Performance Feedback for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Randomized Trial From the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Research in Office Settings Research Network.

2023

47-56

12/2023

1876-2867

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a feedback-based intervention would reduce human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine missed opportunities.

METHODS: In a longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial of 48 pediatric primary care practices, we allocated half the practices to receive a sequential, multicomponent intervention phased over consecutive periods. In a prior trial (period 1), communication skills training reduced missed opportunities for the initial HPV vaccine dose at well visits but not at acute/chronic visits. The current trial (period 2) evaluated the added value of performance feedback to clinicians after communication training. Performance feedback consisted of an introductory training module, weekly electronic "Quick Tips," and 3 individualized performance feedback reports to clinicians. We fit logistic regression models for the primary outcome of HPV vaccination missed opportunities using generalized estimating equations with independence working correlation, accounting for clustering at the practice level.

RESULTS: Performance feedback resulted in a 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.8, 0.0) percentage point greater reduction in missed HPV vaccine opportunities for the intervention versus control group during acute/chronic visits for subsequent HPV vaccinations (dose 2 or 3). However, during well visits for HPV vaccination dose #1, intervention practices increased missed opportunities (worsened) by 4.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 7.4) percentage points more than control practices, reducing the prior period 1 improvements and blunting the overall effect of performance feedback. We did not observe differences for the other visit/dose categories.

CONCLUSIONS: Performance feedback improved HPV vaccination for one subset of visits (acute/chronic, subsequent HPV vaccinations due), but not for well visits.

10.1016/j.acap.2022.07.006

Acad Pediatr

35853600

HPV Vaccinations at Acute Visits and Subsequent Adolescent Preventive Visits.

2022

12/2022

1098-4275

10.1542/peds.2022-058188

Pediatrics

36205071

Performance Feedback for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Randomized Trial From the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Research in Office Settings Research Network.

2022

07/2022

1876-2867

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a feedback-based intervention would reduce human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine missed opportunities.

METHODS: In a longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial of 48 pediatric primary care practices, we allocated half the practices to receive a sequential, multicomponent intervention phased over consecutive periods. In a prior trial (period 1), communication skills training reduced missed opportunities for the initial HPV vaccine dose at well visits but not at acute/chronic visits. The current trial (period 2) evaluated the added value of performance feedback to clinicians after communication training. Performance feedback consisted of an introductory training module, weekly electronic "Quick Tips," and 3 individualized performance feedback reports to clinicians. We fit logistic regression models for the primary outcome of HPV vaccination missed opportunities using generalized estimating equations with independence working correlation, accounting for clustering at the practice level.

RESULTS: Performance feedback resulted in a 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.8, 0.0) percentage point greater reduction in missed HPV vaccine opportunities for the intervention versus control group during acute/chronic visits for subsequent HPV vaccinations (dose 2 or 3). However, during well visits for HPV vaccination dose #1, intervention practices increased missed opportunities (worsened) by 4.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 7.4) percentage points more than control practices, reducing the prior period 1 improvements and blunting the overall effect of performance feedback. We did not observe differences for the other visit/dose categories.

CONCLUSIONS: Performance feedback improved HPV vaccination for one subset of visits (acute/chronic, subsequent HPV vaccinations due), but not for well visits.

10.1016/j.acap.2022.07.006

Acad Pediatr

35853600

Text Message Reminders for the Second Dose of Influenza Vaccine for Children: An RCT.

2022

08/2022

1098-4275

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among children requiring 2 influenza doses in a given season, second dose receipt nearly halves the odds of influenza. Nationally, many children do not receive both needed doses. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of text message reminders with embedded interactive educational information versus usual care on receipt and timeliness of the second dose of influenza vaccine.

