National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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Topics
- Access to Care (1)
- Cancer (11)
- (-) Cancer: Skin Cancer (15)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (1)
- Case Study (1)
- Comparative Effectiveness (2)
- Elderly (3)
- Evidence-Based Practice (4)
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- Heart Disease and Health (1)
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- Mortality (2)
- Palliative Care (2)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (5)
- Practice Patterns (1)
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- Surgery (2)
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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 15 of 15 Research Studies DisplayedPagani K, Lukac D, Olbricht SM
Urgent referrals from primary care to dermatology for lesions suspicious for skin cancer: patterns, outcomes, and need for systems improvement.
The purpose of this study was to explore primary care and dermatology triaging and processing of urgent dermatology referrals. The researchers conducted chart reviews of all dermatology referrals designated by primary care as urgent for evaluation of a lesion concerning for skin cancer. Dermatology encounters for patients occurred on or before 30 days for 50.6% of referrals and on or after 31 days for 38.4% of referrals, with 10.9% never completed. The rate of non-English languages in the delayed group was 7.1% greater than in the timely group. The rate of all races excluding whites, non-Hispanic in the delayed appointment group (31 days or more) was 15.1% greater than in the timely appointment group (30 days or less). Overall, 15.8% of referrals yielded malignancy diagnoses, while 76.8% and 7.4% resulted in benign and pre-malignant diagnoses, respectively. The primary care team documented completed, incomplete, or pending referral status during their subsequent visits with the patients in only 37.5% of the referrals.
AHRQ-funded; HS027282.
Citation: Pagani K, Lukac D, Olbricht SM .
Urgent referrals from primary care to dermatology for lesions suspicious for skin cancer: patterns, outcomes, and need for systems improvement.
Arch Dermatol Res 2023 Jul; 315(5):1397-400. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02456-7..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Primary Care, Skin Conditions, Access to Care
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
Herb JN, Ollila DW, Stitzenberg KB
Use and costs of sentinel lymph node biopsy in non-ulcerated T1b melanoma: analysis of a population-based registry.
This study looked at the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for non-ulcerated T1b melanoma. The aim of the study was to estimate SLNB use, positivity, prevalence, and procedural costs in patients with non-ulcerated T1b melanoma using a population-based registry. Patients with clinically node-negative, non-ulcerated T1b melanoma were identified in the SEER database from 2010 to 2016. Among 7245 included patients, 53% underwent SLNB of which 156 (4.1%) had a positive SLNB. Higher odds of positivity were associated with younger age, >1 mitosis per mm2, female sex, and truncal tumor location. Estimated SLNB costs to identify one patient with Stage II disease was $71,700. Out-of-pocket expenses for a Medicare patient was estimated to be $652 for a wide local excision (WLE) and SLNB and $79 for WLE alone.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Herb JN, Ollila DW, Stitzenberg KB .
Use and costs of sentinel lymph node biopsy in non-ulcerated T1b melanoma: analysis of a population-based registry.
Ann Surg Oncol 2021 Jul;28(7):3470-78. doi: 10.1245/s10434-021-09998-6..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Surgery, Healthcare Costs, Skin Conditions
Herb JN, Dunham LN, Ollila DW
Use of completion lymph node dissection for sentinel lymph node-positive melanoma.
This study examined the use and time trends of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) for sentinel lymph node-positive melanoma (SNPM). There has been found to be no benefit for CLND in SNPM patients. The National Cancer Database was used to find patients 18 years and older from 2012 to 2016 with SNPM. During that time period, 7,146 patients were identified with SNPM. From 2012 to 2014 the proportion of patients undergoing CLND was steady (61-63%) but decreased to 57% in 2015 and 50% in 2016. Use was less likely for women and increasing age. Higher use was more likely at high-volume centers, and associated with increased Breslow depth and ulceration.
Citation: Herb JN, Dunham LN, Ollila DW .
Use of completion lymph node dissection for sentinel lymph node-positive melanoma.
J Am Coll Surg 2020 Apr;230(4):515-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.12.010..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Skin Conditions, Treatments
Drucker AM, Adam GP, Rofeberg V
Treatments for primary squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin: a systematic review and network meta-analysis summary of an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality comparative effectiveness review.
This article discusses the results of a systematic review and network meta-analysis summary of treatments for primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCi) AHRQ comparative effective review. The authors included English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with information on recurrence, histologic clearance, clinical clearance, cosmesis, and quality of life. They excluded studies enrolling less than 10 body lesions total or arms that had 5 or less lesions. They included 7 RCTs with a total of 418 participants. While they found some evidence of the best treatment options, there was little evidence to guide treatment of SC. There were no RCTs found on surgical modalities which is the first line of treatment for SCC.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500002I.
Citation: Drucker AM, Adam GP, Rofeberg V .
Treatments for primary squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin: a systematic review and network meta-analysis summary of an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality comparative effectiveness review.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2020 Feb;82(2):479-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.06.030..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Treatments, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Montgomery KB, Holder AM, Burgan CM
Is it time for synoptic reporting in melanoma nodal surveillance ultrasonography?
Previous qualitative research has identified a potential gap between surgeons’ and radiologists’ awareness of Second Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-II) criteria. The purpose of this study was to explore how these criteria have been adopted and reported outside of clinical trial settings or utilized by surgical teams when interpreting ultrasound results. The study found that of the 269 nodal ultrasounds performed in 78 patients, 81.0% reported normal findings versus 19% abnormal findings. Researchers indicated that only 15% of normal ultrasounds had one or more MSLT-II criteria reported versus 88.9% abnormal ultrasounds. While 37% of abnormal ultrasounds had only one MSLT-II criterion reported, 27.8% had two criteria and 24.1% had three criteria. Of the eight abnormal ultrasounds with biopsy recommendation, 75% had two or more MSLT-II criteria reported. Clinically actionable recommendations were provided in 94.9% of normal ultrasounds compared with 64.8% of abnormal ultrasounds.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Montgomery KB, Holder AM, Burgan CM .
