National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Ambulatory Care and Surgery (1)
- Antibiotics (1)
- Antimicrobial Stewardship (1)
- Asthma (1)
- Behavioral Health (3)
- Blood Pressure (2)
- Burnout (4)
- Cancer (3)
- Cancer: Lung Cancer (1)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (2)
- Care Coordination (1)
- Caregiving (1)
- Care Management (3)
- Children/Adolescents (2)
- Chronic Conditions (4)
- Clinical Decision Support (CDS) (3)
- Clinician-Patient Communication (5)
- Communication (1)
- Community-Based Practice (3)
- Diabetes (5)
- Diagnostic Safety and Quality (2)
- Education: Continuing Medical Education (1)
- Education: Patient and Caregiver (1)
- (-) Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (50)
- Evidence-Based Practice (4)
- Healthcare Delivery (4)
- (-) Health Information Technology (HIT) (50)
- Health Insurance (1)
- Health Services Research (HSR) (1)
- Heart Disease and Health (1)
- Imaging (1)
- Implementation (1)
- Lifestyle Changes (1)
- Medicaid (1)
- Medication (3)
- Obesity (2)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (3)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (2)
- Patient Experience (1)
- Patient Safety (1)
- Payment (1)
- Practice Patterns (4)
- (-) Primary Care (50)
- Primary Care: Models of Care (1)
- Provider (4)
- Provider: Clinician (4)
- Provider: Nurse (2)
- Provider: Physician (5)
- Provider Performance (1)
- Quality Improvement (5)
- Quality Indicators (QIs) (4)
- Quality Measures (3)
- Quality of Care (9)
- Respiratory Conditions (2)
- Risk (1)
- Rural Health (1)
- Screening (2)
- Shared Decision Making (3)
- Social Determinants of Health (2)
- Stress (1)
- Teams (1)
- Tobacco Use (1)
- Workflow (2)
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 50 Research Studies DisplayedKukhareva PV, Li H, Caverly TJ
Implementation of lung cancer screening in primary care and pulmonary clinics: pragmatic clinical trial of electronic health record-integrated everyday shared decision-making tool and clinician-facing prompts.
The authors conducted pre- and post-intervention analysis in primary care and pulmonary clinics to explore whether clinician-facing electronic health record (EHR) prompts and an EHR-integrated shared decision-making (SDM) tool designed to support incorporation of SDM into primary care could improve low-dose computer tomography scan imaging ordering and completion. Subjects were patients who met US Preventive Services Task Force criteria for lung cancer screening (LCS). The results indicated that EHR prompts and the EHR-integrated SDM tool were promising approaches to improving LCS in the primary care setting. The authors noted that further research is warranted.
AHRQ-funded; HS026198; HS028791.
Citation: Kukhareva PV, Li H, Caverly TJ .
Implementation of lung cancer screening in primary care and pulmonary clinics: pragmatic clinical trial of electronic health record-integrated everyday shared decision-making tool and clinician-facing prompts.
Chest 2023 Nov; 164(5):1325-38. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.04.040..
Keywords: Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Shared Decision Making
Halliday TM, McFadden M, Cedillo M
Lifestyle strategies after intentional weight loss: results from the MAINTAIN-pc randomized trial.
The aim of this study was to explore the strategies related with successful long-term weight loss maintenance. Researchers analyzed data from the 24-month Maintaining Activity and Nutrition Through Technology-Assisted Innovation in Primary Care (MAINTAIN-pc) trial. MAINTAIN-pc recruited 194 adults with recent intentional weight loss and randomized participants a group using tracking tools plus coaching (i.e., coaching group) or tracking tools without coaching (i.e., tracking-only group). The participants reported the lifestyle strategies they utilized in the previous 6 months, including self-monitoring, group support, behavioral skills, and professional support. The study found that at baseline, 100% used behavioral skills, 73% used group support, 69% used self-monitoring, and 68% used professional support in the past 6 months; at 24 months, the rates were 98%, 60%, 75%, and 61%, respectively. The number of participants using individual strategies did not vary significantly over time, but the overall number of strategies participants reported decreased. A greater number of strategies were utilized at baseline and 6 months compared to 12- and 24-month follow-ups. The coaching group utilized a greater number of strategies at months 6 and 12 than the tracking-only group. Consistent utilization of professional support strategies over the 24-month study period was related with less weight regain.
