National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
Data
- Data Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Data Tools
- Data Innovations
- All-Payer Claims Database
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
- AHRQ Quality Indicator Tools for Data Analytics
- State Snapshots
- United States Health Information Knowledgebase (USHIK)
- Data Sources Available from AHRQ
Search All Research Studies
AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Antibiotics (1)
- Blood Pressure (1)
- Cancer (3)
- Cancer: Breast Cancer (3)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (2)
- Case Study (7)
- Children/Adolescents (7)
- Chronic Conditions (2)
- Dementia (2)
- Diabetes (1)
- Elderly (2)
- Evidence-Based Practice (14)
- Genetics (1)
- Guidelines (11)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (1)
- Hepatitis (1)
- Implementation (1)
- Infectious Diseases (1)
- Lifestyle Changes (1)
- Maternal Care (2)
- Medication (2)
- Neurological Disorders (2)
- Nutrition (1)
- Pregnancy (2)
- (-) Prevention (20)
- Primary Care (7)
- Public Health (1)
- Research Methodologies (1)
- Risk (3)
- Screening (11)
- Sexual Health (1)
- Shared Decision Making (1)
- Social Determinants of Health (1)
- Substance Abuse (4)
- Tobacco Use (2)
- Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation (2)
- (-) U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (20)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (1)
- Women (5)
- Young Adults (2)
AHRQ Research Studies
Sign up: AHRQ Research Studies Email updates
Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 20 of 20 Research Studies DisplayedChou R, Blazina I, Bougatsos C
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors updated the 2014 hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening review in nonpregnant adolescents and adults to inform the USPSTF. They found no direct evidence for the clinical benefits and harms of HBV screening vs no screening. Antiviral therapy for HBV infection was associated with improved intermediate outcomes and may improve clinical outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Chou R, Blazina I, Bougatsos C .
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Dec 15;324(23):2423-36. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.19750..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Hepatitis, Chronic Conditions, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Rushkin MC
Behavioral counseling to pomote a healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Researchers reviewed the benefits and harms of behavioral counseling interventions to improve diet and physical activity in adults with cardiovascular risk factors. They found that medium- and high-contact multisession behavioral counseling interventions to improve diet and increase physical activity for people with elevated blood pressure and lipid levels were effective in reducing cardiovascular events, blood pressure, low-density lipoproteins, and adiposity-related outcomes, with little to no risk of serious harm.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I.
Citation: O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Rushkin MC .
Behavioral counseling to pomote a healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Nov 24;324(20):2076-94. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.17108..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Nutrition, Lifestyle Changes, Risk, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Fan T, Palma M
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
This case study of a 24-year-old cisgender woman presents three questions with answers concerning USPSTF recommendations about sexually transmitted infections and counseling.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Palma M .
Behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Nov 15;102(10):623-24..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Prevention, Case Study, Guidelines
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C, Kennedy SM, Clark R, Viswanathan M. Screening for hypertension in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This paper is an evidence update that accompanies the final recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on screening and treatment of hypertension in childhood and adolescence. The update confirmed the previous update that the evidence is inconclusive whether the diagnostic accuracy of blood pressure measurements is adequate for screening asymptomatic children and adolescents in primary care. Forty-two studies from 43 publications were included in the final review.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C .
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C, Kennedy SM, Clark R, Viswanathan M. Screening for hypertension in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Nov 10;324(18):1884-95. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.11119..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Blood Pressure, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Cardiovascular Conditions
Mills J, Wonoprabowo L
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Primary care-based interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults.
This case study concerns a 14-year-old patient who presents for a well-child visit. The patient eats a healthy diet, is part of a local soccer league, is an overall good student, and just started high school in the fall. The patient denies trying any illicit substances but reports trying to “get high” from cough syrup. Three questions are presented, and answers provided.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Wonoprabowo L .
Primary care-based interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Oct 15;102(8):493-94..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Young Adults, Substance Abuse, Primary Care, Prevention, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Case Study, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice
Davidson KW, Kemper AR, Doubeni CA
AHRQ Author: Mills J, Borsky A
Developing primary care-based recommendations for social determinants of health: methods of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
This article highlights social determinants already included in USPSTF recommendations and proposes a process by which others may be considered for primary care preventive recommendations. By reviewing the evidence on the effects of screening and interventions on social determinants relevant to primary care, the USPSTF will continue to be able to provide recommendations on clinical preventive services to improve the health of all Americans.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Davidson KW, Kemper AR, Doubeni CA .
