Publications

Original Publications

2024

• Do positive psychosocial factors contribute to the prediction of coronary artery disease? A UK Biobank–based machine learning approach
  Hefti R, Guemghar S, Battegay E, Mueller C, Koenig HG, Schaedert R, Meinschmidt G.
  European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2024
  https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwae237, https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwae237/7721249
  
  This study examined the potential of integrating positive psychosocial factors (PPFs), such as happiness, life satisfaction, and social support, into coronary artery disease (CAD) prediction models. Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers found that certain PPFs were associated with a lower risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD). However, when these PPFs were added to traditional and machine learning-based CAD prediction models, they did not significantly improve predictive accuracy over the Framingham Risk Score alone. The findings suggest that while PPFs are linked to CAD risk, their role as modifiers in CAD prediction models warrants further investigation, particularly near clinical decision thresholds.
  
  
• The Swiss Prison Study (SWIPS): Results from a registry-based study of prisoners in Switzerland from 2015 to 2020
  Musli N, Baumgartner P, Meier M, Thiel S, Rampini SK, Battegay E, Kohler M, van Rooij, Kuratle T, Nover L, Saffarini M, Steinack C, Saxena S, Gaisl T.
  
  Swiss Med Wkly. 2024
  https://doi.org/10.57187/s.3351, https://smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/3351
  
  The Swiss Prison Study aimed to assess the demographic characteristics of inmates in Zurich and analyze changes in diseases and drug use from 2015 to 2020. Out of 51,989 inmates, 37% were found to have one or more health conditions, highlighting the issue of multimorbidity. The study revealed significant changes in drug use patterns, such as increased use of antipsychotics and anticonvulsants, while also noting variations in medication use across different ethnic groups. These findings suggest a need for tailored healthcare approaches in prison settings, especially considering the diverse and often complex health profiles of inmates
  
  

2023

• A Telemedicine Center Reduces the Comprehensive Carbon Footprint in Primary Care: A Monocenter, Retrospective Study.
  Schmitz-Grosz K, Sommer-Meyer C, Berninger P, Weiszflog E, Jungmichel N, Feierabend D, Battegay E. J Prim Care Community Health. 2023
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10693788/
  
  This study investigates how a telemedicine center can reduce the overall carbon footprint in primary care. It is a retrospective study conducted at a single center that highlights the environmental benefits of telemedicine, including decreased travel and reduced use of healthcare facilities. The results indicate significant reductions in carbon emissions, suggesting that wider implementation of telemedicine could be beneficial for both healthcare delivery and environmental sustainability.
  
  
• Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease: how is depression addressed? Protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2023
  Blatch Armon D, Buhayer A, Dobretz K, Meinlschmidt G, Battegay E.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10163515/
  
  This is the outline of a protocol for a systematic review that will examine how clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease address depression. The study acknowledges the intricate link between cardiovascular diseases and depression, aiming to identify helpful operational information about this relevant disease-disease interaction in current guidelines. The ultimate goal is to improve holistic patient care by integrating mental health considerations into cardiovascular disease management.
  
  
• ICD-Based Cause of Death Statistics Fail to Provide Reliable Data for Medical Aid in Dying. Int J Public Health. 2023
  Güth U, Junker C, Schafroth M, McMillan S, Schneeberger AR, Elfgen C, Battegay E, Weitkunat R.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10450044/
  
  The issue addressed in this investigation is the reliability of cause of death statistics derived from ICD codes, particularly in the context of medical aid in dying. The 2023 study finds significant discrepancies and limitations in the current use of ICD codes for recording death causes, suggesting that these statistics may not provide accurate or reliable data for policy-making or healthcare improvements in cases of medically assisted dying especially also in multimorbid patients.

2022

• Depressive symptoms, but not anxiety, predict subsequent diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 19: a national cohort study. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2022
  Meinlschmidt G, Guemghar S, Roemmel N, Battegay E, Hunziker S, Schaefert R.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8967696/
  
  This national cohort study in Great Britain explores the predictive value of depressive symptoms and anxiety for subsequent diagnosis of COVID-19. The findings suggest that individuals exhibiting depressive symptoms, however not those suffering from anxiety, are more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19, emphasizing the need to consider mental health in public health surveillance and response strategies during pandemics.
  
  
• Perspectives of European internists on multimorbidity. A multinational survey. Eur J Intern Med. 2022
  Bernabeu-Wittel M, Holecki M, Tuttolomondo A, Chudek J, Battegay E; EFIM Multimorbidity Working Group.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35164996/
  
  The Multimorbidity Working Group of the European Federation of Internal Medicine conducted a multinational survey among European internists to gather perspectives on managing patients with multimorbidity. The study highlights challenges and substantial deficits faced by healthcare providers in their education and organization in dealing with multimorbid patients. The study and authors strongly emphasize the increasing need for tailored strategies to improve care for this growing and costly multmorbid patient population.
  
  
• Comorbidities Associated with Worse Outcomes Among Inpatients Admitted for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding. Dig Dis Sci. 2022
  Siebenhüner K, Blaser J, Nowak A, Cheetham M, Mueller BU, Battegay E, Beeler PE.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34365536/
  
  This research focuses on the outcomes of inpatients admitted with acute gastrointestinal bleeding and how comorbidities impact their clinical outcomes. Thus, patients with multiple comorbidities experience worse outcomes, which underscores the importance of comprehensive patient management and the potential need for specialized care protocols for such high-risk groups.

2021

• MParallel processing in human visual cortex revealed through the influence of their neural responses on the visual evoked potential. Vision Res. 2022
  arcar VL, Battegay E, Schmidt D, Cheetham M.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34979298/
  
  This study provides insights into how different neural responses within the visual cortex contribute to the processing of visual stimuli, enhancing our understanding of both normal and impaired visual processing.
  
  
• Comparing Multimorbidity Patterns Among Discharged Middle-Aged and Older Inpatients Between Hong Kong and Zurich: A Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering Analysis of Routine Hospital Records. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021
  Lai FTT, Beeler PE, Yip BHK, Cheetham M, Chau PYK, Chung RY, Wong ELY, Yeoh EK, Battegay E, Wong SYS.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34368178/
  
  This study uses hierarchical agglomerative clustering to analyze multimorbidity patterns among middle-aged and older inpatients in Hong Kong and Zurich based on routine hospital records. The study  compares the prevalence and types of multimorbidity in these distinct geographical and cultural settings, offering valuable insights for healthcare planning and resource allocation in aging populations.