dedicated stroke service at our hospital, local analysis suggests that 6 beds would meet the needs of our catchment area; and this would lead to better outcomes for stroke patients. A further locally dedicated stroke audit is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background According to the 2016 CSO figures the age category of 65 and older saw the largest increase in the Irish population since 2011, rising by 102,174 to 637,567, a rise of 19.1%. This remains a major concern for a North Dublin teaching hospital as its catchment area has a 20% higher proportion of > 65's and > 85's than the national average. This catchment area profile has the potential to impact on the profile of the in-catchment admissions while the National profile will impact on the national specialities including neurosurgery. Aim To profile the geriatric neurosurgical population and provide insight that facilitates future service planning and delivery. Methods To accurately capture the data, all ward lists for the month of June and July 2017 were reviewed to identify appropriate patients. All patients on any ward within the hospital, under the care of a neurosurgeon, were included in the data collection. Patients in intensive care that did not transfer to the wards were excluded. Data points including age, sex, consultant, co-morbidities, mobility status and surgical intervention were captured. Results 120 patients ≥ 65 years were admitted to the neurosurgical service between June and July 2017; 45 (38%) between 60-69, 60 (50%) 70-79, 13(10%) 80-80 and two (2%) ninety years or older. The two most common reasons for admission were non-traumatic cerebral bleeds (N= 40; 34%) and cerebral tumours (N= 38; 32%). Patients had on average four co-morbidities, with cardiac being the most common. 17 patients were admitted post a traumatic event; 13 low impact falls, 3 high impact falls and one assault. The average LOS for these patients was 11.3 days. Conclusion This profile highlights the complex needs of this population and the increasing burden on existing neurosurgical resources as the population continues to age. Future resource allocation and service development, including the National Trauma Strategy, needs to consider the needs of the aging neurosurgical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the possible link between slumped posture on chest radiograph (CXR) with mortality and length of hospital stay in older hospital patients. Other topics include the factors in slumped posture like number of obscured posterior ribs, as well as the study results confirming the association of slumped radiograph with hospital stay length and risk of death.

Background: Australia has a universal health care system and a comprehensive safety net. Despite this, outcomes for Australians living in rural and remote areas are worse than those living in cities. This study will examine the current state of equity of access to birthing services for women living in small communities in rural and remote Australia from a population perspective and investigates whether services are distributed according to need.Methods: Health facilities in Australia were identified and a service catchment was determined around each using a one-hour road travel time from that facility. Catchment exclusions: metropolitan areas, populations above 25,000 or below 1,000, and a non-birthing facility within the catchment of one with birthing. Catchments were attributed with population-based characteristics representing need: population size, births, demographic factors, socio-economic status, and a proxy for isolation - the time to the nearest facility providing a caesarean section (C-section). Facilities were dichotomised by service level - those providing birthing services (birthing) or not (no birthing). Birthing services were then divided by C-section provision (C-section vs no C-section birthing). Analysis used two-stage univariable and multivariable logistic regression.Results: There were 259 health facilities identified after exclusions. Comparing services with birthing to no birthing, a population is more likely to have a birthing service if they have more births, (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.50 for every 10 births, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.33-1.69]), and a service offering C-sections 1 to 2 h drive away (aOR: 28.7, 95% CI [5.59-148]). Comparing the birthing services categorised by C-section vs no C-section, the likelihood of a facility having a C-section was again positively associated with increasing catchment births and with travel time to another service offering C-sections. Both models demonstrated significant associations with jurisdiction but not socio-economic status.Conclusions: Our investigation of current birthing services in rural and remote Australia identified disparities in their distribution. Population factors relating to vulnerability and isolation did not increase the likelihood of a local birthing facility, and very remote communities were less likely to have any service. In addition, services are influenced by jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically compare specific domains of quality of life and social support as they pertain to the full trauma spectrum of (i) healthy individuals, (ii) those with ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), (iii) remitted PTSD, or (iv) those who failed to develop PTSD in spite of trauma exposure. Methods: Data were from the first wave of a psychiatric epidemiological catchment area study based in Montreal, Canada ( N = 2 433). PTSD diagnosis, quality of life, and social support outcomes were established by face-to-face structured interviews using