AHRQ-funded; HS021162.
Citation: Halliday TM, McFadden M, Cedillo M .
Lifestyle strategies after intentional weight loss: results from the MAINTAIN-pc randomized trial.
Transl J Am Coll Sports Med 2023 Spring; 8(2). doi: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000220..
Keywords: Lifestyle Changes, Obesity, Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Harle CA, Wu W, Vest JR
Accuracy of electronic health record food insecurity, housing instability, and financial strain screening in adult primary care.
The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of electronic health record–based multidomain screening questionnaires on social risk factors. Researchers used single-domain questionnaires on individual factors such as food insecurity, housing instability, and financial strain as external standards.
AHRQ-funded; HS028636.
Citation: Harle CA, Wu W, Vest JR .
Accuracy of electronic health record food insecurity, housing instability, and financial strain screening in adult primary care.
JAMA 2023 Feb 7; 329(5):423-24. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.23631..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Screening, Social Determinants of Health
Richardson JE, Rasmussen LV, Dorr DA
Generating and reporting electronic clinical quality measures from electronic health records: strategies from EvidenceNOW cooperatives.
This study’s goal was to characterize strategies that seven regional cooperatives participating in the EvidenceNOW initiative developed to generate and report electronic health record (EHR)-based electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) for quality improvement (QI) in small-to-medium-sized practices. Findings showed that cooperatives ultimately generated and reported eCQMs using hybrid strategies because they determined that neither EHRs alone nor centralized sources alone could operationalize eCQMs for QI. In order to attain this goal, cooperatives needed to devise solutions and utilize resources that often are unavailable to typical small-to-medium-sized practices.
AHRQ-funded; HS023921.
Citation: Richardson JE, Rasmussen LV, Dorr DA .
Generating and reporting electronic clinical quality measures from electronic health records: strategies from EvidenceNOW cooperatives.
Appl Clin Inform 2022 Mar;13(2):485-94. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1748145..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Quality Indicators (QIs), Quality Measures, Quality of Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Primary Care
Abraham CM, Zheng K, Norful AA
Use of multifunctional electronic health records and burnout among primary care nurse practitioners.
This study investigated whether there is an association with the use of multifunctional electronic health records (EHRs) with nurse practitioner (NP) burnout in primary care practices. The study used cross-sectional survey data secondary analysis collected from NPs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The NPs completed surveys measuring burnout, use of multifunctional EHRs, demographics, and characteristics of their practice. Of 396 NPs included, 25.3% reported burnout, but the use of multifunctional EHRs did not increase primary care NP burnout.
AHRQ-funded; HS027290.
Citation: Abraham CM, Zheng K, Norful AA .
Use of multifunctional electronic health records and burnout among primary care nurse practitioners.
J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2021 Dec;33(12):1182-89. doi: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000533..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Burnout, Provider: Nurse, Primary Care
Rudin RA, Perez S, Rodriguez JA
User-centered design of a scalable, electronic health record-integrated remote symptom monitoring intervention for patients with asthma and providers in primary care.
The objective of this study was to determine user and electronic health records (EHR) integration requirements for a scalable remote symptom monitoring intervention for asthma patients and their providers. Using the NASSS framework to guide their user-centered design process, the investigators identified patient and provider requirements for scaling an EHR-integrated remote symptom monitoring intervention in primary care.
AHRQ-funded; HS026432.
Citation: Rudin RA, Perez S, Rodriguez JA .
User-centered design of a scalable, electronic health record-integrated remote symptom monitoring intervention for patients with asthma and providers in primary care.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021 Oct 12;28(11):2433-44. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocab157..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Asthma, Respiratory Conditions, Primary Care
Jones OT, Calanzani N, Saji S
Artificial intelligence techniques that may be applied to primary care data to facilitate earlier diagnosis of cancer: systematic review.