Developing primary care-based recommendations for social determinants of health: methods of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Ann Intern Med 2020 Sep 15;173(6):461-67. doi: 10.7326/m20-0730..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Primary Care, Social Determinants of Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Screening, Prevention
Fan T, Smith HJ
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Primary care interventions for prevention and cessation of tobacco use in children and adolescents.
In this case study, three questions are posed concerning a 13-year-old girl presenting for a routine well-child visit who reports that she has never used tobacco products in any form.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Smith HJ .
Primary care interventions for prevention and cessation of tobacco use in children and adolescents.
.
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Case Study, Children/Adolescents, Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation, Tobacco Use, Primary Care, Prevention, Substance Abuse
H H, Caton Gilstrap L
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults.
This evidence-based approach paper focuses on putting prevention into action. It discusses screening for cognitive impairment in older adults. It provides case study, case study questions and a discussion.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: H H, Caton Gilstrap L .
Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Jun 15;101(12):753-54..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Elderly, Screening, Prevention, Case Study, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Patnode CD, Perdue LA, Rushkin M
Screening for unhealthy drug use: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Illicit drug use is among the most common causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the US. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on screening and interventions for drug use to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. The investigators concluded that several screening instruments with acceptable sensitivity and specificity are available to screen for drug use, although there is no direct evidence on the benefits or harms of screening.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Patnode CD, Perdue LA, Rushkin M .
Screening for unhealthy drug use: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Jun 9;323(22):2310-28. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.21381..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Substance Abuse, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Primary Care, Prevention
Eden KB, Ivlev I, Bensching KL
Use of an online breast cancer risk assessment and patient decision aid in primary care practices.
A cross-sectional study evaluating a web-based breast cancer risk assessment and decision aid (MammoScreen) was conducted in an academic general internal medicine clinic. Breast cancer risk assessment and mammography screening decision support were efficiently implemented through a web-based tool for patients sent through an electronic patient portal. Findings indicated that integration of patient decision aids with risk algorithms in clinical practice may help support the implementation of USPSTF recommendations that include risk assessment and shared decision-making.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Eden KB, Ivlev I, Bensching KL .
Use of an online breast cancer risk assessment and patient decision aid in primary care practices.
J Womens Health 2020 Jun;29(6):763-69. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8143..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Shared Decision Making, Risk, Health Information Technology (HIT), Prevention, Women
O'Connor E, Thomas R, Senger CA
Interventions to prevent illicit and nonmedical drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors reviewed the benefits and harms of interventions to prevent illicit and nonmedical drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. They found that the evidence for behavioral counseling interventions to prevent initiation of illicit and nonmedical drug use among adolescents and young adults was inconsistent and imprecise, with some interventions associated with reduction in use and others associated with no benefit or increased use. Health, social, and legal outcomes were sparsely reported, and few showed improvements.
AHRQ-funded; 2902015000017I.
Citation: O'Connor E, Thomas R, Senger CA .
Interventions to prevent illicit and nonmedical drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 May 26;323(20):2067-79. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.1432..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Young Adults, Substance Abuse, Primary Care, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice
Ngo-Metzger Q, Mabry-Hernandez IR
AHRQ Author: Ngo-Metzger Q, Mabry-Hernandez
Implementation of evidence-based recommendations for preventive services in the Veterans Health Administration.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. To date, there has been scant research on how VHA adopts clinical preventive services guidelines and how U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations factor into the process. In this study, the investigators conducted semistructured interviews with eight VHA leaders to examine how they adopt, disseminate, and measure adherence to recommendations. They concluded that provision of evidence-based clinical preventive services is an important part of VHA's effort to provide high-quality care for Veterans.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Ngo-Metzger Q, Mabry-Hernandez IR .
Implementation of evidence-based recommendations for preventive services in the Veterans Health Administration.
J Healthc Qual 2020 May/Jun;42(3):148-56. doi: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000217..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Implementation
Obinwa U, Pérez A, Lingvay I
Multilevel variation in diabetes screening within an integrated health system.
