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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 199 Research Studies DisplayedSleath B, Beznos B, Carpenter DM
African American patient-provider communication about glaucoma vision quality-of-life.
A study was conducted to examine African American patient-provider communication about glaucoma-related quality-of-life. Patients completed a vision quality-of-life assessment to examine patient-provider characteristics, patient demographics, and socio-demographics. The study determined that patients with worse literacy, more severe glaucoma, or depression are likely to have a lower vision quality-of-life.
AHRQ-funded; HS025370.
Citation: Sleath B, Beznos B, Carpenter DM .
African American patient-provider communication about glaucoma vision quality-of-life.
Eye 2024 Feb; 38(2):343-48. doi: 10.1038/s41433-023-02693-8..
Keywords: Eye Disease and Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Quality of Life
Anchan RM, Spies JB, Zhang S
Long-term health-related quality of life and symptom severity following hysterectomy, myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
This study compared the different surgical procedures used for uterine fibroids with respect to long-term health-related quality of life outcomes and symptom improvement. The authors examined differences in change from baseline to 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up in health-related quality of life and symptom severity among patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy, laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, or uterine artery embolization. A subset of the COMPARE-UF registry, a multiinstitutional prospective observational cohort study of women undergoing treatment for uterine fibroids was used. A subset of 1384 women aged 31 to 45 years who underwent either abdominal myomectomy (n=237), laparoscopic myomectomy (n=272), abdominal hysterectomy (n=177), laparoscopic hysterectomy (n=522), or uterine artery embolization (n=176) were included. They obtained demographics, fibroid history, and symptoms using questionnaires at enrollment and at 1, 2, and 3 years posttreatment. The Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QoL) questionnaire was used to ascertain symptom severity and health-related quality of life scores among participants. Those undergoing hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization reported the longest duration of fibroid symptoms with a mean of 6.3 years. The most common fibroid symptoms were heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) (75.3%), bulk symptoms (74.2%), and bloating (73.2%), with more than half (54.9%) of participants reported anemia, and 9.4% women reported a history of blood transfusion. Across all modalities, total health-related quality of life and symptom severity score markedly improved from baseline to 1-year with the largest improvement in the laparoscopic hysterectomy group. Those undergoing abdominal myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization also demonstrated significant improvement in health-related quality of life and symptom severity at 1 year, and the improvement persisted from baseline for uterine-sparing procedures during second and third year, posttreatment intervals, however with a trend toward decline in degree of improvement from years 1 and 2.
AHRQ-funded; HS023418.
Citation: Anchan RM, Spies JB, Zhang S .
Long-term health-related quality of life and symptom severity following hysterectomy, myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023 Sep; 229(3):275.e1-75.e17. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.020..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Women, Surgery
Weekes AJ, Davison J, Lupez K
Quality of life 1 month after acute pulmonary embolism in emergency department patients.
The objective of this prospective multicenter registry study was to determine whether any clinical or pathophysiologic features of pulmonary embolism were associated with worse Pulmonary Embolism Quality-of-Life (PEmb-QoL) scores after one month. Pulmonary embolism patients participated in QoL assessments and received PEmb-QoL questionnaires conducted by the researchers. Results indicated that acute clinical deterioration, right ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary embolism PE severity were not predictors of QoL at 1 month post-embolism. Independent predictors of worsened QoL were COPD, rehospitalization, and hospital length of stay.
AHRQ-funded; HS025979.
Citation: Weekes AJ, Davison J, Lupez K .
Quality of life 1 month after acute pulmonary embolism in emergency department patients.
Acad Emerg Med 2023 Aug; 30(8):819-31. doi: 10.1111/acem.14692..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Respiratory Conditions, Emergency Department
Alford CM, Wahlquist AE, Sterba KR
A quality improvement study on the feasibility and potential benefits of a yogic breathing program for cancer survivors and caregivers during treatment in a lodging facility.
