National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 15 of 15 Research Studies DisplayedFerrari RM, Atkins DL, Wangen M
Patient perspectives on a proposed pharmacy-based colorectal cancer screening program.
The objective of this study was to assess patient perspectives on receiving fecal immunochemical colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests through pharmacies. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with participants in North Carolina and Washington. Survey participants reported pharmacy-based CRC screening programs to be highly acceptable, citing convenience, ease of access, and avoidance of co-pays, but they also had concerns about privacy and coordination with primary care providers. The researchers concluded that CRC screening in pharmacies is potentially a good option, provided patients have privacy and their primary care providers are informed.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Ferrari RM, Atkins DL, Wangen M .
Patient perspectives on a proposed pharmacy-based colorectal cancer screening program.
Transl Behav Med 2023 Dec 15; 13(12):909-18. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibad057..
Keywords: Provider: Pharmacist, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, Screening, Prevention
McGee-Avila JK, Richmond J, Henry KA
Disparities in geospatial patterns of cancer care within urban counties and structural inequities in access to oncology care.
This study examined geospatial patterns of cancer care utilization across diverse populations in New Jersey-a state where most residents live in urban areas. The authors used data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry. They examined the location of cancer treatment among patients 20-65 years of age diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or invasive cervical cancer and investigated differences in geospatial patterns of care by individual and area-level (e.g., census tract-level) characteristics. They observed significant differences in geospatial patterns of cancer treatment by race/ethnicity, insurance type, and area-level factors. They found that Black patients had a 5.6% higher likelihood of receiving care within their own residential county compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Patients living in census tracts with the highest quintile of social vulnerability were 4.6% more likely to receive treatment within their residential county and were 2.7% less likely to seek out-of-state care.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: McGee-Avila JK, Richmond J, Henry KA .
Disparities in geospatial patterns of cancer care within urban counties and structural inequities in access to oncology care.
Health Serv Res 2023 Aug; 58(Suppl 2):152-64. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.14182..
Keywords: Disparities, Urban Health, Rural/Inner-City Residents, Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer: Cervical Cancer
Rivard SJ, Vitous CA, Bamdad MC
"I wish there had been resources": a photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivorship care needs.
Prior research reveals that healthcare providers are not skilled at identifying the most relevant rectal cancer survivorship issues. As a result, survivorship care is inadequate with most rectal cancer survivors reporting at least one unmet posttherapy need. The purpose of this photo-elicitation study was to explore rectal cancer survivors’ lived experiences using participant-submitted photographs and minimally structured qualitative interviews. Twenty rectal cancer survivors from a single center submitted photographs illustrative of their life after rectal cancer therapy. The study found that rectal cancer survivors’ recommendations to improve their survivorship care fell into three primary themes: 1) informational needs; 2) continued multidisciplinary follow up care; and 3) suggestions for support services. The study concluded that rectal cancer survivors want information that is more detailed and individualized, access to multidisciplinary follow-up care over time, and resources to alleviate the challenges of daily life.
AHRQ-funded; HS026772; HS000053.
Citation: Rivard SJ, Vitous CA, Bamdad MC .
"I wish there had been resources": a photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivorship care needs.
Ann Surg Oncol 2023 Jun; 30(6):3530-37. doi: 10.1245/s10434-022-13042-6..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Quality of Life, Patient Experience
Khoong EC, Rivadeneira NA, Pacca L
Extent of follow-up on abnormal cancer screening in multiple California public hospital systems: a retrospective review.
This report’s objective was to describes patterns of performance on follow-up of abnormal colon and breast cancer screening tests and explores the extent to which racial/ethnic disparities exist in public hospital systems. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from five California public hospital systems between July 2015 and June 2017. The authors assessed follow-up rates of colonoscopy after positive fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and breast tissue biopsy within 21 days after a BIRADS 4/5 mammogram. Negative associations with follow-up colonoscopy were associated with older age, Medicaid insurance, lack of insurance, English language and site; while Hispanic ethnicity and Asian race were positively associated with follow-up colonoscopy. Of 1702 BIRADS 4/5 mammograms, 64% received a timely biopsy; only site was associated with timely follow-up biopsy. Site-level factors were found to have a larger, more consistent impact on follow-up rates than patient sociodemographic traits.
AHRQ-funded; HS024412.
Citation: Khoong EC, Rivadeneira NA, Pacca L .
Extent of follow-up on abnormal cancer screening in multiple California public hospital systems: a retrospective review.
J Gen Intern Med 2023 Jan; 38(1):21-29. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07657-4..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Disparities, Women
Rivard SJ, Vitous CA, Bamdad MC
"Their whole lives are going to change": a photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivorship.
