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 68 Research Studies DisplayedCampbell JI, Tabatneck M, Sun M
Increasing use of interferon gamma release assays among children ≥2 years of age in a setting with low tuberculosis prevalence.
This article describes a retrospective cohort study that examined interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) use to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) infection in children aged 2–17. The objectives of the study were to evaluate whether testing approaches for TB has changed since 2015. Electronic health records were used to identify IGRAs and tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) completed by children in two Boston-area academic health systems. The researchers observed that the proportion of IGRA tests increased between 2015 and 2021 in this low TB-prevalence setting. Testing in public versus private insurance, inpatient/subspecialty settings, lower age, and non-English preferred language were associated with an increased chance of receiving an IGRA. Findings suggest that the TST is being “retired,” and that education and support for primary care clinicians could improve equitable access to IGRA testing for children.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Campbell JI, Tabatneck M, Sun M .
Increasing use of interferon gamma release assays among children ≥2 years of age in a setting with low tuberculosis prevalence.
Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022 Dec;41(12):e534-e37. doi: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003685..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Treatments, Respiratory Conditions, Infectious Diseases
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
Whittington KJ, Ma Y, Butler AM
The impact of infectious diseases consultation for children with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
The purpose of this cohort study was to explore the impact of infectious diseases (ID) consultation for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children. The researchers conducted a study of 306 children at St. Louis Children's Hospital between 2011 to 2018 with S. aureus bacteremia. Adherence to six established quality-of-care indicators (QCIs) was evaluated. The study found that 63% of the study patients received ID consultation, which was associated with greater adherence to all QCIs, including proof-of-cure blood cultures, indicated laboratory studies, echocardiography, source control, targeted antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic duration. In addition, improved outcomes were related with acquiring proof-of-cure blood cultures and all indicated laboratory studies. The researchers concluded that ID consultation improved adherence to QCIs, some of which were associated with improved clinical outcomes, for children with S. aureus bacteremia.
AHRQ-funded; HS024269.
Citation: Whittington KJ, Ma Y, Butler AM .
The impact of infectious diseases consultation for children with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
Pediatr Res 2022 Dec;92(6):1598-605. doi: 10.1038/s41390-022-02251-0..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Infectious Diseases, Patient and Family Engagement
Clements KM, Kunte PS, Clark MA
Uptake of hepatitis C virus treatment in a multi-state Medicaid population, 2013-2017.
The purpose of this study was to explore trends in the direct acting antiviral (DAA) uptake in a multi-state Medicaid population with hepatitis C virus (HCV) prior to and after ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) approval and changes in prior authorization (PA) requirements. The researchers analyzed annual enrollment, medical, and pharmacy claims for 38,302 to 45,005 people per year in four states, between December 2013 and December 2017. The study found that uptake increased from 0.34% per month in October 2014 to 0.70% per month after LDV/SOF approval and increased relative to the pre-LDV/SOV trend through June 2016. Uptake increased to 1.18% per month after PA change and remained static through 2017. In plans with few or no requirements through 2017, uptake increased to 1.19% per month after LDV/SOF approval and remained static through 2017, with 22.2% cumulatively treated. Among plans that lifted PA requirements from three to zero in mid-2016, uptake did not increase after LDV/SOF approval but did increase to 1.41% per month after PA change, with 18.1% cumulatively treated. The researchers concluded that LDV/SOF approval and lifting PA requirements led to an increase in uptake followed by static monthly utilization, and HCV treatment increased through 2017.
AHRQ-funded; HS025717.
Citation: Clements KM, Kunte PS, Clark MA .
Uptake of hepatitis C virus treatment in a multi-state Medicaid population, 2013-2017.
Health Serv Res 2022 Dec;57(6):1312-20. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.13994..
Keywords: Hepatitis, Medicaid, Infectious Diseases, Healthcare Utilization
Teixeira da Silva D, Petsis D, Santos T
Chlamydia trachomatis/neisseria gonorrhea retesting among adolescents and young adults in a primary care network.
This study describes retesting following Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhea (CT/NG) diagnosis among adolescent and young adult patients at Title X and non-Title X clinics and measures the association of patient-level factors with CT/NG retesting. Findings showed that guideline-recommended retesting following CT/NG diagnosis was low in this young primary care cohort, especially among male and non-Title X clinic patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS026116.
Citation: Teixeira da Silva D, Petsis D, Santos T .
Chlamydia trachomatis/neisseria gonorrhea retesting among adolescents and young adults in a primary care network.
J Adolesc Health 2022 Nov;71(5):545-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.06.014..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Young Adults, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Primary Care
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
Campbell JI, Menzies D
Testing and scaling interventions to improve the tuberculosis infection care cascade.