This study’s objective was a systematic review of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that might facilitate earlier diagnosis of cancer and could be applied to primary care electronic health record (EHR) data. Findings showed that AI techniques have been applied to EHR-type data to facilitate early diagnosis of cancer, but their use in primary care settings is still at an early stage of maturity. Further evidence is needed on their performance using primary care data, implementation barriers, and cost-effectiveness before widespread adoption into routine primary care clinical practice can be recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS027363.
Citation: Jones OT, Calanzani N, Saji S .
Artificial intelligence techniques that may be applied to primary care data to facilitate earlier diagnosis of cancer: systematic review.
J Med Internet Res 2021 Mar 3;23(3):e23483. doi: 10.2196/23483..
Keywords: Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Loo S, Grasso C, Glushkina J
Capturing relevant patient data in clinical encounters through integration of an electronic patient-reported outcome system into routine primary care in a Boston Community Health Center: development and implementation study.
This study’s goal was to implement an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) system that administers key health questionnaires in an urban community health center in Boston, Massachusetts. The system was integrated with the EHR so that medical providers could review and arbitrate patient responses in during the patient’s visit. Findings showed that this program demonstrated that implementation of an ePRO system in a primary care setting is feasible, allowing for facilitation of patient-provider communication and care.
AHRQ-funded; HS026154.
Citation: Loo S, Grasso C, Glushkina J .
Capturing relevant patient data in clinical encounters through integration of an electronic patient-reported outcome system into routine primary care in a Boston Community Health Center: development and implementation study.
J Med Internet Res 2020 Aug 19;22(8):e16778. doi: 10.2196/16778..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Community-Based Practice, Implementation
Casillas A, Cemballi AG, Abhat A
An untapped potential in primary care: semi-structured interviews with clinicians on how patient portals will work for caregivers in the safety net.
Researchers used qualitative methods to explore safety net providers' perspectives on portal use among caregivers for their patients. They found that providers recognized the potential for portals to improve information delivery and communication by helping caregivers assist socially and medically complex patients in the safety net. Providers in safety net sites also discussed a clear need for better ways to keep in touch with patients and connect with caregivers, yet security and privacy are perhaps of higher importance in these settings and may pose challenges to portal adoption. Further, caregivers of patients in the safety net likely face similar communication barriers as patients, especially with respect to digital literacy, health literacy, and English proficiency.
AHRQ-funded; HS022408; HS022561.
Citation: Casillas A, Cemballi AG, Abhat A .
An untapped potential in primary care: semi-structured interviews with clinicians on how patient portals will work for caregivers in the safety net.
J Med Internet Res 2020 Jul 20;22(7):e18466. doi: 10.2196/18466..
Keywords: Primary Care, Caregiving, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Homco J, Carabin H, Nagykaldi Z
Validity of medical record abstraction and electronic health record-generated reports to assess performance on cardiovascular quality measures in primary care.
The purpose of this study was to compare observed performance scores measured using 2 imperfect reference standard data sources with misclassification-adjusted performance scores obtained using bayesian latent class analysis. Using aspirin, blood pressure, and smoking performance data from the Healthy Hearts for Oklahoma Project, researchers found that extracting information for the same individuals using different data sources generated different performance score estimates. Recommendations included further research to identify the sources of these differences.
AHRQ-funded; HS023919.
Citation: Homco J, Carabin H, Nagykaldi Z .
Validity of medical record abstraction and electronic health record-generated reports to assess performance on cardiovascular quality measures in primary care.
JAMA Netw Open 2020 Jul;3(7):e209411. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.9411..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Cardiovascular Conditions, Quality Measures, Quality of Care, Primary Care, Provider Performance, Evidence-Based Practice
Zhou Y, Abel GA, Hamilton W
Imaging activity possibly signalling missed diagnostic opportunities in bladder and kidney cancer: a longitudinal data-linkage study using primary care electronic health records.
Sub-optimal use or interpretation of imaging investigations prior to diagnosis of certain cancers may be associated with less timely diagnosis, but pre-diagnostic imaging activity for urological cancer is unknown. In this study, the investigators analysed linked data derived from primary and secondary care records and cancer registration to evaluate the use of clinically relevant imaging tests pre-diagnosis, in patients with bladder and kidney cancer diagnosed in 2012-15 in England.
AHRQ-funded; HS022087.
