Federal and state agencies are considering ICU performance assessment and public reporting; however, an accurate method for measuring performance must be selected. In this study, we determine whether a substantial variation in ICU mortality performance still exists in modern ICUs, and compare the predictive accuracy, reliability, and data burden of...
The continuing rise in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has led to heightened interest in the role of nongenetic factors, including exogenous exposures, but little research has been conducted. To explore a possible role in autism etiology, we used data available from our prior studies to examine potential occupational exposures, as these...
To develop and compare ICU length-of-stay (LOS) risk-adjustment models using three commonly used mortality or LOS prediction models.
Between 2001 and 2004, we performed a retrospective, observational study of 11,295 ICU patients from 35 hospitals in the California Intensive Care Outcomes Project. We compared the accuracy of the following three LOS ...
Nia is a fusion fitness program that blends elements from the dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts, creating a workout that is adaptable to all ages and fitness levels. As a nontraditional form of exercise, Nia integrates body, mind, and spirit as well as the five sensations of flexibility, agility, mobility, strength, and stability. Nia inco...
In an analysis of data from the US Collaborative Perinatal Project, Huang et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2013;178(12):1691-1697) report an association between neonatal total serum bilirubin levels and childhood asthma.
To consider the implications of this finding, we need to evaluate whether the association is causal. The results do not appear to be due t...
Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels ≥ 30 mg/dL are rare but potentially hazardous. A better understanding of their incidence, causes, and outcomes could help inform preventive efforts.
We identified infants born ≥ 35 weeks' gestational age from 1995-2011 in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (n = 525409) and examined the medical records of infant...
Current intensive care unit performance measures include in-hospital mortality after intensive care unit admission. This measure does not account for deaths occurring after transfer to another hospital or soon after discharge and therefore, may be biased.
Determine how transfer rates to other acute care hospitals and early post-discharge mortality ...