This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of a yogic breathing program in cancer patients and caregivers during the treatment period, and then investigated whether it provided any benefits. The authors designed a 20-minute yogic breathing regimen and introduced them to all-site cancer patients and their caregivers during the cancer treatment period at a lodging facility, Hope Lodge in Charleston, SC. The classes were advertised via intercom, displays, and word of mouth. Participants were taught five different breathing exercises. After completion of the exercises in a single session, a self-reported quality improvement questionnaire was administered assessing sociodemographic/clinical factors, expectations about the session, and ratings of satisfaction with the session. There were 52 participants who provided feedback during the nine months of the collection period, with patients and caregivers in almost equal numbers. The findings indicated that yogic breathing is acceptable to patients and caregivers and may alleviate key symptoms from cancer treatment, in particular stress. The lodging facility continues to offer weekly yogic breathing sessions to their patients conducted by Hope Lodge volunteers trained by the study team.
AHRQ-funded; HS024533.
Citation: Alford CM, Wahlquist AE, Sterba KR .
A quality improvement study on the feasibility and potential benefits of a yogic breathing program for cancer survivors and caregivers during treatment in a lodging facility.
Brain Behav Immun Integr 2023 Jul; 3. doi: 10.1016/j.bbii.2023.100019..
Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Cancer, Quality of Life
Ayers DC, Yousef M, Yang W
Age-related differences in pain, function, and quality of life following primary total knee arthroplasty: results from a FORCE-TJR (Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement) cohort.
The purpose of this prospective, multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the differences in pain, function, and quality of life (QoL) reported 1 year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) across varying age groups. The researchers preoperatively assessed 11,602 unilateral primary TKA patients, and collected demographic data, comorbid conditions, and patient-reported outcome measures including the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), KOOS-12, KOOS Joint Replacement, and Short-Form health survey (12-item) and then collected again at 1-year postoperatively. The study found that prior to surgery, patients less than 55 years reported worse KOOS pain (39), function (50), and QoL (18) scores with poor mental health score (47) than other older patient groups. At 1 year after TKA, patients less than 55 years reported lower KOOS pain, function, and QoL scores when compared to patients 75 years or older. The differences in score changes among the age groups were statistically significant but clinically irrelevant. Further statistical analyses revealed that age was a significant predictor for pain, but not for function at 1 year where KOOS pain score was predicted to be higher in patients 75 years or older when compared to patients less than 55 years of age.
AHRQ-funded; HS018910.
Citation: Ayers DC, Yousef M, Yang W .
Age-related differences in pain, function, and quality of life following primary total knee arthroplasty: results from a FORCE-TJR (Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement) cohort.
J Arthroplasty 2023 Jul; 38(7 Suppl 2):S169-S76. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.04.005..
Keywords: Orthopedics, Surgery, Quality of Life, Outcomes, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Pain
Leininger LJ, Tomaino M, Meara E
Health-related quality of life in high-cost, high-need populations.
This retrospective longitudinal study examined health care utilization, expenditures, and patient-reported health for high-cost, high-need (HCHN) populations comparing a baseline (year 1) and follow-up year (year 2). The sample included adults (n = 46,934) participating in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey between 2011 and 2016. The authors estimated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for each sample member using the physical and mental health scales from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12. They compared HRQOL stratified by HCHN, defined as patients whose baseline (year 1) demographics, utilization, and clinical characteristics predicted top decile health spending in year 2. The physical health scale exhibited robust measure validity, reliability, and responsiveness, but the mental health scale did not. Mean physical health was 1.25 SDs lower in HCHN vs other patients (37.9 vs 51.0 on a 0-100 scale increasing in self-perceived health). Patient-reported health outcomes continued to remain poor in HCHN populations, even after health care utilization recedes.
AHRQ-funded; HS024075.
Citation: Leininger LJ, Tomaino M, Meara E .
Health-related quality of life in high-cost, high-need populations.
Am J Manag Care 2023 Jul; 29(7):362-68. doi: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89396..
Keywords: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Quality of Life, Healthcare Costs
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
Salwei ME, Anders S, Slagle JM
Understanding patient and clinician reported nonroutine events in ambulatory surgery.
