Gardendale

Researchers are evaluating the use of the Spotfire R/ST multiplex respiratory PCR test in urgent care settings to improve management of patients with acute respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, and rhinitis. This hybrid effectiveness-implementation study aims to assess both the test's effectiveness in guiding clinical decisions and the factors affecting its real-world use. Antibiotic overuse for respiratory illnesses is a major public health concern, and this study addresses how rapid diagnostic tools may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. Participants who meet criteria will receive testing with the Spotfire R/ST Panel, a rapid PCR test that detects multiple viral and bacterial pathogens from nasopharyngeal or throat swabs within about 15 minutes. The test results will be used by clinicians to guide patient management during urgent care visits. At the end of the visit, patients will complete a satisfaction survey. The study is conducted in an outpatient urgent care setting and focuses on first visits for respiratory illness symptoms within the study period. Throughout the study, researchers will collect data on antibiotic use for respiratory conditions and patient satisfaction. The primary outcome measure is antibiotic utilization based on HEDIS metrics. The study also considers implementation barriers and facilitators to adopting this technology in real-world urgent care. Participants will be monitored during their urgent care visit, and follow-up data will capture antibiotic prescribing patterns and patient-reported outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.