National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies Date
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- Adverse Events (4)
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- Clinician-Patient Communication (1)
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- (-) Labor and Delivery (23)
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- Practice Patterns (1)
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- Quality of Care (1)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (1)
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- Risk (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 23 of 23 Research Studies DisplayedAustin N, Kristensen-Cabrera A, Sherman J
Analyzing the heterogeneity of labor and delivery units: a quantitative analysis of space and design.
This study evaluated the effect of space and design on labor and deliver (L&D) hospital units. A quantitative analysis was done to see if it made an impact on the risk of deliveries. The researchers recommend standardization of the space based on number of deliveries and cesarean sections.
AHRQ-funded; HS023506.
Citation: Austin N, Kristensen-Cabrera A, Sherman J .
Analyzing the heterogeneity of labor and delivery units: a quantitative analysis of space and design.
PLoS One 2018 Dec 26;13(12):e0209339. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209339..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women
Neal JL, Lowe NK, Caughey AB
Applying a physiologic partograph to Consortium on Safe Labor data to identify opportunities for safely decreasing cesarean births among nulliparous women.
The aims of this study were to assess associations of labor status at admission (i.e., preactive or active) and active labor progress (i.e., dystocic or physiologic) with oxytocin augmentation, cesarean birth, and adverse neonatal outcome rates. The authors suggest that adoption of evidence-based, standardized approaches for diagnosing active labor onset, assessing labor progress, and diagnosing dystocia may safely decrease oxytocin augmentation and cesarean birth rates in the United States.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Neal JL, Lowe NK, Caughey AB .
Applying a physiologic partograph to Consortium on Safe Labor data to identify opportunities for safely decreasing cesarean births among nulliparous women.
Birth 2018 Dec;45(4):358-67. doi: 10.1111/birt.12358..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women
Neal JL, Lowe NK, Phillippi JC
Likelihood of cesarean birth among parous women after applying leading active labor diagnostic guidelines.
The goals of this study were: Determine the proportions of women admitted to the hospital before or in active labor per the leading National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists/Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (ACOG/SMFM) guidelines; Compare associations of labor status at admission with oxytocin augmentation, cesarean birth, and adverse birth outcomes when using the different active labor diagnostic guidelines. Active labor diagnostic guidelines were applied retrospectively to cervical examination data. The authors conclude that many parous women with spontaneous labor onset are admitted to the hospital before active labor, and these women are more likely to receive oxytocin augmentation during labor and to have a cesarean birth. Implications for practice are discussed.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Neal JL, Lowe NK, Phillippi JC .
Likelihood of cesarean birth among parous women after applying leading active labor diagnostic guidelines.
Midwifery 2018 Dec;67:64-69. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.09.007..
Keywords: Shared Decision Making, Guidelines, Hospitalization, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women
Nelson DB, Moniz MH, Davis MM
Population-level factors associated with maternal mortality in the United States, 1997-2012.
This study analyzed state-level maternal mortality for the years 1997-2012 using multilevel mixed-effects regression grouped by state, using publicly available data. The study concluded that, in addition to better case ascertainment of maternal deaths, adverse changes in chronic diseases, insufficient healthcare access, and social determinants of health represent identifiable risks for maternal mortality that merit prompt attention in population-directed interventions and health policies.
AHRQ-funded; HS025465.
Citation: Nelson DB, Moniz MH, Davis MM .
Population-level factors associated with maternal mortality in the United States, 1997-2012.
BMC Public Health 2018 Aug 13;18(1):1007. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5935-2..
Keywords: Health Services Research (HSR), Labor and Delivery, Mortality, Pregnancy, Social Determinants of Health
Attanasio LB, Kozhimannil KB, Kjerulff KH
Factors influencing women's perceptions of shared decision making during labor and delivery: results from a large-scale cohort study of first childbirth.
The researchers examined correlates of shared decision making during labor and delivery. They found that women who were black and who did not have a college degree or private insurance were less likely to report high shared decision making, as well as women who underwent labor induction, instrumental vaginal or cesarean delivery.
AHRQ-funded; HS024215.
Citation: Attanasio LB, Kozhimannil KB, Kjerulff KH .
Factors influencing women's perceptions of shared decision making during labor and delivery: results from a large-scale cohort study of first childbirth.
Patient Educ Couns 2018 Jun;101(6):1130-36. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.01.002.
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Keywords: Shared Decision Making, Disparities, Labor and Delivery, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Social Determinants of Health
Xu X, Lee HC, Lin H
Hospital variation in cost of childbirth and contributing factors: a cross-sectional study.
