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
51 to 75 of 937 Research Studies DisplayedSmith SN, Lanham M, Seagull FJ
Implementing pharmacist-prescriber collaboration to improve evidence-based anticoagulant use: a randomized trial.
This article described a study designed to improve existing alert systems for direct oral anticoagulant medications (DOAC) by testing novel alerts that encourage collaboration between prescribers and expert pharmacists working in anticoagulation clinics. Its goals were to determine the effect of notifications targeting existing inappropriate DOAC prescriptions, to examine the effect of alerts on newly prescribed inappropriate DOACs, and to examine changes in the magnitude of effects over time for both the new and existing prescription alerts. Prescribing healthcare providers would be randomized to different types of electronic health record medication alerts when a patient has an unsafe anticoagulant prescription; the authors identified which alerts are most effective at encouraging evidence-based prescribing.
AHRQ-funded; HS028562.
Citation: Smith SN, Lanham M, Seagull FJ .
Implementing pharmacist-prescriber collaboration to improve evidence-based anticoagulant use: a randomized trial.
Implement Sci 2023 May 15; 18(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s13012-023-01273-4..
Keywords: Provider: Pharmacist, Blood Thinners, Medication, Evidence-Based Practice
Lindner SR, Balasubramanian B, Marino M
Estimating the cardiovascular disease risk reduction of a quality improvement initiative in primary care: findings from EvidenceNOW.
The purpose of this study was to estimate decreases in 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk associated with EvidenceNOW, an initiative spanning multiple states that sought to improve cardiovascular preventive care by providing supportive interventions such as practice facilitation to address the “ABCS”: (A)spirin for high-risk patients, (B)lood pressure control for hypertensive people, (C)holesterol management, and (S)moking screening and cessation counseling. The researchers conducted an analytic modeling study that combined 1) data from 1,278 EvidenceNOW practices collected from 2015 to 2017; (2) patient-level information of 1,295 individuals who participated in the 2015 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; and (3) 10-year ASCVD risk prediction equations. The study found the average 10-year ASCVD risk of these patients before intervention was 10.11%. Improvements in ABCS due to EvidenceNOW reduced their 10-year ASCVD risk to 10.03% which would prevent 3,169 ASCVD events over 10 years and $150 million in 90-day direct medical costs.
AHRQ-funded; HS023940.
Citation: Lindner SR, Balasubramanian B, Marino M .
Estimating the cardiovascular disease risk reduction of a quality improvement initiative in primary care: findings from EvidenceNOW.
J Am Board Fam Med 2023 May 8; 36(3):462-76. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220331R1..
Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Primary Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Blood Pressure
Jonas DE, Riley SR, Lee LC
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This systematic review and evidence report analyzed the benefits and harms of screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) of adults, which was used to inform the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for their final recommendation. A systematic review was conducted of English-language studies of LTBI screening, LTBI treatment, or accuracy of the tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). A total of 113 publications were identified, with no studies directly evaluating the benefits and harms of screening. For treatment of LTBI, a large (n = 27,830), good-quality randomized clinical trial found a relative risk (RR) for progression to active tuberculosis at 5 years of 0.35 for 24 weeks of isoniazid compared with placebo (number needed to treat, 112) and an increase in hepatotoxicity (RR, 4.59; number needed to harm, 279). Meta-analysis found greater risk for hepatotoxicity with isoniazid than with rifampin (pooled RR, 4.22; n = 7339).
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00007.
Citation: Jonas DE, Riley SR, Lee LC .
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 May 2; 329(17):1495-509. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.3954..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Infectious Diseases, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Wieben AM, Walden RL, Alreshidi BG
Data science implementation trends in nursing practice: a review of the 2021 literature.
The authors reviewed literature on the implementation of data science-driven applications focused on nurse-sensitive indicators to inform readers of trends in the nursing indicators, patient populations and settings of focus, and issues identified during the implementation of these tools. Their review showed that few studies reported on the implementation of applications focused on structural- or outcome-related nurse-sensitive indicators in 2021. They concluded that this gap in sharing implementation strategies needs to be addressed in order for these systems to be successfully adopted in health care settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Wieben AM, Walden RL, Alreshidi BG .
