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
76 to 83 of 83 Research Studies DisplayedReeves SL, Freed GL, Madden B
Trends in quality of care among children with sickle cell anemia.
This study’s goal was to assess trends in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent serious infections and transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening to identify those at highest risk of overt stroke among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) using validated quality measures. The authors identified children with SCA who were enrolled in Michigan or New York State (NYS) Medicaid programs from 2011 to 2018. Two outcomes were assessed yearly: (a) filling of ≥300 days of antibiotics, and (b) receipt of greater than or equal to one TCD. A total of 1784 children were eligible for antibiotic prophylaxis (Michigan: 384; NYS: 1400). Annual rates of filling ≥300 days of antibiotics ranged from 16% to 22%, showing similar results by state. There was no change in rates of antibiotic filling over time in Michigan, but there was a decrease in NYS. A total of 3439 children with SCA were eligible for TCD screening (Michigan: 710; NYS: 2729). Annual rates of TCD screening ranged from 39% to 45%, which did not change over time.
AHRQ-funded; HS025292.
Citation: Reeves SL, Freed GL, Madden B .
Trends in quality of care among children with sickle cell anemia.
Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022 Feb; 69(2):e29446. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29446..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Sickle Cell Disease, Chronic Conditions, Quality of Care
Hysong Hysong, Arredondo K, Hughes AM
An evidence-based, structured, expert approach to selecting essential indicators of primary care quality.
The purpose of this article was to illustrate the application of an evidence-based, structured performance measurement methodology to identify, prioritize, and generate new measures of health care quality, using primary care as a case example. Subject matter experts identified three fundamental objectives: access, patient-health care team partnerships, and technical quality. The authors indicated that their article provides an actionable guide to applying their Productivity Measurement and Enhancement System, which can be adapted to the needs of various industries, including measure selection and modification from existing data sources, and proposing new measures.
Citation: Hysong Hysong, Arredondo K, Hughes AM .
An evidence-based, structured, expert approach to selecting essential indicators of primary care quality.
PLoS One 2022 Jan 18;17(1):e0261263. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261263..
Keywords: Primary Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, Quality Indicators (QIs), Quality Measures, Quality of Care
Dewan M, Soberano B, Sosa T
Assessment of a situation awareness quality improvement intervention to reduce cardiac arrests in the PICU.
The purpose of this study was to use improved situation awareness to decrease cardiopulmonary resuscitation events by 25% over 18 months and demonstrate process and outcome sustainability. Findings showed that interprofessional teams using shared situation awareness may reduce cardiopulmonary resuscitation events and, thereby, improve outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS026975.
Citation: Dewan M, Soberano B, Sosa T .
Assessment of a situation awareness quality improvement intervention to reduce cardiac arrests in the PICU.
Pediatr Crit Care Med 2022 Jan;23(1):4-12. doi: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000002816..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Nether KG, Thomas EJ, Khan A
Implementing a robust process improvement program in the neonatal intensive care unit to reduce harm.
This article describes the results of a robust process improvement (RPI) program implemented in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to improve processes and reduce harm. A total of 67 participants completed pretraining and post-training surveys after initiatives for improvements in central line blood stream infection handling, very low birth weight infant nutrition, and unplanned extubations. Training scores (0-10 scale) improved from an average of 4.45-7.60 for confidence in leading process improvement work, 2.36 to 7.49 for RPI knowledge, and 2.19 to 7.30 for confidence in using RPI tools.
AHRQ-funded; HS024459.
Citation: Nether KG, Thomas EJ, Khan A .
Implementing a robust process improvement program in the neonatal intensive care unit to reduce harm.
J Healthc Qual 2022 Jan-Feb;44(1):23-30. doi: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000310..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Chopra V, O'Malley M, Horowitz J
Improving peripherally inserted central catheter appropriateness and reducing device-related complications: a quasiexperimental study in 52 Michigan hospitals.
It is unknown whether implementing the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) reduces complications and improves peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study design was to utilize MAGIC in 52 Michigan hospitals and collect data from medical records to measure hospital performance on three appropriateness criteria. The three criteria included: PICC use of less than 5 days, PICC placement in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the use of multi-lumen PICCs. The researchers compared PICC device complications and appropriateness preintervention and post intervention. The study found that among 38,592 PICCs, PICC appropriateness post-intervention increased 17.1% to 49%, and complications decreased 4% to 10.7%. Patients with appropriate PICC use had lower rate of complications than those with inappropriate PICC placement. The study concluded that the utilization of MAGIC in Michigan hospitals was associated with less complications for patients and increased PICC appropriateness.
AHRQ-funded; HS025891.
Citation: Chopra V, O'Malley M, Horowitz J .
Improving peripherally inserted central catheter appropriateness and reducing device-related complications: a quasiexperimental study in 52 Michigan hospitals.
BMJ Qual Saf 2022 Jan;31(1):23-30. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2021-013015..
Keywords: Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Hospitals, Adverse Events
Yount N, Zebrak KA, Famolaro T
Linking patient safety culture to quality ratings in the nursing home setting.
This study examined the relationship between scores on the AHRQ Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS®) Nursing Home Survey (NH SOPS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Ratings. The authors used data on 186 nursing homes to conduct multiple regression analyses predicting the Five-Star Quality Ratings from the NH SOPS survey measures. Five NH SOPS measures were related to the Overall, Health Inspections, and Quality Five-Star Ratings; four NH SOPS measures were related to at least two of the four Five-Star Quality Ratings and three SOPS measures were related to one Five-Star Rating. No NH SOPS measures were significantly associated with the Staffing Five-Star Rating.
AHRQ-funded; 233201500026I.
Citation: Yount N, Zebrak KA, Famolaro T .
Linking patient safety culture to quality ratings in the nursing home setting.
J Appl Gerontol 2022 Jan;41(1):73-81. doi: 10.1177/0733464820969283..
Keywords: Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), Patient Safety, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Quality Indicators (QIs), Quality Measures, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Hemler JR, Edwards ST, Valenzuela S
The effects of major disruptions on practice participation in facilitation during a primary care quality improvement initiative.
This study explored the relationship between disruptions in primary care practices and practice participation in facilitated quality improvement (QI). Using data from EvidenceNOW, findings showed that disruptions are prevalent in primary care, but practices can continue participating in QI interventions, particularly when supported by a facilitator.
AHRQ-funded; HS023940.
Citation: Hemler JR, Edwards ST, Valenzuela S .
The effects of major disruptions on practice participation in facilitation during a primary care quality improvement initiative.
J Am Board Fam Med 2022 Jan-Feb;35(1):124-39. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.01.210205..
Keywords: Primary Care, Practice Improvement, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Workforce
Zimolzak AJ, Shahid U, Giardina TD
Why test results are still getting "lost" to follow-up: a qualitative study of implementation gaps.
Lack of timely follow-up of abnormal test results is common and has been implicated in missed or delayed diagnosis, resulting in potential for patient harm. As part of a larger project to implement change strategies to improve follow-up of diagnostic test results, this study sought to identify specifically where implementation gaps exist, as well as possible solutions identified by front-line staff.
AHRQ-funded; HS27363.
Citation: Zimolzak AJ, Shahid U, Giardina TD .
Why test results are still getting "lost" to follow-up: a qualitative study of implementation gaps.
J Gen Intern Med 2022 Jan;37(1):137-44. doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-06772-y..
Keywords: Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care