This prospective observational study’s objective was to understand the incidence and nature of patient- and clinician-reported nonroutine events (NREs) in ambulatory surgery. The authors interviewed patients about NREs that occurred during their perioperative care using a structured interview tool before discharge and in a 7-day follow-up call and concurrently interviewed the clinicians caring for these patients immediately postoperatively to collect NREs. The authors trained 2 clinicians and 2 patients to assess and code each reported NRE for type, theme, severity, and likelihood of reoccurrence (i.e., likelihood that the same event would occur for another patient). Out of 145 ambulatory surgery cases 101 (70%) contained at least one NRE. Overall, 214 NREs were reported, of those 88 were by patients and 126 by clinicians. Cases containing clinician-reported NREs were associated with increased patient body mass index and lower postcase patient ratings of being treated with respect. Cases containing patient-reported NREs were associated with longer case duration, higher postcase clinician frustration ratings, higher ratings of patient stress, and lower patient ratings of their quality of life, the quality of clinician teamwork, being treated with respect, and being listened to carefully. Trained patient raters evaluated NRE severity significantly higher than did clinician raters, while clinicians rated recurrence likelihood significantly higher than patients for both clinician and patient-reported NREs. Combining patient- and clinician-reported NREs seems to be a promising patient-centered method of identifying healthcare system deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Salwei ME, Anders S, Slagle JM .
Understanding patient and clinician reported nonroutine events in ambulatory surgery.
J Patient Saf 2023 Mar 1; 19(2):e38-e45. doi: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001089..
Keywords: Ambulatory Care and Surgery, Quality of Life
Canvasser J, Patel RM, Pryor E
Long-term outcomes and life-impacts of necrotizing enterocolitis: a survey of survivors and parents.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition predominantly afflicting preterm infants. Despite its association with unfavorable outcomes within the first two years of life, there is a scarcity of research examining the long-term consequences and life quality in children beyond this age. The purpose of the study was to carry out a survey to assess the enduring repercussions of NEC on physical and psychological well-being, social interactions, and overall life satisfaction as reported by adult survivors and parents of children who overcame NEC. The study found that both survivors and parents of children who have endured NEC encounter persistent challenges affecting their physical and emotional health, social encounters, and overall life contentment.
AHRQ-funded; HS026383
Citation: Canvasser J, Patel RM, Pryor E .
Long-term outcomes and life-impacts of necrotizing enterocolitis: a survey of survivors and parents.
Semin Perinatol 2023 Feb;47(1):151696. doi: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151696.
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Children/Adolescents, Digestive Disease and Health, Outcomes, Quality of Life
Greenlee MC, Bolen S, Chong W
The National Clinical Care Commission report to Congress: leveraging federal policies and programs to improve diabetes treatment and reduce complications.
This paper is the fourth in a series of five articles describing the recommendations of the National Clinician Care Commission (NCCC) on diabetes care. This paper focused on the recommendations of the Treatment and Complications subcommittee of the National Clinical Care Commission. The Commission made recommendations at all levels: patient, practice, health system, and health policy. They also identified several areas that need additional research, such as studying the barriers to uptake of diabetes self-management education and support, exploring methods to implement team-based care, and evaluating the importance of digital connectivity as a social determinant of health.
AHRQ-funded.
Citation: Greenlee MC, Bolen S, Chong W .
The National Clinical Care Commission report to Congress: leveraging federal policies and programs to improve diabetes treatment and reduce complications.
Diabetes Care 2023 Feb; 46(2):e51-e59. doi: 10.2337/dc22-0621..
Keywords: Diabetes, Chronic Conditions, Policy, Prevention, Quality of Life
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
Chovatiya R, Silverberg JI
Iatrogenic burden of atopic dermatitis.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the iatrogenic burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) and conduct a qualitative review of key areas that clinicians can address to minimize that burden. The researchers concluded that the multidimensional nature of AD requires a dynamic approach, and researcher recommendations included: encouraging providers to think strategically about the avoidance of itch triggers, slowly incorporating lifestyle changes, and highlighting step-up therapy when trigger avoidance becomes too burdensome for the patient. Out-of-pocket treatment costs should be incorporated into shared decision, polypharmacy should be minimized, and providers should incorporate evidence-based guidelines into their practices.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Chovatiya R, Silverberg JI .
Iatrogenic burden of atopic dermatitis.
Dermatitis 2022 Nov-Dec;33(6s):S17-s23. doi: 10.1097/der.0000000000000799..
Keywords: Skin Conditions, Quality of Life
Yang G, Zhang M, Zhou S
Incompleteness of health-related quality of life assessments before left ventricular assist device implant: a novel quality metric.
