Torsten B. Neilands

The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire: psychometric properties, benchmarking data, and emerging research

BackgroundThere is widespread interest in measuring healthcare provider attitudes about issues relevant to patient safety (often called safety climate or safety culture). Here we report the psychometric properties, establish benchmarking data, and discuss emerging areas of research with the University of Texas Safety Attitudes Questionnaire.MethodsSix cross-sectional surveys of health care providers (n = 10,843) in 203 clinical areas (including critical care units, operating rooms, inpatient settings, and ambulatory clinics) in three countries (USA, UK, New Zealand). Multilevel factor analyses yielded results at the clinical area level and the respondent nested within clinical area level. We report scale reliability, floor/ceiling effects, item factor loadings, inter-factor correlations, and percentage of respondents who agree with each item and scale.ResultsA six factor model of provider attitudes fit to the data at both the clinical area and respondent nested within clinical area levels. The factors were: Teamwork Climate, Safety Climate, Perceptions of Management, Job Satisfaction, Working Conditions, and Stress Recognition. Scale reliability was 0.9. Provider attitudes varied greatly both within and among organizations. Results are presented to allow benchmarking among organizations and emerging research is discussed.ConclusionThe Safety Attitudes Questionnaire demonstrated good psychometric properties. Healthcare organizations can use the survey to measure caregiver attitudes about six patient safety-related domains, to compare themselves with other organizations, to prompt interventions to improve safety attitudes and to measure the effectiveness of these interventions.

A validity and reliability study of the coping self‐efficacy scale

OBJECTIVES Investigate the psychometric characteristics of the coping self-efficacy (CSE) scale, a 26-item measure of ones confidence in performing coping behaviors when faced with life challenges. DESIGN Data came from two randomized clinical trials (N1=149, N2=199) evaluating a theory-based Coping Effectiveness Training (CET) intervention in reducing psychological distress and increasing positive mood in persons coping with chronic illness. METHODS The 348 participants were HIV-seropositive men with depressed mood who have sex with men. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and comparison conditions and assessed pre- and post-intervention. Outcome variables included the CSE scale, ways of coping, and measures of social support and psychological distress and well-being. RESULTS Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed a 13-item reduced form of the CSE scale with three factors: Use problem-focused coping (6 items, alpha=.91), stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts (4 items, alpha=.91), and get support from friends and family (3 items, alpha=.80). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability are strong for all three factors. Concurrent validity analyses showed these factors assess self-efficacy for different types of coping. Predictive validity analyses showed that residualized change scores in using problem- and emotion-focused coping skills were predictive of reduced psychological distress and increased psychological well-being over time. CONCLUSIONS The CSE scale provides a measure of a persons perceived ability to cope effectively with life challenges, as well as a way to assess changes in CSE over time in intervention research.

Continued CD4 cell count increases in HIV-infected adults experiencing 4 years of viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy

Objective: To determine the extent to which HIV-infected patients, including those with advanced immunodeficiency, can reverse peripheral CD4 T-cell depletion while maintaining long-term viral suppression on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Design: Cohort study. Participants: Four-hundred and twenty-three HIV-infected patients who initiated HAART prior to 1998 and achieved a viral load ⩽ 1000 copies/ml by 48 weeks were evaluated for up to 4 years or until plasma HIV RNA levels increased to > 1000 copies/ml. Main outcome measure: CD4 count changes. Results: Among patients who maintained plasma HIV RNA levels ⩽ 1000 copies/ml, CD4 counts continued to increase through year 4 of HAART. In the last year examined, from year 3 to 4 of HAART, mean CD4 count gains were +89 × 106, +86 × 106, +95 × 106, and +88 × 106/l in patients with pre-therapy CD4 counts of < 50 × 106, 50 × 106–199 × 106, 200 × 106–349 × 106, and ⩾ 350 × 106/l, respectively (all gains were significantly greater than zero; P < 0.05). Among those with a pre-therapy CD4 count of < 50 × 106/l, 88% achieved a CD4 cell count of ⩾ 200 × 106/l and 59% achieved a count of ⩾ 350 × 106/l by year 4. Factors associated with increased CD4 cell count gains from month 3 to year 4 included lower pre-therapy CD4 cell count, younger age, female sex, and infrequent low-level viremia (versus sustained undetectable viremia). Conclusions: Most patients who achieve and maintain viral suppression on HAART continue to experience CD4 T-cell gains through 4 years of therapy. The immune systems capacity for CD4 T lymphocyte restoration is not limited by low pre-therapy CD4 counts.