METHODS: This trial took place over the 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 influenza seasons among 50 pediatric primary care offices across 24 states primarily from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Pediatric Research in Office Settings practice-based research network. Caregiver-child dyads of children 6 months to 8 years in need of a second influenza vaccination that season were individually randomized 1:1 into intervention versus usual care, stratified by age and language within each practice. Intervention caregivers received automated, personalized text messages, including educational information. Second dose receipt by April 30 (season end) and by day 42 (2 weeks after second dose due date) were assessed using Mantel Haenszel methods by practice and language. Analyses were intention to treat.

RESULTS: Among 2086 dyads enrolled, most children were 6 to 23 months and half publicly insured. Intervention children were more likely to receive a second dose by season end (83.8% versus 80.9%; adjusted risk difference (ARD) 3.8%; 95% confidence interval [0.1 to 7.5]) and day 42 (62.4% versus 55.7%; ARD 8.3% [3.6 to 13.0]).

CONCLUSIONS: In this large-scale trial of primary care pediatric practices across the United States, text message reminders were effective in promoting increased and timelier second dose influenza vaccine receipt.

10.1542/peds.2022-056967

Pediatrics

35965283

Comparative Effectiveness of Echinocandins vs Triazoles or Amphotericin B Formulations as Initial Directed Therapy for Invasive Candidiasis in Children and Adolescents.

2021

2021 Aug 10

2048-7207

<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Invasive candidiasis is the most common invasive fungal disease in children and adolescents, but there are limited pediatric-specific antifungal effectiveness data. We compared the effectiveness of echinocandins to triazoles or amphotericin B formulations (triazole/amphotericin B) as initial directed therapy for invasive candidiasis.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>This multinational observational cohort study enrolled patients aged &gt;120 days and &lt;18 years with proven invasive candidiasis from January 1, 2014, to November 28, 2017, at 43 International Pediatric Fungal Network sites. Primary exposure was initial directed therapy administered at the time qualifying culture became positive for yeast. Exposure groups were categorized by receipt of an echinocandin vs receipt of triazole/amphotericin B. Primary outcome was global response at 14 days following invasive candidiasis onset, adjudicated by a centralized data review committee. Stratified Mantel-Haenszel analyses estimated risk difference between exposure groups.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Seven-hundred and fifty invasive candidiasis episodes were identified. After exclusions, 541 participants (235 in the echinocandin group and 306 in the triazole/amphotericin B group) remained. Crude failure rates at 14 days for echinocandin and triazole/amphotericin B groups were 9.8% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 6.0% to 13.6%) and 13.1% (95% CI: 9.3% to 16.8%), respectively. The adjusted 14-day risk difference between echinocandin and triazole/amphotericin B groups was -7.1% points (95% CI: -13.1% to -2.4%), favoring echinocandins. The risk difference was -0.4% (95% CI: -7.5% to 6.7%) at 30 days.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>In children with invasive candidiasis, initial directed therapy with an echinocandin was associated with reduced failure rate at 14 days but not 30 days. These results may support echinocandins as initial directed therapy for invasive candidiasis in children and adolescents.</p>

<p><strong>CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: </strong>NCT01869829.</p>

10.1093/jpids/piab024

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc

34374424

Effect of Training Pediatric Clinicians in Human Papillomavirus Communication Strategies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

2021

2021 May 24

2168-6211

<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Missed opportunities for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination during pediatric health care visits are common.</p>

<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effect of online communication training for clinicians on missed opportunities for HPV vaccination rates overall and at well-child care (WCC) visits and visits for acute or chronic illness (hereafter referred to as acute or chronic visits) and on adolescent HPV vaccination rates.</p>

<p><strong>Design, Setting, and Participants: </strong>From December 26, 2018, to July 30, 2019, a longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trial allocated practices to communication training vs standard of care in staggered 6-month periods. A total of 48 primary care pediatric practices in 19 states were recruited from the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Research in Office Settings network. Participants were clinicians in intervention practices. Outcomes were evaluated for all 11- to 17-year-old adolescents attending 24 intervention practices (188 clinicians) and 24 control practices (177 clinicians). Analyses were as randomized and performed on an intent-to-treat basis, accounting for clustering by practice.</p>

