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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 12 of 12 Research Studies DisplayedCantor AG, Jungbauer RM, Skelly AC
Respectful maternity care : a systematic review.
The purpose of this systematic review was to collect information on definitions and valid measurements of respectful maternity care (RMC), its effectiveness for improving pregnant and postpartum maternal and infant health outcomes, and strategies for implementation. Frameworks for RMC were found to be well described but varied in definition. Evidence was lacking on the effectiveness of implementing RMC to improve any maternal or infant health outcome. Tools to measure RMC demonstrated consistency but lacked a gold standard; the authors conclude that further evaluation was needed before implementation in U.S. settings.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00006
Citation: Cantor AG, Jungbauer RM, Skelly AC .
Respectful maternity care : a systematic review.
Ann Intern Med 2024 Jan; 177(1):50-64. doi: 10.7326/m23-2676..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Kanaan G
Delivery strategies for postpartum care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review examined the effects of postpartum health care-delivery strategies on health care utilization and maternal outcomes. The authors searched medical databases from inception to November 16, 2022. They found 64 eligible studies (50 randomized controlled trials, 14 nonrandomized comparative studies; N=543,480). The review found that for general postpartum care, care location (clinic, at home, by telephone) did not affect depression or anxiety symptoms (low strength of evidence), and care integration (by multiple types of health care professionals) did not affect depression symptoms or substance use (low strength of evidence). Providing contraceptive care earlier (compared with later) was associated with greater implant use at 6 months (moderate strength of evidence). Low strength of evidence was found for location of breastfeeding affecting hospitalization, other unplanned care utilization, or mental health symptoms. Peer support was associated with higher rates of any or exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month and any breastfeeding at 3-6 months but not other breastfeeding measures (all moderate strength of evidence). Care by a lactation consultant was associated with higher breastfeeding rates at 6 months but not exclusive breastfeeding (all moderate strength of evidence). Moderate strength of evidence was found for the association of use and nonuse of information technology for breastfeeding care with comparable rates of breastfeeding. Moderate strength of evidence was found for the association of testing reminders for screening or preventive care and greater adherence to oral glucose tolerance testing but not random glucose or hemoglobin A1c testing.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00001; 75Q80121F32007.
Citation: Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Kanaan G .
Delivery strategies for postpartum care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Sep 1; 142(3):529-42. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005293..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Healthcare Delivery, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Steele DW, Adam GP, Saldanha IJ
Postpartum home blood pressure monitoring: a systematic review.
This systematic review’s objective was to assess the effectiveness of postpartum home blood pressure (BP) monitoring compared with clinic-based follow-up and the comparative effectiveness of alternative home BP-monitoring regimens. The authors included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized comparative studies, and single-arm studies that evaluated the effects of postpartum home BP monitoring (up to 1 year), with or without telemonitoring, on postpartum maternal and infant outcomes, health care utilization, and harm outcomes. After double screening, they extracted demographics and outcomes to SRDR+. Thirteen studies (3 RCTs, 2 nonrandomized comparative studies, and 8 single-arm studies) met eligibility criteria. Home BP monitoring was not associated with the rate of BP treatment initiation but was associated with reduced unplanned hypertension-related hospital admissions. Home BP monitoring, compared with office-based follow-up, was associated with reduced racial disparities in BP ascertainment by approximately 50%. Most patients (ranging from 83.3% to 87.0%) were satisfied with management related to home BP monitoring.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00001; 75Q80121F32006.
Citation: Steele DW, Adam GP, Saldanha IJ .
Postpartum home blood pressure monitoring: a systematic review.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Aug 1; 142(2):285-95. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005270..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Blood Pressure, Women, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Balk EM, Danilack VA, Bhuma MR
Reduced compared with traditional schedules for routine antenatal visits: a systematic review.
