Jessica Y. Breland

Technology-based interventions for weight management: current randomized controlled trial evidence and future directions.

Obesity is a prevalent health care issue associated with disability, premature morality, and high costs. Behavioral weight management interventions lead to clinically significant weight losses in overweight and obese individuals; however, many individuals are not able to participate in these face-to-face treatments due to limited access, cost, and/or time constraints. Technological advances such as widespread access to the Internet, increased use of smartphones, and newer behavioral self-monitoring tools have resulted in the development of a variety of eHealth weight management programs. In the present paper, a summary of the most current literature is provided along with potential solutions to methodological challenges (e.g., high attrition, minimal participant racial/ethnic diversity, heterogeneity of technology delivery modes). Dissemination and policy implications will be highlighted as future directions for the field of eHealth weight management.

Identification of Anxiety Symptom Clusters in Patients with COPD: Implications for Assessment and Treatment

BackgroundTreatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is palliative, and quality of life is important. Increased understanding of correlates of quality of life and its domains could help clinicians and researchers better tailor COPD treatments and better support patients engaging in those treatments or other important self-management behaviors.PurposeAnxiety is common in those with COPD; however, overlap of physical and emotional symptoms complicates its assessment. The current study aimed to identify anxiety symptom clusters and to assess the association of these symptom clusters with COPD-related quality of life.MethodsParticipants (N = 162) with COPD completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Medical Research Council dyspnea scale. Anxiety clusters were identified, using principal component analysis (PCA) on the BAI’s 21 items. Anxiety clusters, along with factors previously associated with quality of life, were entered into a multiple regression designed to predict COPD-related quality of life.ResultsPCA identified four symptom clusters related to (1) general somatic distress, (2) fear, (3) nervousness, and (4) respiration-related distress. Multiple regression analyses indicated that greater fear was associated with less perceived mastery over COPD (β = −0.19, t(149) = −2.69, p < 0.01).ConclusionAnxiety symptoms associated with fear appear to be an important indicator of anxiety in patients with COPD. In particular, fear was associated with perceptions of mastery, an important psychological construct linked to disease self-management. Assessing the BAI symptom cluster associated with fear (five items) may be a valuable rapid assessment tool to improve COPD treatment and physical health outcomes.

Trauma exposure and disordered eating: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Quantitative studies have demonstrated a positive association between trauma exposure and disordered eating. However, reasons for this relationship are unclear. We used qualitative methods to understand why some individuals exposed to trauma report disordered eating. We conducted five focus groups and two dyadic interviews between spring 2013 and fall 2014 with women at a Veterans Health Administration medical center (N = 20). Most participants were recruited from outpatient mental health clinics. Participants completed demographic and psychological questionnaires. Using thematic analysis of transcripts, we identified trauma and disordered eating-related themes. Most participants were women of color (55%), and many reported psychological symptoms (65%). The mean age was 48 years (SD = 15). Thematic analysis resulted in three themes. First, trauma can be associated with disordered eating, often in relation to negative affect and maladaptive thoughts. Second, disordered eating can provide short-term, but not long-term, relief from trauma-related negative affect. Third, disordered eating can provide a mechanism to avoid unwanted attention from potential and past perpetrators of trauma. Trauma-related disordered eating, particularly in relation to sexual trauma, may have a distinct profile. Querying patients about causes of disordered eating when women report trauma histories may help clinicians ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.

Correlates of Pain Intensity in Community-Dwelling Individuals With Mild to Moderate Dementia

Objectives: To identify correlates of participant-reported pain in community-dwelling individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Methodology: Associations among participant-reported pain intensity and depressive symptoms, mental health diagnoses, pain diagnoses, pain medications, level of functional ability, and cognitive impairment were assessed in 136 community-dwelling veterans with mild to moderate dementia and pain. Univariate and multiple regressions were used to assess relationships among the independent variables and participant-reported pain. Results: Pain diagnoses (β = .23, t 132 = 2.65, P < .01) and pain medications (β = .21, t 132 = 2.48, P < .05) were correlated with participant-reported pain intensity in univariate regression models. Only pain diagnoses (β = .20, t 132 = 2.17, P < .05) remained a significant predictor in adjusted models. Conclusion: Participant-reported pain in individuals with dementia appears to be a unique construct for which other psychosocial indicators cannot be substituted. Therefore, directly asking community-dwelling individuals with mild to moderate dementia about their pain is a critical component of assessment.