Data science implementation trends in nursing practice: a review of the 2021 literature.
Appl Clin Inform 2023 May; 14(3):585-93. doi: 10.1055/a-2088-2893..
Keywords: Nursing, 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
Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages and potential risks of skin cancer screening to assist the decision-making of the US Preventive Services Task Force. The researchers utilized the data sources MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, dated between June 1, 2015, and January 7, 2022. Two independent reviewers evaluated the articles and extracted pertinent data from studies of fair or good quality; the findings were summarized narratively. The primary outcomes and indicators were morbidity; mortality; stage, precursor lesions, or lesion thickness of skin cancer at detection; potential harms of screening. Twenty studies from 29 articles were included (N = 6,053,411). Direct evidence on the effectiveness of screening was obtained from 3 nonrandomized analyses of 2 population-based skin cancer screening initiatives in Germany (n = 1,791,615), indicating no significant reduction in melanoma mortality benefit at the population level over a period of 4 to 10 years of follow up activities. Six studies (n = 2,935,513) offered inconclusive evidence on the relationship between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness or stage at diagnosis. Usual care vs. routine physician-conducted skin examination was not associated with increased detection of skin cancer or precursor lesions (5 studies) or stage at melanoma detection (3 studies). The correlation between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness at detection was inconsistent (3 studies). Nine studies (n = 1 326 051) found a consistent positive association between more advanced stage at melanoma detection and increasing risk of melanoma-associated and all-cause mortality. Two studies (n = 232) found negligible enduring cosmetic or psychosocial harms related to screening.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00004.
Citation: Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR .
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 Apr 18; 329(15):1296-307. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.3262..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
McHugh M, Philbin S, Carroll AJ
An approach to evaluating multisector partnerships to support evidence-based quality improvement in primary care.
This study’s goal was to describe an approach for evaluating the development and effectiveness of a multisector partnership using data from the first year of the Healthy Hearts for Michigan (HH4M) Cooperative, a multisector partnership of nine organizations tasked with designing and implementing evidence-based QI strategies for hypertension management and tobacco cessation in 50 rural primary care practices. A 49-item survey focused on factors that facilitate or hinder multisector partnerships, drawing on implementation science and partnership, engagement, and collaboration research was developed. All 44 members of the HH4M Cooperative (79.5% response rate) were surveyed, interviews conducted with 14 members. Having a clear purpose and trust and respect among members were the strengths reported. A need for common terminology, clarification of roles and functions, and improvement in communication across workgroups were areas for improvement. The Cooperative’s biggest challenge was the lack of engagement from physician practices due to capacity constraints, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AHRQ-funded; HS027954.
Citation: McHugh M, Philbin S, Carroll AJ .
An approach to evaluating multisector partnerships to support evidence-based quality improvement in primary care.
Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2023 Apr;49(4):199-206. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.01.002.
Keywords: Quality Improvement, Evidence-Based Practice, Primary Care, Quality of Care, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D
Decomposing clinical practice guidelines panels' deliberation into decision theoretical constructs.
The creation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) is hindered by the absence of a clear and transparent structure for integrating key components needed to develop practice recommendations. The purpose of the study was to compare the American Society of Hematology (ASH) CPG panel's deliberations for managing pulmonary embolism (PE) to relevant decision-theoretic constructs to evaluate the concordance between panel recommendations and explicit decision modeling. Five constructs were identified, with three employed to rephrase the panel's recommendations: 1) a standard, expected utility threshold (EUT) decision model; 2) an acceptable regret threshold model (ARg) for determining the acceptable frequency of false negative (FN) or false positive (FP) recommendations, and 3) fast-and-frugal tree (FFT) decision trees for devising a comprehensive strategy for PE management. The researchers compared four management approaches: withholding testing versus D-dimer → computerized pulmonary angiography (CTPA) ('ASH-Low') versus CTPA → D-dimer ('ASH-High') versus treatment without testing. The study found that various models yielded diverse recommendations. For instance, EUT suggested that testing should be withheld for prior PE probability <0.13%, a clinically implausible threshold up to 15 times (2/0.13) lower than the ASH guidelines threshold for excluding PE (at post probability of PE ≤2%). Only three models concurred that the 'ASH low' strategy should be applied to pretest PE probabilities between 0.13% and 13.27% and that the 'ASH high' approach should be utilized in a narrow range of prior PE probabilities between 90.85% and 93.07%. For all other prior PE probabilities, selecting one model did not guarantee consistency with other models
AHRQ-funded; HS024917
Citation: Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D .