This systematic review’s objective was to assess differences in maternal and child outcomes in studies comparing reduced routine antenatal visit schedules with traditional schedules. The search was conducted in multiple databases searching for antenatal (prenatal) care, pregnancy, obstetrics, telemedicine, remote care, smartphones, telemonitoring, and related terms. Abstrackr was used for double independent screening for studies comparing televisits and in person routine antenatal care visits for maternal, child, health care utilization, and harm outcomes. The authors found five randomized controlled trials and five nonrandomized comparative studies that compared reduced routine antenatal visit schedules with traditional schedules. The studies did not find differences between schedules in gestational age at birth, likelihood of being small for gestational age, likelihood of a low Apgar score, likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit admission, maternal anxiety, likelihood of preterm birth, and likelihood of low birth weight. There was also insufficient evidence for numerous prioritized outcomes of interest, including completion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists-recommended services and patient experience measures.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00001.
Citation: Balk EM, Danilack VA, Bhuma MR .
Reduced compared with traditional schedules for routine antenatal visits: a systematic review.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Jul 1; 142(1):8-18. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005193..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Newborns/Infants, Women, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Outcomes, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice
Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Kanaan G
Health insurance coverage and postpartum outcomes in the US: a systematic review.
The objective of this evidence review was to assess whether extension of health insurance coverage or improvements in health care access are associated with postpartum health care utilization and maternal outcomes. Findings with moderate strength of evidence suggested that more comprehensive association was likely to be related to greater postpartum visit attendance; findings with low strength of evidence indicated a possible association between more comprehensive insurance, fewer preventable readmissions, and emergency department visits. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that evidence evaluating insurance coverage and postpartum visit attendance and unplanned care utilization is, at best, of moderate strength of evidence. They recommended that future research should evaluate clinical outcomes associated with more comprehensive insurance coverage.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00001.
Citation: Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Kanaan G .
Health insurance coverage and postpartum outcomes in the US: a systematic review.
JAMA Netw Open 2023 Jun; 6(6):e2316536. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16536..
Keywords: Health Insurance, Maternal Care, Women, Outcomes, Medicaid, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
Cantor AG, Nelson HD, Pappas M
Telehealth for women's preventive services for reproductive health and intimate partner violence: a comparative effectiveness review.
This comparative effectiveness review was conducted on the effectiveness and harms of telehealth interventions for women's reproductive health and intimate partner violence (IPV) services. A literature search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of telehealth strategies for women's reproductive health and IPV versus usual care for the period July 2016 to May 2022. Eight RCTs, 1 nonrandomized trial, and 7 observational studies were included (7 studies of contraceptive care and 9 of IPV services). Telehealth services demonstrated similar care as usual care for contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy (low strength of evidence [SOE]). Evidence on abortion was insufficient. Outcomes were also similar between telehealth and usual care interventions to replace or supplement IPV services and comparators for repeat IPV, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, fear of partner, coercive control, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors (low SOE). Telehealth barriers identified included limited internet access, digital literacy, technical challenges, and confidentiality concerns. Safety strategies increased telehealth use for IPV services. Evidence lacked on access, health equity, or harms.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00006.
Citation: Cantor AG, Nelson HD, Pappas M .
Telehealth for women's preventive services for reproductive health and intimate partner violence: a comparative effectiveness review.
J Gen Intern Med 2023 May; 38(7):1735-43. doi: 10.1007/s11606-023-08033-6..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Women, Prevention, Domestic Violence, Evidence-Based Practice, Maternal Care, Sexual Health, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Comparative Effectiveness
Dominici LS, Rosenberg SM
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PRO).
This review summarizes patient-reported outcomes (PROs) frequently assessed in the setting of a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis. Findings indicated that PROs provide critical information regarding the experiences of women following a DCIS diagnosis. Continued inclusion of PROs in clinical trials is warranted, further informing treatment decisions and adequately preparing patients for what to expect following treatment.
AHRQ-funded; HS023680.
Citation: Dominici LS, Rosenberg SM .
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PRO).