Models for treating depression in specialty medical settings: a narrative review☆ , ☆☆

OBJECTIVE This review answered two questions: (a) what types of specialty medical settings are implementing models for treating depression, and (b) do models for treating depression in specialty medical settings effectively treat depression symptoms? METHOD We searched Medline/Pubmed to identify articles, published between January 1990 and May 2013, reporting on models for treating depression in specialty medical settings. Included studies had to have adult participants with comorbid medical conditions recruited from outpatient, nonstandard primary care settings. Studies also had to report specific, validated depression measures. RESULTS Search methods identified nine studies (six randomized controlled trials, one nonrandomized controlled trial and two uncontrolled trials), all representing integrated care for depression, in three specialty settings (oncology, infectious disease, neurology). Most studies (N=7) reported greater reductions in depression among patients receiving integrated care compared to usual care, particularly in oncology clinics. CONCLUSIONS Integrated care for depression in specialty medical settings can improve depression outcomes. Additional research is needed to understand the effectiveness of incorporating behavioral and/or psychological treatments into existing methods. When developing or selecting a model for treating depression in specialty medical settings, clinicians and researchers will benefit from choosing specific components and measures most relevant to their target populations.

Engaging high-risk patients in intensive care coordination programs: the engagement through CARInG framework

Intensive outpatient care programs (IOCPs) have shown promise for high-risk patients who account for disproportionate acute care utilization and costs. These programs typically address medical, behavioral, and social needs through intensive case management, health care navigation, coordination, and access to a range of social and community services. However, the value of these programs is often limited by patient engagement challenges (i.e., difficulty engaging patients in self-care, decision-making, and follow-up with recommended services). The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for engaging high-risk patients with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs in IOCPs. We conducted a qualitative study with 20 leaders and clinicians (e.g., physicians, nurses, psychologists, case workers) from 12 IOCPs affiliated with diverse settings (academic hospitals, county healthcare systems, Veterans Affairs facilities, community health centers, and private health systems). After completing a brief survey, participants were asked to describe how their program conceptualizes patient engagement and to describe characteristics of highly engaged patients. We used conventional content analysis methods to analyze qualitative data. Three domains of engagement were identified and are summarized in the Engagement Through CARInG Framework: Communication and actions to improve health; Relationships built on trust in IOCP staff; and Insight and goal-setting ability. Qualitative findings illustrate the spectrum and interrelatedness of these domains. The Engagement Through CARInG Framework can guide interventions that aim to enhance self-care and improve care coordination for high-risk patients with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs.

Military sexual trauma is associated with eating disorders, while combat exposure is not.

Objective: There are strong associations among trauma and eating disorders. However, while trauma and eating disorders are more common among veterans than other populations, there is little information on how military-specific stressors affect eating disorder risk. This study’s objective was to determine whether military sexual trauma and combat exposure were independent predictors of eating disorders among women veterans, a high-risk group. Method: Participants were women age 18–70, using VA medical center services, without psychotic disorders or suicidal ideation (N = 407). We estimated a cross-sectional logistic regression model to predict eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder) as a function of military sexual trauma and combat exposure, adjusting for demographic variables. Results: Sixty-six percent of participants reported military sexual trauma, 32% reported combat exposure, and 15% met eating disorder criteria. Mean age was 49 years (SD = 13); 40% were veterans of color. Women reporting military sexual trauma had twice the odds of an eating disorder compared to women who did not (odds ratio [OR]: 2.03; 95% CI [1.03–3.98]). Combat exposure was not associated with eating disorders. Asian race (OR: 3.36; 95% CI [1.26–8.97]) and age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI [1.01–1.06]) were associated with eating disorders. Conclusions: The high rates of military sexual trauma and eating disorders highlight a need for continued work. Results suggest that it may be useful to focus on women reporting military sexual trauma when implementing eating disorder screening and treatment programs. Given associations among trauma, eating disorders, obesity, and mortality, such efforts could greatly improve veteran health.

The effect of medical comorbidities on male and female Veterans' use of psychotherapy for PTSD.