This novel study aimed to explore the rectal cancer survivor experience and identify the impacts of treatment using photo-elicitation. Patients were instructed to take photographs that showed aspects of life that are now challenges since undergoing treatment and then were interviewed. Twenty patients participated in the study at a cancer center in a tertiary medical center. Three major themes emerged regarding life after rectal cancer and its treatments: physical symptoms, lifestyle changes, and changes over time. Physical symptoms included GI issues, ostomy difficulties, and genitourinary symptoms. Lifestyle changes related to diet, social life, and hobbies as well as major life changes and finances. Finally, patients spoke of improvements after treatment and impact on daily life. A video abstract is included.
AHRQ-funded; HS026772; HS000053.
Citation: Rivard SJ, Vitous CA, Bamdad MC .
"Their whole lives are going to change": a photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivorship.
Dis Colon Rectum 2022 Dec;65(12):1456-63. doi: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000002474..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Quality of Life
Kim HS, Hernaez R, Sansgiry S
Comparative effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer outcomes in a national cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of varying colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data was from the National Veterans Health Administration. Findings showed that, in a national cohort of patients with CRC-IBD, colonoscopy within 3 years prior to CRC diagnosis was associated with early tumor stage at diagnosis, and colonoscopy within 1 year was associated with a reduced all-cause mortality compared with no colonoscopy, supporting colonoscopy intervals of 1 to 3 years in patients with IBD in order to reduce late-stage CRC and all-cause mortality.
AHRQ-funded; HS024122.
Citation: Kim HS, Hernaez R, Sansgiry S .
Comparative effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer outcomes in a national cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022 Dec;20(12):2848-57.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.02.048..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Digestive Disease and Health, Imaging, Screening, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Dalton AF, Golin CE, Morris C
Effect of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer screening among older adults: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
This research studied the effects of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among adults aged 76 to 84 years. Participants were recruited from 14 community-based primary care practices who were not up to date with screening and had an appointment within 6 weeks. They were randomized to receive the intervention or control. Among the 424 participants, mean age was 76.8, 248 were women, and 333 were White. There were no statistically significant differences found in patient preferences between the health groups. Additional studies that are appropriately powered were recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS021133.
Citation: Dalton AF, Golin CE, Morris C .
Effect of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer screening among older adults: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Dec;5(12):e2244982. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.44982..
Keywords: Elderly, Shared Decision Making, Screening, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer
Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
The authors simulated the impact of multicomponent interventions in North Carolina over 5 years to assess the potential for meeting national screening targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). They reported that each multicomponent intervention was associated with increased CRC screening and averted both CRC cases and deaths, while three had the potential to reach screening targets.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S .
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
Prev Med 2022 Sep;162:107126. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107126..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Colonoscopy, Prevention
Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Researchers described the barriers encountered by a homeless patient with a history of colorectal cancer who was lost to follow up and presented 11 years later with a new primary colon cancer. They provided policy solutions to increase the use of primary and secondary screening, including essential private bathroom access for colonoscopy preparation in patients who had a positive screening or who require surveillance after diagnosis and treatment. They concluded that increasing early detection and treatment may be cost-effective and could reduce disparities in morbidity and mortality in homeless patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS024532.
Citation: Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA .
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Ann Surg Open 2022 Sep;3(3):e183. doi: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000183..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, Vulnerable Populations, Screening, Access to Care, Case Study
Sanchez JI, Shankaran V, Unger JM
Disparities in post-operative surveillance testing for metastatic recurrence among colorectal cancer survivors.
This population-based study assesses individual- and neighborhood-level factors associated with receipt of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and computer tomography (CT) surveillance testing. Using SEER-Medicare data to identify beneficiaries diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) stages II-III, they found that, overall, 78% and 58% of CRC survivors received CEA and CT testing, respectively. Further, Medicare-Medicaid dual coverage was associated with 39% lower odds of receipt of CEA tests among non-Hispanic Whites, while Blacks with dual coverage had almost two times the odds of receiving CEA tests compared to Blacks without dual coverage. Although this study did not find significant differences in receipt of initial CEA and CT surveillance testing across racial/ethnic groups, the assessment of the factors that measure access to care suggests differences in access to these procedures within racial/ethnic groups.
AHRQ-funded; HS013853.
Citation: Sanchez JI, Shankaran V, Unger JM .
Disparities in post-operative surveillance testing for metastatic recurrence among colorectal cancer survivors.
J Cancer Surviv 2022 Jun;16(3):638-49. doi: 10.1007/s11764-021-01057-z..
