Annals of surgery
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To determine: (1) incidence of " opioid never events " ( ONEs ), defined as the development of opioid dependence or overdose in an opioid-naive surgical patient who is prescribed opioids postoperatively and (2) risk factors predicting ONEs. ⋯ Postoperative opioid dependence or overdose is a significant health problem, affecting roughly 2 per 1000 opioid-naive surgical patients prescribed an opioid and followed for 5 years. Risk factors for the development of ONEs include opioid use 3 to 12 months after surgery, patient age, and surgical procedure.
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To evaluate whether patients of Black race are at higher risk of adverse postoperative discharge to a nursing home, and if a higher prevalence of severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension are contributing. ⋯ Black race was associated with postoperative discharge to a nursing facility compared to White race. Optimized preoperative assessment and treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension improves surgical outcomes and provides an opportunity to the surgeon to help eliminate healthcare disparities.
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This study aimed to enhance hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening to achieve earlier diagnosis of patients with hepatitis C (HCV) cirrhosis in our Safety-Net population. ⋯ Implementation of an HCC screening program at a safety-net hospital is feasible and facilitated earlier diagnosis in this study. Patient navigation and tracking completion of imaging tests were key components of the program's success. Next steps include expanding the program to additional at-risk populations.
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To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate treatment of secondary (SHPT) and tertiary (THPT) renal hyperparathyroidism. ⋯ Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal management of secondary and tertiary renal hyperparathyroidism.
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To develop a scalable metric which quantifies kidney transplant (KT) centers' performance providing equitable access to KT for minority patients, based on the individualized prelisting prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ⋯ The KTEI is the first metric to quantify minority access to KT incorporating the prelisting ESRD prevalence individualized to transplant centers. KTEIs uncover significant national variation in transplant practices and identify highly equitable centers. This novel metric should be used to disseminate best practices for minority and low socioeconomic patients with ESRD.