Background:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for medical comorbidities that may prevent participation in psychotherapy. The present study investigated whether medical comorbidities were associated with lower initiation rates and fewer psychotherapy visits for PTSD. Because women are more likely to initiate psychotherapy after traumatic events, we also assessed whether relationships were weaker among women. Methods:Veterans (N=482, 47% women) recently diagnosed with PTSD completed a survey assessing demographics, mood, functional status, and interest in treatment. Data on medical comorbidities, psychotherapy visits, antidepressant prescriptions, and service connection were assessed longitudinally through administrative files. Logistic and negative binomial regressions assessed associations between number of medical comorbidities in the 2 years before the survey and the initiation and number of psychotherapy visits for PTSD in the year after the survey. All analyses were stratified by sex and controlled for survey and administrative variables. Results:The relationship between medical comorbidities and number of psychotherapy visits was stronger among women than among men. A greater number of medical comorbidities was associated with significantly fewer psychotherapy visits in the total sample [incidence rate ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 1.00] and among women (incidence rate ratio: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.99), but not among men (95% CI: 0.75, 1.01). Medical comorbidities were not associated with the initiation of psychotherapy among men or women. Conclusions:Addressing medical comorbidities may help individuals remain in psychotherapy for PTSD. Medical comorbidities may play a larger role in the number of psychotherapy visits among women than men.

Design Thinking in Health Care

Introduction Applying Design Thinking to health care could enhance innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness by increasing focus on patient and provider needs. The objective of this review is to determine how Design Thinking has been used in health care and whether it is effective. Methods We searched online databases (PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PyscINFO) for articles published through March 31, 2017, using the terms “health,” “health care,” or “healthcare”; and “Design Thinking,” “design science,” “design approach,” “user centered design,” or “human centered design.” Studies were included if they were written in English, were published in a peer-reviewed journal, provided outcome data on a health-related intervention, and used Design Thinking in intervention development, implementation, or both. Data were collected on target users, health conditions, intervention, Design Thinking approach, study design or sample, and health outcomes. Studies were categorized as being successful (all outcomes improved), having mixed success (at least one outcome improved), or being not successful (no outcomes improved). Results Twenty-four studies using Design Thinking were included across 19 physical health conditions, 2 mental health conditions, and 3 systems processes. Twelve were successful, 11 reported mixed success, and one was not successful. All 4 studies comparing Design Thinking interventions to traditional interventions showed greater satisfaction, usability, and effectiveness. Conclusion Design Thinking is being used in varied health care settings and conditions, although application varies. Design Thinking may result in usable, acceptable, and effective interventions, although there are methodological and quality limitations. More research is needed, including studies to isolate critical components of Design Thinking and compare Design Thinking–based interventions with traditionally developed interventions.

Engaging High-Need Patients in Intensive Outpatient Programs: A Qualitative Synthesis of Engagement Strategies

BackgroundIntensive outpatient programs address the complex medical, social, and behavioral needs of individuals who account for disproportionate healthcare costs. Despite their promise, the impact of these programs is often diminished due to patient engagement challenges (i.e., low rates of patient participation and partnership in care).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify intensive outpatient program features and strategies that increase high-need patient engagement in these programs.DesignQualitative study.ParticipantsTwenty program leaders and clinicians from 12 intensive outpatient programs in academic, county, Veterans Affairs, community, and private healthcare settings.ApproachA questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to identify common barriers to patient engagement in intensive outpatient programs and strategies employed by programs to address these challenges. We used content analysis methods to code patient engagement barriers and strategies and to identify program features that facilitate patient engagement.Key ResultsThe most common barriers to patient engagement in intensive outpatient programs included physical symptoms/limitations, mental illness, care fragmentation across providers and services, isolation/lack of social support, financial insecurity, and poor social and neighborhood conditions. Patient engagement strategies included concrete services to support communication and use of recommended services, activities to foster patient trust and relationships with program staff, and counseling to build insight and problem-solving capabilities. Program features that were identified as enhancing engagement efforts included: 1) multidisciplinary teams with diverse skills, knowledge, and personalities to facilitate relationship building; 2) adequate staffing and resources to handle the demands of high-need patients; and 3) a philosophy that permitted flexibility and patient-centeredness.ConclusionsPromising clinical, interpersonal, and population-based approaches to engaging high-need patients frequently deviate from standard practice and require creative and proactive staff with adequate time, resources, and flexibility to address patients’ needs on patients’ terms.