The purpose of this study was to review and summarize current literature on barriers and solutions occurring within the tuberculosis (TB) infection care cascade, focusing on children in high- and low-burden settings, and obtaining data and information from studies on both children and adults. The researchers concluded that identifying and addressing gaps in the TB care cascade requires the utilization of tools both novel and long-standing, and will be facilitated by shared clinical practice with primary care providers, methods of quality improvement, and innovative study designs.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Campbell JI, Menzies D .
Testing and scaling interventions to improve the tuberculosis infection care cascade.
J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022 Oct 31;11(Suppl 3):S94-s100. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piac070..
Keywords: Respiratory Conditions, Infectious Diseases, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
McNeil JC, Sommer LM, Vallejo JG
Reduced ceftaroline susceptibility among invasive mrsa infections in children: a clinical and genomic investigation.
The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of reduced susceptibility (RS) to ceftaroline among pediatric methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The researchers evaluated MRSA isolates at a tertiary children's hospital for ceftaroline RS. Ceftaroline RS occurred only among health care associated infections in 2.9% of isolates, and were more often clindamycin-resistant.
AHRQ-funded; HS026896.
Citation: McNeil JC, Sommer LM, Vallejo JG .
Reduced ceftaroline susceptibility among invasive mrsa infections in children: a clinical and genomic investigation.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022 Oct 18;66(10):e0074522. doi: 10.1128/aac.00745-22..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Medication, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Infectious Diseases, Genetics
Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Herrmann AK
Impact of a multi-level, multi-component, system intervention on HPV vaccination in a federally qualified health center.
This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a multi-component, system-level intervention to improve human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinics. The eight participating clinics were randomly assigned to study condition (four intervention, four usual care) that serve a primarily low-income Latino population. The intervention included parent reminders for HPV vaccine series completion, provider training, clinic-level audit and feedback, and workflow modifications to reduce missed opportunities for vaccination. The authors compared HPV vaccination rates among patients, ages 11 to 17 during a 12-month preintervention period and a 15-month intervention period. There was a greater increase in vaccination completion rates among boys, but not girls.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Herrmann AK .
Impact of a multi-level, multi-component, system intervention on HPV vaccination in a federally qualified health center.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022 Oct 4;31(10):1952-58. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.Epi-22-0156..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Vaccination
Mazi PB, Olsen MA, Stwalley D
Attributable mortality of Candida bloodstream infections in the modern era: a propensity score analysis.
The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to quantify the mortality attributed to Candida bloodstream infections (BSI). The researchers identified 626 adult patients with Candida BSI that were frequency-matched with 6269 control patients with similar candida BSI risk-factors. The study found that the 90-day crude mortality rate was 42.4% for Candida BSI cases and 17.1% for frequency matched controls. After propensity score-matching, the attributable risk difference for 90-day mortality was 28.4% with hazard ratio (HR) of 2.12. In the stratified analysis, the 90-day mortality risk was highest in patients in the lowest risk quintile to develop Candida BSI. Patients in this lowest risk quintile accounted for 61% of the untreated patients with Candida BSI. Sixty-nine percent of untreated patients died versus 35% of treated patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Mazi PB, Olsen MA, Stwalley D .
Attributable mortality of Candida bloodstream infections in the modern era: a propensity score analysis.
Clin Infect Dis 2022 Sep 29;75(6):1031-36. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac004..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Mortality, Sepsis
Henninger ML, Bean SI, Lin JS
Screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant adults and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available published evidence on the potential benefits and harms of screening for syphilis infection in non-pregnant, asymptomatic adults and adolescents at increased risk for syphilis infection, for the purpose of supporting the 2022 United States Prevention Services Task Force recommendations statement on screening for syphilis infection.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00004.
Citation: Henninger ML, Bean SI, Lin JS .
Screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant adults and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Sep 27;328(12):1250-52. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.8612..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Prevention, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Evidence-Based Practice
Rothberg MB, Imrey PB, Guo N MB, Imrey PB, Guo N
A risk model to identify Legionella among patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study.
This study’s goal was to derive and externally validate a model to predict a positive Legionella test among adult inpatients diagnosed with pneumonia. The study used data from 177 US hospitals in the Premier Healthcare Database and 12 Cleveland Clinic Health System (CCHS) hospitals. Of 166,689 patients hospitalized for pneumonia, out of 43,070 tested for Legionella 642 (1.5%) tested positive. The strongest predictors of a positive test were a local outbreak, June-October occurrence, hyponatremia, smoking and diarrhea. A negative test was associated with prior admission within 6 months and chronic pulmonary disease.