Is it time for synoptic reporting in melanoma nodal surveillance ultrasonography?
Ann Surg Oncol 2023 Sep; 30(9):5327-28. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-13749-0..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Skin Conditions, Imaging
Drucker AM, Adam GP, Rofeberg V
Treatments of primary basal cell carcinoma of the skin: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of treatments of primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in adults. The investigators concluded that surgical treatments and external-beam radiation have low recurrence rates for the treatment of low-risk BCC, but substantial uncertainty exists about their comparative effectiveness versus other treatments. Gaps remain regarding high-risk BCC subtypes and important outcomes, including costs.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500002I.
Citation: Drucker AM, Adam GP, Rofeberg V .
Treatments of primary basal cell carcinoma of the skin: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Ann Intern Med 2018 Oct 2;169(7):456-66. doi: 10.7326/m18-0678.
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Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Treatments
Hewitt DB, Merkow RP, DeLancey JO
National practice patterns of completion lymph node dissection for sentinel node-positive melanoma.
In this study, the investigators examined the practice patterns of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) utilization. Using the National Cancer Database, the investigators examined CLND utilization in SLN-positive patients diagnosed with clinically node-negative Stage III melanoma from 2012 to 2015. They found that CLND utilization varied based on patient factors and decreased over time.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Hewitt DB, Merkow RP, DeLancey JO .
National practice patterns of completion lymph node dissection for sentinel node-positive melanoma.
J Surg Oncol 2018 Sep;118(3):493-500. doi: 10.1002/jso.25160..
Keywords: Cancer: Skin Cancer, Practice Patterns
Wolff T, Chevinsky J
AHRQ Author: Wolff T
Behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer.
This paper presents a case study, along with questions and answers, related to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Wolff T, Chevinsky J .
Behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2018 Jul 15;98(2):105-06..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Case Study, Prevention, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Henrikson NB, Morrison CC, Blasi PR
Behavioral counseling for skin cancer prevention: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors systematically reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of behavioral counseling for skin cancer prevention to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). They concluded that behavioral interventions can increase sun protection behavior, but there is no consistent evidence that interventions are associated with a reduction in the frequency of sunburn in children or adults and minimal evidence on skin cancer outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Henrikson NB, Morrison CC, Blasi PR .
Behavioral counseling for skin cancer prevention: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2018 Mar 20;319(11):1143-57. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.21630.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL
Hospital case volume is associated with improved survival for patients with metastatic melanoma.
This study investigated the influence of hospital case volume on malignant melanoma survival and treatment utilization. The researchers discovered that for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, being treated in a high-volume hospital was associated with an improvement in survival and lower utilization of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
AHRQ-funded; HS018956.
Citation: Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL .
Hospital case volume is associated with improved survival for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Am J Clin Oncol 2016 Oct;39(5):491-6. doi: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000074.
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Keywords: Elderly, Hospitals, Mortality, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Cancer: Skin Cancer
Banerjee M, Lao CD, Wancata LM
Implications of age and conditional survival estimates for patients with melanoma.
This study identified newly diagnosed cutaneous melanoma patients and estimated conditional 5-year survival. Over time, conditional survival estimates improved for older patients with localized and regional disease. Understanding the conditional 5-year disease-specific survival of melanoma based on age and stage can help patients and physicians, informing decision-making about treatment and surveillance.
AHRQ-funded; HS020937.
Citation: Banerjee M, Lao CD, Wancata LM .
Implications of age and conditional survival estimates for patients with melanoma.
Melanoma Res 2016 Feb;26(1):77-82. doi: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000213.
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Keywords: Elderly, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Mortality, Skin Conditions
Silverberg JI
Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies.
The authors sought to determine whether adult eczema is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. They concluded that adults with atopic dermatitis may have increased cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Silverberg JI .
Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies.
Allergy 2015 Oct;70(10):1300-8. doi: 10.1111/all.12685.
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Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Heart Disease and Health, Cancer: Skin Cancer
Huo J, Du XL, Lairson DR
Utilization of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hospice at the end of life for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
The authors examined the patterns of utilization of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hospice at the end-of-life care for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. They found that surgery and hospice care use increased over the 8 years of this study, whereas the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy remained consistent for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
AHRQ-funded; HS018956.
Citation: Huo J, Du XL, Lairson DR .
Utilization of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hospice at the end of life for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
Am J Clin Oncol 2015 Jun;38(3):235-41. doi: 10.1097/COC.0b013e31829378f9.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Treatments, Elderly, Healthcare Utilization, Palliative Care, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Surgery
Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL
Survival and cost-effectiveness of hospice care for metastatic melanoma patients.
The authors analyzed the association of hospice use with survival and health care costs among patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. They found that the median survival time was 6.1 months for patients with no hospice care, 6.5 months for patients enrolled in hospice for 1 to 3 days, and 10.2 months for patients enrolled for 4 or more days. Patients with 4 or more days of hospice care incurred lower end-of-life costs than the comparison groups.
AHRQ-funded; HS018956.
Citation: Huo J, Lairson DR, Du XL .
Survival and cost-effectiveness of hospice care for metastatic melanoma patients.
Am J Manag Care 2014 May;20(5):366-73.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Skin Cancer, Healthcare Costs, Palliative Care, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research