standardized instruments. Outcomes were compared across the four groups. Results: Although the between-group contrasts suggested that those currently suffering from PTSD generally had a poorer quality of life across domains, the group in remission from PTSD did not. Exploratory analyses concerning subscales for quality of life showed particular impairments for specific domains dependent on PTSD diagnosis, with remitted and ongoing PTSD showing significantly different quality of life for subscales such as daily life/social relationships, spare time activities and autonomy, but similar scores for subscales of housing/neighborhood and personal relationships. Contrary to most previous findings, individuals suffering from PTSD did not report lower overall social support. Conclusions: For both outcomes of quality of life and social support, longitudinal research is required to fully understand these complex relationships as they evolve along the full trauma spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: this paper examines the case of prescription enteral nutritional support tube in Colombia, analyzed from under the Social Security System in Health, and explained as the result of a problem of institutional coordination. To do the role and incentives of different actors are identified and shown how the interaction of these discourages the use of enteral nutrition in cases where it is necessary, with corresponding clinical effect for the patient and increased cost for the system. Methods: analysis of the effects it may have in clinical practice the problem of institutional coordination of regulators in the country, this situation, analyze their origin and the incentives and interests of the various stakeholders, prior synthesis of the relevant literature review. The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Medline, and Embase ScienceDirect. Conclusions: the current situation of enteral nutritional support in Colombia is the result of a so-called suboptimal equilibrium, resulting from a problem of institutional coordination that can only be solved when the agents to look beyond their local incentives, and nutritional support is a key component of hospital care and constitutes a means to the end: the health of the population served. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis that competitive pressures encourage hospitals to accommodate patient and physician preferences for longer lengths of stay was tested. Seven hundred forty-seven nonfederal short-term hospitals were divided in terms of the number of neighboring hospitals within a 24-km radius, and this measure of hospital concentration and competition was measured against length of stay for ten surgical procedures, using 1982 data on 498454 patient discharges. Patient, physician, and hospital characteristics associated with length of stay were controlled for. Competition-related percentage increases in length of stay were identified for all procedures, including total hip replacement (14.8%), transurethral prostatectomy (13.9%), intestinal operations (14.0%), stomach operations (14.7%), hysterectomy (6.9%), cholecystectomy (9.1%), hernia repair (10.5%), appendectomy (8.4%), cardiac catheterization (22.9%), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (21.2%). It was concluded that there is a strong association between the number of hospital competitors in the local market and the average length of stay in US hospitals.

Background It is well-documented that the country of Kenya is confronted with a heavy burden of brucellosis, presumably related to consumption of unboiled or fermented milk products (maziwa lala). As a developing country, epidemiologic data defining the prevalence of brucellosis is incomplete and particularly lacking in rural areas of the country. The objective of this study was to establish the rate of brucellosis in patients seen in a rural health clinic in Narok County, an area which has not been previously studied. Methods This study was performed at the Ewaso Ngiro Health Center, Narok County, Kenya, which serves a catchment area of 6,573 citizens. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 241 patients seen in December 2018 for acute visits. Medical records were reviewed for evidence of joint pain and other symptoms of brucellosis at the time of presentation and for brucellosis antigen testing results. Results Of the 241 patient charts reviewed, 78 (71 adult, 7 pediatric) patients had joint pain. Of the 71 adult patients, 21 were male and 49 were female (1 with no gender recorded). 50 patients had Brucella testing performed via serum agglutination, and yielded 14 positive results (13 adult, 1 pediatric). Confirmed brucellosis accounted for 5.8% of all acute visits in December 2018, and 26% of patients presenting with joint pain. In patients with confirmed brucellosis, the average age was 50.2 years (ranging 15–80). There were 8 female cases, 5 male, 1 with gender not recorded. Generalized joint pain was the most common complaint (n = 14), followed by back (n = 6), knee (n = 1), and neck pain (n = 1). Conclusion The prevalence of Brucella disease in rural areas of Kenya, specifically Narok County, is not well studied. This study provides insight into the prevalence of brucellosis and shows that over 25% of patients presenting with joint pain, have brucellosis. Furthermore, 5.8% of all patients seen at the Ewaso Ngiro Health Center during the study period had brucellosis and the overall prevalence of disease in patients who were tested specifically for brucellosis (n = 50), was 28%. This study provides preliminary evidence of a heavy burden of Brucella disease in Narok County and suggests that a follow-up study in this area is warranted to be defined the true prevalence of disease over a longer time frame. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Kentucky sits at the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the United States and harbors 54 of the top 220 HIV/HCV outbreak vulnerable counties in the United States; 44 of which are served by the Bluegrass Care Clinic at the University of Kentucky. Understanding the barriers to care at the frontlines of the epidemic is of critical importance in the work toward the eventual elimination of HIV in the United States and elsewhere. Methods The Bluegrass Care Clinic has achieved viral suppression in 90% of the HIV-positive patients enrolled in care. Given the catchment area served by this clinic, however, the unsuppressed 10% of patients likely represent the tip of an iceberg of undiagnosed patients or those lost to care from remote and at-risk communities. We developed a quality improvement project to specifically review the barriers to achieving viral suppression in this subset of patients in our clinic. Additionally, we developed an outreach algorithm for patients identified as having comorbid mental health issues to increase engagement in both HIV and mental healthcare. Results We found that nearly 45% of virally unsuppressed patients in our clinic had comorbid mental health disease and 30% had substance use disorders. Female sex was associated with being unsuppressed (P = 0.003); however, age and race were not predictive. Of the patients identified as having mental health barriers to care, 58% were able to be contacted using our outreach algorithm and 58% of these patients accepted referral into a mental health service. In this first 12 months of this program 26% of these patients achieved viral suppression and an additional 18% had substantial decreases in their viral loads. Conclusion This preliminary report highlights the importance of identifying and addressing barriers to care. Comorbid mental disorders have consistently been associated with greater difficulties in achieving viral suppression. We present an effective and successful program for engaging patients in mental healthcare using an interdisciplinary outreach program that is designed to be generalizable. These data set the stage for reaching the missing subset of patients who are not currently engaged in HIV care, a critical next step for universal test and treat and 90/90/90 strategies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 2018–19 influenza season was characterized by prolonged co-circulation of Influenza A H3N2 (H3) and H1N1pdm09 (H1) viruses. We used data from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) to describe age-related differences in the distribution of influenza A subtypes. Methods We included all cases residing within a FluSurv-NET catchment area and hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during October 1, 2018–April 30, 2019. We multiply imputed influenza A subtype for 63% of cases with unknown subtype and based imputation on factors that could be associated with missing subtype including surveillance site, 10-year age groups and month of hospital admission. We calculated influenza hospitalization rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) by type and subtype per 100,000 population. We compared the proportion of cases with H1 by year of age in FluSurv-NET to the distribution obtained from US public health laboratories participating in virologic surveillance and providing specimen-level influenza Results. Results Based on available data, 18,669 hospitalizations were reported; 41% received influenza vaccination ≥2 weeks prior to hospitalization and 90% received antivirals. Cumulative hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were as follows: H1 32.5 (95% CI 31.7–33.3), H3 29.3 (95% CI 28.5–30.1) and B 2.5 (95% CI 2.3–2.7). Based on weekly rates, H1 hospitalizations peaked during February (week 8) and H3 hospitalizations during March (week 11) (Figure A). FluSurv-NET data showed distinct patterns of subtype distribution by age, with H1 predominating among cases 0–9 and 24–70 years, and H3 predominating among cases 10–23 and ≥71 years. Data on the proportion of H1 results by age correlated well between FluSurv-NET and US virologic surveillance (Figure B). Conclusion Influenza A H1 and H3 virus circulation patterns varied by age group during the 2018–2019 season. The proportion of cases with H1 relative to H3 was low among those born between 1996 and 2009 and those born before 1948. These findings may indicate protection against H1 viruses in age groups with exposure to H1N1pdm09 during the 2009 pandemic or to older antigenically similar H1N1 viruses as young children. Disclosures Evan J. Anderson, MD, AbbVie (Consultant), GSK (Grant/Research Support), Merck (Grant/Research Support), Micron (Grant/Research Support), PaxVax (Grant/Research Support), Pfizer (Consultant, Grant/Research Support), sanofi pasteur (Grant/Research Support), Keipp Talbot, MD, MPH, Sequirus (Other Financial or Material Support, On Data Safety Monitoring Board). