Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the sprea... more Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Variation in policies across jurisdictions and over time strongly suggests a difference-in-differences (DD) research design to estimate causal effects of counter-COVID measures. We discuss threats to the validity of these DD designs and make recommendations about how researchers can avoid bias, interpret results accurately, and provide sound guidance to policymakers seeking to protect public health and facilitate an eventual economic recovery.
Journal of survey statistics and methodology, Nov 3, 2020
Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making... more Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making efficient decisions about cost-error trade-offs, as well as to accurately project future costs. In this article, we examine a measure of survey costs—per interview costs—over time in a repeated cross-sectional survey. We examine both measurement issues and variability in costs. The measurement issues relate to the classification of various costs into the appropriate time period. We explore several issues that make this process of classification difficult. A time series analysis is then utilized to examine the trends and seasonality in per interview costs. Under the assumptions of our model, after removing the trend and seasonality components, the remainder is variation in costs. This approach allows us to treat survey cost estimates in a manner similar to any other survey estimate.
Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the sprea... more Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Variation in policies across jurisdictions and over time strongly suggests a difference-in-differences (DD) research design to estimate causal effects of counter-COVID measures. We discuss threats to the validity of these DD designs and make recommendations about how researchers can avoid bias, interpret results accurately, and provide sound guidance to policymakers seeking to protect public health and facilitate an eventual economic recovery.
Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology, 2020
Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making... more Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making efficient decisions about cost-error trade-offs, as well as to accurately project future costs. In this article, we examine a measure of survey costs—per interview costs—over time in a repeated cross-sectional survey. We examine both measurement issues and variability in costs. The measurement issues relate to the classification of various costs into the appropriate time period. We explore several issues that make this process of classification difficult. A time series analysis is then utilized to examine the trends and seasonality in per interview costs. Under the assumptions of our model, after removing the trend and seasonality components, the remainder is variation in costs. This approach allows us to treat survey cost estimates in a manner similar to any other survey estimate.
Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been demonstrated as a parameter of arterial stiffness, wh... more Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been demonstrated as a parameter of arterial stiffness, which antihypertensive therapy may improve. However, little information is available about the factors affecting changes in arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy. We performed a study to examine the factors affecting changes in arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy. Eighty treated hypertensive patients (71 ± 10 years) were divided into two groups: 50 patients showing a decrease in CAVI (Group 1) and 30 patients showing an increase (Group 2) during observation (24 ± 11 months) of antihypertensive therapy. The groups did not differ in the rates of use of angiotensin II receptor blockers or calcium channel blockers. Age (Group 1: 67 ± 11 versus Group 2: 74 ± 8 years), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (Group 1: 103 ± 19 versus Group 2: 120 ± 24 g/m(2)) and systolic blood pressure (Group 1: 133 ± 17 versus Group 2: 144 ± 23 mm Hg) at the start of observation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). The changes in CAVI during observation were correlated only with LVMI (r = 0.289, p = 0.009) at the start of observation for all 80 patients. It may be difficult to improve arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
