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Background The overuse of medical testing, be it ancillary testing or imaging, has been identified as a problem in all healthcare systems in the world. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marches towards the 2030 vision of healthcare transformation, we have sought to get a perspective on medically unnecessary tests being conducted in Saudi Arabian emergency departments (EDs), the reasons behind this phenomenon, and possible solutions to it. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey among emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) working in Saudi Arabian EDs, taken through a self-filled online questionnaire, about their ordering habits, what they believe to be unnecessary testing in their practice, the practice of their colleagues, and other Saudi EMPs as a whole. Subjects have also been asked about the reasons why such practices are occurring and possible solutions to reduce such overuse of unnecessary tests in Saudi EDs. Results A total of 182 EMPs were surveyed from the different regions of the Kingdom, and CT head for patients presenting with asymptomatic stroke, and asymptomatic TBI were the most overused scans (both 44%). The most overused advanced body imaging was CT kidney-ureters-bladder (KUB) at 41.5%, while the most overused ancillary tests were complete blood count (CBC) and liver transaminases. The most common reason for the practice was found to be fear of medicolegal proceedings (70.9%). Continuous education of EMPs and increasing ED staffing were found to be the most helpful solutions to reduce unnecessary testing in the ED (70.9% and 67%, respectively). Conclusion It is clear from our data that overuse of medical tests and imaging is still a prominent practice. CT head in asymptomatic patients seems to be the most commonly overused imaging in Saudi EDs. Ancillary testing and unnecessary ordering of CBCs and transaminases seem to stem from fear of EMPs from legal consequences. More control over medical test ordering needs to be exercised to reduce these practices.

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AIM: This study aimed to survey general practitioners' (GPs) and radiologists' perspectives on referrals, imaging justification, and unnecessary imaging in Norway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey covered access to imaging, responsibilities, attitudes toward justification assessment, referral process, and demographics using multiple choice questions, statements to report agreement with using the Likert scale and one open question. RESULTS: Forty radiologists and 58 GPs attending national conferences completed a web-based survey, with a 20/15% response rate, respectively. Both radiologists (97%) and GPs (100%) considered avoiding unnecessary examinations essential to their role in the healthcare service. Still, 91% of GPs admitted that they referred to imaging they thought was not helpful, while about 60% of the radiologists agreed that unnecessary imaging was conducted in their workplace. GPs reported pressure from patients and patients having private insurance as the most common reasons for doing unnecessary examinations. In contrast, radiologists reported a lack of clinical information and the inability to discuss patient cases with the GPs as the most common reasons. CONCLUSION: This study adds to our understanding of radiologists' and GPs' perspectives on unnecessary imaging and referrals. Better guidelines and, even more importantly, better communication between the referrer and the radiologist are needed. Addressing these issues can reduce unnecessary imaging and improve the quality and safety of care.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a root cause analysis (RCA) model for test overutilization, applying it to transferrin overordering at our institution. METHODS: A comprehensive review was undertaken to establish a systematic RCA model. Upon implementation, the questionnaire identifying the root causes of transferrin overordering with infographic intervention was distributed to clinicians and nurses. RESULTS: The RCA model comprises 5 steps: (1) problem identification, (2) causal factor determination, (3) data collection, (4) significant factor identification, and (5) corrective action development and outcome measurement. The major causes of transferrin overutilization were confusion between transferrin and transferrin saturation, as well as unfamiliarity with the laboratory handbook. An infographic reduced postintervention transferrin ordering among clinicians (84.9%, P < .001) and nurses (46.8%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a 5-step RCA model that offers a customized method to identify the causes of test overutilization. Applying this model to transferrin at our institution revealed 22 leading root causes. Laboratories are encouraged to adopt this RCA model as it can contribute to optimized patient care and more efficient resource allocation.

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OBJECTIVE: Despite evidence-based guidelines stating that lipase alone should be used in the diagnosis of suspected acute pancreatitis, health care providers continue to order amylase or amylase and lipase together. The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of appropriate laboratory testing related to the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: The study used a retrospective cross-sectional design. The timeframe was from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. A retrospective chart review was used to collect data for the following: patient-provider encounter notes, patient demographics, provider demographics, differential and final diagnosis, and laboratory test results. Data analysis include stratification of categorical variables and calculation of cost savings. RESULTS: For the 12-month period, this study found 2567 (9.3%) of all amylase and lipase tests to be unnecessary. Amylase tests (1881; 73.2%) made up the most unnecessary tests followed by lipase tests (686; 26.7%). An analysis of test-ordering behavior by providers revealed that 81.5% of all unnecessary tests were ordered by MDs. Finally, this study estimated a total cost savings of $128,350 if all unnecessary tests were eliminated. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that amylase and lipase tests have been overutilized in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