Keywords: Disparities, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer
Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This evidence summary reviewed the benefits and harms of aspirin in primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention to accompany the final recommendation and evidence review of the US Preventive Services Task Force. A literature review was conducted of English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of low-dose aspirin compared with placebo or no intervention in primary prevention populations. Aspirin was found not to be significantly associated with reductions in CVD mortality or all-cause mortality. There was limited trial evidence on benefits for CRC, with the findings highly variable by length of follow-up and statistically significant only when considering long-term observational follow-up beyond randomized trial periods. Low-dose aspirin was associated with significant increases in total major bleeding and in site-specific bleeding.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA .
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Apr 26;327(16):1585-97. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.3337..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Dehmer SP, O'Keefe LR, Evans CV
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of the study was to develop, model, and report estimates of the harms from and benefits of the use of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC.) The researchers developed and used a simulation model to provide estimates for hypothetical United States cohorts of men and women between the ages of forty and seventy-nine years without a previous history of elevated bleeding risks or CVD, and up to a 20% 10-year risk for a CVD event. The model focused on the routine, lifetime use of low-dose aspirin with 5-year intervals of no use between 65 and 85 years of age. The study’s primary outcome was lifetime net benefit which was measured in life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs.) Harms included an increase in nonfatal intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding, and benefits included a reduction in nonfatal ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. The study found that the estimated lifetime net quality-adjusted life-years was positive for men and women with 5% or more 10-year CVD risk when they started use between the ages of 40-59 years, and for men and women with 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk when starting between the ages of 60 and 69 years. The estimated lifetime net life-years were mostly negative for those starting low-dose aspirin use between 60 and 79 years of age. Five-year intervals of stopping use between 65 and 85 years of age did not provide a significant advantage to lifetime use. The researchers concluded that the routine, lifetime use of low-dose aspirin may benefit several population groups, with the largest estimated benefit in those with greater 10-year CVD risk who begin routine, low-dose aspirin dosage at younger ages.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Dehmer SP, O'Keefe LR, Evans CV .
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Apr 26;327(16):1598-607. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.3385..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Prevention, Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Brajcich BC, Benson AB, Gantt G
Management of colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations from a statewide multidisciplinary cancer collaborative.
J Surg Oncol 2022 Mar;125(4):560-63. doi: 10.1002/jso.26758.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Brajcich BC, Benson AB, Gantt G .
Management of colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations from a statewide multidisciplinary cancer collaborative.
J Surg Oncol 2022 Mar;125(4):560-63. doi: 10.1002/jso.26758..
Keywords: COVID-19, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Delivery
Mojica CM, Gunn R, Pham R
An observational study of workflows to support fecal testing for colorectal cancer screening in primary care practices serving Medicaid enrollees.
This study was conducted to describe clinical workflows for fecal immunochemical tests/fecal occult blood tests (FIT/FOBT) in Oregon primary care practices and to identify specific workflow processes that might be associated with higher colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Findings showed that primary care practices with higher CRC screening rates among newly age-eligible Medicaid enrollees had more established visit-based and population outreach workflows to support identifying patients due for screening, FIT/FOBT distribution, reminders, and follow up. Higher CRC screening was associated with having medical assistants discuss and review FIT/FOBT screening and instructions with patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Mojica CM, Gunn R, Pham R .
An observational study of workflows to support fecal testing for colorectal cancer screening in primary care practices serving Medicaid enrollees.
BMC Cancer 2022 Jan 25;22(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-09106-7..
Keywords: Workflow, Screening, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Primary Care, Vulnerable Populations
Popp J, Weinberg DS, Ems E
Reevaluating the evidence for intensive postoperative extracolonic surveillance for nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
This study reevaluated the evidence for intensive postoperative extracolonic surveillance for nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. The authors looked at the FACS, GILDA, and COLOFOL trials and used a model to predict the large-sample mortality reduction expected for each trial and the implied statistical power. An investigation was done of a potential recurrence imbalance in the FACS trial. The model predicted a mortality reduction of ≤5% and power of <10% for all 3 trials. The FACS recurrence imbalance most likely led to a large relative bias (>2.5) in the hazard ratio for overall survival favoring control. After adjustment, both COLOFOL and FACS results were consistent with model predictions. A 2.6 and 3.6 month increase in life expectancy is predicted comparing intensive extracolonic surveillance-routine computed tomography scans and carcinoembryonic antigen assays with 1 computed tomography scan at 12 months or no surveillance, respectively. A larger trial that would randomize at least 200 to 300 patients is needed, but is not feasible at this time. The authors concluded recent trial results do not warrant de novo skepticism or metastasectomy nor targeted extracolonic surveillance.
AHRQ-funded; HS022998.
Citation: Popp J, Weinberg DS, Ems E .
Reevaluating the evidence for intensive postoperative extracolonic surveillance for nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
Value Health 2022 Jan; 25(1):36-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.07.017..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Evidence-Based Practice