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 25 of 41 Research Studies DisplayedRao S, Armistead I, Tyler A
Respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalizations in children in Colorado during the 2021-2022 respiratory virus season.
This study compared demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during their cocirculation 2021-2022 respiratory virus season. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using Colorado's hospital respiratory surveillance data comparing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-, influenza-, and RSV-hospitalized cases < 18 years of age admitted and undergoing standardized molecular testing between October 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. The cohort consisted of 847 hospitalized cases, of which 490 (57.9%) were RSV associated, 306 (36.1%) were COVID-19 associated, and 51 (6%) were influenza associated. Most RSV cases were children less than 4 years of age (92.9%), whereas influenza hospitalizations were observed in older children. RSV cases were more likely to require oxygen support higher than nasal cannula compared with COVID-19 and influenza cases, although COVID-19 cases were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation than influenza and RSV cases. Compared with children with COVID-19, the risk of intensive care unit admission was highest among children with influenza, whereas the risk of pneumonia, bronchiolitis, longer hospital length of stay, and need for oxygen were more likely among children with RSV.
AHRQ-funded; HS026512.
Citation: Rao S, Armistead I, Tyler A .
Respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalizations in children in Colorado during the 2021-2022 respiratory virus season.
J Pediatr 2023 Sep; 260:113491. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113491..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, COVID-19, Respiratory Conditions, Influenza, Hospitalization, Infectious Diseases
Amaefule AQ, Litvintchouk A, de Cordova P
Reevaluating the significance of infection preventionists and infection prevention and control departments in the post-COVID-19 era.
Infection preventionists are specialized health care professionals responsible for infection control policy development and implementation, prevention education for staff and patients, and investigation of outbreaks. The role of infection preventionists in creating effective methods for infection prevention and control became even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this paper was to increase awareness of the importance for health care systems and health care institutions to integrate lessons learned, improve infection prevention and control resources, and increase the workforce of infection preventionists to better prepare for pandemic events in the future.
AHRQ-funded; HS029023.
Citation: Amaefule AQ, Litvintchouk A, de Cordova P .
Reevaluating the significance of infection preventionists and infection prevention and control departments in the post-COVID-19 era.
Am J Med Qual 2023 Jul-Aug; 38(4):206-08. doi: 10.1097/jmq.0000000000000132..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Mahmud A, Cushing-Haugen K, Wellman R
Understanding the relationship between social risk factors and COVID-19 contacts.
The purpose of this study was to facilitate researchers’ understanding of the prevalence of patients' social risk factors during the pandemic and recognize how social risks may intensify COVID-19. Between January and September 2020, the researchers conducted a national survey of Kaiser Permanente members and analyzed only the data from those who responded to a set of COVID-19 survey items. The survey included questions on their experiences with social risks, whether they knew of people with COVID-19, if COVID-19 affected their emotional and mental health, and their preferred type of assistance. The study found that 62% of respondents reported social risks, with 38% reporting having 2 or more social risks. The most common response was financial strain (45%). One third of respondents reported one or more contact types with COVID-19. respondents with 2 or more COVID-19 contact types reported higher rates of housing instability, financial strain, food insecurity, and social isolation than those with fewer contacts. Fifty percent of respondents reported that COVID-19 affected their emotional, mental health negatively, and 19% of respondents noted that it affected their ability to maintain a job.
AHRQ-funded; HS013853.
Citation: Mahmud A, Cushing-Haugen K, Wellman R .
Understanding the relationship between social risk factors and COVID-19 contacts.
Perm J 2023 Jun 15; 27(2):18-22. doi: 10.7812/tpp/22.146..
Keywords: COVID-19, Risk, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Jenkins JL, Hsu EB, Zhang A
Current evidence for infection prevention and control interventions in emergency medical services: a scoping review.