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Tumor markers (TM) are crucial in the monitoring of cancer treatment. However, inappropriate requests for screening reasons have a high risk of false positive and negative findings, which can lead to patient anxiety and unnecessary follow-up examinations. We aimed to assess the appropriateness of TM testing in outpatient practice in Switzerland. We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on healthcare claims data. Patients who had received at least one out of seven TM tests (CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, CA72-4, Calcitonin, or NSE) between 2018 and 2021 were analyzed. Appropriate determinations were defined as a request with a corresponding cancer-related diagnosis or intervention. Appropriateness of TM determination by patient characteristics and prescriber specialty was estimated by using multivariate analyses. A total of 51,395 TM determinations in 36,537 patients were included. An amount of 41.6% of all TM were determined appropriately. General practitioners most often determined TM (44.3%) and had the lowest number of appropriate requests (27.8%). A strong predictor for appropriate determinations were requests by medical oncologists. A remarkable proportion of TM testing was performed inappropriately, particularly in the primary care setting. Our results suggest that a considerable proportion of the population is at risk for various harms associated with misinterpretations of TM test results.

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OBJECTIVE: This descriptive observational cross-sectional study aimed to assess the general population's awareness, attitudes, and behaviours towards proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, as well as their knowledge about associated side effects, in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An autonomous online survey was conducted from June 15, 2023, to September 1, 2023, using social media. The survey targeted adult residents of Qassim and collected a total of 1090 respondents. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and probit regression using R version 4.3.1 (RStudio, Boston, MA). A significance level of p<0.05 was utilized to interpret the results. RESULTS: A total of 1050 samples, limited to residents of Qassim, were analyzed. Significant associations were observed between awareness of PPIs and factors such as side effects (adjOR = 1.19, 99% CI: 1.08-1.31), widespread PPI use (adjOR = 1.24, 99% CI: 1.12-1.38), PPI usage (adjOR = 2.47, 99% CI: 2.18-2.82), and optimal PPI timing (adjOR = 1.30, 99% CI: 1.13-1.50). Additionally, age, educational attainment, and employment in the medical field significantly influenced awareness gaps related to potential side effects, PPI prevalence, adherence to medical prescriptions, and optimal timing for PPI usage. CONCLUSION: The current study concludes that a significant portion of individuals in the Qassim region lack awareness regarding the potential side effects of PPI usage. Comprehensive healthcare education is required to bridge awareness gaps regarding PPIs and foster informed medication practices. By grasping the intricacies of individual perceptions, medical engagement, and demographic factors, healthcare providers and policymakers can collaboratively empower individuals in the Qassim region to make informed choices regarding their health and medication usage.

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Overutilization of the emergency department (ED) is a significant problem in the United States (US), characterized mainly by patients with non-emergent conditions seeking care in a setting designed specifically for acute care. This has significantly increased healthcare costs in the US, a country with one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. ED overutilization was also found to be high among people with Medicaid coverage, especially since the Affordable Care Act was enacted with an expansion in Medicaid coverage. Using the 2018 South Eastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Household Health Survey, we identified a significant bivariate relationship between emergency department visits and the following predictor variables: sex, race, education, employment status, 150% poverty level, and Medicaid recipient. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, Medicaid recipients had higher odds of presenting to the ED than non-Medicaid recipients [odds ratio (OR): 2.863, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.164, 3.788]. Black people (OR: 1.647, 95% CI: 1.411, 1.923) and Native Americans (OR: 2.985, 95% CI: 1.536, 5.800) had higher odds than Whites. Respondents without a high school diploma had higher odds than college graduates (OR: 1.647, 95% CI: 1.96, 2.273). Respondents below the 150% poverty line had higher odds than those at or above the 150% poverty level (OR: 1.651, 95% CI: 1.386, 1.968). Unemployed respondents had higher odds than full-time employed respondents (OR: 1.703, 95% CI: 1.488, 1.953) or part-time (OR: 1.259, 95% CI: 1.036, 1.529). No difference was observed between the sexes. Addressing ED overutilization should take a multi-faceted approach with the ultimate goal of improving access to primary care.

