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 16 of 16 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
Shah SC, Itzkowitz SH
Reappraising risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease-associated neoplasia: implications for colonoscopic surveillance in IBD.
One of the most feared complications of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]-associated colitis is colorectal cancer. An opportunity for early detection is being missed in a group that is overlooked as high-risk, as a substantial proportion of colorectal cancers are being diagnosed in individuals with colonic IBD who have disease duration shorter than when guidelines recommend surveillance initiation. In this study, the investigators discuss a viewpoint that supports a paradigm shift that will ideally result in a more effective and higher-value colorectal cancer prevention approach in IBD.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Shah SC, Itzkowitz SH .
Reappraising risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease-associated neoplasia: implications for colonoscopic surveillance in IBD.
J Crohns Colitis 2020 Sep 7;14(8):1172-77. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa040..
Keywords: Digestive Disease and Health, Risk, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Colonoscopy, Prevention, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Screening
Radhakrishnan A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Gay B
Primary care provider involvement in thyroid cancer survivorship care.
While prior research has examined how primary care providers (PCPs) can care for breast and colon cancer survivors, little is known about their role in thyroid cancer survivorship. The purpose of this study was to understand PCP involvement and confidence in thyroid cancer survivorship care. The investigators found that while PCPs reported being involved in long-term surveillance, gaps remained in their confidence in handling survivorship care. They indicated that thyroid cancer survivorship guidelines that delineate PCP roles present one opportunity to increase confidence about their participation.
AHRQ-funded; HS024512.
Citation: Radhakrishnan A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Gay B .
Primary care provider involvement in thyroid cancer survivorship care.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020 Sep;105(9):e3300-6. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa437..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Primary Care
Nelson HD, Cantor A, Wagner J
Effectiveness of patient navigation to increase cancer screening in populations adversely affected by health disparities: a meta-analysis.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of patient navigation to increase screening for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer in populations adversely affected by health care disparities. Two of the investigators independently abstracted study data and assessed study quality and applicability using criteria adapted from the USPSTF. Findings indicated that, in populations adversely affected by disparities, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening rates were higher in patients provided navigation services.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Nelson HD, Cantor A, Wagner J .
Effectiveness of patient navigation to increase cancer screening in populations adversely affected by health disparities: a meta-analysis.
J Gen Intern Med 2020 Jul 22;35(10):3026-35. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06020-9..
Keywords: Cancer, Disparities, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Women, Health Promotion
Kanters AE, Vu JV, Schuman AD AE, Vu JV, Schuman AD
Completeness of operative reports for rectal cancer surgery.
This study examined the completeness of operative reports for rectal cancer surgery and whether they contain the key elements recommended by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. Ten hospitals in Michigan submitted rectal cancer operative reports from June-December 2018. These reports were analyzed for completeness and to identify key elements in the synoptic operative template. Out of 110 reports, 31 contained all 24 elements and they all used a synoptic template. Overall, 62 reported used a synoptic template and 48 did not.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: Kanters AE, Vu JV, Schuman AD AE, Vu JV, Schuman AD .
Completeness of operative reports for rectal cancer surgery.
Am J Surg 2020 Jul;220(1):165-69. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.09.036..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Torres J
Association between indefinite dysplasia and advanced neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases undergoing surveillance.
Little is known about the clinical significance of indefinite dysplasia (IND) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) undergoing colonoscopic surveillance for colorectal neoplasia. The investigators conducted a retrospective cohort analysis from 2001 through 2017. They concluded that patients with IBD undergoing colorectal neoplasia surveillance with consistent histopathologic grading of dysplasia, IND was independently associated with a significant increase in risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Mahmoud R, Shah SC, Torres J .
Association between indefinite dysplasia and advanced neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases undergoing surveillance.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020 Jun;18(7):1518-27.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.08.032..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Digestive Disease and Health
De Roo AC, Morris AM, Vu JV
Characteristics of patients seeking second opinions at a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic.
The purpose of this study was to describe the patient and treatment characteristics of patients seeking initial and second opinions in colorectal cancer care at a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic. Findings showed that patients seeking a second opinion represent a unique subset of patients with colorectal cancer. In general, they are younger and more likely to have stage IV or recurrent disease than patients seeking an initial opinion. Although transfer of care to a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic after second opinion is lower than for initial consultations, multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinics provide an important role for patients with complex disease characteristics and treatment needs.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.https://www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32109918
Citation: De Roo AC, Morris AM, Vu JV .
Characteristics of patients seeking second opinions at a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic.
Dis Colon Rectum 2020 Jun;63(6):788-95. doi: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001647..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Transitions of Care
Davis SN, Wischhusen JW, Sutton SK
Demographic and psychosocial factors associated with limited health literacy in a community-based sample of older Black Americans.