Decomposing clinical practice guidelines panels' deliberation into decision theoretical constructs.
J Eval Clin Pract 2023 Apr;29(3):459-71. doi: 10.1111/jep.13809.
Keywords: Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Shared Decision Making
Paez KA, Shapiro R, Thompson L
Qualitative evaluation of two web-based tools to improve accessibility of evidence reports.
This paper describes a panel of 27 learning health system (LHS) senior leaders that was convened to find ways to make AHRQ Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) reports more accessible and usable. The panel’s objective was to develop two web-based tools—a table-based tool presenting high-level results, and a graphical display that presented detailed data—to disseminate the reports and test the tools. The researchers examined (1) the context under which interview participants reviewed and used the evidence reported by the tools, (2) their experiences using the tools, (3) the tools' influence on clinical practice, and (4) how the tools could be improved. Qualitative data was collected analyzed from tool implementation meetings with six LHSs and interviews with 27 LHS leaders and clinical staff who used the tools. The tools were found to be considered efficient, complementary, and useful sources of summarized evidence to promote system change, educate trainees and clinicians, inform research, and support shared decision making with patients and families. The clinical leaders viewed AHRQ as a trusted source of information and found the evidence reviews thorough and high quality. However, the practicality of the tools for bedside use was questioned. They also noted the reports had limited evidence strength and robustness and suggested optimizing the tools for mobile device use to facilitate tool uptake and developing training resources about tool navigation and statistical content interpretation.
AHRQ-funded; 23320150014I.
Citation: Paez KA, Shapiro R, Thompson L .
Qualitative evaluation of two web-based tools to improve accessibility of evidence reports.
Learn Health Syst 2023 Apr; 7(2):e10341. doi: 10.1002/lrh2.10341..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice
Shero ST, Ammary-Risch NJ, Lomotan EA
AHRQ Author: Lomotan EA
Creating implementable clinical practice guidelines: the 2020 focused updates to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Management Guidelines.
The authors developed evidence-based clinical practice guideline updates for asthma management focused on six topic areas. Their guideline development processes, and the implementation and dissemination activities undertaken, sought to enhance implementation ability by focusing on intrinsic factors. They concluded that enhanced collaboration during guideline development between authors, informaticists, and scientists may facilitate development of tools to support the application of recommendations to further improve guideline implementation.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Shero ST, Ammary-Risch NJ, Lomotan EA .
Creating implementable clinical practice guidelines: the 2020 focused updates to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Management Guidelines.
Implement Sci Commun 2023 Mar 31; 4(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s43058-023-00417-3..
Keywords: Asthma, Respiratory Conditions, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice
Garrett SB, Walia A, Miller F
Antibias efforts in United States maternity care: a scoping review of the publicly funded health equity intervention pipeline.
Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023 Mar 1; 66(1):110-23. doi: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000761.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241.
Citation: Garrett SB, Walia A, Miller F .
Antibias efforts in United States maternity care: a scoping review of the publicly funded health equity intervention pipeline.
Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023 Mar 1; 66(1):110-23. doi: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000761..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Training, Evidence-Based Practice
JE Wallis, CJD Huang, LC
AHRQ Author: Tallman
Association between adherence to radiation therapy quality metrics and patient reported outcomes in prostate cancer.