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe disease in older adults and adults with cardiopulmonary conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF). RSV vaccines in development may target adults based on age or medical conditions. We assessed rates of RSV infection in hospitalized adults by CHF status using RSV surveillance conducted through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infections Program, a population-based platform in the United States Methods RSV surveillance was performed during two seasons (2015–2017) from October 1–April 30 at seven US sites covering an annual catchment population up to 13.7 million adults. Adults (≥ 18 years) admitted to a hospital from the catchment area and with laboratory-confirmed RSV infections identified by clinician-directed testing were included. Demographic data and any history of CHF were abstracted from medical charts. For adults ≥ 65 years, county-level CHF prevalence was obtained from 2015 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data. To estimate county-level CHF prevalence for adults < 65 years, we used 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and CMS data. We calculated crude incidence rates (and 95% exact Poisson confidence intervals) of RSV by CHF status and age group (< 65 years vs. ≥ 65 years) using RSV cases (numerator) and catchment area county-level population estimates from the US Census (denominator). Results During 2015–2017, a total of 2,211 hospitalized RSV cases were identified; 2,055 (92.9%) had CHF status documented. The majority were ≥ 65 years (n = 1236, 60.1%) and 26.8% (n = 550) had CHF. The crude rate of RSV was 62.7 (95% CI: 57.5–68.2) per 100,000 population in adults with CHF compared with 6.1 (95% CI: 5.7–6.4) per 100,000 population in adults without CHF (rate ratio: 10.3, 95% CI: 9.3–11.3). In both age groups, those with CHF had higher rates of RSV than those without CHF. Rates were highest in adults ≥ 65 years with CHF (73.4 per 100,000 population, 95% CI: 66.4–80.9). Conclusion Using population-based surveillance, we found that adults with CHF had RSV hospitalization rates 10 times higher than those without CHF. Identifying high-risk populations for RSV infection are critical to inform clinical practice and future RSV vaccine policy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been increasingly recognized as an important cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) and a trigger for exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease in adults. Incidence of hospitalized RSV infection remains uncertain as adults have not been systematically screened. Previous incidence estimates, derived primarily from modeling studies, have ranged from 84 to 190/100K population in adults > 65 years of age. Accurate burden data are critical to inform RSV vaccine development for adults. We used active surveillance among hospitalized adults to determine population-based incidence rates of RSV infection. Methods Hospitalized adults ≥ 18 years old residing in the surveillance area with >2 ARI symptoms or exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease were screened for eligibility during October 2017–April 2018 and October 2018 to April 2019 in 3 hospitals in Rochester, NY and New York City. Respiratory specimens were tested for RSV using PCR assays. RSV incidence per 100,000 persons (per 2010 US Census data) was adjusted by percent market share for study hospitals in their catchment area. Results In total, 8,217 hospitalized adults residing in the surveillance area that met the surveillance case definition were tested for RSV; 768 (9.4%) were positive. Adults were aged 18–49 (12%), 50–64 (30%), and ≥65 years old (58%); 55% were female. RSV infection incidence varied from year 1 to year 2 and was highest in patients aged ≥65 years old (table). Conclusion This is the largest prospective RSV incidence study to date. Preliminary results indicate that the incidence of RSV infection may be higher than previously reported, especially in urban-dwelling adults > 65 years of age. Results confirm the need for vaccines to prevent RSV infections in older adults. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is intrinsically resistant to many commonly used antimicrobials, and carbapenems are often required to treat infections. We describe the crude incidence, epidemiology, and molecular characteristics of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) in the EIP catchment area. Methods From August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2018, we conducted laboratory- and population-based surveillance for CRPA in selected areas in eight sites. We defined a case as the first isolate of P. aeruginosa resistant to imipenem, meropenem, or doripenem from the lower respiratory tract, urine, wounds, or normally sterile sites identified from a resident of the EIP catchment area in a 30-day period. Patient charts were reviewed. Analysis excluded cystic fibrosis patients. A random sample of isolates was collected. Real-time PCR to detect carbapenemase genes and whole-genome sequencing are in progress. Results We identified 4,209 cases in 3373 patients. The annual incidence was 14.50 (95% CI, 14.07–14.94) per 100,000 persons and varied among sites from 4.89 in OR to 25.21 in NY. The median age of patients was 66 years (range: < 1–101), 42.1% were female, and nearly all (97.5%) had an underlying condition. Most cases were identified from urine (42.8%) and lower respiratory tract (35.7%) cultures. Nearly all (93.3%) occurred in patients with inpatient healthcare facility stay, surgery, chronic dialysis, or indwelling devices in the prior year; death occurred in 7.2%. Among 937 isolates tested, 847 (90.4%) underwent PCR; six (0.7%) harbored a carbapenemase, from four sites (CO, MD, NY, and OR): blaVIM (3), bla KPC (2), and bla IMP (1). Of 612 (65.3%) isolates sequenced, the most common ST types were ST235 (9.2%) and ST298 (4.9%). Conclusion Carbapenemases were rarely the cause of carbapenem resistance but were found at EIP sites with high and low CRPA incidence. The emergence of mobile carbapenemases in P. aeruginosa has the potential to increase the incidence of CRPA. Increased detection and early response to carbapenemase-producing CRPA is key to prevent further emergence. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With over 100,000 unique lives and 600,000 visits in 2018, The Family Health Centers at NYU Langone (FHC) is one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center network based primarily in Southwest Brooklyn New York. Within the catchment area 48% of the population report being born out of the United States, with 30% of the population describing themselves of Asian ethnicity and 42% as Latino [1]. Effective January 1, 2014 New York State law mandated hepatitis C screening to be offered to every individual born between 1945 and 1965 receiving health services. Now five years later, with the advancements in treatment options and increased access for patients where cost has become prohibitive we retrospectively reviewed how our performance has been prior to embarking on a goal of 60% screening compliance. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review looking at a denominator of patients born between 1945 and 1965 who were seen in the FHC for a visit in 2018. Patients who were previously screened since 2016, have a diagnosis of hepatitis C, history of hepatitis C documented in either past medical history, problem list or ICD code were excluded. Data abstraction for compliance in the numerator included patients who have a resulted hepatitis C antibody or have indicated current treatment (with a hepatitis C viral load). Results 51% of patients based on the aforementioned methodology have been screened in 2018. 11,577 patients were eligible with 650 patients having a documented refusal. 261 new diagnosis were made in 2018 and compliance for non-screened patients without any prior screening was 35%. Regarding racial/ethnic composition of the practice sites compared with patients screened, one practice site with an 87% Asian non-Hispanic population had a 35% compliance rate with screening where as the most predominate Hispanic population site (81% of total patients seen) had a 54% compliance rate. Conclusion Overall screening rates within the network are commendable, yet more work is being done to drive provider awareness on the need for compliance. Differences in racial/ethnic backgrounds and compliance of screening completion can be seen within the FHC network. Current efforts are focused on increasing culturally appropriate awareness amongst the patient population as well as the providers. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In areas with a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, emergency department (ED) visits may provide unique opportunities for screening. The catchment area for Hahnemann University Hospital (HUH) has an HCV seroprevalence rate of >20%. However, limited data exist addressing HCV testing strategies in the ED. This study describes the experience of piloting a nurse-driven HCV screening protocol in an urban hospital ED. Methods A nurse-driven HCV screening protocol was developed and implemented on August 1, 2018. We performed a retrospective analysis of the protocol's performance from July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. Patients who were evaluated in the ED and had blood collected were analyzed. We provided universal HCV screening regardless of age or risk factors. If HCV-positive by antibody screen and viral load confirmation, an attempt was made to link patients to care. Linkage was defined as having received an inpatient evaluation by either infectious diseases or hepatology physician. Results Among 20,705 unique patients seen in the ED, 7841 (38%) had blood work collected. 821 (10.5%) patients had HCV antibody testing. After the implementation of the nurse-driven protocol, the testing rate increased from 68/1340 (5.1%) to 753/6501 (11.6%). 260 Baby Boomers (born between 1945–1965) were screened, of which 60 (23.1%) had positive screens. 561 non-Baby Boomers were screened, of which 30 (5.4%) had positive screens. Barriers of implementing nurse-driven protocol were: (1) multiple steps of the ordering process in the electronic medical record (EMR), (2) the complexity of staff schedules, and (3) staff concerns regarding the disclosure of HCV test results. Among the patients who were diagnosed with chronic HCV, 60 % were linked to care for treatment. Conclusion We piloted a nurse-driven universal HCV testing protocol in the ED of a hospital with high HCV prevalence. Though the screening rate doubled, it was still low. We identified barriers that may be addressed to improve future screening rates. In areas with a high seroprevalence of HCV, universal screening may be an excellent public health intervention to identify asymptomatic HCV-infected patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the United States, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of admission for adults with respiratory illness. In adults > 50 years of age, it accounts for up to 12% of medically-attended acute respiratory illnesses and has a case fatality proportion of ~6–8%. Poverty can have an important influence on health. Few studies have evaluated the relationship of RSV incidence and poverty level, and no identified studies have evaluated this relationship among adults. We evaluated the incidence of RSV-associated hospitalizations in adults in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA by census-tract-level poverty. Methods Medical record data abstraction was conducted for all adults with a laboratory-confirmed RSV infection who were admitted to a hospital within the 3 counties comprising the catchment area (Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties) during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 RSV seasons. Patient addresses were geocoded to their corresponding census-tract (CT). Census tracts were divided into four levels of poverty based on American Community Survey data of percentage of people living below the poverty level: 0–4.9%, 5–9.9%, 10-–9.9%, and ³20%. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of RSV cases in each CT poverty-level (numerator) by the number of adults living in each CT poverty level (denominator), as determined from the 2010 US census, and standardized for age. Results There were 526 RSV case-patients with demographic characteristics as outlined in Table 1. The highest incidence of RSV-associated hospitalization was in CTs associated with the highest levels of poverty (>20%). However, the second highest incidence of RSV-associated hospitalization occurred among adults living in CTs with <5% poverty (Figure 1 and Table 2). Conclusion The incidence rate of RSV-associated hospitalization in adults appears to be positively correlated with highest census-tract level of poverty; however, there is a high incidence among adults living in the lowest poverty census-tracts. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a common cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in adults. Prospective surveillance enables collection of representative data on demographic and clinical characteristics. Few data of this kind are available for adults hospitalized with RSV infection. We used active population-based surveillance to identify patients with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection and evaluated demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods Hospitalized adults ≥ 18 years old residing in a predefined catchment area with ≥ 2 ARI symptoms or exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease were screened for eligibility during October 2017–April 2018 and October 2018–April 2019 in 3 hospitals in Rochester, NY and New York City. Respiratory specimens were tested for RSV using PCR assays. Clinical and demographic data were abstracted from the medical record. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of patient characteristics with clinical outcomes. Results 8,217 hospitalized adults were screened and 9.4% positive for RSV infection. Preliminary clinical and demographic data were available for 348 patients including 14% 18–49 years, 28% 50–64 years and 58% > 65 years. Mean age was 68 years and 60% were female (Figure 1). Patients had a mean of 3 co-morbidities, with diabetes (40%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30%), chronic kidney disease (28%), congestive heart failure (28%), coronary artery disease (25%) and asthma (24%) the most common co-morbidities (Figure 2). Median hospital length of stay was 6 days (IQR 4–10), 13% of patients were admitted to the ICU, 5% were mechanically ventilated and 5% died during admission and 12% within 6 months. In multivariate analysis having > 3 comorbidities, cardiac disease or a lower baseline functional status measured by activities of daily living scores was significantly associated with 6-month mortality. Conclusion The majority of hospitalized patients with RSV infection were older adults with ≥ 3 chronic comorbid conditions. Baseline functional status may be predictive of worse clinical outcomes in patients with RSV infection. These insights into patient characteristics and clinical outcomes will provide information for prevention programs. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have quantified the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among adults with co-morbidities. Combining data from the population-based, prospective Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community study (EPIC) and the nationwide health-related Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone-survey, we estimated the annual risk of hospitalization for CAP among adults with co-morbidities. Methods We identified adults hospitalized with radiographic and clinical CAP at hospitals in Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN from July 2010 to June 2012. Using 2011 BRFSS data, we estimated the prevalence of the population with selected co-morbidities (chronic lung disease [CLD], cardiovascular disease [CVD], chronic kidney disease [CKD], or diabetes) in the EPIC study catchment counties, as well as the population without co-morbidities. We estimated the incidence of hospitalized CAP, age-adjusted relative risk (RR) using Poisson regression, and population attributable fraction for each co-morbidity. Results Among 2,061 adult patients enrolled in EPIC, 1,428 (69%) had at least one selected co-morbidity, most commonly CLD (42%) and CVD (35%). Among the adult population in the EPIC catchment area, 17% had ≥1 selected co-morbidity. The overall incidence of hospitalized CAP was 24.8/10,000, 118.7/10,000 among adults with ≥1 co-morbidity, and 11.2/10,000 among adults without a co-morbidity. Compared with patients without co-morbidities, the incidence of hospitalization for CAP was higher among patients with CLD (aRR: 20.7 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.0–21.5]), CKD (aRR: 14.5 [CI: 13.8–15.1]), CVD (aRR: 14.0 [CI: 13.5–14.6]), and diabetes (aRR: 6.2 [CI: 5.9–6.4]). While CLD and CVD accounted for high proportions of the incidence of CAP hospitalizations in the study population, the contribution of the selected co-morbidities varied by age groups (figure). Conclusion There is an increased risk of hospitalization for CAP among adults with co-morbidities, particularly chronic lung and cardiovascular disease. As a large portion of CAP is attributable to these co-morbidities, targeted public health interventions, such as vaccination and risk communication, need to be reinforced among these high-risk groups. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]