<p><strong>Interventions: </strong>Three sequential online educational modules were developed to help participating clinicians communicate with parents about the HPV vaccine. Weekly text messages were sent to participating clinicians to reinforce learning. Statisticians were blinded to group assignment.</p>

<p><strong>Main Outcomes and Measures: </strong>Main outcomes were missed opportunities for HPV vaccination overall and for HPV vaccine initiation and subsequent doses at WCC and acute or chronic visits (visit-level outcome). Secondary outcomes were HPV vaccination rates (person-level outcome). Outcomes were compared during the intervention vs baseline.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>Altogether, 122 of 188 clinicians in intervention practices participated; of these, 120, 119, and 116 clinicians completed training modules 1, 2, and 3, respectively. During the intervention period, 29 206 adolescents (14 664 girls [50.2%]; mean [SD] age, 14.2 [2.0] years) made 15 888 WCC and 28 123 acute or chronic visits to intervention practices; 33 914 adolescents (17 069 girls [50.3%]; mean [SD] age, 14.2 [2.0] years) made 17 910 WCC and 35 281 acute or chronic visits to control practices. Intervention practices reduced missed opportunities overall by 2.4 percentage points (-2.4%; 95% CI, -3.5% to -1.2%) more than controls. Intervention practices reduced missed opportunities for vaccine initiation during WCC visits by 6.8 percentage points (-6.8%; 95% CI, -9.7% to -3.9%) more than controls. The intervention had no effect on missed opportunities for subsequent doses of the HPV vaccine or at acute or chronic visits. Adolescents in intervention practices had a 3.4-percentage point (95% CI, 0.6%-6.2%) greater improvement in HPV vaccine initiation compared with adolescents in control practices.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions and Relevance: </strong>This scalable, online communication training increased HPV vaccination, particularly HPV vaccine initiation at WCC visits. Results support dissemination of this intervention.</p>

<p><strong>Trial Registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03599557.</p>

10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0766

JAMA Pediatr

34028494

Persistent Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: A 6-Year Cohort Study.

2020

2020 Sep 18

1098-4275

<p><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>To determine the natural history of pediatric hypertension.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>We conducted a 72-month retrospective cohort study among 165 primary care sites. Blood pressure measurements from two consecutive 36 month periods were compared.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Among 398 079 primary care pediatric patients ages 3 to 18, 89 347 had ≥3 blood pressure levels recorded during a 36-month period, and 43 825 children had ≥3 blood pressure levels for 2 consecutive 36-month periods. Among these 43 825 children, 4.3% (1881) met criteria for hypertension (3.5% [1515] stage 1, 0.8% [366] stage 2) and 4.9% (2144) met criteria for elevated blood pressure in the first 36 months. During the second 36 months, 50% (933) of hypertensive patients had no abnormal blood pressure levels, 22% (406) had elevated blood pressure levels or &lt;3 hypertensive blood pressure levels, and 29% (542) had ≥3 hypertensive blood pressure levels. Of 2144 patients with elevated blood pressure in the first 36 months, 70% (1492) had no abnormal blood pressure levels, 18% (378) had persistent elevated blood pressure levels, and 13% (274) developed hypertension in the second 36-months. Among the 7775 patients with abnormal blood pressure levels in the first 36-months, only 52% (4025) had ≥3 blood pressure levels recorded during the second 36-months.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>In a primary care cohort, most children initially meeting criteria for hypertension or elevated blood pressure had subsequent normal blood pressure levels or did not receive recommended follow-up measurements. These results highlight the need for more nuanced initial blood pressure assessment and systems to promote follow-up of abnormal results.</p>

10.1542/peds.2019-3778

Pediatrics

32948657

Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for injuries among infants and children following statewide implementation of a home visitation model.