This study’s aim was to summarize current evidence from the United States on the effectiveness of practices and interventions for preventing, recognizing, and controlling occupationally acquired infectious diseases in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) clinicians. A database search was conducted for literature published January 2006 through March 15, 2022 to search for studies in the United States that involved EMS clinicians and firefighters, reported on one or more workplace practices or interventions that prevented or controlled infectious diseases, and included outcome measures. Eleven observational studies reported on infection prevention and control (IPC) practices providing evidence that hand hygiene, standard precautions, mandatory vaccine policies, and on-site vaccine clinics are effective. Less frequent handwashing and less frequent hand hygiene after glove use were positively correlated with nasal colonization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) or PPE breach were correlated with higher severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity and virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity. Workers were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza if their employer offered the vaccine. Vaccination rates for H1N1 influenza increased with the use of active, targeted education modules.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00003.
Citation: Jenkins JL, Hsu EB, Zhang A .
Current evidence for infection prevention and control interventions in emergency medical services: a scoping review.
Prehosp Disaster Med 2023 Jun; 38(3):371-77. doi: 10.1017/s1049023x23000389..
Keywords: COVID-19, Emergency Department, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Stone CA, Jr., Robinson LB, Li L
Clinical phenotypes of immediate first-dose reactions to mRNA COVID-19: a multicenter latent class analysis.
The objectives of this retrospective study were to define distinct clinical phenotypes of immediate reactions after dose 1 of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, and to assess the relation of clinical phenotype to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine second dose tolerance. Researchers identified 265 patients who experienced dose-1 immediate reactions with 3 phenotype clusters: limited or predominantly cutaneous, sensory, or systemic. Of these, 223 patients received a second dose and 200 tolerated the second dose; sensory cluster (numbness or tingling) was associated with a higher likelihood of second dose intolerance, but this finding did not persist when accounting for objective signs.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Stone CA, Jr., Robinson LB, Li L .
Clinical phenotypes of immediate first-dose reactions to mRNA COVID-19: a multicenter latent class analysis.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2023 Feb;11(2):458-65.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.08.048.
Keywords: COVID-19, Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination
Holmer HK, Mackey K, Fiordalisi CV
Major update 2: antibody response and risk for reinfection after SARS-CoV-2 infection-final update of a living, rapid review.
This paper is a final updated living rapid review to synthesize evidence on the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response and reinfection risk with a focus on gaps identified in the author’s prior reports. A literature review was done for English-language cohort studies evaluating IgG antibody duration at least 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the antibody response among immunocompromised adults, predictors of nonseroconversion, and reinfection risk. Study data was extracted and two investigators rated quality. Most adults had IgG antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection at time points greater than 12 months. Although most immunocompromised adults develop antibodies, the overall proportion with antibodies is lower compared with immunocompetent adults. Prior infection provided substantial, sustained protection against symptomatic reinfection with the Delta variant (high strength of evidence) and reduced the risk for severe disease due to Omicron variant (moderate strength of evidence). Prior infection was less protective against reinfection with Omicron overall (moderate strength of evidence), but protection from earlier variants waned rapidly (low strength of evidence).
AHRQ-funded; 290201700003C.
Citation: Holmer HK, Mackey K, Fiordalisi CV .
Major update 2: antibody response and risk for reinfection after SARS-CoV-2 infection-final update of a living, rapid review.
Ann Intern Med 2023 Jan; 176(1):85-91. doi: 10.7326/m22-1745..
Keywords: COVID-19, Evidence-Based Practice, Infectious Diseases, Risk
Crnich CJ
Reimagining infection control in U.S. nursing homes in the era of COVID-19.
This paper provides an overview of nursing home (NH) infection and control, reviews the 2016 CMS changes to federal regulations, and proposes recommendations to sustain improvements. COVID-19 put further pressure on nursing homes who were already strained by rising numbers of infections from C. difficile and multidrug-resistant organisms. The author puts out a call for reimagining infection prevention and control using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety framework. Additional recommendations are made to enhance NH infection prevention and control programs in the areas of people, tasks, tools, organization, built environment, and external environment.