Investigators hypothesized that pre-implant health-related quality of life (HRQOL) incompleteness in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Intermacs registry for patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation predicts 90-day outcomes. They found that HRQOL incompleteness at high-rate hospitals was more often due to administrative reasons and less likely due to patient reasons. Increases in the adjusted pre-implant incompleteness rates were significantly associated with higher risk of infection-related mortality, infection, and renal dysfunction. They concluded that hospital adjusted pre-implant HRQOL incompleteness was predictive of 90-day post-implant outcomes and may serve as a novel quality metric.
AHRQ-funded; HS026003.
Citation: Yang G, Zhang M, Zhou S .
Incompleteness of health-related quality of life assessments before left ventricular assist device implant: a novel quality metric.
J Heart Lung Transplant 2022 Oct;41(10):1520-28. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.07.001..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Medical Devices, Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions
Jackson Levin N, Zhang A, Reyes-Gastelum D
Change in worry over time among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.
This survey assessed change in worry over time in Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. A total of 273 Hispanic women with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2014-2015 were recruited from SEER Los Angeles. Participants were surveyed at two points in time: time 1 from 2017 to 2018 and time 2 in 2019 on recurrence, quality of life, family at risk, death, and harm from treatments. Women were surveyed on their amount of worry: high worry (somewhat, quite a bit, very much) or low worry (not at all, a little). The survey showed 20.1-39.6% had high worry at both time 1 and time 2. An additional 7.6-13.4% had low worry at time 1 that evolved into high worry at time 2. Women with younger age (20-39) compared to older (40-79) had higher worry about thyroid cancer recurrence. A history of recurrent or persistent disease was associated with high worry about harms from treatment. Greater number of complications or side effect symptoms was associated with worry across all five items.
AHRQ-funded; HS024512.
Citation: Jackson Levin N, Zhang A, Reyes-Gastelum D .
Change in worry over time among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.
J Cancer Surviv 2022 Aug;16(4):844-52. doi: 10.1007/s11764-021-01078-8..
Keywords: Cancer, Women, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Quality of Life, Anxiety
Wu A, Ugiliweneza B, Wang D
Trends and outcomes of early and late palliative care consultation for adult patients with glioblastoma: a seer-Medicare retrospective study.
This study investigates differences in palliative care (PC) timing on outcomes for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare data. Findings showed that, despite an overall increase in PC consultations, only a minority of GBM patients receive PC. Patients with late PC had the longest survival times and had greater hospice use in the last month of life compared to other subgroups.
AHRQ-funded; HS028747.
Citation: Wu A, Ugiliweneza B, Wang D .
Trends and outcomes of early and late palliative care consultation for adult patients with glioblastoma: a seer-Medicare retrospective study.
Neurooncol Pract 2022 Aug;9(4):299-309. doi: 10.1093/nop/npac026.
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Keywords: Palliative Care, Cancer, Quality of Life, Healthcare Costs
McEntee ML, Gandek B, Ware JE
Improving multimorbidity measurement using individualized disease-specific quality of life impact assessments: predictive validity of a new comorbidity index.
This study evaluated systematically compared legacy and improve method effects of aggregating multiple chronic conditions (MCC) on the accuracy of predictions of quality of life (QOL) outcomes. The study used online surveys that administered generic physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) QOL outcome measures, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), an expanded chronic condition checklist (CCC), and individualized QOL Disease-specific Impact Scale (QDIS) ratings in a developmental sample (N = 5490) of US adults. Regression models compared 12- and 35-condition checklists, mortality vs. population QOL-weighting, and population vs. individualized QOL methods. Analyses were cross-validated in an independent sample (N = 1220) representative of the adult general population. Models compared estimates of variance explained and model fit (AIC) for generic PCS and MCS across aggregation methods at baseline and nine-month follow-up. In comparison with sociodemographic-only regression models and Charlson CCI models, increased variance was accounted for using the 35-item population MCS/PCS QOL weighting and individualized QDIS weighting. The new model more accurately predicted physical and mental outcomes using an expanded MCC checklist, population QOL rather than mortality CCI weighting, and individualized rather than population QOL weighting for each reported condition.
AHRQ-funded; HS023117.
Citation: McEntee ML, Gandek B, Ware JE .
Improving multimorbidity measurement using individualized disease-specific quality of life impact assessments: predictive validity of a new comorbidity index.
Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022 Jul 12;20(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s12955-022-02016-7..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Chronic Conditions
Ahmad FS, Jackson KL, Yount SE
The development and initial validation of the PROMIS®+HF-27 and PROMIS+HF-10 profiles.