Citation: Zhou Y, Abel GA, Hamilton W .
Imaging activity possibly signalling missed diagnostic opportunities in bladder and kidney cancer: a longitudinal data-linkage study using primary care electronic health records.
Cancer Epidemiol 2020 Jun;66:101703. doi: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101703..
Keywords: Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Imaging, Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Huguet N, Kaufmann J, O'Malley J
Using electronic health records in longitudinal studies: estimating patient attrition.
This study’s objective was to estimate overall and among adults with diabetes or hypertension: 1) patient attrition over a 3-year period at community health centers; and 2) the likelihood that patients with Medicaid switched their primary care source. Data was collected from the retrospective cohort study of 2012-2017 claims data Accelerating Data Value Across a National Community Health Center Network (ADVANCE) Clinical Data Research Network of community health centers. This study focused on Oregon Medicaid enrollees with a total of 232,891 patients aged 19-64 with a gap of 6 months or more following a claim for a visit billed to a primary care source. The authors theorized the reason was due to patients with Medicaid permanently changing their primary care source. They found that attrition over 3 years averaged 33.5% but patients with diabetes or hypertension was lower (25% or less). Among Medicaid patients the attrition rate 12% for community health center patients compared with 39% for single-provider practice patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS025962.
Citation: Huguet N, Kaufmann J, O'Malley J .
Using electronic health records in longitudinal studies: estimating patient attrition.
Med Care 2020 Jun;58(Suppl 1):S46-S52. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001298...
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Chronic Conditions, Primary Care, Medicaid
Cohen DJ, Wyte-Lake T, Dorr DA
Unmet information needs of clinical teams delivering care to complex patients and design strategies to address those needs.
The authors sought to identify the unmet information needs of clinical teams delivering care to patients with complex medical, social, and economic needs, and to propose principles for redesigning electronic health records (EHR) to address these needs. They concluded that developing EHR tools that are simple, accessible, easy to use, and able to be updated by a range of professionals is critical. They recommended that the identified information needs and design principles inform developers and implementers working in community health centers and other settings where complex patients receive care.
AHRQ-funded; HS023324.
Citation: Cohen DJ, Wyte-Lake T, Dorr DA .
Unmet information needs of clinical teams delivering care to complex patients and design strategies to address those needs.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2020 May;27(5):690-99. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa010..
Keywords: Healthcare Delivery, Teams, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Social Determinants of Health, Community-Based Practice, Primary Care
Adler-Milstein J, Zhao W, Willard-Grace R
Electronic health records and burnout: time spent on the electronic health record after hours and message volume associated with exhaustion but not with cynicism among primary care clinicians
This study examined whether objective measures of electronic health record (EHR) use-related to time, volume of work, and proficiency are associated with either exhaustion or cynicism. The authors combined Maslach Burnout Inventory survey measures with objective, vendor-defined EHR use measures from log files. Data was collected from all primary care clinics of a large, urban medical academic center in early 2018. One-third of clinicians had high cynicism and 51% had high emotional exhaustion. The clinicians with the most exhaustion spent time using the EHR after hours.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241.
Citation: Adler-Milstein J, Zhao W, Willard-Grace R .
Electronic health records and burnout: time spent on the electronic health record after hours and message volume associated with exhaustion but not with cynicism among primary care clinicians
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2020 Apr;27(4):531-38. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocz220..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Burnout, Provider: Clinician, Provider: Physician, Provider, Primary Care
Chan B, Lyles C, Kaplan C
A comparison of electronic patient-portal use among patients with resident and attending primary care providers.
In this study, the authors investigated differences in overall and patterns of portal use for patients with resident and attending primary care providers (PCPs). They concluded that given the lower patient-portal use among residents' patients, residency programs should develop curricula to bolster trainee competence in using the patient-portal for communication and to enhance the patient-physician relationship.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981; HS022408.
Citation: Chan B, Lyles C, Kaplan C .
A comparison of electronic patient-portal use among patients with resident and attending primary care providers.
J Gen Intern Med 2018 Dec;33(12):2085-91. doi: 10.1007/s11606-018-4637-x..