Curr Breast Cancer Rep 2020 Jun;12(2):90-97. doi: 10.1007/s12609-020-00363-2..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Outcomes, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Quality of Life
Wallace K, Zhang S, Thomas L
Comparative effectiveness of hysterectomy versus myomectomy on one-year health-related quality of life in women with uterine fibroids.
The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to compare long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 1 year after hysterectomy or myomectomy for treatment of uterine fibroids (UFs) and to determine whether route of procedure, race, or age affected improvements in HRQOL. The investigators concluded that HRQOL improved in all women 1 year after hysterectomy or myomectomy.
AHRQ-funded; HS023418.
Citation: Wallace K, Zhang S, Thomas L .
Comparative effectiveness of hysterectomy versus myomectomy on one-year health-related quality of life in women with uterine fibroids.
Fertil Steril 2020 Mar;113(3):618-26. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.028..
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Women, Quality of Life, Surgery, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Outcomes
Grant MC, Gibbons MM, Ko CY
Evidence review conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery: focus on anesthesiology for gynecologic surgery.
This paper is an evidence review of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for gynecologic surgery that will be used as part of AHRQ’s Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery. This initiative was developed in partnership with the American College of Surgeons and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality. The authors conducted a literature review of the various anesthesia components which may influence outcomes and facilitate recovery after gynecological surgery. They included interventions for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care and then summarized the best available evidence for ERAS for gynecological surgery. The best evidence was summarized for recommendations to be used in the initiative.
Citation: Grant MC, Gibbons MM, Ko CY .
Evidence review conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery: focus on anesthesiology for gynecologic surgery.
AHRQ-funded; 233201500020I..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Surgery, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Women
Balk EM, Adam GP, Corsi K
Adverse events associated with nonsurgical treatments for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review.
Investigators systematically reviewed nonsurgical interventions for urgency, stress, or mixed urinary incontinence (UI) in women, focusing on adverse events (AEs). They found that behavioral therapies and neuromodulation have a low risk of adverse events, while anticholinergics and alpha agonists have high rates of dry mouth and constitutional effects. Further, onabotulinum toxin A (BTX) is associated with UTIs and voiding dysfunction, and periurethral bulking agents are associated with erosion and voiding dysfunction. They concluded that these AEs should be considered when selecting appropriate UI treatment options, noting that AE reporting is inconsistent and that AE rates across studies tended to vary widely.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500002.
Citation: Balk EM, Adam GP, Corsi K .
Adverse events associated with nonsurgical treatments for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review.
J Gen Intern Med 2019 Aug;34(8):1615-25. doi: 10.1007/s11606-019-05028-0.
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Keywords: Adverse Events, Patient Safety, Women, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Balk EM, Rofeberg VN, Adam GP
Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to improve or cure stress, urgency, or mixed UI in nonpregnant women. The investigators concluded that most nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions were more likely than no treatment to improve UI outcomes. They also concluded that behavioral therapy, alone or in combination with other interventions, was generally more effective than pharmacologic therapies alone in treating both stress and urgency UI.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500002I.
Citation: Balk EM, Rofeberg VN, Adam GP .
Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical outcomes.
Ann Intern Med 2019 Apr 2;170(7):465-79. doi: 10.7326/m18-3227..
Keywords: Care Management, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Medication, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Women
Suskind AM, Clemens JQ, Dunn RL
Effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh sling surgery in Medicare beneficiaries.
This study assessed the effectiveness of mesh compared to nonmesh slings in the surgical treatment of female incontinence. It found that overall rates of complications were similar for patients undergoing either mesh or nonmesh sling procedures. However, patients undergoing the nonmesh procedure were more likely to require a subsequent intervention for bladder outlet obstruction.
AHRQ-funded; HS018726.
Citation: Suskind AM, Clemens JQ, Dunn RL .
Effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh sling surgery in Medicare beneficiaries.
Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Sep;122(3):546-52. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31829e8543..
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Elderly, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Surgery, Women, Outcomes, Medicare, Evidence-Based Practice