This paper describes the continued refinement of the PROMIS®-Plus-HF (PROMIS+HF) profile measure, including universal and HF-specific items, to develop shorter PROMIS+HF profiles intended for research and clinical use. The authors developed the PROMIS+HF-27 and PROMIS+HF-10 profiles with summary scores (0-100) for overall, physical, mental, and social health. In a cross-sectional sample (n = 600), they measured internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown), test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient; n = 100), known-groups validity via New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and convergent validity with Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores. They also evaluated responsiveness of baseline/follow-up scores in a longitudinal sample of 75 by calculating mean differences and Cohen’s d and comparing with paired t-tests. PROMIS+HF-27 scores showed good to excellent internal consistency and acceptable to good for PROMIS+HF-10 scores. Good psychometric characteristics were shown for both measures with evidence of responsiveness for overall and physical health.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Ahmad FS, Jackson KL, Yount SE .
The development and initial validation of the PROMIS®+HF-27 and PROMIS+HF-10 profiles.
ESC Heart Fail 2022 Jul 15;9(5):3380-92. doi: 10.1002/ehf2.14061..
Keywords: Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions, Quality of Life, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Tsang M, DeBoer RJ, Garrett SB
Decision-making about clinical trial options among older patients with metastatic cancer who have exhausted standard therapies.
The purpose of this study was to examine the potential reasons for and responses to older adults’ under enrollment in phase 1 cancer clinical trials. The researchers conducted 101 in-depth qualitative interviews with 39 adults aged 65 and older with advanced cancer and asked about their experiences with the trials. The data was analyzed to identify the participants’ understanding of clinical research, their perceptions of early phase trials, and their experiences with enrollment in the trials. The study found that participants over the age of 70 were less enthusiastic about participation in clinical trials, although they did not mention age as a limitation to participation. Findings indicated that participation in clinical trials was an interactive, ongoing process, in which older adults relied on their oncologist for guidance and discussion. The researchers concluded that older adults rely on their oncologist to navigate the perceived complexities of phase 1 trial enrollment, and that acknowledgement of those complexities via shared decision-making can help prevent under-enrollment.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241.
Citation: Tsang M, DeBoer RJ, Garrett SB .
Decision-making about clinical trial options among older patients with metastatic cancer who have exhausted standard therapies.
J Geriatr Oncol 2022 Jun;13(5):594-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.01.012..
Keywords: Elderly, Cancer, Shared Decision Making, Quality of Life
Luckenbaugh AN, Wallis CJD, Huang LC
Association between treatment for localized prostate cancer and mental health outcomes.
Researchers conducted a prospective population-based analysis using the Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) study to compare mental health outcomes for men undergoing treatment for localized prostate cancer. Results showed that there were no clinically important differences in mental health outcomes; however, the researchers identified a number of characteristics associated with worse mental health outcomes. These included: older age, poorer health, and being unmarried.
AHRQ-funded; HS019356; HS022640.
Citation: Luckenbaugh AN, Wallis CJD, Huang LC .
Association between treatment for localized prostate cancer and mental health outcomes.
J Urol 2022 May; 207(5):1029-37. doi: 10.1097/ju.0000000000002370..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Behavioral Health, Quality of Life
Wallace K, Stewart EA, Wise LA
Anxiety, depression, and quality of life after procedural intervention for uterine fibroids.
The authors studied quality of life (QOL) and psychological health following treatment for uterine fibroids (UFs). Using data from the COMPARE-UF registry, they found that UF symptoms were more severe among women reporting anxiety/depression at baseline. At the 1-year follow-up, health-related QOL scores improved among all women and the prevalence of anxiety/depression decreased in most, but not all, women. However, the severity of anxiety/depression worsened in a small percentage of women.
AHRQ-funded; HS023418.
Citation: Wallace K, Stewart EA, Wise LA .
Anxiety, depression, and quality of life after procedural intervention for uterine fibroids.
J Womens Health 2022 Mar;31(3):415-24. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8915..