AHRQ-funded; HS022465.
Citation: Crnich CJ .
Reimagining infection control in U.S. nursing homes in the era of COVID-19.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022 Dec;23(12):1909-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.10.022..
Keywords: Elderly, COVID-19, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Nursing Homes, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Prevention
Krauss DM, Molefe A, Hung L
AHRQ Author: Henderson S, Miller M
Emergent themes from a quality improvement programme for CLABSI/CAUTI prevention in ICUs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this study, researchers summarized themes for maintaining infection prevention activities learned from the implementation of a quality improvement (QI) program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They concluded that future shocks such as the pandemic must be anticipated, and the healthcare system must be resilient to the resulting disruptions to healthcare-associated infection prevention activities. Their study encountered four themes for successful maintenance of infection prevention activities during the current pandemic: the value of a pre-existing infection prevention infrastructure; a flexibility in approach; broad buy-in for maintaining QI programs; and the facilitation of idea-sharing.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 233201500016I.
Citation: Krauss DM, Molefe A, Hung L .
Emergent themes from a quality improvement programme for CLABSI/CAUTI prevention in ICUs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
BMJ Open Qual 2022 Nov;11(4):e001926. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-001926..
Keywords: COVID-19, Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Critical Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Prevention, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Infectious Diseases
Van Gerwen OT, Talluri R, Camino AF
Human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection testing preferences for young Black men who have sex with men in the Southeastern United States: implications for a post-COVID-19 era.
Study researchers used a discrete choice experiment to assess the preferences of Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men (YBMSM) in the Southeastern U.S. regarding their preferences for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing locations, staffing, cost, and hours of operation. Between June 2018 and December 2019, 213 YBMSM between the ages of 16-35 years, located in Birmingham, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi completed online surveys evaluating their preferences. Traditional, stationary testing locations were preferred by both groups over mobile testing vans. The most significant difference in preference was for local health departments in Alabama, and STI testing-only clinics in Mississippi. Both groups preferred clinician-performed testing over technician-performed testing or self-testing, with additional preferences for free testing and phone results notification (versus text). The most preferred combination among all participants was the $5 clinician-performed testing at the health department. The study concluded that YBMSM in the Southeastern United States prefer traditional testing locations staffed by experienced personnel. The study researchers advise that more research is needed to inform the best ways to approach HIV/STI testing services for YBMSM, especially in the post-COVID-19 era when delivery models are shifting toward health-focused strategies which are home-based and remote.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Van Gerwen OT, Talluri R, Camino AF .
Human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection testing preferences for young Black men who have sex with men in the Southeastern United States: implications for a post-COVID-19 era.
Sex Transm Dis 2022 Mar;49(3):208-15. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001559..
Keywords: COVID-19, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Infectious Diseases, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Men's Health
Feldman AG, O'Leary ST, Danziger-Isakov L
The risk of resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections due to coronavirus disease 2019-related gaps in immunization.
This paper discusses the decline in immunization delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global community is at risk for a resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections including measles, pertussis, and polio. Outbreaks in the United States are likely to occur when social distancing stops and children return to school. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community leaders, and local, state, regional, and national public health departments are needed to reassure families that vaccine delivery during COVID-19 is safe as well as to identify and catch up those children who are under-immunized.
AHRQ-funded; HS026510.
Citation: Feldman AG, O'Leary ST, Danziger-Isakov L .
The risk of resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections due to coronavirus disease 2019-related gaps in immunization.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Nov 16;73(10):1920-23. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab127..
Keywords: COVID-19, Children/Adolescents, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases
Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
This study investigated whether outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 in adults with overweight or obesity. Metformin can decrease interleukin-6 and tumor-necrosis factor- α, which appears to contribute to COVID-19 mortality. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data that was pooled across multiple EHR systems from 12 hospitals and 60 primary care clinics in the Midwest between March and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included data for BMI > 25 kg/m(2); age range 30-85 years; and a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test. Metformin was associated with a decrease in mortality from COVID-19 and a nonsignificant decrease in hospital admission in the overall cohort.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L .