Researchers evaluated the impact of compliance with nationally recognized radiation therapy quality measures on patient-reported health-related quality of life outcomes in the Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) population-based, prospective cohort study of men with localized prostate cancer. Eight quality measures were identified based on national guidelines. In multivariable analyses, no clinically significant associations were discovered between compliance with evaluated radiation therapy quality measures and patient-reported outcomes such as urinary irritation, urinary incontinence, bowel, sexual or hormonal function. The researchers concluded that further work would be needed to identify patient-centered quality measures of prostate cancer care.
AHRQ-funded; HS019356.
Citation: JE Wallis, CJD Huang, LC .
Association between adherence to radiation therapy quality metrics and patient reported outcomes in prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2023 Mar;26(1):80-87. doi: 10.1038/s41391-022-00518-5.
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Measures
Reeves SL, Peng HK, Wing JJJ
Changes in hydroxyurea use among youths enrolled in Medicaid with sickle cell anemia after 2014 revision of clinical guidelines.
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe changes in hydroxyurea use among youths with sickle cell anemia (SCA) before and after the release of the 2014 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. Data was taken from Michigan and New York State Medicaid programs, 2010-18, and the study population included youths aged 1 to 17 with SCA. The findings suggest that hydroxyurea was substantially underused in spite of its establishment as the primary disease-modifying therapy for SCA, and that there was incomplete clinician or patient uptake of the new guidelines. The authors conclude that increased use of hydroxyurea may require a multifaceted approach that includes addressing multiple system- and patient-level barriers.
AHRQ-funded; HS027785.
Citation: Reeves SL, Peng HK, Wing JJJ .
Changes in hydroxyurea use among youths enrolled in Medicaid with sickle cell anemia after 2014 revision of clinical guidelines.
JAMA Netw Open 2023 Mar;6(3):e234584. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.4584.
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Sickle Cell Disease, Chronic Conditions, Evidence-Based Practice
Hansten PD, Tan MS, Horn JR
Colchicine drug interaction errors and misunderstandings: recommendations for improved evidence-based management.
Colchicine serves as an effective therapy for the management and prevention of gout and various other medical conditions. As a substrate for CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), its simultaneous use with CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors can lead to critical drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may result in pancytopenia, multiorgan dysfunction, and cardiac irregularities. Additionally, colchicine's potential for myotoxicity could elevate the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with other myotoxic medications. Numerous sources of DDI information, encompassing journal articles, product labels, and online resources, contain inaccuracies or vague statements regarding colchicine's interactions with other drugs and subpar guidance on managing DDIs to minimize patient harm. Moreover, assessments of the clinical significance of specific colchicine DDIs can differ substantially between sources. The purpose of this study was to present an evidence-based analysis of drugs that are likely to interact with colchicine, as well as those that have been cited to interact but are improbable to do so. Based on these assessments, the researchers proposes strategies to mitigate the risk of severe adverse consequences from colchicine DDIs. The frequent recommendation to decrease colchicine dosage when administered with CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors may, in some cases, lead to colchicine toxicity or therapeutic failure. An exhaustive evaluation of nearly 100 documented instances of colchicine DDIs is provided in a table within the electronic supplementary material. While colchicine is a beneficial medication, enhancements to the available information on colchicine DDIs are necessary to reduce the risk of serious adverse events.
AHRQ-funded; HS025984
Citation: Hansten PD, Tan MS, Horn JR .
Colchicine drug interaction errors and misunderstandings: recommendations for improved evidence-based management.
Drug Saf 2023 Mar;46(3):223-42. doi: 10.1007/s40264-022-01265-1.
Keywords: Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Medical Errors, Evidence-Based Practice
Humbert-Droz M, Izadi Z, Schmajuk G
Development of a natural language processing system for extracting rheumatoid arthritis outcomes from clinical notes using the national rheumatology informatics system for effectiveness registry.
Researchers developed and evaluated a natural language processing pipeline for extracting outcome measures in rheumatology from free-text outpatient rheumatology notes within the ACR's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry. All patients in RISE from 2015 to 2018 were included. The researchers found the pipeline to have good internal and external validity and they concluded that it could facilitate measurement of clinical and patient reported outcomes for use in both research and quality measurement.
AHRQ-funded; HS025638.
Citation: Humbert-Droz M, Izadi Z, Schmajuk G .