The effect of executive walk rounds on nurse safety climate attitudes: A randomized trial of clinical units

BackgroundExecutive walk rounds (EWRs) are a widely used but unstudied activity designed to improve safety culture in hospitals. Therefore, we measured the impact of EWRs on one important part of safety culture – provider attitudes about the safety climate in the institution.MethodsRandomized study of EWRs for 23 clinical units in a tertiary care teaching hospital. All providers except physicians participated. EWRs were conducted at each unit by one of six hospital executives once every four weeks for three visits. Providers were asked about their concerns regarding patient safety and what could be done to improve patient safety. Suggestions were tabulated and when possible, changes were made. Provider attitudes about safety climate measured by the Safety Climate Survey before and after EWRs. We report mean scores, percent positive scores (percentage of providers who responded four or higher on a five point scale (agree slightly or agree strongly), and the odds of EWR participants agreeing with individual survey items when compared to non-participants.ResultsBefore EWRs the mean safety climate scores for nurses were similar in the control units and EWR units (78.97 and 76.78, P = 0.458) as were percent positive scores (64.6% positive and 61.1% positive). After EWRs the mean safety climate scores were not significantly different for all providers nor for nurses in the control units and EWR units (77.93 and 78.33, P = 0.854) and (56.5% positive and 62.7% positive). However, when analyzed by exposure to EWRs, nurses in the control group who did not participate in EWRs (n = 198) had lower safety climate scores than nurses in the intervention group who did participate in an EWR session (n = 85) (74.88 versus 81.01, P = 0.02; 52.5% positive versus 72.9% positive). Compared to nurses who did not participate, nurses in the experimental group who reported participating in EWRs also responded more favorably to a majority of items on the survey.ConclusionEWRs have a positive effect on the safety climate attitudes of nurses who participate in the walk rounds sessions. EWRs are a promising tool to improve safety climate and the broader construct of safety culture.

Impact of CD8+ T Cell Activation on CD4+ T Cell Recovery and Mortality in HIV-infected Ugandans Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Objectives:To assess whether T-cell activation independently predicts the extent of CD4+ T-cell recovery and mortality in HIV-infected Ugandans initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design:Prospective cohort study. Methods:HIV-infected adults starting ART and achieving a plasma HIV RNA level (VL) less than 400 copies/ml by month 6 were sampled from the Uganda AIDS Rural Treatment Outcomes (UARTO) cohort in Mbarara, Uganda. CD4 count, VL, and the percentage-activated (CD38+HLA-DR+) T cells were measured every 3 months. Results:Of 451 HIV-infected Ugandans starting ART, most were women (70%) with median pre-ART values: age, 34 years; CD4 count, 135 cells/&mgr;l; and VL, 5.1 log10 copies/ml. Of these, 93% achieved a VL less than 400 copies/ml by month 6 and were followed for a median of 24 months, with 8% lost to follow-up at 3 years. Higher pre-ART CD8+ T-cell activation was associated with diminished CD4 recovery after year 1, after adjustment for pre-ART CD4 count, VL, and sex (P = 0.017). Thirty-four participants died, 15 after month 6. Each 10% point increase in activated CD8+ T cells at month 6 of suppressive ART was associated with a 1.6-fold increased hazard of subsequent death after adjusting for pretherapy CD4 count (P = 0.048). Conclusions:Higher pre-ART CD8+ T-cell activation independently predicts slower CD4+ T-cell recovery and higher persistent CD8+ T-cell activation during ART-mediated viral suppression independently predicts increased mortality among HIV-infected Ugandans. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or reversing immune activation during ART are needed in this setting.