Variation in diabetes screening in clinical practice is poorly described. In this study, the investigators examined the interplay of patient, provider, and clinic factors explaining variation in diabetes screening within an integrated health care system in the U.S. They concluded that screening practices varied widely and were only partially explained by patient, provider, and clinic factors available in the EHR.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Obinwa U, Pérez A, Lingvay I .
Multilevel variation in diabetes screening within an integrated health system.
Diabetes Care 2020 May;43(5):1016-24. doi: 10.2337/dc19-1622..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Diabetes, Screening, Primary Care, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Chronic Conditions
Selph S, Patnode C, Bailey SR
Primary care-relevant interventions for tobacco and nicotine use prevention and cessation in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Interventions to discourage the use of tobacco products (including electronic nicotine delivery systems or e-cigarettes) among children and adolescents may help decrease tobacco-related illness and injury. The objective of this study was to update the 2013 review on primary care-relevant interventions for tobacco use prevention and cessation in children and adolescents to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Selph S, Patnode C, Bailey SR .
Primary care-relevant interventions for tobacco and nicotine use prevention and cessation in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Apr 28;323(16):1599-608. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.3332..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Tobacco Use, Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation, Prevention, Primary Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Mills J, Hulse S
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults.
This case study poses three questions concerning a 33-year-old woman presenting for a first prenatal visit at 8 weeks' gestation. The woman reported morning nausea and breast tenderness. A review of systems and physical examination were consistent with early pregnancy but were otherwise unremarkable.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Hulse S .
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Apr 15;101(8):493-94..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Prevention, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Pregnancy, Maternal Care, Women, Case Study
Kahwati LC, Clark R, Berkman N
Screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant adolescents and women to prevent preterm delivery: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Researchers sought to update the evidence on screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy for the USPSTF. They found that the evidence suggests no difference in the incidence of preterm delivery and related outcomes from treatment for asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis in a general obstetric population but was inconclusive for women with a prior preterm delivery. Maternal adverse events from treatment appear to be infrequent and minor, but the evidence about harms from in utero exposure was inconclusive.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Kahwati LC, Clark R, Berkman N .
Screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant adolescents and women to prevent preterm delivery: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Apr 7;323(13):1293-309. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.0233..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Women, Children/Adolescents, Pregnancy, Maternal Care, Antibiotics, Medication
Fan T, Fakolade A
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Medication use to reduce risk of breast cancer.
In this case study, a 40-year-old woman comes to her doctor’s office for a routine gynecologic visit. She is not taking any medications and is generally healthy. She is sexually active, and her last menstrual period started 10 days ago. She states that her mother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at 49 years of age and that she would like to discuss her options for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Three questions are posed about risk-reducing medications.
AHRQ-authored
Citation: Fan T, Fakolade A .
Medication use to reduce risk of breast cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Mar 15;101(6):373-74..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Medication, Risk, Prevention, Case Study, Women
Krist AH, Barry MJ, Wolff TA
AHRQ Author: Wolff TA, Fan TM
Evolution of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's methods.
In this commentary on an article appearing in the same issue, the authors stated that the methods used by the USPSTF deliberately set a high bar for making evidence-based recommendations. They indicated that consumers of preventive service guidelines need to know concretely what is known and unknown and further need confidence that what is being recommended is not influenced by economic or political pressures or by professional opinion with a limited evidence basis.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Krist AH, Barry MJ, Wolff TA .
Evolution of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's methods.
Am J Prev Med 2020 Mar;58(3):332-35. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.11.003..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Research Methodologies
Patnode CD, Perdue LA, Rossom RC
Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the test accuracy of cognitive screening instruments and benefits and harms of interventions to treat cognitive impairment in older adults (>/=65 years) to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. The investigators concluded that screening instruments could adequately detect cognitive impairment. They indicated that there was no empirical evidence, however, that screening for cognitive impairment improved patient or caregiver outcomes or causes harm.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Patnode CD, Perdue LA, Rossom RC .
Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Feb 25;323(8):764-85. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.22258..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Elderly, Guidelines, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Mills J, Fakolade A
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer.
In this case study, a 31-year-old woman presents for a well-woman examination. She indicates that her mother was diagnosed with tubal cancer at age 40, that her 42-year-old sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and that her maternal aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Fakolade A .
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Feb 15;101(4):239-40..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Genetics, Screening, Women, Prevention, Case Study