The purpose of this study was to examine hospital variation in cost of childbirth hospitalizations and identify factors that contribute to the variation. The study concluded that cost of childbirth hospitalizations varied widely among hospitals in California. Institutional characteristics significantly contributed to this variation. Higher-cost hospitals did not have better outcomes, suggesting potential opportunities to enhance value in care.
AHRQ-funded; HS023801.
Citation: Xu X, Lee HC, Lin H .
Hospital variation in cost of childbirth and contributing factors: a cross-sectional study.
BJOG 2018 Jun;125(7):829-39. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.15007..
Keywords: Healthcare Costs, Health Services Research (HSR), Hospitals, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy
White VanGompel E, Main EK, Tancredi D
Do provider birth attitudes influence cesarean delivery rate: a cross-sectional study.
The authors estimated the association between individual provider attitudes towards birth and their low-risk primary cesarean rate. Through surveys of California providers of intrapartum care in 2013, they found that provider attitudinal differences are associated with nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean rates. Those meeting the HP2020 goal hold attitudes more favorable towards vaginal birth, suggesting a modifiable target for quality improvement initiatives to decrease low risk primary cesareans.
AHRQ-funded; HS022236.
Citation: White VanGompel E, Main EK, Tancredi D .
Do provider birth attitudes influence cesarean delivery rate: a cross-sectional study.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018 May 29;18(1):184. doi: 10.1186/s12884-018-1756-7.
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Keywords: Provider: Health Personnel, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Practice Patterns
Lyndon A, Malana J, Hedi LC
Thematic analysis of women's perspectives on the meaning of safety during hospital-based birth.
This study used an interdisciplinary team of five investigators to examine women’s birth experiences in the perspective of patient safety. Five investigators in the fields of nursing, medicine, product design, and journalism analyzed transcripts to see how women felt about their physical or emotional safety during birth, and to identify opportunities for improvement in care. Teams that were well-organized promoted feelings of safety as well as human connection.
AHRQ-funded; HS023506.
Citation: Lyndon A, Malana J, Hedi LC .
Thematic analysis of women's perspectives on the meaning of safety during hospital-based birth.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2018 May;47(3):324-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jogn.2018.02.008..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women, Patient Safety, Patient Experience
Hefele JG, Santos P, Ritter G
Risk factors for shoulder dystocia: the impact of mother's race and ethnicity.
The purpose of this observational study was to examine shoulder dystocia risk factors by race and ethnicity using a 19,236 sample of pregnant women who presented for labor and delivery. Results found that, for White non-Hispanic mothers, the strongest risk factors were delivering past 40 weeks' gestation and use of epidural anesthesia during delivery. Among Black non-Hispanic mothers, the risk factors with the greatest impact were use of epidural and having gestational diabetes and controlling the condition with insulin. Additionally, among Hispanic mothers, having Spanish as the primary language increased shoulder dystocia likelihood compared to those who did not cite it as their primary language. This study provides evidence that risk factors for a labor and delivery condition can vary significantly across racial and ethnic subgroups.
AHRQ-funded; HS019608.
Citation: Hefele JG, Santos P, Ritter G .
Risk factors for shoulder dystocia: the impact of mother's race and ethnicity.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018 Apr;5(2):333-41. doi: 10.1007/s40615-017-0374-9..
Keywords: Adverse Events, Labor and Delivery, Injuries and Wounds, Newborns/Infants, Pregnancy, Risk
McArdle J, Sorensen A, Fowler CI
Strategies to improve management of shoulder dystocia under the AHRQ Safety Program for Perinatal Care.
The purpose of this study using TeamSTEPPS was to assess the implementation of safety strategies to improve management of births complicated by shoulder dystocia in labor and delivery units. Results suggested that successful management of shoulder dystocia requires a rapid, standardized, and coordinated response. The Safety Program for Perinatal Care strategies to increase safety of shoulder dystocia management are scalable, replicable, and adaptable to unit needs and circumstances.
AHRQ-funded; 2902010000241.
Citation: McArdle J, Sorensen A, Fowler CI .
Strategies to improve management of shoulder dystocia under the AHRQ Safety Program for Perinatal Care.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2018 Mar;47(2):191-201. doi: 10.1016/j.jogn.2017.11.014.
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Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Newborns/Infants, Pregnancy, Adverse Events, TeamSTEPPS, Injuries and Wounds, Care Management, Education: Continuing Medical Education, Training, Tools & Toolkits, Patient Safety, Nursing, Communication, Quality of Care
Santos P, Hefele JG, Ritter G
Population-based risk factors for shoulder dystocia.