Development of a natural language processing system for extracting rheumatoid arthritis outcomes from clinical notes using the national rheumatology informatics system for effectiveness registry.
Arthritis Care Res 2023 Mar; 75(3):608-15. doi: 10.1002/acr.24869..
Keywords: Arthritis, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
Kahwati LC, Kelly BJ, Johnson M
End-user understanding of qualitative comparative analysis used within evidence synthesis: a mixed-methods study.
This study’s purpose was to identify effective approaches to communicating results from a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) within a systematic review. Interviews with 11 end-users followed by a randomized experiment with 254 participants provided QCA results for a hypothetical review presented through three formats (text, table, and figure). The authors observed a significant different in subjective comprehension across three presentation formats, with figure and text formats scoring higher compared to the table. Overall, there were no significant different for objective comprehension. However, interpretation (a unique component of QCA results) scores among participants that received the figure format were significantly higher than scores for participants who received the text or table. No significant differences were observed in objective comprehension for configuration interpretation.
AHRQ-funded; HS026258.
Citation: Kahwati LC, Kelly BJ, Johnson M .
End-user understanding of qualitative comparative analysis used within evidence synthesis: a mixed-methods study.
Res Synth Methods 2023 Mar;14(2):180-92. doi: 10.1002/jrsm.1602.
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Research Methodologies
Barry MJ, Wolff TA, Pbert L
AHRQ Author: Wolff TA, Fan TM, Mabry-Hernandez IR, Mills J
Putting evidence into practice: an update on the US Preventive Services Task Force methods for developing recommendations for preventive services
The purpose of this study was to outline the current methodologies employed by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) evidence-based recommendations regarding preventive services to improve health for people nationwide, discuss the evolution of these methods to address health equity in preventive care, and identify areas requiring further research. The researchers found that the USPSTF selects subjects based on disease impact, the availability of novel evidence, and the feasibility of implementing the service within primary care settings. In the future, health equity will be increasingly taken into account. Analytical frameworks delineate the crucial questions and associations linking preventive measures to health outcomes. Contextual inquiries offer insights into the natural course of diseases, prevailing practices, health outcomes in vulnerable populations, and health equity considerations. The USPSTF allocates a certainty level to the net benefit estimation of a preventive service (high, moderate, or low) and assesses the net benefit magnitude (considerable, moderate, minimal, or none/negative). Utilizing these evaluations, the USPSTF assigns an alphabetic grade ranging from A (endorse) to D (advise against). When evidence is inadequate, an "I" statement is issued. The USPSTF aims to further refine its simulation modeling techniques and apply evidence to address conditions with limited data in populations disproportionately affected by disease. The authors concluded that exploratory efforts are in progress to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between social constructs such as race, ethnicity, and gender and their impact on health outcomes, ultimately informing the creation of a USPSTF health equity framework.
Citation: Barry MJ, Wolff TA, Pbert L .
Putting evidence into practice: an update on the US Preventive Services Task Force methods for developing recommendations for preventive services
Ann Fam Med 2023 Mar-Apr;21(2):165-71. doi: 10.1370/afm.2946.
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention, Screening
Mills J, Harding MC
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
This Putting Prevention into Practice case study was created to increase understanding of the USPSTF final recommendation on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. A case study was presented using a 41-year-old man with a history of class 1 obesity but was otherwise feeling well. The patient has an uncle who was recently diagnosed with OSA, and the patient has some questions. Three multiple-choice questions are presented regarding USPSTF recommendations whether to screen for OSA for that patient.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Harding MC .
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Am Fam Physician 2023 Mar;107(3):297-98.
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sleep Problems, Guidelines, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Case Study
Shmuel S, Leonard CE, Bykov K
Breaking research silos and stimulating "innovation at the edges" in epidemiology.
The authors discuss the importance of promoting an exchange of ideas across seemingly disparate epidemiologic subdisciplines. This exchange could lead to opportunities to learn from and to merge knowledge across subdisciplines, as well as promote "innovation at the edges." The authors also outline specific steps to promote such innovation at the researcher, institution, and professional society level.