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
J Med Virol 2021 Jul;93(7):4273-79. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26873..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Obesity, Medication, Treatments, Outcomes
Arkhipova-Jenkins I, Helfand M, Armstrong C
Antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and implications for immunity : a rapid living review.
This rapid literature review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, levels, and durability of detectable antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection and whether the antibodies confer natural immunity. Seven databases were searched from January 1 to December 15, 2020, limited to peer-reviewed publications in English. Two investigators extracted study data and rated quality. Moderate-strength evidence suggested that most adults develop detectable levels of IgM and IgG antibodies after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and IgG levels peak approximately 25 days after symptom onset and can remain detectable for at least 120 days. Moderate-strength evidence suggested that IgM levels peak at approximately 20 days and then decline. There is low-strength evidence that most adults generate neutralizing antibodies. Reasons why some adults do not develop antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 are unclear.
AHRQ-funded; 290201700003C.
Citation: Arkhipova-Jenkins I, Helfand M, Armstrong C .
Antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and implications for immunity : a rapid living review.
Ann Intern Med 2021 Jun;174(6):811-21. doi: 10.7326/m20-7547..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Genetics, Evidence-Based Practice
Brown CS, Albright J, Henke PK
Modeling the elective vascular surgery recovery after coronavirus disease 2019: implications for moving forward.
This study looked at the impact of delays in elective vascular surgery caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Data from a 35-hospital regional vascular surgical collaborative consisting of all hospitals performing vascular surgery in the state of Michigan was used to estimate the number of delayed surgical cases for adults undergoing carotid endarterectomy, carotid stenting, endovascular and open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and lower extremity bypass. Median statewide monthly vascular surgical volume before the pandemic was 439 procedures, with a maximum statewide monthly case volume of 519 procedures. For the month of April 2020, elective vascular surgery procedure volume decreased by ~90%. Modelling estimated it would take approximately 8 months to catch up with the backlog. The authors suggest that if hospitals across the collaborative shared the burden of backlogged cases, the recovery should be shortened to ~3 months.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: Brown CS, Albright J, Henke PK .
Modeling the elective vascular surgery recovery after coronavirus disease 2019: implications for moving forward.
J Vasc Surg 2021 Jun;73(6):1876-80.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.11.025..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular Conditions, Surgery
Kruse J, Toledo P, Belton TB
Readability, content, and quality of COVID-19 patient education materials from academic medical centers in the United States.
The internet is a frequently used resource for providing patient education materials (PEMs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the readability, content, and quality of web-based PEMs on COVID-19 from US academic medical centers. Despite availability of web-based PEMs for COVID-19, the readability was significantly higher than the National Institute of Health and US Department of Health and Human Services recommended sixth grade reading level and actionability of PEMs was low.
AHRQ-funded; HS025267; HS026169.
Citation: Kruse J, Toledo P, Belton TB .
Readability, content, and quality of COVID-19 patient education materials from academic medical centers in the United States.
Am J Infect Control 2021 Jun;49(6):690-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.11.023..
Keywords: COVID-19, Education: Patient and Caregiver, Health Literacy, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Masonbrink AR, Harris M, Hall M
Safety events in children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted hospitals, potentially affecting quality and safety. The objective of this study was to compare pediatric hospitalization safety events during the pandemic versus previous years. The investigators concluded that postoperative sepsis rates increased among children hospitalized during COVID-19. They suggest that efforts are needed to improve safety of postoperative care for hospitalized children.
AHRQ-funded; HS024554; HS024592.
Citation: Masonbrink AR, Harris M, Hall M .