This retrospective observational study examined population-based risk factors for infant shoulder dystocia during labor. Five hospitals in 5 states were used and over 19,000 births evaluated between April 2011 and July 2013. An increased risk for dystocia was found for women who were prescribed insulin, indicating gestational diabetes. However this was not true of women with gestational diabetes who were not prescribed insulin. Other risk factors included being Black, Hispanic, covered by Medicaid or no insurance, infant gestational age of 41 weeks or greater, and chronic diabetes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019608.
Citation: Santos P, Hefele JG, Ritter G .
Population-based risk factors for shoulder dystocia.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2018 Jan;47(1):32-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jogn.2017.11.011..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Newborns/Infants, Risk, Pregnancy, Injuries and Wounds, Adverse Events
Phillippi JC, Danhausen K, Alliman J
Neonatal outcomes in the birth center setting: a systematic review.
This systematic review examined the effects of the birth center setting on neonatal mortality in economically developed countries. The criteria for inclusion included being in English, published after 1980 and in countries with similar guidelines to the American Association of Birth Centers Standards. The only measure used was neonatal mortality and results did not find any difference between using a birth center as opposed to a traditional hospital setting. The literature was not found to have many good quality studies, and further research is recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Phillippi JC, Danhausen K, Alliman J .
Neonatal outcomes in the birth center setting: a systematic review.
J Midwifery Womens Health 2018 Jan;63(1):68-89. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.12701..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Labor and Delivery, Mortality, Newborns/Infants, Outcomes, Pregnancy, Women
Fowler TT, Schiff J, Applegate MS
Early elective deliveries accounted for nearly 9 percent of births paid for by Medicaid.
The authors reported the results of a perinatal project, led by the state Medicaid medical directors, that sought to coordinate quality improvement efforts related to early elective deliveries for the Medicaid population. Using data from 22 states, they found that 8.9% of Medicaid singleton births were early elective deliveries, and they therefore estimated that there are 160,000 early elective Medicaid deliveries nationwide each year. They concluded that their study offers additional evidence and new tools for policy makers pursuing strategies to further reduce the number of such deliveries.
AHRQ-funded; 29020090015C.
Citation: Fowler TT, Schiff J, Applegate MS .
Early elective deliveries accounted for nearly 9 percent of births paid for by Medicaid.
Health Aff 2014 Dec;33(12):2170-8. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0534.
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Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Medicaid, Pregnancy
Rokicki S, Montana L, Fink G
Impact of migration on fertility and abortion: evidence from the household and welfare study of Accra.
The researchers used detailed pregnancy and migration histories collected as part of the Household and Welfare Study of Accra (HAWS) to examine the association between migration and pregnancy outcomes among women residing in the urban slums of Accra, Ghana. They found that the completed fertility patterns of lifetime Accra residents are remarkably similar to those of residents who migrated.
AHRQ-funded; HS000055.
Citation: Rokicki S, Montana L, Fink G .
Impact of migration on fertility and abortion: evidence from the household and welfare study of Accra.
Demography 2014 Dec;51(6):2229-54. doi: 10.1007/s13524-014-0339-0..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Urban Health, Social Determinants of Health, Labor and Delivery
Lorch SA, Martin AE, Ranade R
Lessons for providers and hospitals from Philadelphia's obstetric services closures and consolidations, 1997-2012.
The researchers examined the experience of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, where thirteen of nineteen hospital obstetric units closed between 1997 and 2012, and they conducted interviews at eleven hospitals whose obstetric units remained open. Interviewees reported sharp surges in delivery volume and an increase in the proportion of patients with public insurance or no insurance. The authors concluded that their study supports the need for policy makers to anticipate reductions in supply and monitor patient outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS018661.
Citation: Lorch SA, Martin AE, Ranade R .
Lessons for providers and hospitals from Philadelphia's obstetric services closures and consolidations, 1997-2012.
Health Aff 2014 Dec;33(12):2162-9. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0136.
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Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Hospitals
Henke RM, Wier LM, Marder WD
AHRQ Author: Friedman BS, Wong HS
Geographic variation in cesarean delivery in the United States by payer.
This study aimed (1) to determine whether the geographic variation in cesarean delivery rate is consistent for private insurance and Medicaid, and (2) to identify the patient, population, and market factors associated with cesarean rate and determine if these factors vary by payer. It concluded that factors associated with geographic variation in cesarean delivery, a frequent and high-resource inpatient procedure, vary somewhat by payer.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 290200600009C.
Citation: Henke RM, Wier LM, Marder WD .
Geographic variation in cesarean delivery in the United States by payer.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014 Nov 19;14:387. doi: 10.1186/s12884-014-0387-x.
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Keywords: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Health Insurance, Labor and Delivery, Medicaid, Pregnancy
Ahrens KA, Louik C, Kerr S
Seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy and the risks of preterm delivery and small for gestational age birth.