AHRQ-funded; HS027623.
Citation: Shmuel S, Leonard CE, Bykov K .
Breaking research silos and stimulating "innovation at the edges" in epidemiology.
Am J Epidemiol 2023 Feb 24;192(3):323-27. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwac192.
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Research Methodologies, Medication
Miyashita M, Balogun OB, Olopade OI
The optimization of postoperative radiotherapy in de novo stage IV breast cancer: evidence from real-world data to personalize treatment decisions.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival benefit of radiotherapy in de novo stage IV breast cancer. Data were taken from the National Cancer DataBase on Stage IV breast cancer patients who received breast surgery and had survived 12 months after diagnosis. Radiotherapy was found to be associated with improved survival in patients with bone or lung metastasis but not patients with liver or brain metastasis. It was also associated with improved survival in patients with one or two metastatic sites but not three or more. Survival impact did not differ among subtypes. The authors concluded that these “real-world data” show that postoperative radiotherapy might improve overall survival for de novo Stage IV breast cancer with bone or lung metastasis, regardless of subtypes.
AHRQ-funded; HS025806.
Citation: Miyashita M, Balogun OB, Olopade OI .
The optimization of postoperative radiotherapy in de novo stage IV breast cancer: evidence from real-world data to personalize treatment decisions.
Sci Rep 2023 Feb 18; 13(1):2880. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-29888-z..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Evidence-Based Practice, Women
Asher GN, Feltner C, Harrison WN
Serologic screening for genital herpes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Genital herpes, a viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) subtypes HSV-1 or HSV-2, is a prevalent STI in the US. Early identification of unrecognized HSV-2 infection could reduce transmission and morbidity. In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine serologic screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic individuals. This updated evidence report aimed to identify studies published since the previous 2016 evidence review. A literature search was conducted from September 30, 2015, through January 16, 2022, with ongoing surveillance through July 22, 2022. The review identified no new eligible studies, leading to unchanged overall conclusions from the 2016 recommendation against screening. The prior recommendation was based on psychosocial harms from false-positive test results due to poor screening test accuracy and uncertain benefit of preventive viral medications for reducing viral shedding or improving health outcomes. The review focused on the general population of asymptomatic adolescents and adults and may not be applicable to populations at higher risk for infection, such as those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00007.
Citation: Asher GN, Feltner C, Harrison WN .
Serologic screening for genital herpes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 Feb 14; 329(6):510-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.20356..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Bierman AS, Burke BT, Comfort LN
AHRQ Author: Bierman AS, Burke BT, Comfort LN, Gerstein M, Mueller NM, Umscheid CA
From precision medicine to precision care: choosing and using precision medicine in the context of multimorbidity.
Swift progress in personalized medicine offers significant potential to decrease disease and death rates for numerous health issues. To maximize the advantages of personalized medicine and minimize negative outcomes, addressing real-world obstacles in applying this research to clinical practice is crucial. A primary challenge involves selecting and employing personalized medicine approaches in everyday practice, considering the care of a substantial portion of individuals with multiple coexisting conditions. Personalized medicine should be incorporated into a broader framework of individualized care, which takes into account factors that impact the efficacy of specific treatments. Individualized care combines a patient-focused approach with personalized medicine to guide decision-making and care plans, considering multiple health conditions, functional ability, personal values, goals, preferences, and social and societal contexts. Creating dissemination and implementation strategies for personalized medicine centered around individualized care can enhance patient-centric quality and health outcomes, direct interventions toward those who will benefit most, improve access to novel treatments, reduce the likelihood of treatment withdrawal due to unforeseen side effects, and promote health equity by customizing interventions and care for diverse individuals and communities. Delivering personalized medicine within the scope of individualized care supports respectful treatment that aligns with patient preferences, values, and objectives, fostering trust and offering necessary information for informed decision-making. Accelerating its adoption demands focus on the entire translational research continuum: devising innovative methods, proving their value, disseminating and implementing findings, and involving patients throughout the process. This includes basic science, preclinical and clinical research, and integration into practice, all aimed at enhancing health. This paper scrutinizes the challenges in adopting personalized medicine in the presence of multiple health conditions. The authors conclude that while the promise of personalized medicine is immense, proactive measures are essential to prevent unintended repercussions and ensure its equitable and efficient implementation.