AHRQ-funded; HS024277.
Citation: Rothberg MB, Imrey PB, Guo N MB, Imrey PB, Guo N .
A risk model to identify Legionella among patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study.
J Hosp Med 2022 Aug;17(8):624-32. doi: 10.1002/jhm.12919..
Keywords: Pneumonia, Community-Acquired Infections, Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Conditions
Peaker B, Biondokin E
AHRQ Author: Peaker B
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
In this Putting Prevention into Practice case study, a 20-year-old woman presents for a wellness examination. She states that she has no health concerns, does not have a history of any sexually transmitted infections, and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Last year, she began taking oral contraceptives and reports regular monthly menses. Three multiple-choice questions are presented, followed by their answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Peaker B, Biondokin E .
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Am Fam Physician 2022 Jul;106(1):81-82..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Guidelines, Screening, Prevention, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Case Study
Perry DA, Shirley D, Micic D
External validation and comparison of Clostridioides difficile severity scoring systems.
The purpose of this study was to validate the Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) risk scores of previously developed predictive models. The researchers conducted a retrospective study, analyzing the CDI severity scores of 3,646 patients within 4 inpatient cohorts from 3 separate sites, including the University of Chicago (2012); the University of Michigan (2010-2012 and 2016) and the University of Wisconsin (2012). The primary outcome was a composite of admission to an intensive care unit, colectomy, and/or death attributed to CDI within 30 days of receiving a positive test. The CDI severity scores were assessed and compared within and across cohorts, and compared to the guideline definitions of severe and fulminant CDI established by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). A total of 14 scores were evaluated, including 2 of the IDSA guideline definitions. The study concluded that none of the CDI severity scores showed stable predictive ability within the study scenarios, with just one-half of the scores performing equal to or better than the IDSA definitions studied.
AHRQ-funded; HS027431.
Citation: Perry DA, Shirley D, Micic D .
External validation and comparison of Clostridioides difficile severity scoring systems.
Clin Infect Dis 2022 Jun 10;74(11):2028-35. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab737..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Infectious Diseases
D'Orazio B, Ramachandran J, Khalida C
Stakeholder engagement in a comparative effectiveness/implementation study to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infection recurrence: CA-MRSA Project (CAMP2).
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence and participation of a stakeholder committee would positively impact the effectiveness of the design and execution of a home-based Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection prevention intervention. The trial utilized community health workers to implement infection prevention protocols in participant’s homes, including home visits, sampling household surfaces at baseline and then three months, and obtaining surveillance cultures from index patients and household members. The study assembled and convened The Clinician and Patient Stakeholder Advisory Committee (CPSAC), comprised of New York-based federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community health emergency departments, laboratory and clinical researchers, clinicians, and patient stakeholders. The CPSAC was tasked with trial oversight and shared decision-making and troubleshooting, and convened both in person and remotely. The researchers concluded that the inclusion and engagement of the CPSAC during the trial design and implementation was highly effective in addressing and resolving challenges in both participant recruitment and home visits.
AHRQ-funded; HS021667.
Citation: D'Orazio B, Ramachandran J, Khalida C .
Stakeholder engagement in a comparative effectiveness/implementation study to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infection recurrence: CA-MRSA Project (CAMP2).
Prog Community Health Partnersh 2022;16(1):45-60. doi: 10.1353/cpr.2022.0005..
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Community-Acquired Infections, Infectious Diseases, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Evidence-Based Practice
Starnes LS, Krehnbrink M, Carroll AR
A pain in the neck: an adolescent with neck pain.
This case study involves a 15-year-old boy who presents with several years of intermittent neck pain, which has acutely worsened during the past 4 days. Patient history, diagnosis (Salmonella osteomyelitis.), and treatment are explored.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Starnes LS, Krehnbrink M, Carroll AR .
A pain in the neck: an adolescent with neck pain.
Pediatr Rev 2022 Mar;43(3):174-77. doi: 10.1542/pir.2020-004168..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Infectious Diseases, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Case Study, Evidence-Based Practice
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
Kalu IC, Kao CM, Fritz SA
Management and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections in children.
This review article discusses management and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections in children. Up to 30% of children are colonized with S aureus, though infection typically does not occur without skin barrier disruption. The article discusses ways to manage infection including promptly addressing the source of infection, including sites of metastatic infection, and initiation of effective antibiotics, which should be selected based on local antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Preventive measures including optimizing hygiene and decolonization regimens for outpatients and critically ill children with prolonged hospitalizations is also discussed.
AHRQ-funded; HS024269.
Citation: Kalu IC, Kao CM, Fritz SA .