Keywords: Clinician-Patient Communication, Education: Continuing Medical Education, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Provider, Provider: Physician
Zikmund-Fisher BJ, Solomon JB, Scherer AM
Primary care providers' preferences and concerns regarding specific visual displays for returning hemoglobin A1c test results to patients.
Patient portals of electronic health record systems currently present patients with tables of laboratory test results, but visual displays can increase patient understanding and sensitivity to result variations. In this study, the investigators sought to assess physician preferences and concerns about visual display designs as potential motivators or barriers to their implementation.
Citation: Zikmund-Fisher BJ, Solomon JB, Scherer AM .
Primary care providers' preferences and concerns regarding specific visual displays for returning hemoglobin A1c test results to patients.
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Keywords: Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Education: Patient and Caregiver, Health Information Technology (HIT), Provider: Clinician, Provider: Physician, Provider
Read JM, Weiler DT, Satterly T
Provider preference in exam room layout design and computing.
This study examined the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) on exam room design which would make it easier for providers to promote flexibility, mobility, and body orientation directed towards the patient. Semistructured interviews with 28 providers was conducted and the interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Flexibility in sharing the computer screen with patients was an important theme as well as exam room layout, exam room computing and provider workflow.
AHRQ-funded; HS024488.
Citation: Read JM, Weiler DT, Satterly T .
Provider preference in exam room layout design and computing.
Appl Clin Inform 2019 Oct;10(5):972-80. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-3401813..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Workflow, Primary Care, Provider
Kroth PJ, Morioka-Douglas N, Veres S
Association of electronic health record design and use factors with clinician stress and burnout.
The authors sought to determine which electronic health record (EHR) design and use factors are associated with clinician stress and burnout and to identify other sources that contribute to this problem. Surveying ambulatory primary care and subspecialty clinicians from 3 institutions, they found that, although EHR design and use factors are associated with clinician stress and burnout, other challenges, such as chaotic clinic atmospheres and workload control, explain considerably more of the variance in these adverse clinician outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS022065.
Citation: Kroth PJ, Morioka-Douglas N, Veres S .
Association of electronic health record design and use factors with clinician stress and burnout.
JAMA Netw Open 2019 Aug 2;2(8):e199609. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.9609..
Keywords: Burnout, Stress, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Provider: Clinician, Provider: Physician, Provider: Nurse
Knierim KE, Hall TL, Dickinson LM
Primary care practices' ability to report electronic clinical quality measures in the EvidenceNOW Southwest Initiative to Improve Heart Health.
The objective of this study was to determine how quickly primary care practices can report electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs) and to identify the practice characteristics associated with faster reporting. Examining the EvidenceNOW Southwest initiative, the researchers’ results showed that the time to report eCQMs varied by measure and practice type, with very few practices reporting quickly. Additional support for practices to succeed in new programs that require eCQM reporting was recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS023904.
Citation: Knierim KE, Hall TL, Dickinson LM .
Primary care practices' ability to report electronic clinical quality measures in the EvidenceNOW Southwest Initiative to Improve Heart Health.
JAMA Netw Open 2019 Aug 2;2(8):e198569. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.8569..
Keywords: Primary Care, Quality Indicators (QIs), Quality Measures, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Wu SS, Chan KS, Bae J
Electronic clinical reminder and quality of primary diabetes care.
The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the association of EMR's clinical reminder use with a comprehensive set of diabetes quality metrics in office-based physicians and within solo- versus multi-physician practices. Data on visits made by adults with diabetes were identified from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and a multiple logistic regression was used to test for associations between clinical reminder use and recommended services by the American Diabetes Association. The researchers found no statistically significant relationship that suggests clinical reminder use improves diabetes process guidelines for solo practices, and they conclude that other resource efforts are needed to reduce gaps in primary diabetes care.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Wu SS, Chan KS, Bae J .
Electronic clinical reminder and quality of primary diabetes care.
Prim Care Diabetes 2019 Apr;13(2):150-57. doi: 10.1016/j.pcd.2018.08.007..
Keywords: Care Management, Chronic Conditions, Diabetes, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Quality of Care
Lyles CR, Gupta R, Tieu L
After-visit summaries in primary care: mixed methods results from a literature review and stakeholder interviews.