Safety events in children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosp Pediatr 2021 Jun;11(6):e95-e100. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2020-004937..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, COVID-19, Patient Safety, Sepsis, Adverse Events, Hospitalization, Hospitals, Inpatient Care, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
A randomly sampled cohort of 1705 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was used. Data was collected on early empiric antibacterial therapy within 2 days of hospitalization, empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial co-infections. Of the 1705 patients, 56.6% were prescribed early empiric antibacterial therapy, with 3.5% having a confirmed community-onset bacterial infection. Use varied across hospitals, ranging from 27% to 84%. Patients were more likely to receive the therapy if they were older, had more severe illness, had a lobar infiltrate, or were admitted to a for-profit hospital. Over the one-month period empiric antibacterial use decreased.
AHRQ-funded; HS026530; HS026725.
Citation: Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA .
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 May 18;72(10):e533-e41. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1239..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Community-Acquired Infections, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Hospitalization
Barry CL, Anderson KE, Han H
Change over time in public support for social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020.
This study examined changes over time in attitudes towards social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020. Surveys of a nationally representative cohort of US adults were conducted in April, July, and November 2020. Support for social distancing dropped from 89% in April to 79% in July but remained stable in November at 78%. In July and November, more than 75% of respondents supported mask wearing and nearly as many supported contact tracing. Support differences were most pronounced by age, partisanship, and trust in science. Higher support for contact tracing was independently predicted by having a more fluid worldview.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Barry CL, Anderson KE, Han H .
Change over time in public support for social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020.
Am J Public Health 2021 May;111(5):937-48. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2020.306148..
Keywords: COVID-19, Public Health, Emergency Preparedness, Infectious Diseases
Anesi GL, Jablonski J, Harhay MO
Characteristics, outcomes, and trends of patients with COVID-19-related critical illness at a learning health system in the United States.
This study’s objective is to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19-related critical illness, including trends in outcomes and care delivery, using five hospitals within the University of Pennsylvania Health System as a setting. Findings showed that, among patients with COVID-19-related critical illness admitted to ICUs of a learning health system in the United States, mortality seemed to decrease over time despite stable patient characteristics. Recommendations included further studies to confirm this result and to investigate causal mechanisms.
AHRQ-funded; HS026372.
Citation: Anesi GL, Jablonski J, Harhay MO .
Characteristics, outcomes, and trends of patients with COVID-19-related critical illness at a learning health system in the United States.
Ann Intern Med 2021 May;174(5):613-21. doi: 10.7326/m20-5327..
Keywords: COVID-19, Critical Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Mortality, Hospitals, Outcomes, Infectious Diseases
Barrero-Castillero A, Beam KS, Bernardini LB
COVID-19: neonatal-perinatal perspectives.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of neonatal-perinatal perspectives of COVID-19, ranging from the basic science of infection and recommendations for care of pregnant women and neonates to important psychosocial, ethical, and racial/ethnic topics emerging as a result of both the pandemic and the response of the healthcare community to the care of infected individuals.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Barrero-Castillero A, Beam KS, Bernardini LB .
COVID-19: neonatal-perinatal perspectives.
J Perinatol 2021 May;41(5):940-51. doi: 10.1038/s41372-020-00874-x..
Keywords: COVID-19, Newborns/Infants, Infectious Diseases, Pregnancy, Women
Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
This study looked at the effect big events like the COVID-19 pandemic can have on transforming social structures, social interactions, and social norms. The social media site Reddit.com was used to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 and opioid use. Posts from March to May 2020 were collected from the two most popular opioid subreddits. Out of 2000 posts, 300 were found to be relevant to the study. The pandemic led to robust social support and mutual aid on Reddit including advice on coping with social isolation, withdrawal, managing cravings, and accessing recovery resources.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J .
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug Alcohol Depend 2021 May 1;222:108672. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108672..
Keywords: Opioids, Medication, Substance Abuse, COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Social Media
Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Wedlock PT
The benefits of vaccinating with the first available COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine.
