National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Access to Care (2)
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- Adverse Events (5)
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- Communication (1)
- Comparative Effectiveness (2)
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- Disparities (1)
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- (-) Labor and Delivery (25)
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- Mortality (3)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (1)
- Newborns/Infants (6)
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- Outcomes (3)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (1)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (2)
- Patient Experience (1)
- Patient Safety (5)
- Practice Patterns (2)
- Pregnancy (15)
- Provider: Health Personnel (1)
- Quality of Care (1)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (1)
- Risk (5)
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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 25 of 25 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
Korst LM, Feldman DS, Bollman DL
Cross-sectional survey of California childbirth hospitals: implications for defining maternal levels of risk-appropriate care.
The researchers examined the extent to which hospitals could be classified by increasingly sophisticated maternal levels of care. They concluded that childbirth services varied widely across California hospitals, and most hospitals did not fit easily into proposed levels. Cognizance of this existing variation is critical to determining the optimal configuration of services for basic, intermediate, and regional maternal levels of care.
AHRQ-funded; HS020915.
Citation: Korst LM, Feldman DS, Bollman DL .
Cross-sectional survey of California childbirth hospitals: implications for defining maternal levels of risk-appropriate care.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Oct;213(4):527.e1-27.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.07.014..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Hospitals, Access to Care
Feldman DS, Bollman DL, Fridman M
Do laborists improve delivery outcomes for laboring women in California community hospitals?
The researchers sought to determine the impact of the laborists staffing model on cesarean rates and maternal morbidity in California community hospitals. They were unable to demonstrate differences in cesarean and maternal childbirth complication rates in community hospitals with and without laborists.
AHRQ-funded; HS020915.
Citation: Feldman DS, Bollman DL, Fridman M .
Do laborists improve delivery outcomes for laboring women in California community hospitals?
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Oct;213(4):587.e1-87.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.05.051..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Outcomes, Patient Safety, Women
Korst LM, Feldman DS, Bollman DL
Variation in childbirth services in California: a cross-sectional survey of childbirth hospitals.
The objective of the study was to describe the resources and activities associated with childbirth services. It concluded that childbirth services varied widely across California hospitals. Cognizance of this variation and linkage of these data to childbirth outcomes should assist in the identification of key resources and activities that optimize the hospital environment for pregnant women.
AHRQ-funded; HS020915.
Citation: Korst LM, Feldman DS, Bollman DL .
Variation in childbirth services in California: a cross-sectional survey of childbirth hospitals.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Oct;213(4):523.e1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.08.013..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Hospitals, Access to Care
Tilden EL, Lee VR, Allen AJ
Cost-effectiveness analysis of latent versus active labor hospital admission for medically low-risk, term women.
The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and costs of hospital admission during the latent versus active phase of labor. It found that delaying admission until active labor would result in 672,000 fewer epidurals, 67,232 fewer cesarean deliveries, and 9.6 fewer maternal deaths in our theoretic cohort as compared to admission during latent labor.
AHRQ-funded; HS017582.
Citation: Tilden EL, Lee VR, Allen AJ .
Cost-effectiveness analysis of latent versus active labor hospital admission for medically low-risk, term women.
Birth 2015 Sep;42(3):219-26. doi: 10.1111/birt.12179..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Comparative Effectiveness, Healthcare Costs, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Hospitalization
Andrews SE, Alston MJ, Allshouse AA
Does the number of forceps deliveries performed in residency predict use in practice?
The researchers aimed to determine whether a threshold number of forceps deliveries in residency predicts use of forceps in independent practice. They concluded that, although exceeding 13 forceps deliveries made it highly likely that obstetricians would use them in practice, further study is necessary to set goals for a number of resident forceps deliveries that translate into use in practice.
AHRQ-funded; HS022143.
Citation: Andrews SE, Alston MJ, Allshouse AA .
Does the number of forceps deliveries performed in residency predict use in practice?
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Jul;213(1):93.e1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.025..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Practice Patterns, Training, Women
Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Spitznagel EL
Maternal age and risk of labor and delivery complications.
The researchers examined associations between maternal age and prevalence of maternal morbidity during complications of labor and delivery. Using HCUP data, they found that complications with the highest odds among women 11-18 years of age included preterm delivery, chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and mild preeclampsia. Pregnant women 15-19 years old had greater odds for severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, poor fetal growth, and fetal distress. Pregnant women 35 and older had greater odds for preterm delivery, hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and decreased risk for chorioamnionitis. Women over 40 had increased odds for mild preeclampsia, fetal distress, and poor fetal growth.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Spitznagel EL .