This literature review examined the perception of the value of after visit summaries (AVS) in primary care practices to both patients and providers. Seventeen studies were identified, and overall patients reported a higher perceived value of AVS than providers. Even so, key informants found that AVS included incorrect information and that they weren’t being used to their potential to help educate patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS022408.
Citation: Lyles CR, Gupta R, Tieu L .
After-visit summaries in primary care: mixed methods results from a literature review and stakeholder interviews.
Fam Pract 2019 Mar 20;36(2):206-13. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmy045..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Primary Care
Shah T, Patel-Teague S, Kroupa L
Impact of a national QI programme on reducing electronic health record notifications to clinicians.
In this study, the investigators evaluated the impact of a national, multicomponent, quality improvement (QI) programme designed to reduce low-value EHR notifications. The investigators found that, based on prior estimates on time to process notifications, this national QI programme potentially saved 1.5 hours per week per PCP to enable higher value work. The investigators also found that the number of daily notifications remained high, suggesting the need for additional multifaceted interventions and protected clinical time to help manage them.
AHRQ-funded; HS022087.
Citation: Shah T, Patel-Teague S, Kroupa L .
Impact of a national QI programme on reducing electronic health record notifications to clinicians.
BMJ Qual Saf 2019 Jan;28(1):10-14. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2017-007447..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Quality Indicators (QIs), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Primary Care, Primary Care: Models of Care
Ramirez M, Maranon R, Fu J
Primary care provider adherence to an alert for intensification of diabetes blood pressure medications before and after the addition of a "chart closure" hard stop.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate provider responses to a narrowly targeted Best Practice Advisory (BPA) alert regarding the intensification of blood pressure medications for persons with diabetes before and after implementation of a ‘chart closure’ hard stop. Researchers designed a BPA that sent alerts via an electronic health record system during outpatient encounters when patients with diabetes had elevated blood pressures and were not on angiotensin receptor blocking medications. These alerts were implemented in eight primary care practices within UCLA Health. Data on provider responses to the alerts was compared before and after implementing a ‘chart closure’ hard stop. Providers responded to alerts more often after the ‘chart closure’ hard stop was implemented. The researchers conclude that targeting specific omitted medication classes can produce specific alerts that may reduce alert fatigue, and that using a ‘chart closure’ hard stop may prompt providers to take action without major disruptions to their workflow.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Ramirez M, Maranon R, Fu J .
Primary care provider adherence to an alert for intensification of diabetes blood pressure medications before and after the addition of a "chart closure" hard stop.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2018 Sep;25(9):1167-74. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocy073..
Keywords: Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Primary Care, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Medication, Care Management
Hemler JR, Hall JD, Cholan RA
Practice facilitator strategies for addressing electronic health record data challenges for quality improvement: EvidenceNOW.
In this paper, the authors describe the strategies facilitators use to help practices perform quality improvement (QI) when complete or accurate performance data are not available. The investigators found facilitators faced practice-level EHR data challenges, such as a lack of clinical performance data, partial or incomplete clinical performance data, and inaccurate clinical performance data.
AHRQ-funded; HS023940.
Citation: Hemler JR, Hall JD, Cholan RA .
Practice facilitator strategies for addressing electronic health record data challenges for quality improvement: EvidenceNOW.
J Am Board Fam Med 2018 May-Jun;31(3):398-409. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2018.03.170274..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Quality Improvement, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Information Technology (HIT), Primary Care, Quality of Care
Cohen DJ, Dorr DA, Knierim K
Primary care practices' abilities and challenges in using electronic health record data for quality improvement.
Federal value-based payment programs require primary care practices to conduct quality improvement activities, informed by the electronic reports on clinical quality measures that their electronic health records (EHRs) generate. This study concluded that the current state of EHR measurement functionality may be insufficient to support federal initiatives that tie payment to clinical quality measures.
AHRQ-funded; HS023940.
Citation: Cohen DJ, Dorr DA, Knierim K .
Primary care practices' abilities and challenges in using electronic health record data for quality improvement.
Health Aff 2018 Apr;37(4):635-43. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1254.
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Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Primary Care, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Health Information Technology (HIT), Payment