Keywords: Women, Quality of Life
Wallis CJD, Huang LC, Zhao Z
Association between pelvic nodal radiotherapy and patient-reported functional outcomes through 5 years among men undergoing external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: an assessment of the Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (C
In this study, the investigators sought to compare functional outcomes for men receiving prostate and pelvic versus prostate-only radiotherapy, longitudinally over 5 years. The investigators concluded that there were no clinically important differences in disease-specific or general health-related quality of life with the addition of pelvic irradiation to prostate radiotherapy, supporting the use of pelvic radiotherapy when it may be of clinical benefit, such as men with increased risk of nodal involvement.
AHRQ-funded; HS022640; HS019356.
Citation: Wallis CJD, Huang LC, Zhao Z .
Association between pelvic nodal radiotherapy and patient-reported functional outcomes through 5 years among men undergoing external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: an assessment of the Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (C
Urol Oncol 2022 Feb;40(2):56.e1-56.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.04.035..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Men's Health, Comparative Effectiveness, Outcomes, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality of Life
Bogetz JF, Revette A, DeCourcey D
Bereaved parent perspectives on the benefits and burdens of technology assistance among children with complex chronic conditions.
The objective of this study was to understand bereaved parent perspectives on technology assistance among children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs). Researchers analyzed data from the cross-sectional Survey of Caring for Children with CCCs. Parents described both benefits and burdens of technology, with two emergent subthemes related to goals of care: technology was necessary to give time for life extension and/or to say goodbye, and technology greatly impacted the child's quality of life and symptoms. The second theme to emergence was complications and regret. The researchers concluded that it is important to understand parents' most goals when supporting decisions about technology assistance for children with CCCs.
AHRQ-funded; HS022986.
Citation: Bogetz JF, Revette A, DeCourcey D .
Bereaved parent perspectives on the benefits and burdens of technology assistance among children with complex chronic conditions.
J Palliat Med 2022 Feb; 25(2):250-58. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0221..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Caregiving, Quality of Life, Chronic Conditions
Schwartzman G, Lei D, Ahmed A
Longitudinal course and phenotypes of health-related quality of life in adults with atopic dermatitis.
The real-world course of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in atopic dermatitis (AD) is not well established. The aim of this prospective dermatology-practice based study was to examine predictors, longitudinal course and phenotypes of HRQoL in adult patients with AD. The investigators concluded that: patients with AD had a heterogeneous longitudinal course and distinct patterns of HRQoL; many patients had fluctuating HRQoL over time; and most patients with moderate to severe disease at baseline had persistent HRQoL impairment over time.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Schwartzman G, Lei D, Ahmed A .
Longitudinal course and phenotypes of health-related quality of life in adults with atopic dermatitis.
Clin Exp Dermatol 2022 Feb;47(2):359-72. doi: 10.1111/ced.14948..
Keywords: Skin Conditions, Quality of Life
Rosenberg SM, O'Neill A, Sepucha K
Quality of life following receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy with and without bevacizumab in patients with lymph node-positive and high-risk lymph node-negative breast cancer.
The authors sought to describe and evaluate factors associated with diminished quality of life (QOL) following completion of active breast cancer treatment. They conducted a survey with patients 18 months after enrollment and found that the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy was not negatively associated with QOL at 18 months. A substantial proportion of participants reported problems related to pain or discomfort and anxiety or depression; as many reported problems can be amenable to intervention, timely referral to supportive resources, especially for women of color and those who have more extensive local therapy, is indicated.
AHRQ-funded; HS023680.
Citation: Rosenberg SM, O'Neill A, Sepucha K .
Quality of life following receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy with and without bevacizumab in patients with lymph node-positive and high-risk lymph node-negative breast cancer.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Feb;5(2):e220254. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0254..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women
Zimmerman S, Carder P, Schwartz L
The imperative to reimagine assisted living.
Assisted living (AL) has existed in the United States for decades, evolving in response to older adults' need for supportive care and distaste for nursing homes and older models of congregate care. AL is state-regulated, provides at least 2 meals a day, around-the-clock supervision, and help with personal care, but is not licensed as a nursing home. This article presents the background regarding those tensions, as well as potential solutions that have been borne out, paving the path to a better future of assisted living.
AHRQ-funded; HS026893.
Citation: Zimmerman S, Carder P, Schwartz L .
The imperative to reimagine assisted living.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022 Feb;23(2):225-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.12.004..
Keywords: Elderly, Long-Term Care, Healthcare Delivery, Workforce, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Healthcare Costs