Starkville

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.

Researchers are evaluating two behavioral treatments for hoarding disorder in older adults. Hoarding disorder in this population can lead to serious risks such as fire hazards, infestations, and health problems, worsened by declining cognitive functions like attention and concentration. Current treatments focusing on fear reduction have limited success in older adults, prompting investigation into motivation-based approaches. The study compares a four-month intervention called RECLAIM, which combines motivational interviewing with sorting practice, to sorting practice alone. Both treatments involve sixteen weekly one-hour sessions conducted in participants' homes by trained clinicians. RECLAIM sessions include motivational techniques to enhance motivation and daily sorting habits, while the sorting practice group focuses solely on encouraging sorting behaviors without motivational therapy. Participants will be assessed throughout the study by tracking changes in their sorting and discarding habits, motivation levels, and apathy using established questionnaires. They will record the frequency and duration of sorting activities weekly. The study aims to measure behavioral changes over four months to see if motivational interviewing improves engagement and reduces hoarding symptoms safely and effectively in rural older adults.