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PURPOSE: Imaging clinical decision support (CDS) is designed to assist providers in selecting appropriate imaging studies and is now federally required. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of CDS on decisions and workflows in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: The authors' institution's order entry platform serves up structured indications for imaging orders. Imaging orders are scored by CDS on the basis of appropriate use criteria (AUC). CDS triggers alerts for imaging orders with low AUC scores. Because free text alone cannot be scored by CDS, an artificial intelligence predictive text (AIPT) module was implemented to guide the selection of structured indications when free-text indications are entered. A total of 17,355 imaging orders in the ED over 6 months were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: CDS alerts for low AUC scores were triggered for 3% of all imaging study orders (522 of 17,355). Providers spent an average of 24 seconds interacting with alerts. In 18 of 522 imaging orders with alerts, alternative studies were ordered. After AIPT implementation, the percentage of unscored studies significantly decreased from 81% to 45% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In a quaternary academic ED, CDS alerts triggered by low AUC scores caused minimal increase in time spent on imaging order entry but had a relatively marginal impact on imaging study selection. AIPT implementation increased the number of scored studies and could potentially enhance CDS effects. CDS implementation enables the collection of novel data regarding which imaging studies receive low AUC scores. Future work could include exploring alternative models of CDS implementation to maximize its impact.

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BACKGROUND: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) in medical claims have a negative impact on the quality and cost of healthcare. A major component of FWA in claims is procedure code overutilization, where one or more prescribed procedures may not be relevant to a given diagnosis and patient profile, resulting in unnecessary and unwarranted treatments and medical payments. This study aims to identify such unwarranted procedures from millions of healthcare claims. In the absence of labeled examples of unwarranted procedures, the study focused on the application of unsupervised machine learning techniques. METHODS: Experiments were conducted with deep autoencoders to find claims containing anomalous procedure codes indicative of FWA, and were compared against a baseline density-based clustering model. Diagnoses, procedures, and demographic data associated with healthcare claims were used as features for the models. A dataset of one hundred thousand claims sampled from a larger claims database is used to initially train and tune the models, followed by experimentations on a dataset with thirty-three million claims. Experimental results show that the autoencoder model, when trained with a novel feature-weighted loss function, outperforms the density-based clustering approach in finding potential outlier procedure codes. RESULTS: Given the unsupervised nature of our experiments, model performance was evaluated using a synthetic outlier test dataset, and a manually annotated outlier test dataset. Precision, recall and F1-scores on the synthetic outlier test dataset for the autoencoder model trained on one hundred thousand claims were 0.87, 1.0 and 0.93, respectively, while the results for these metrics on the manually annotated outlier test dataset were 0.36, 0.86 and 0.51, respectively. The model performance on the manually annotated outlier test dataset improved further when trained on the larger thirty-three million claims dataset with precision, recall and F1-scores of 0.48, 0.90 and 0.63, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging unsupervised, deep-learning methods to identify potential procedure overutilization from healthcare claims.

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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion that have changed treatment practice for gastric acid-related disorders. The major adequate indications for their use are treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with antibiotics and prophylaxis for patients on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or antiplatelet drugs. Since their introduction, clinical success has been accompanied by widespread use of PPIs, which has steadily increased over the last decades without concomitant increase in the incidence of acid-related disorders. PPIs are now among the most widely prescribed class of medications worldwide and around 10% of Icelanders are current PPI users. This increase has been linked to PPI prescription without an indication, or continued use for longer duration than recommended. In recent years, concerns have been raised about PPI overuse and the associated increased risk of harm, not only in terms of increased costs but also the potential risk of physical dependence and long-term side effects of PPIs. The article is based on search in PubMed, the authors' own clinical experience and research, and is intended to provide practice advice on the use of PPIs with focus on appropriate prescription and deprescription of PPIs.

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BACKGROUND: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D testing is increasing despite national guidelines and Choosing Wisely recommendations against routine screening. Overuse can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary downstream testing and treatment. Repeat testing within 3 months is a unique area of overuse. OBJECTIVE: To reduce 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing in a large safety net system comprising 11 hospitals and 70 ambulatory centers. DESIGN: This was a quality improvement initiative with a quasi-experimental interrupted time series design with segmented regression. PARTICIPANTS: All patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings with at least one order for 25-hydroxyvitamin D were included in the analysis. INTERVENTIONS: An electronic health record clinical decision support tool was designed for inpatient and outpatient orders and involved two components: a mandatory prompt requiring appropriate indications and a best practice advisory (BPA) focused on repeat testing within 3 months. MAIN MEASURES: The pre-intervention period (6/17/2020-6/13/2021) was compared to the post-intervention period (6/14/2021-8/28/2022) for total 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing, as well as 3-month repeat testing. Hospital and clinic variation in testing was assessed. Additionally, best practice advisory action rates were analyzed, separated by clinician type and specialty. KEY RESULTS: There were 44% and 46% reductions in inpatient and outpatient orders, respectively (p < 0.001). Inpatient and outpatient 3-month repeat testing decreased by 61% and 48%, respectively (p < 0.001). The best practice advisory true accept rate was 13%. CONCLUSION: This initiative successfully reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing through the use of mandatory appropriate indications and a best practice advisory focusing on a unique area of overuse: the repeat testing within a 3-month interval. There was wide variation among hospitals and clinics and variation among clinician types and specialties regarding actions to the best practice advisory.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints of the main stakeholders of the Iranian healthcare system about the overutilization of hospital services and strategies to eliminate or reduce it in Iran. METHODS: This is a qualitative study and thematic data analysis using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). We conducted eight interviewers and two FGDs with hospital stakeholders including faculty members, insurance organizations' authorities, experienced hospital administrative staff, hospital managers, and health-care providers. RESULTS: The factors leading to the overutilization of hospital services were categorized into four main themes including site of service, quality, supplier push, and demand pull. Strategies for eliminating or reducing the overutilization of hospital services are also identified based on the influential factors. CONCLUSION: Addressing overutilization of hospital services in the health system and adherence to policies for reducing or eliminating overutilization is a way to make preventive strategies to overcome overutilization. Developing a national plan to integrate utilization management into health system programs is a strategy to combat overutilization in various levels of the health system including hospital setting.