AHRQ-authored: All.
Citation: Bierman AS, Burke BT, Comfort LN .
From precision medicine to precision care: choosing and using precision medicine in the context of multimorbidity.
Cambridge Prisms: Precision Medicine 2023 Feb 21;1:e19. doi:10.1017/pcm.2023.8.
Keywords: Learning Health Systems, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Urtecho M, Wagner B, Wang Z
A qualitative evidence synthesis of patient perspectives on migraine treatment features and outcomes.
This quality evidence synthesis examined patient perspectives on migraine treatment features and outcomes. A literature review was conducted, and 19 studies (21 publications) involving 459 patients were included. Eight themes were identified encompassing features preferred by patients in a migraine treatment process. Themes described include a treatment process that included shared decision-making, a tailored approach, trust in health-care professionals, sharing of knowledge and diversity of treatment options, a holistic approach that does not just address the headache, ease of communication especially for complex treatments, a non-undermining approach, and reciprocity with mutual respect between patient and provider. Seven themes emerged including patients' preferences for nonpharmacologic treatment, high effectiveness, rapidity of action, long-lasting effect, lower cost and more accessibility, self-management/self-delivery option that increases autonomy, and a mixed preference for abortive versus prophylactic treatments. High value treatment outcomes to patients included maintaining or improving function; avoiding side effects, potential for addiction to medications, and pain reoccurrence; and avoiding non-headache symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sounds.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500008I; 290201500013I; 290201700003C.
Citation: Urtecho M, Wagner B, Wang Z .
A qualitative evidence synthesis of patient perspectives on migraine treatment features and outcomes.
Headache 2023 Feb; 63(2):185-201. doi: 10.1111/head.14430..
Keywords: Neurological Disorders, Evidence-Based Practice, Outcomes
Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D
Evaluation of a fast-and-frugal clinical decision algorithm ('pathways') on clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 treated with anticoagulants.
The objective of this study was to assess if delivery of anticoagulant prophylaxis according to an algorithm improved clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in comparison with anticoagulant treatment given at individual practitioners' discretion. Findings indicated that the algorithm did not reduce death, venous thromboembolism, nor major bleeding, but helped avoid longer hospital stay and admission to an intensive-care unit.
AHRQ-funded; HS024917.
Citation: Djulbegovic B, Hozo I, Lizarraga D .
Evaluation of a fast-and-frugal clinical decision algorithm ('pathways') on clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 treated with anticoagulants.
J Eval Clin Pract 2023 Feb; 29(1):3-12. doi: 10.1111/jep.13780..
Keywords: COVID-19, Clinical Decision Support (CDS), Blood Thinners, Medication, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Information Technology (HIT)
Holcomb J, Rajan SS, Ferguson GM
Implementation of an evidence-based intervention with safety net clinics to improve mammography appointment adherence among underserved women.
This study evaluated the implementation of an evidence-based intervention in safety-net clinics to improve mammography appointment adherence in underserved women called the Peace of Mind Program. The intervention was implemented in 19 Federally Qualified Health centers and charity care clinics within the Greater Houston area. Surveys were given prior to adoption and at eight weeks post implementation to assess Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs. A total of 4402 women were surveyed (baseline period 2078, intervention period 2324). Women in the intervention period or who completed the intervention were more likely to attend or reschedule their mammography appointment than those who did not complete the intervention. A total of 15 clinics prior to adoption and eight clinics completed the survey post implementation.
AHRQ-funded; HS023255.
Citation: Holcomb J, Rajan SS, Ferguson GM .
Implementation of an evidence-based intervention with safety net clinics to improve mammography appointment adherence among underserved women.
J Cancer Educ 2023 Feb; 38(1):309-18. doi: 10.1007/s13187-021-02116-w..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Screening, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Imaging, Vulnerable Populations, Ambulatory Care and Surgery