This study’s objective was to determine quantitatively the benefits of early vaccination for COVID-19 even if later on in the pandemic a latter vaccine has substantially higher efficacy. The team developed this model in 2020 before vaccinations became available. For example if a vaccine with 50% efficacy becomes available when 10% of the population has already been infected, waiting until 40% of the population are infected for a vaccine with 80% efficacy results in 15.6 million additional cases and 1.5 million additional hospitalizations, costing $20.6 billion more in direct medical costs and $12.4 billion more in productivity losses.
AHRQ-funded; HS028165.
Citation: Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Wedlock PT .
The benefits of vaccinating with the first available COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine.
Am J Prev Med 2021 May;60(5):605-13. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.001..
Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccination, Healthcare Costs, Prevention, Infectious Diseases
Rhee C, Kanjilal S, Baker M
Duration of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity: when is it safe to discontinue isolation?
This review examined the current evidence of when a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patient is no longer infectious and no longer needs to be in isolation. Most patients have persistently positive tests for weeks to months following clinical recovery; but this may not indicate their infectivity. SARS-CoV-2 appears to be most contagious around the time of symptom onset. Infectivity decreases to near-zero after about 10 days in mild-moderately ill patients and 15 days in severely-critically ill and immunocompromised patients. The longest interval associated with replication-competent virus found so far is 20 days from symptom onset.
AHRQ-funded; HS025008.
Citation: Rhee C, Kanjilal S, Baker M .
Duration of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity: when is it safe to discontinue isolation?
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Apr 26;72(8):1467-74. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1249..
Keywords: COVID-19, Respiratory Conditions, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Byrnes ME, Brown CS, De Roo A
Elective surgical delays due to COVID-19: the patient lived experience.
This study looked at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on scheduling of elective cardiac and vascular surgery. The authors interviewed 47 individuals who experienced a postponement of surgery due to coronavirus. Patients described 3 key issues around their postponement: 1) surgery as part of a “return to normal”; 2) postponement took a toll on their physical health and mental wellbeing; and 3) many patients in their study said they would “rather die from a heart attack” than be exposed to the coronavirus.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: Byrnes ME, Brown CS, De Roo A .
Elective surgical delays due to COVID-19: the patient lived experience.
Med Care 2021 Apr;59(4):288-94. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001503..
Keywords: COVID-19, Surgery, Public Health, Patient Experience, Infectious Diseases
Batsis JA, Daniel K, Eckstrom E
Promoting healthy aging during COVID-19.
This article is provides guidance to practicing geriatrics healthcare professionals overseeing the care of older adults and the consequences of COVID-19 on health promotion. It provides a follow-up from the American Geriatrics Society previously published White Paper on Healthy Aging in 2018 and provides frameworks for clinical evaluation and screening for the domains discussed that are core to healthy aging in older adults. The domains are health promotion, injury prevention and managing chronic conditions; cognitive health; physical health; mental health; and social health.
AHRQ-funded; HS027277.
Citation: Batsis JA, Daniel K, Eckstrom E .
Promoting healthy aging during COVID-19.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2021 Mar;69(3):572-80. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17035..
Keywords: Elderly, COVID-19, Health Promotion, Infectious Diseases
Malloy GSP, Puglisi L, Brandeau ML
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in a large urban jail: a model-based analysis.
The authors sought to estimate the impact of various mitigation strategies on COVID-19 transmission in a US jail beyond those offered in national guidelines. They found that depopulation, single celling, and asymptomatic testing within jails can be effective strategies to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in addition to standard public health measures. They recommended that decision makers prioritize reductions in the jail population, single celling, and testing asymptomatic populations as additional measures to manage COVID-19 within correctional settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS026128.
Citation: Malloy GSP, Puglisi L, Brandeau ML .
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in a large urban jail: a model-based analysis.
BMJ Open 2021 Feb 17;11(2):e042898. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042898..
Keywords: COVID-19, Public Health, Vulnerable Populations, Prevention, Infectious Diseases