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BACKGROUND: Previous interventions to reduce emergency department (ED) overutilization from non-urgent visits have shown little success. At our hospital, we created an ED to primary care clinic (PCC) transfer protocol for non-urgent ED visits of established patients. Our study analyzed the impact of this protocol on patient encounters. METHODS: Chart reviews were conducted for a retrospective cohort of transfers from the ED to PCC from 9/01/17-8/31/18. Primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), cost, and need for return to the ED. Cost savings were calculated by comparing encounters with identical primary diagnoses in the ED with internal technical and professional financial data. Secondary outcomes were final diagnoses and primary care services provided. RESULTS: 374 patient encounters were transferred from ED to PCC. The five most common diagnoses were viral upper respiratory infection (n=80, 21.4%), dermatologic diagnoses (n=37, 9.9%), acute otitis media (n=35, 9.4%), pharyngitis (n=34, 9.1%), and influenza (n=34, 9.1%). Overall, total cost savings equaled approximately $100,000. For the top 10 diagnoses, costs were reduced from $29-$46 per $100 of ED costs and LOS was reduced by a mean of 49 min/encounter. For 9 of these 10 conditions, costs exceeded reimbursement in both settings; however, evaluation in PCC versus ED reduced the loss of revenue by 10-68%. Sixty-four encounters (17.1%) received additional primary care services. There were no safety events or inappropriate transfers. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol provided a safe, efficient method for patients to be evaluated in their medical home while reducing non-urgent emergency visits in the ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: VI.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Modern methods of communication and engagement, such as social media, video games, and online shopping, use a variety of behavioral techniques to encourage and reward frequent use, opening the door to addiction. The technological addictions (TAs) are a set of disorders that accompany the technological advances that define the digital age. The TAs are an active source of research in the literature, with promising treatment options already available. RECENT FINDINGS: There are promising therapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments for a broad range of TAs. Stimulants, antidepressants, and cognitive therapies may all be effective for internet gaming disorder (IGD). Cognitive therapies may be effective for other TAs, such as social media addiction (SMA), online shopping addiction (OSA), and online porn addiction. Society's dependence on addictive technologies will only increase. Many of the TAs can be addressed with medication and therapy, with more research and literature developing at a rapid pace.

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Background: Overutilization of advanced diagnostic imaging modalities strains health care systems, especially in resource limited setups. The aim of this study is to identify magnitude of inappropriate Head Computed Tomography scans at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Radiology department, among patients getting Head Computed Tomography examinations in the period of August 2018- November 2018. Appropriateness of each scan was assessed using the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. Result: Of the 443 Head Computed Tomography scans assessed, 61.6% were done for male patients and the mean age of patients scanned is 35. Children younger than 14yrs of age constituted 17.2%. No contrast was used in 63.9% of the scans and 64.3% were initial imaging with no prior study for similar indication. Out of the scans evaluated, 11.7% were inappropriate. Headache (38.5%), Seizure (23.1%) and Head trauma (23.1%) were the commonest indications for inappropriate scan. Scans done for cerebrovascular disease were 240 times more likely to be appropriate. Large number of inappropriate scans were requested from central triage (33.3%) and adult emergency (26.2%). Pediatric department requested inapproprieate scans in 11.9% of the cases. Residents requested majority of inappropriate scans (82.3%). Inappropriateness was associated with use of contrast agent and having only incidental outcomes. Conclusion: A large number of inappropriate Head Computed Tomography scans are being done. Mechanisms such as preauthorization by radiologists, increasing awareness by medical students, physicians, radiology residents and radiologists and preparing customized imaging appropriateness guidelines should be implemented.