This study examined the frequency of limited health literacy and demographic and psychosocial factors associated with limited health literacy in a sample of older black Americans. The participants enrolled in a community-based intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening and completed baseline surveys that assessed their health literacy using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Revised (REALM-R) test, CRC awareness, cancer fatalism, Preventive Health Model (PHM) constructs, and demographics. Findings showed that limited health literacy was associated with multiple complex factors. Recommendations include interventions to incorporate patient health literacy and low-literacy materials that can be delivered through multiple channels.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Davis SN, Wischhusen JW, Sutton SK .
Demographic and psychosocial factors associated with limited health literacy in a community-based sample of older Black Americans.
Patient Educ Couns 2020 Feb;103(2):385-91. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.08.026..
Keywords: Health Literacy, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Elderly, Screening, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Prevention
Takvorian SU, Oganisian A, Mamtani R
Association of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act with insurance status, cancer stage, and timely treatment among patients with breast, colon, and lung cancer.
The effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion on cancer care delivery and outcomes is unknown. Patients with cancer are a high-risk group for whom treatment delays are particularly detrimental. The objective of this study was to examine the association between Medicaid expansion and changes in insurance status, stage at diagnosis, and timely treatment among patients with incident breast, colon, and non-small cell lung cancer.
AHRQ-funded; HS026116.
Citation: Takvorian SU, Oganisian A, Mamtani R .
Association of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act with insurance status, cancer stage, and timely treatment among patients with breast, colon, and lung cancer.
JAMA Netw Open 2020 Feb 5;3(2):e1921653. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.21653.
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Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Policy, Health Services Research (HSR)
Murphy CC, Sen A, Watson B
A systematic review of repeat fecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer screening.
This systematic review examined the prevalence of repeat fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from 1997 to 2017 and reported repeat FOBT over 2 and more screening rounds. Thirty-five articles (n=27) were identified which measured repeat FOBT as 1) proportion of Round 1 participants completing repeat FOBT in Round 2; 2) proportion completing two, consecutive FOBTs; or 3) proportion completing 3 or more rounds. The number of participants completing Round 1 ranged from 24.6% to 89.6%. Those who completed Round 2 ranged from 16.4% to 80%; and completion of 3 or more rounds ranged from 0.8% to 64.1%. Repeat FOBT was higher in mailed outreach than opportunistic screening.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Murphy CC, Sen A, Watson B .
A systematic review of repeat fecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer screening.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020 Feb;29(2):278-87. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.Epi-19-0775..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Prevention, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
De Roo AC, Li Y, Abrahamse PH
Long-term functional decline after high-risk elective colorectal surgery in older adults.
This study examined the long-term risks of functional decline after elective colorectal surgery in older adults. This retrospective matched cohort study used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of adults >50 years of age. This survey collected data on functional status, cognition, and demographics, among other topics. The survey was linked with Medicare claims and National Death Index data from 1992 to 2012 and used patients 65 years and older. Surgery patients did experience a greater likelihood of functional decline with or without complications compared to control subjects. The older the patient, the more likelihood of a functional decline occurring after surgery.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: De Roo AC, Li Y, Abrahamse PH .
Long-term functional decline after high-risk elective colorectal surgery in older adults.
Dis Colon Rectum 2020 Jan;63(1):75-83. doi: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001541..
Keywords: Elderly, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Adverse Events, Risk
Schlick CJR, Liu JY, Yang AD
Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors associated with post-discharge venous thromboembolism following colorectal cancer resection.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common preventable cause of 30-day post-operative mortality, with many events occurring after hospital discharge. High-level evidence supports post-discharge VTE chemoprophylaxis following abdominal/pelvic cancer resection; however, some studies support a more tailored approach. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify risk factors associated with post-discharge VTE in a large cohort of patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection and (2) develop a post-discharge VTE risk calculator.
AHRQ-funded; HS024516; HS026385.
Citation: Schlick CJR, Liu JY, Yang AD .
Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors associated with post-discharge venous thromboembolism following colorectal cancer resection.
J Gastrointest Surg 2020 Jan;24(1):144-54. doi: 10.1007/s11605-019-04354-2..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Blood Clots, Adverse Events, Risk, Hospital Discharge
Kanters AE, Cleary RK, Obi SH
Uptake of total mesorectal excision and total mesorectal excision grading for rectal cancer: a statewide study.
Investigators sought to assess trends in total mesorectal excision performance and grading in Michigan hospitals. They found that the rates of total mesorectal excision performance and grade assignment were widely variable throughout the state of Michigan. Overall, grade assignment remained very low, suggesting an opportunity for quality improvement projects to increase total mesorectal excision performance and grading, involving both the surgeons and pathologists for effective implementation.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: Kanters AE, Cleary RK, Obi SH .
Uptake of total mesorectal excision and total mesorectal excision grading for rectal cancer: a statewide study.
Dis Colon Rectum 2020 Jan;63(1):53-59. doi: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001526..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care