Use of postexposure prophylaxis against HIV infection following sexual exposure does not lead to increases in high-risk behavior

Background: The effectiveness of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) following occupational exposure to HIV has prompted advocacy for PEP following sexual or drug-use exposures. Objective: To evaluate the concern that the availability of PEP for sexual or drug-use exposures might result in behavioral disinhibition. Design: Non-randomized trial of 397 adults with high-risk sexual or drug-use exposures within the prior 72 h. Interventions: Antiretroviral medication for 4 weeks and five counseling sessions. Main outcome measurements: Participants were followed for 12 months for repeat request for PEP and for changes compared with pre-enrollment in overall high-risk behavior and the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV. Results: After 12 months following receipt of PEP, the majority of participants (83%) did not request a repeat course of PEP. At 12 months after exposure, 73% of participants reported a decrease compared with baseline in the number of times they had performed high-risk sexual acts; 13% reported no change, and 14% had an increase. Most participants (85%) had no change in the incidence of STD; 8.5% had a decrease and 6.8% an increase. Three homosexual men seroconverted for HIV (none associated with the presenting exposure) for a rate of 1.2/100 person-year, equivalent to rates in San Francisco among all homosexual men. Conclusions: After receipt of PEP consisting of antiretroviral medication and behavioral counseling following a potential sexual exposure to HIV, most individuals do not increase high-risk behavior. Coupled with prior safety and feasibility data, this lack of behavioral disinhibition suggests that use of PEP should be routinely considered following high-risk sexual exposures.

Interruption of treatment with individual therapeutic drug classes in adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection.

BACKGROUND Many antiretroviral-treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients experience sustained immunologic and virologic benefit despite the presence of multidrug-resistant HIV. We hypothesized that the use of simplified regimens could maintain treatment benefit while preventing viral evolution and reducing drug-related toxicity and costs. METHODS We conducted a 48-week nonrandomized study of adults with multidrug-resistant HIV type 1 infection. Subjects interrupted protease inhibitor (PI) (n=18), reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (RTI) (n=6), or nonnucleoside RTI (NNRTI) (n=6) treatment. RESULTS At study entry, subjects had a median reduction in HIV RNA levels of 1.2 log10 copies/mL relative to pretreatment levels. Interruption of PI treatment was associated with stable HIV RNA levels (mean change per week, +0.005 log10 copies/mL; P=.36). PI mutations waned and replicative capacity and HIV RNA levels increased after long-term observation. HIV RNA levels also remained stable in subjects interrupting NNRTI treatment. In contrast, all subjects who interrupted RTI treatment exhibited immediate increases in HIV RNA levels, and most exhibited a subsequent loss of the M184V mutation. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that nucleoside analogues often exert continued antiviral activity in the setting of drug-resistance mutations and that both nucleoside analogues and PIs can select for drug-resistance mutations that reduce viral fitness. These observations support the evaluation of treatment strategies aimed at maintaining the treatment benefit of therapy while reducing drug exposure.