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The Shapour River, with a catchment area of 4254 km2, is a major river system in southern Iran. While the upstream river flow (the upper Shapour River) is fresh, it becomes extremely salinized at the downstream confluence of the Shekastian saline tributary and the entering nearby Boushigan saline spring. Then, the river passes via the Khesht plain and finally discharges into Raeisali-Delvari storage dam which went into operation in 2009. Over the 2006-2019 period, reduced precipitation and over-utilization of freshwater resources resulted in ~ 72% streamflow reduction in the Shapour River. Due to not using the saline waters for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes, the ratio of saline-outflow of Shekastian tributary and Boushigan spring to fresh-outflow of upper Shapour River increased by ~ 3 times; consequently, river salinity fluctuation domain at the Khesht plain inlet dramatically increased from 2.1-4.0 dS m-1 to 3.7-26.0 dS m-1. It resulted in major economic damages to the agricultural sector of middle Shapour River. On the seasonal timescale, consecutive processes of salt accumulation during irrigation season of the Khesht plain date orchards and then salt drainage during the rainy season have adjusted salinity fluctuation domain from 3.7-26.0 dS m-1 at the plain inlet to 5.2-8.9 dS m-1 at the plain outlet. In the lower Shapour River, storage/mixing of fresh/saline inflow waters in the Raeisali-Delvari reservoir has adjusted strong river salinity fluctuation domain from 0.9-10.7 dS m-1 at the reservoir inlet to 3.6-5.5 dS m-1 at the reservoir outlet. The success of the Raeisali-Delvari reservoir for salinity adjustment is due to its suitable location on the Shapour River, by being situated downstream of all main river tributaries with natural saline/fresh sources of water.

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Inappropriate laboratory test selection in the form of overutilization as well as underutilization frequently occurs despite available guidelines. There is broad approval among laboratory specialists as well as clinicians that demand management strategies are useful tools to avoid this issue. Most of these tools are based on automated algorithms or other types of machine learning. This review summarizes the available demand management strategies that may be adopted to local settings. We believe that artificial intelligence may help to further improve these available tools.

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Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was originally designed to overcome barriers due to male factor infertility. However, a surveillance study found that ICSI use in non-male factor infertility increased from 15.4% to 66.9% between 1996 and 2012. Numerous studies have investigated fertilization rate, total fertilization failure, and live birth rate per cycle (LBR), comparing the use of ICSI versus conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for non-male factor infertility. The overwhelming conclusion shows no increase in fertilization rate or LBR per cycle with the use of ICSI for non-male factor infertility. The overuse of ICSI is likely related to the desire to avoid a higher rate of total fertilization failure in IVF. However, data supporting the benefit of using ICSI for non-male factor infertility is lacking, and 33 couples would need to be treated with ICSI unnecessarily to avoid one case of total fertilization failure. Such practice increases the cost to the patient, increases the burden on embryologist's time, and is a misapplication of resources. Additionally, there remains conflicting data regarding the safety of offspring conceived by ICSI and potential damage to the oocyte. Thus, the use of ICSI should be limited to those with male factor infertility or a history of total fertilization factor infertility due to uncertainties of potential adverse impact and lack of proven benefit in non-male factor infertility.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The concept of telehealth has been around since the early twentieth century and has been used in different healthcare specialties. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating physical distancing, there has been an increased emphasis and utilization of this mode of healthcare delivery. With increasing reliance on telehealth services, data from investigator groups have brought to light several merits as well as failings of telehealth. RECENT FINDINGS: Telehealth services have been associated with improved healthcare outcomes while remaining a cost-effective mode of healthcare delivery. Improving access and timeliness of care has also been observed by multiple telehealth-related studies. Finally, telehealth services are also anticipated to serve as part of emergency preparedness protocol and have shown to reduce provider-patient supply-demand mismatch, prevalent in certain subspecialties. With these benefits come certain challenges that have been highlighted in the literature. Indiscriminate utilization of telehealth services may widen public health disparities among minority groups and may increase overall healthcare expenditure due to overutilization of care, and the digital platform may jeopardize security of patient data. COVID-19 has been a catalyst in increasing utilization of telehealth services. As we move forward from the current pandemic, lessons learned from the studies demonstrating benefits and challenges associated with telehealth should be taken into account when drafting post-pandemic telehealth policies. Special attention should be paid to ensure that telehealth narrows, and not widens, the currently existing disparities in access to healthcare.

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