<jats:p> <jats:italic> <jats:bold>P67</jats:bold> </jats:italic> &l... more <jats:p> <jats:italic> <jats:bold>P67</jats:bold> </jats:italic> </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:italic>Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with the various elements of the insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X) including insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. There is no current consensus on the correct method of adjusting left ventricular mass (LVM). Objective: To determine the variation in the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)and Syndrome X when LVM is adjusted for height, height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>and body surface area (BSA) in a population based study. Methods:LVM was measured echocardiographically in 442 participants aged 35 to 65 years. Results: The prevalence of LVH ranged from 15.6% to 33.9% depending on adjustment method. The correlation between LVH and Syndrome X components varied by adjustment criteria and by sex. In men, LVH was only correlated with blood pressure and obesity measurements. In women, LVH was correlated with all Syndrome X components except HDL cholesterol. Regardless of adjustment method, women with Syndrome X were more likely to have LVH than those without Syndrome X, although the magnitude of the relationship varied by LVM adjustment (LVM/height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>:</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic /> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>OR 16.6, 95% CI: 6.7 41.1; LVM/BSA: OR 5.8, 95% CI: 2.6-12.9). In men, the relationship between Syndrome X and LVH was significant when LVM was adjusted for height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>(OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4-6.7) but not when adjusted for BSA (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 0.4-3.5). Conclusions:Both the prevalence of LVH and the relationship between LVH and Syndrome X are dependent on the method used to adjust LVM. When LVM is adjusted for height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>, LVH is more prevalent and the relationship with Syndrome X is stronger than when adjusted for BSA. Regardless of adjustment method, the relationship between Syndrome X and LVH is much stronger in women than men. The LVM adjustment method employed is important to take into account both in epidemiological studies and clinical practice.</jats:italic> </jats:p>
Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved... more Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) between cardiologists and noncardiologists, who often diagnose and manage HFpEF. Methods: Cardiologists and noncardiologists (internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics) were anonymously surveyed between January 16, 2018, and March 2, 2018, regarding practices related to diagnosing and managing HFpEF at the University of Michigan and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Response data were compared using c 2 analysis. Results: Of 1010 physicians surveyed, 211 completed a significant portion of the survey: 32 cardiologists and 179 noncardiologists. Most noncardiologists were unaware of HFpEF diagnostic guidelines and commonly used left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and natriuretic peptides to diagnose HFpEF. Noncardiologists (32.3%, n¼52) were less likely than cardiologists (64.5%, n¼ 20) to prescribe an aldosterone antagonist for HFpEF (P¼.001). Both groups reported similar use of b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and exercise programs. Noncardiologists were more likely to refer patients with HFrEF to cardiology (63.1%, n¼111) compared with patients with HFpEF (33.5%, n¼59; P<.001). Noncardiologists were more likely to discuss prognosis and goals of care with patients with HFrEF (84.4%, n¼151) than with patients with HFpEF (65.9%, n¼118; P<.001). Conclusion: Cardiologists and noncardiologists vary significantly in their HFpEF diagnosis and treatment practices. As diagnostic criteria continue to be evaluated for HFpEF, dissemination of these guidelines to noncardiologists, with an emphasis on the morbidity and mortality associated with HFpEF, is imperative.
Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved... more Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) between cardiologists and noncardiologists, who often diagnose and manage HFpEF. Methods: Cardiologists and noncardiologists (internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics) were anonymously surveyed between January 16, 2018, and March 2, 2018, regarding practices related to diagnosing and managing HFpEF at the University of Michigan and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Response data were compared using c 2 analysis. Results: Of 1010 physicians surveyed, 211 completed a significant portion of the survey: 32 cardiologists and 179 noncardiologists. Most noncardiologists were unaware of HFpEF diagnostic guidelines and commonly used left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and natriuretic peptides to diagnose HFpEF. Noncardiologists (32.3%, n¼52) were less likely than cardiologists (64.5%, n¼ 20) to prescribe an aldosterone antagonist for HFpEF (P¼.001). Both groups reported similar use of b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and exercise programs. Noncardiologists were more likely to refer patients with HFrEF to cardiology (63.1%, n¼111) compared with patients with HFpEF (33.5%, n¼59; P<.001). Noncardiologists were more likely to discuss prognosis and goals of care with patients with HFrEF (84.4%, n¼151) than with patients with HFpEF (65.9%, n¼118; P<.001). Conclusion: Cardiologists and noncardiologists vary significantly in their HFpEF diagnosis and treatment practices. As diagnostic criteria continue to be evaluated for HFpEF, dissemination of these guidelines to noncardiologists, with an emphasis on the morbidity and mortality associated with HFpEF, is imperative.
Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common and associated with considerable morbidit... more Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common and associated with considerable morbidity, mortality, and resource costs. Understanding patterns of long-term outcomes is essential in those who survive IHCA. However, there has been limited data on patient-reported outcomes among survivors, in part because they are believed to be difficult to access. Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a centralized phone-based survey of patient-reported outcomes among Veteran survivors of IHCA 1 year post-discharge. Methods: Veteran survivors of IHCA (ICD-9-CM codes 99.60, 99.63 or 427.5) who were discharged from a VA Medical Center from September 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013 were identified. After confirmation of eligibility by medical record review, they were sent a research information packet. Those who did not opt-out were contacted by phone 2 weeks later. Research Assistants (RAs) were trained to address any study related concerns and complete IRB-approved informed ...
The authors analyze the heterogeneity present in the combined results of past observational studi... more The authors analyze the heterogeneity present in the combined results of past observational studies that investigated the association between oral contraceptive use and rheumatoid arthritis. The authors also evaluate discrepancies among meta-analyses that focus on the same relation. Of the 15 initially reviewed studies, 10 were selected for this meta-analysis, which also includes a qualitative summary of study charac-teristics and a critical appraisal of study quality. The authors used the direct method to combine the study results when there was no evidence of heterogeneity and the DerSimonian-Laird method when heterogeneity was present. Using a meta-regression to assess the sources of heterogeneity, the authors weighted summary estimates by sample size and undertook a sensitivity analysis. There was a strong indication of heterogeneity when combining all studies (x2 = 29.34, p = 0.00060) with the source of controls explaining most of the heterogeneity. The most important factor in...
Interest in a multimode approach to surveys has grown substantially in recent years, in part due ... more Interest in a multimode approach to surveys has grown substantially in recent years, in part due to increased costs of face-to-face (FtF) interviewing and the emergence of the Internet as a survey mode. Yet, there is little systematic evidence of the impact of a multimode approach on survey costs and errors. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to evaluate whether a mixed-mode approach to a large screening survey would produce comparable response rates at a lower cost than an FtF screening effort. The experiment was carried out in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing panel study of Americans over age 50. In 2010, HRS conducted a household screening survey to recruit new sample members to supplement the existing sample. The experiment varied the sequence of modes with which the screening interview was delivered. One treatment offered mail first, followed by FtF interviewing; the other started with FtF and then mail. A control group was offered only ...
Background: Short term mortality following in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) is well understood.... more Background: Short term mortality following in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) is well understood. However, little is known about long term patient-reported outcomes - such as activities of daily living, cognitive function, and depression among survivors of IHCA. Objective: To assess the patient-reported outcomes in IHCA survivors 12-months after cardiac arrest. Methods: Veteran survivors of IHCA (ICD-9-CM codes 99.60, 99.63 or 427.5) who were discharged alive from a U.S. Veterans Administration Medical Center from September 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013 were identified. After confirmation of eligibility by medical record review, they were mailed a research information packet. Those who did not opt-out were contacted by phone two weeks later. Veterans who consented were surveyed by phone or mail. The survey encompassed Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), self-reported depressive symptoms (via the PHQ-9) and an assessment of cog...
Monitoring interviewer performance during data collection is essential for ensuring optimal perfo... more Monitoring interviewer performance during data collection is essential for ensuring optimal performance at the interviewer level, thereby leading to improved data collection parameters in areas such as effort and efficiency. Paradata are widely utilized to enhance typical measures of performance, such as response rates, and provide a more nuanced view of interviewer performance characteristics. We describe a paradata tool developed to monitor interviewer performance in real time: the Interviewer Performance Profile (IPP). Daily data updates allow for ongoing monitoring to detect areas of performance concern as well as areas of improvement over time. Additionally, the flexible nature of the IPP facilitates adaptation by other projects. An overview of the tool is provided in addition to several examples of implementation and usage in a national field project.
Although counts of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections and deaths are reported by sever... more Although counts of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections and deaths are reported by several sources online, precise estimation of the exposed proportion of the population is not possible in most areas of the world. Estimates of other disease prevalence in the United States are often obtained through in-person seroprevalence surveys. The availability of testing only for individuals with symptoms, combined with stay-at-home and social distancing mandates to stem the spread of the disease, limit in-person data collection options. A probability-based mail survey with at-home, self-administered testing is a feasible method to safely estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence within the United States while also easing burden on the U.S. public and health care system. This mail survey could be a one-time, cross-sectional design, or a repeated cross-sectional or longitudinal survey. We discuss several options for designing and conducting this survey.