The researchers examined the associations between seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy and the risks of PTD and SGA among a multiyear retrospective cohort of pregnancies. With the exception of pre-term delivery (PTD) associated with the 2009–10 seasonal vaccine, they found no meaningful increases in PTD or small for gestational age risks associated with seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination during pregnancy.
AHRQ-funded; HS018463.
Citation: Ahrens KA, Louik C, Kerr S .
Seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy and the risks of preterm delivery and small for gestational age birth.
Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2014 Nov;28(6):498-509. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12152..
Keywords: Influenza, Vaccination, Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery
Dublin S, Johnson KE, Walker RL
Trends in elective labor induction for six United States health plans, 2001-2007.
The authors sought to describe trends in labor induction, including elective induction, from 2001 to 2007 for six U.S. health plans and to examine the validity of induction measures derived from birth certificate and health plan data. They found that induction prevalence rose from 28% in 2001 to 32% in 2005, then declined to 29% in 2007, with the trend being similar for subgroups by parity and gestational age. Elective induction prevalence varied considerably across plans.
AHRQ-funded; HS016955.
Citation: Dublin S, Johnson KE, Walker RL .
Trends in elective labor induction for six United States health plans, 2001-2007.
J Womens Health 2014 Nov;23(11):904-11. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4779.
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Keywords: Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs), Health Insurance, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women
Eden KB, Perrin NA, Vesco KK
A randomized comparative trial of two decision tools for pregnant women with prior cesareans.
The authors evaluated tools to help pregnant women with prior cesareans make informed decisions about having trials of labor. They found that women in both groups felt more informed, were more clear about their birth priorities, felt more supported, and overall reported less conflict after receiving either intervention.
AHRQ-funded; HS011338; HS013959.
Citation: Eden KB, Perrin NA, Vesco KK .
A randomized comparative trial of two decision tools for pregnant women with prior cesareans.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2014 Sep-Oct;43(5):568-79. doi: 10.1111/1552-6909.12485.
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Keywords: Education: Patient and Caregiver, Shared Decision Making, Labor and Delivery, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Sentell T, Chang A, Cheng Y
Maternal quality and safety outcomes for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii: an observational study from five years of statewide data.
The authors investigated maternal quality and safety outcomes across heterogeneous Asian and Pacific Islanders subgroups in the United States. They found significant variation for Asian and Pacific Islander subgroups across maternal quality and safety outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019990; HS021903.
Citation: Sentell T, Chang A, Cheng Y .
Maternal quality and safety outcomes for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii: an observational study from five years of statewide data.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014 Aug 30;14:298. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-298.
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Keywords: Disparities, Labor and Delivery, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality Indicators (QIs), Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Darney BG, Caughey AB
Elective induction of labor symposium: nomenclature, research methodological issues, and outcomes.
This article focuses on key method issues in studies of elective induction of labor. The authors first identify methodological concerns with the existing literature and discuss each in return. They then review existing evidence about the relationship between elective induction and cesarean delivery.
AHRQ-funded; HS017582
Citation: Darney BG, Caughey AB .
Elective induction of labor symposium: nomenclature, research methodological issues, and outcomes.
Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jun;57(2):343-62. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000029..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Outcomes, Labor and Delivery, Women
Moore JE, Low LK, Titler MG
AHRQ Author: Moore JE
Moving toward patient-centered care: women's decisions, perceptions, and experiences of the induction of labor process.
The researchers identified factors that influence inductions from the perspective of women. They found that lack of informed decision making was cited as a barrier to optimal care; additional themes emerged from the preinduction and postinduction interviews.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Moore JE, Low LK, Titler MG .
Moving toward patient-centered care: women's decisions, perceptions, and experiences of the induction of labor process.
Birth 2014 Jun;41(2):138-46. doi: 10.1111/birt.12080.
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Keywords: Shared Decision Making, Labor and Delivery, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient Experience, Pregnancy
Hendrich A, McCoy CK, Gale J
Ascension health's demonstration of full disclosure protocol for unexpected events during labor and delivery shows promise.
This article presents a case study concerning challenges, including physician resistance, to the establishment of a common full disclosure protocol at five labor and delivery demonstration sites. Twenty-seven months after implementation, the rate of full disclosure had increased by 221 percent. Practitioners saw a number of factors as key catalysts for change including consistent and ongoing leadership by local practitioners and hospitals.
AHRQ-funded; HS019608.
Citation: Hendrich A, McCoy CK, Gale J .
Ascension health's demonstration of full disclosure protocol for unexpected events during labor and delivery shows promise.
Health Aff 2014 Jan;33(1):39-45. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.1009..
Keywords: Adverse Events, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Labor and Delivery, Medical Errors, Medical Liability, Policy, Pregnancy, Women