Health Problem: Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to the destruction of cartilage, the protective covering overlying bones at joints such as the knee or hip. Isolated patellofemoral OA (PFOA) involves only the junction between the kneecap (patella) and the distal thighbone (femur). PFOA is caused by trauma, malalignment of the joint, age-related degeneration, congenital trochlear dys…
Evidence Analysis
It is a challenge for health plans and clinicians to distill and analyze volumes of clinical evidence to determine likely clinical, financial, and risk impacts. This is what we do.Accessed through the Hayes Knowledge Center, the Evidence Analysis Solution addresses the following fundamental questions to help our clients determine coverage positions:
- Does the technology improve health outcomes?
- Are there other benefits associated with the technology?
- What harms might be associated with the technology?
- Have patient selection criteria been established for the technology?
- For which patients might the technology provide a benefit?
- Health Technology Assessments
- Evidence Analysis Research Briefs
- Evolving Evidence Review
- Clinical Research Responses
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis
Health Problem: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) affects skeletally immature patients younger than 10 years of age. Patients with EOS are still undergoing development, which can place them at risk for progression of the deformity. If EOS progresses to a severe state, the spine can crowd the space within the chest cavity, and can cause thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS), where th…
Pneumatic Compression for Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Knee Arthroplasty
Health Problem: A venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot resulting from slowed circulation, which includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A DVT forms in a deep vein, usually the leg or pelvis, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality after orthopedic surgery. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 40% to 84% of patients develop a DVT…
Electronic Monitoring Versus Direct Observation of Hand Hygiene Compliance in Healthcare Settings
Health Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire in a healthcare setting and are largely preventable, chiefly through adequate hand hygiene (HH). Compliance with HH guidelines can remain lax. Hospitals often assess HH compliance via direct observation (DO) by trained observers. DO has limitations in that it is costly and time consumi…
Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures
Health Problem: Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are fragility fractures of the sacrum that destabilize the pelvis and cause debilitating low back pain. The overall incidence of SIF is difficult to determine; however, one estimate suggests that 19% of patients aged > 70 years who underwent bone scan had an SIF.
Technology Description: …
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure in Preterm Newborns
Health Problem: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common causes of preterm infant respiratory failure and mortality, with RDS occurring in 20,000 to 30,000 newborn infants annually in the United States. RDS results from developmental immaturity of the lungs, which leads to insufficient surfactant production and function. …
Microcurrent Electrical Therapy for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain
Health Problem: Acute postoperative pain is common across a variety of surgical procedures, including both hard- and soft-tissue surgeries. Inadequately controlled pain negatively affects quality of life and the recovery of function and may result in an increase in morbidity, recovery time, opioid use, the risk of complications, and the risk of persistent postsurgical pain.
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Non-Neurogenic Overactive Bladder
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), also known as posterior tibial nerve stimulation, is a minimally invasive form of electrical neuromodulation used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge urinary incontinence (UUI).
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the respiratory muscles are not able to maintain an open airway while relaxed during sleep. OSA is associated with a variety of health consequences and, in particular, confers a 4.2 times greater risk of mortality, even after controlling for leading risk factors, including age, sex, weight, and smoking status). A report was published recently tha…
Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Gastroparesis
Health Problem: Normal gastric emptying involves a coordinated set of muscular contractions that are controlled by enteric neurons, smooth muscle cells, and the autonomic nervous system. Delayed gastric emptying due to gastroparesis can cause nausea, vomiting, early satiety, distension/bloating, and epigastric pain. Inadequate control of these symptoms can result in dehydratio…