The integration of new technology in survey research has led to new developments in computer-assi... more The integration of new technology in survey research has led to new developments in computer-assisted interviewing applications. Touchscreen functionality can improve usability and, potentially, improve data quality and reduce interviewing costs by providing a more user-friendly, straightforward means of navigating through a data collection instrument. With several large-scale, in-person data collection screening studies on the horizon at the University of Michigan, and plans to purchase new hardware, we have explored existing touchscreen capabilities within Blaise 4.8. In this paper, we will describe the development of a touchscreen Blaise screening application prototype in consideration for two studies that will begin data collection in in 2015-2016. The developmental goal of this exploration is to design a touchscreen household screening application to be used by field interviewers to screen over 50,000 households in the next year. The prototype builds on the work done by Hofman ...
This chapter focuses on longitudinal surveys, the defining feature of which is the collection of ... more This chapter focuses on longitudinal surveys, the defining feature of which is the collection of repeated observations from the same units over time. Longitudinal surveys have the potential to provide rich data for analyzing the causes and consequences of change in peoples' lives. The chapter compares the reported retention rates from a range of different longitudinal studies. Only a few longitudinal studies have specifically set out to formally harmonize fieldwork practices across countries ex ante. The chapter reviews the experiences of a selection of some of the world's major longitudinal surveys in retaining sample members. It discusses the most common types of strategies used in these studies to maintain contact with sample members and encourage ongoing participation. Panel maintenance strategies are aimed at keeping in contact with sample members, especially those who are mobile, and gaining their cooperation at multiple points in time, often over a very long period.
Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the sprea... more Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Variation in policies across jurisdictions and over time strongly suggests a difference-in-differences (DD) research design to estimate causal effects of counter-COVID measures. We discuss threats to the validity of these DD designs and make recommendations about how researchers can avoid bias, interpret results accurately, and provide sound guidance to policymakers seeking to protect public health and facilitate an eventual economic recovery.
Journal of survey statistics and methodology, Nov 3, 2020
Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making... more Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making efficient decisions about cost-error trade-offs, as well as to accurately project future costs. In this article, we examine a measure of survey costs—per interview costs—over time in a repeated cross-sectional survey. We examine both measurement issues and variability in costs. The measurement issues relate to the classification of various costs into the appropriate time period. We explore several issues that make this process of classification difficult. A time series analysis is then utilized to examine the trends and seasonality in per interview costs. Under the assumptions of our model, after removing the trend and seasonality components, the remainder is variation in costs. This approach allows us to treat survey cost estimates in a manner similar to any other survey estimate.
Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the sprea... more Policymakers have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Variation in policies across jurisdictions and over time strongly suggests a difference-in-differences (DD) research design to estimate causal effects of counter-COVID measures. We discuss threats to the validity of these DD designs and make recommendations about how researchers can avoid bias, interpret results accurately, and provide sound guidance to policymakers seeking to protect public health and facilitate an eventual economic recovery.
Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology, 2020
Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making... more Survey costs are an understudied area. However, understanding survey costs is critical for making efficient decisions about cost-error trade-offs, as well as to accurately project future costs. In this article, we examine a measure of survey costs—per interview costs—over time in a repeated cross-sectional survey. We examine both measurement issues and variability in costs. The measurement issues relate to the classification of various costs into the appropriate time period. We explore several issues that make this process of classification difficult. A time series analysis is then utilized to examine the trends and seasonality in per interview costs. Under the assumptions of our model, after removing the trend and seasonality components, the remainder is variation in costs. This approach allows us to treat survey cost estimates in a manner similar to any other survey estimate.
Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been demonstrated as a parameter of arterial stiffness, wh... more Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been demonstrated as a parameter of arterial stiffness, which antihypertensive therapy may improve. However, little information is available about the factors affecting changes in arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy. We performed a study to examine the factors affecting changes in arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy. Eighty treated hypertensive patients (71 ± 10 years) were divided into two groups: 50 patients showing a decrease in CAVI (Group 1) and 30 patients showing an increase (Group 2) during observation (24 ± 11 months) of antihypertensive therapy. The groups did not differ in the rates of use of angiotensin II receptor blockers or calcium channel blockers. Age (Group 1: 67 ± 11 versus Group 2: 74 ± 8 years), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (Group 1: 103 ± 19 versus Group 2: 120 ± 24 g/m(2)) and systolic blood pressure (Group 1: 133 ± 17 versus Group 2: 144 ± 23 mm Hg) at the start of observation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). The changes in CAVI during observation were correlated only with LVMI (r = 0.289, p = 0.009) at the start of observation for all 80 patients. It may be difficult to improve arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI during antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
<jats:p> <jats:italic> <jats:bold>P67</jats:bold> </jats:italic> &l... more <jats:p> <jats:italic> <jats:bold>P67</jats:bold> </jats:italic> </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:italic>Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with the various elements of the insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X) including insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. There is no current consensus on the correct method of adjusting left ventricular mass (LVM). Objective: To determine the variation in the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)and Syndrome X when LVM is adjusted for height, height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>and body surface area (BSA) in a population based study. Methods:LVM was measured echocardiographically in 442 participants aged 35 to 65 years. Results: The prevalence of LVH ranged from 15.6% to 33.9% depending on adjustment method. The correlation between LVH and Syndrome X components varied by adjustment criteria and by sex. In men, LVH was only correlated with blood pressure and obesity measurements. In women, LVH was correlated with all Syndrome X components except HDL cholesterol. Regardless of adjustment method, women with Syndrome X were more likely to have LVH than those without Syndrome X, although the magnitude of the relationship varied by LVM adjustment (LVM/height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>:</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic /> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>OR 16.6, 95% CI: 6.7 41.1; LVM/BSA: OR 5.8, 95% CI: 2.6-12.9). In men, the relationship between Syndrome X and LVH was significant when LVM was adjusted for height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>(OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4-6.7) but not when adjusted for BSA (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 0.4-3.5). Conclusions:Both the prevalence of LVH and the relationship between LVH and Syndrome X are dependent on the method used to adjust LVM. When LVM is adjusted for height</jats:italic> <jats:sup> <jats:italic>2.7</jats:italic> </jats:sup> <jats:italic>, LVH is more prevalent and the relationship with Syndrome X is stronger than when adjusted for BSA. Regardless of adjustment method, the relationship between Syndrome X and LVH is much stronger in women than men. The LVM adjustment method employed is important to take into account both in epidemiological studies and clinical practice.</jats:italic> </jats:p>
Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved... more Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) between cardiologists and noncardiologists, who often diagnose and manage HFpEF. Methods: Cardiologists and noncardiologists (internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics) were anonymously surveyed between January 16, 2018, and March 2, 2018, regarding practices related to diagnosing and managing HFpEF at the University of Michigan and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Response data were compared using c 2 analysis. Results: Of 1010 physicians surveyed, 211 completed a significant portion of the survey: 32 cardiologists and 179 noncardiologists. Most noncardiologists were unaware of HFpEF diagnostic guidelines and commonly used left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and natriuretic peptides to diagnose HFpEF. Noncardiologists (32.3%, n¼52) were less likely than cardiologists (64.5%, n¼ 20) to prescribe an aldosterone antagonist for HFpEF (P¼.001). Both groups reported similar use of b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and exercise programs. Noncardiologists were more likely to refer patients with HFrEF to cardiology (63.1%, n¼111) compared with patients with HFpEF (33.5%, n¼59; P<.001). Noncardiologists were more likely to discuss prognosis and goals of care with patients with HFrEF (84.4%, n¼151) than with patients with HFpEF (65.9%, n¼118; P<.001). Conclusion: Cardiologists and noncardiologists vary significantly in their HFpEF diagnosis and treatment practices. As diagnostic criteria continue to be evaluated for HFpEF, dissemination of these guidelines to noncardiologists, with an emphasis on the morbidity and mortality associated with HFpEF, is imperative.
Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved... more Objective: To quantify differences in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) between cardiologists and noncardiologists, who often diagnose and manage HFpEF. Methods: Cardiologists and noncardiologists (internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics) were anonymously surveyed between January 16, 2018, and March 2, 2018, regarding practices related to diagnosing and managing HFpEF at the University of Michigan and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Response data were compared using c 2 analysis. Results: Of 1010 physicians surveyed, 211 completed a significant portion of the survey: 32 cardiologists and 179 noncardiologists. Most noncardiologists were unaware of HFpEF diagnostic guidelines and commonly used left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and natriuretic peptides to diagnose HFpEF. Noncardiologists (32.3%, n¼52) were less likely than cardiologists (64.5%, n¼ 20) to prescribe an aldosterone antagonist for HFpEF (P¼.001). Both groups reported similar use of b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and exercise programs. Noncardiologists were more likely to refer patients with HFrEF to cardiology (63.1%, n¼111) compared with patients with HFpEF (33.5%, n¼59; P<.001). Noncardiologists were more likely to discuss prognosis and goals of care with patients with HFrEF (84.4%, n¼151) than with patients with HFpEF (65.9%, n¼118; P<.001). Conclusion: Cardiologists and noncardiologists vary significantly in their HFpEF diagnosis and treatment practices. As diagnostic criteria continue to be evaluated for HFpEF, dissemination of these guidelines to noncardiologists, with an emphasis on the morbidity and mortality associated with HFpEF, is imperative.
Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common and associated with considerable morbidit... more Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common and associated with considerable morbidity, mortality, and resource costs. Understanding patterns of long-term outcomes is essential in those who survive IHCA. However, there has been limited data on patient-reported outcomes among survivors, in part because they are believed to be difficult to access. Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a centralized phone-based survey of patient-reported outcomes among Veteran survivors of IHCA 1 year post-discharge. Methods: Veteran survivors of IHCA (ICD-9-CM codes 99.60, 99.63 or 427.5) who were discharged from a VA Medical Center from September 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013 were identified. After confirmation of eligibility by medical record review, they were sent a research information packet. Those who did not opt-out were contacted by phone 2 weeks later. Research Assistants (RAs) were trained to address any study related concerns and complete IRB-approved informed ...
The authors analyze the heterogeneity present in the combined results of past observational studi... more The authors analyze the heterogeneity present in the combined results of past observational studies that investigated the association between oral contraceptive use and rheumatoid arthritis. The authors also evaluate discrepancies among meta-analyses that focus on the same relation. Of the 15 initially reviewed studies, 10 were selected for this meta-analysis, which also includes a qualitative summary of study charac-teristics and a critical appraisal of study quality. The authors used the direct method to combine the study results when there was no evidence of heterogeneity and the DerSimonian-Laird method when heterogeneity was present. Using a meta-regression to assess the sources of heterogeneity, the authors weighted summary estimates by sample size and undertook a sensitivity analysis. There was a strong indication of heterogeneity when combining all studies (x2 = 29.34, p = 0.00060) with the source of controls explaining most of the heterogeneity. The most important factor in...
Interest in a multimode approach to surveys has grown substantially in recent years, in part due ... more Interest in a multimode approach to surveys has grown substantially in recent years, in part due to increased costs of face-to-face (FtF) interviewing and the emergence of the Internet as a survey mode. Yet, there is little systematic evidence of the impact of a multimode approach on survey costs and errors. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to evaluate whether a mixed-mode approach to a large screening survey would produce comparable response rates at a lower cost than an FtF screening effort. The experiment was carried out in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing panel study of Americans over age 50. In 2010, HRS conducted a household screening survey to recruit new sample members to supplement the existing sample. The experiment varied the sequence of modes with which the screening interview was delivered. One treatment offered mail first, followed by FtF interviewing; the other started with FtF and then mail. A control group was offered only ...