Relationship characteristics and motivations behind agreements among gay male couples: Differences by agreement type and couple serostatus

Abstract Gay men in relationships are often overlooked in HIV prevention efforts, yet many engage in sexual behaviors that increase their HIV risk and some seroconvert as a result. While different aspects of gay male relationships have been studied, such as sexual agreements, relationship characteristics, and couple serostatus, little research combines these elements to examine HIV risk for this population. The present study recruited 566 gay male couples from the San Francisco Bay Area to study their sexual agreements, motivations behind making agreements, and other relationship characteristics, such as agreement investment, relationship satisfaction, intimacy, and communication. Participants rated their level of concurrence with a set of reasons for making their agreements. They were also measured on relationship characteristics using standard instruments. Analyses were conducted by agreement type (monogamous, open, and discrepant) and couple serostatus (concordant negative, concordant positive, and discordant). A majority reported explicitly discussing their agreements and nearly equal numbers reported being in monogamous and open relationships. A small number (8%) reported discrepant agreements. Across all agreement type and serostatus groups, HIV prevention as a motivator for agreements fell behind every motivator oriented toward relationship-based factors. Only concordant negative couples endorsed HIV and STD prevention among their top motivators for making an agreement. Mean scores on several relationship characteristics varied significantly. Couples with monogamous agreements had higher scores on most relationship characteristics, although there was no difference in relationship satisfaction between couples with monogamous and open agreements. Scores for concordant positive couples were distinctly lower compared to concordant negative and discordant couples. Agreements, the motivations behind them, and the relationship characteristics associated with them are an important part of gay male relationships. When examined by agreement type and couple serostatus, important differences emerge that must be taken into account to improve the effectiveness of future HIV prevention efforts with gay couples.

Seroconversion following nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis against HIV

BACKGROUND The efficacy of antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) against infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) following occupational exposures has prompted the use of PEP after nonoccupational exposures. There are, however, important differences between occupational and nonoccupational exposures, and the effectiveness of PEP following nonoccupational exposure is unknown. We sought to describe the occurrence and circumstances of HIV seroconversion following nonoccupational PEP. METHODS HIV uninfected individuals reporting potential sexual or injection drug use exposures to HIV in the preceding 72 h received a 28-day regimen of antiretroviral therapy and counseling in a nonrandomized trial. The level of HIV antibody was measured 12 weeks after PEP initiation. RESULTS Of 877 exposed subjects, 702 were evaluable 12 weeks after exposure. Seroconversion was detected in 7 subjects (1%; 95% confidence interval, 0.4%-2%). Three seroconverters reported having no exposures after PEP initiation and, thus, probably represent evidence of chemoprophylactic failure. In the other 4 subjects, additional exposures to HIV after PEP initiation or detection of HIV RNA in plasma specimens obtained at baseline precluded determination of the source of seroconversion. No exposure source was available to assess genetic concordance with the seroconverters virus. CONCLUSIONS As for occupational exposure, PEP is not completely effective in preventing HIV infection following nonoccupational exposure. Therefore, primary prevention remains essential. In contrast to the occupational setting, the potential source of exposure is rarely available for testing in the nonoccupational setting, and exposures are often not isolated. Thus, it is often impossible to determine whether seroconversion resulted from failure of PEP or from other exposures, posing difficulties for future comparative studies seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of PEP.

Psychiatric risk factors for HIV disease progression: the role of inconsistent patterns of antiretroviral therapy utilization.

Background:In the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), depression and substance use predict hastened HIV disease progression, but the underlying biological or behavioral mechanisms that explain these effects are not fully understood. Methods:Using outcome data from 603 participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention, binary logistic and linear regression were employed to examine whether inconsistent patterns of ART utilization partially mediated the effects of depression and substance use on higher HIV viral load over a 25-month follow-up. Results:Elevated affective symptoms of depression independently predicted ART discontinuation [adjusted odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08 to 1.78], and use of stimulants at least weekly independently predicted intermittent ART utilization (adjusted odds ratio = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.45 to 4.73). After controlling for the average self-reported percentage of ART doses taken and baseline T-helper (CD4+) count, elevated depressive symptoms predicted a 50% higher mean viral load, and weekly stimulant use predicted a 137% higher mean viral load. These effects became nonsignificant after accounting for inconsistent patterns of ART utilization, providing evidence of partial mediation. Conclusions:Inconsistent patterns of ART utilization may partially explain the effects of depression and stimulant use on hastened HIV disease progression.