Management and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections in children.
Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022 Mar;36(1):73-100. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.11.006..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Infectious Diseases, Prevention
Adams C, Peterson SR, Hall AJ
Associations of infection control measures and norovirus outbreak outcomes in healthcare settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review/meta-analysis’ goal was to assess associations between norovirus outbreak control measures and outcomes in hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCFs), globally. The authors identified 102 papers describing 162 norovirus outbreaks. Control measures were reportedly implemented in 118 (73%) outbreaks and were associated with 0.6 times smaller patient case counts and 0.7 times shorter durations in hospitals but 1.5, 1.5 and 1.6 times larger overall, resident and staff case counts, respectively, and 1.4 times longer durations in LTCFs. The paper concluded that control measures were likely implemented in response to larger/longer outbreaks in LTCFs rather than causing them, while hospitals’ preemptive control measures resulted in smaller/shorter outbreaks.
AHRQ-funded; HS025987.
Citation: Adams C, Peterson SR, Hall AJ .
Associations of infection control measures and norovirus outbreak outcomes in healthcare settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022 Feb;20(2):279-90. doi: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1949985..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Public Health, Evidence-Based Practice
Bartley PS, Deshpande A, Yu PC
Bacterial coinfection in influenza pneumonia: rates, pathogens, and outcomes.
Among patients hospitalized for influenza pneumonia, the researchers reported the rate of coinfection and distribution of pathogens and also compared outcomes of patients with and without bacterial coinfection. They found that, in a large US inpatient sample hospitalized with influenza and community-acquired pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent cause of bacterial coinfection. Coinfection was associated with worse outcomes and higher costs.
AHRQ-funded; HS024277.
Citation: Bartley PS, Deshpande A, Yu PC .
Bacterial coinfection in influenza pneumonia: rates, pathogens, and outcomes.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022 Feb;43(2):212-17. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.96..
Keywords: Influenza, Pneumonia, Infectious Diseases, Community-Acquired Infections
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
Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This is the evidence summary and updated review for the September 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections among sexually active women 25 years or older and sexually active men. The Task Force concluded that for women screening is recommended, but for men the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms. This systematic review screened over 2200 articles and included 20 articles. The articles included helped to answer the 4 key questions that were included in the research plan.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC .
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Sep 14;326(10):957-66. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.10577..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention
Miller AC, Koeneman SH, Arakkal AT
Incidence, duration, and risk factors associated with missed opportunities to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis: a population-based longitudinal study.
This retrospective cohort study determined the frequency and duration of diagnostic delays for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Data from the IBM Marketscan Databases from 2001-2017 was used. The authors estimated the number of visits with HSE-related symptoms before diagnosis that would be expected to occur in the absence of delays and compared this estimate to the observed pattern of visits. Then a simulation-based approach was used to compute the number of visits representing a delay. They identified 2667 patients diagnosed with HSE and estimated 45.9% of patients experienced at least 1 missed opportunity, with 21.9% of patients having delays lasting >7 days. Risk factors for delays included being seen only in the emergency department, age 65 or older, or a history of sinusitis or schizophrenia.
AHRQ-funded; HS027375.
Citation: Miller AC, Koeneman SH, Arakkal AT .
Incidence, duration, and risk factors associated with missed opportunities to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis: a population-based longitudinal study.
Open Forum Infect Dis 2021 Sep;8(9):ofab400. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofab400..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Risk
Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Mueller LE
Modeling interventions to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms between health care facilities in a region.
The objective of this study was to identify a group of target facilities and to assess which multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) intervention would be best to implement in the Shared Healthcare Intervention to Eliminate Life-threatening Dissemination of MDROs in Orange County, a large regional public health collaborative in Orange County, California. Findings suggested that decolonization would be the best strategy for the Shared Healthcare Intervention to Eliminate Life-threatening Dissemination of MDROs in Orange County.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317; HS028165.
Citation: Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Mueller LE .
Modeling interventions to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms between health care facilities in a region.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Aug 2;4(8):e2119212. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.19212..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Van Gerwen OT, Camino AF, Bourla LN
Management of trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
Metronidazole and other 5-nitroimidazoles are the mainstay of Trichomonas vaginalis treatment, with few efficacious and safe treatment options available outside of this class. Patients with trichomoniasis and a history of a clinically confirmed hypersensitivity reaction to 5-nitroimidazoles present a management challenge for clinicians. In this study, the investigators examine management of Trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Van Gerwen OT, Camino AF, Bourla LN .
Management of trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
Sex Transm Dis 2021 Aug;48(8):e111-e15. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001326..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Antibiotics, Medication