Background: Short term mortality following in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) is well understood.... more Background: Short term mortality following in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) is well understood. However, little is known about long term patient-reported outcomes - such as activities of daily living, cognitive function, and depression among survivors of IHCA. Objective: To assess the patient-reported outcomes in IHCA survivors 12-months after cardiac arrest. Methods: Veteran survivors of IHCA (ICD-9-CM codes 99.60, 99.63 or 427.5) who were discharged alive from a U.S. Veterans Administration Medical Center from September 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013 were identified. After confirmation of eligibility by medical record review, they were mailed a research information packet. Those who did not opt-out were contacted by phone two weeks later. Veterans who consented were surveyed by phone or mail. The survey encompassed Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), self-reported depressive symptoms (via the PHQ-9) and an assessment of cog...
Monitoring interviewer performance during data collection is essential for ensuring optimal perfo... more Monitoring interviewer performance during data collection is essential for ensuring optimal performance at the interviewer level, thereby leading to improved data collection parameters in areas such as effort and efficiency. Paradata are widely utilized to enhance typical measures of performance, such as response rates, and provide a more nuanced view of interviewer performance characteristics. We describe a paradata tool developed to monitor interviewer performance in real time: the Interviewer Performance Profile (IPP). Daily data updates allow for ongoing monitoring to detect areas of performance concern as well as areas of improvement over time. Additionally, the flexible nature of the IPP facilitates adaptation by other projects. An overview of the tool is provided in addition to several examples of implementation and usage in a national field project.
Although counts of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections and deaths are reported by sever... more Although counts of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections and deaths are reported by several sources online, precise estimation of the exposed proportion of the population is not possible in most areas of the world. Estimates of other disease prevalence in the United States are often obtained through in-person seroprevalence surveys. The availability of testing only for individuals with symptoms, combined with stay-at-home and social distancing mandates to stem the spread of the disease, limit in-person data collection options. A probability-based mail survey with at-home, self-administered testing is a feasible method to safely estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence within the United States while also easing burden on the U.S. public and health care system. This mail survey could be a one-time, cross-sectional design, or a repeated cross-sectional or longitudinal survey. We discuss several options for designing and conducting this survey.
The integration of new technology in survey research has led to new developments in computer-assi... more The integration of new technology in survey research has led to new developments in computer-assisted interviewing applications. Touchscreen functionality can improve usability and, potentially, improve data quality and reduce interviewing costs by providing a more user-friendly, straightforward means of navigating through a data collection instrument. With several large-scale, in-person data collection screening studies on the horizon at the University of Michigan, and plans to purchase new hardware, we have explored existing touchscreen capabilities within Blaise 4.8. In this paper, we will describe the development of a touchscreen Blaise screening application prototype in consideration for two studies that will begin data collection in in 2015-2016. The developmental goal of this exploration is to design a touchscreen household screening application to be used by field interviewers to screen over 50,000 households in the next year. The prototype builds on the work done by Hofman ...
This chapter focuses on longitudinal surveys, the defining feature of which is the collection of ... more This chapter focuses on longitudinal surveys, the defining feature of which is the collection of repeated observations from the same units over time. Longitudinal surveys have the potential to provide rich data for analyzing the causes and consequences of change in peoples' lives. The chapter compares the reported retention rates from a range of different longitudinal studies. Only a few longitudinal studies have specifically set out to formally harmonize fieldwork practices across countries ex ante. The chapter reviews the experiences of a selection of some of the world's major longitudinal surveys in retaining sample members. It discusses the most common types of strategies used in these studies to maintain contact with sample members and encourage ongoing participation. Panel maintenance strategies are aimed at keeping in contact with sample members, especially those who are mobile, and gaining their cooperation at multiple points in time, often over a very long period.
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Papers by Heidi Guyer