2012

1754-61

2012 Dec

1573-6628

<p>To compare hospital-based utilization for early childhood injuries between program recipients and local-area comparison families following statewide implementation of an evidence-based home visitation program, and to describe site-level program variation. Propensity score matching on baseline characteristics was used to create a retrospective cohort of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) clients and local area matched comparison women. The main outcome, a count of injury visit episodes, was enumerated from Medicaid claims for injuries examined in an emergency department or hospital setting during the first 2 years of life of children born to included subjects. Generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution examined the association between injury episode counts and NFP participation, controlling for other non-injury utilization and stratifying by individual agency catchment area in a fixed effects analysis. The children of NFP clients were more likely in aggregate to have higher rates of injury visits in the first 2 years of life than the children of comparison women (415.2/1,000 vs. 364.2/1,000, P &lt; 0.0001). Significantly higher rates of visits among children of NFP clients for superficial injuries (156.6/1,000 vs. 132.6/1,000, P &lt; 0.0001) principally accounted for the attributable difference in injury visit rates between groups. Among more serious injuries, no significant difference in injury visit rates was found between NFP clients and comparison women. The proportion of children with at least one injury visit varied from 14.5 to 42.5% among individual sites. Contrary to prior randomized trial data, no reductions in utilization for serious early childhood injuries were demonstrated following statewide implementation of an evidence-based home visitation program. Significant program variation on outcomes underscores the challenges to successful implementation.</p>

10.1007/s10995-011-0921-7

Matern Child Health J

22120426

Home visitation program effectiveness and the influence of community behavioral norms: a propensity score matched analysis of prenatal smoking cessation.

2012

1016

2012 Nov 21

1471-2458

<p><b>BACKGROUND: </b>The influence of community context on the effectiveness of evidence-based maternal and child home visitation programs following implementation is poorly understood. This study compared prenatal smoking cessation between home visitation program recipients and local-area comparison women across 24 implementation sites within one state, while also estimating the independent effect of community smoking norms on smoking cessation behavior.</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>Retrospective cohort design using propensity score matching of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) clients and local-area matched comparison women who smoked cigarettes in the first trimester of pregnancy. Birth certificate data were used to classify smoking status. The main outcome measure was smoking cessation in the third trimester of pregnancy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined, over two time periods, the association of NFP exposure and the association of baseline county prenatal smoking rate on prenatal smoking cessation.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>The association of NFP participation and prenatal smoking cessation was stronger in a later implementation period (35.5% for NFP clients vs. 27.5% for comparison women, p &lt; 0.001) than in an earlier implementation period (28.4% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.114). Cessation was also negatively associated with county prenatal smoking rate, controlling for NFP program effect, (OR = 0.84 per 5 percentage point change in county smoking rate, p = 0.002).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS: </b>Following a statewide implementation, program recipients of NFP demonstrated increased smoking cessation compared to comparison women, with a stronger program effect in later years. The significant association of county smoking rate with cessation suggests that community behavioral norms may present a challenge for evidence-based programs as models are translated into diverse communities.</p>

10.1186/1471-2458-12-1016

BMC Public Health

23170927

Propensity Score Methods for Analyzing Observational Data Like Randomized Experiments: Challenges and Solutions for Rare Outcomes and Exposures.

2015

989-95

2015 Jun 15

1476-6256

<p>Randomized controlled trials are the "gold standard" for estimating the causal effects of treatments. However, it is often not feasible to conduct such a trial because of ethical concerns or budgetary constraints. We expand upon an approach to the analysis of observational data sets that mimics a sequence of randomized studies by implementing propensity score models within each trial to achieve covariate balance, using weighting and matching. The methods are illustrated using data from a safety study of the relationship between second-generation antipsychotics and type 2 diabetes (outcome) in Medicaid-insured children aged 10-18 years across the United States from 2003 to 2007. Challenges in this data set include a rare outcome, a rare exposure, substantial and important differences between exposure groups, and a very large sample size. </p>

10.1093/aje/kwu469

Am. J. Epidemiol.

25995287