Maternal age and risk of labor and delivery complications.
Matern Child Health J 2015 Jun;19(6):1202-11. doi: 10.1007/s10995-014-1624-7.
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Keywords: Adverse Events, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Risk
Camelo Castillo W, Boggess K, Sturmer T
Association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with glyburide vs insulin in women with gestational diabetes.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women receiving glyburide compared with insulin for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a US population-based cohort. It found an association between glyburide (compared with insulin) and elevated risk of NICU admission, neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, birth injury, and large for gestational age in women with GDM.
AHRQ-funded; HS017950.
Citation: Camelo Castillo W, Boggess K, Sturmer T .
Association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with glyburide vs insulin in women with gestational diabetes.
JAMA Pediatr 2015 May;169(5):452-8. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.74..
Keywords: Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Comparative Effectiveness, Diabetes, Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Medication, Newborns/Infants, Outcomes, Pregnancy, Women
Huesch M, Doctor JN
Factors associated with increased cesarean risk among African American women: evidence from California, 2010.
The researchers studied the association of maternal health in African American women in hospitals or communities with the rates of cesarean delivery of infants. They found that cesarean rates were significantly higher overall for African American women than other women (unadjusted rate 36.8 percent vs 32.7 percent), as were both elective and emergency primary cesarean rates.
AHRQ-funded; HS021868.
Citation: Huesch M, Doctor JN .
Factors associated with increased cesarean risk among African American women: evidence from California, 2010.
Am J Public Health 2015 May;105(5):956-62. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302381..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Metz TD, Allshouse AA, Faucett AM
Validation of a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery prediction model in women with two prior cesarean deliveries.
This study evaluated whether an existing vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) prediction model validated for women with one prior cesarean delivery also accurately predicts the likelihood of VBAC in women with two prior cesarean deliveries. It found that the estimates of VBAC success based on the Maternal-Fetal Medicines Units prediction model are similar to the actual rates observed among women with two prior cesarean deliveries.
AHRQ-funded; HS022143.
Citation: Metz TD, Allshouse AA, Faucett AM .
Validation of a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery prediction model in women with two prior cesarean deliveries.
Obstet Gynecol 2015 Apr;125(4):948-52. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000000744..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women
Marshall NE, Vanderhoeven J, Eden KB
Impact of simulation and team training on postpartum hemorrhage management in non-academic centers.
The researchers conducted a multi-center study to evaluate in situ simulation and team training for postpartum hemorrhage management (PPH) among experienced clinical teams in non-academic hospitals in urban and rural communities. They found that team training significantly improved response times in the management of PPH, including the recognition of PPH, time to administer first medication, performance of uterine massage and time to administer second medication.
AHRQ-funded; HS015800; HS016673.
Citation: Marshall NE, Vanderhoeven J, Eden KB .
Impact of simulation and team training on postpartum hemorrhage management in non-academic centers.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015 Mar;28(5):495-9. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2014.923393..
Keywords: Training, Patient Safety, Labor and Delivery, Women
Santos P, Ritter GA, Hefele JL
Decreasing intrapartum malpractice: targeting the most injurious neonatal adverse events.
The researchers conducted a case study of a risk reduction labor and delivery model at 5 demonstration sites. After 27 months post implementation, reporting of unintended events increased significantly (43 vs 84 per 1000 births), while high-risk malpractice events decreased significantly (14 vs 7 per 1000 births).
AHRQ-funded; HS019608.
Citation: Santos P, Ritter GA, Hefele JL .
Decreasing intrapartum malpractice: targeting the most injurious neonatal adverse events.
J Healthc Risk Manag 2015;34(4):20-7. doi: 10.1002/jhrm.21168..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Patient Safety, Risk, Medical Liability, Medical Errors
Witt WP, Wisk LE, Cheng ER
Determinants of cesarean delivery in the US: a lifecourse approach.
The researchers sought to determine whether the effects of preconception stressful life events (PSLEs) on birth weight differed by neighborhood disadvantage. They found that the risk of having very low birthweight infants among women with PSLEs, women with chronic conditions, or minority women was strongest among those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, which suggests exacerbation of risk within disadvantaged environments.
AHRQ-funded; HS000083; HS000063.
Citation: Witt WP, Wisk LE, Cheng ER .
Determinants of cesarean delivery in the US: a lifecourse approach.
Matern Child Health J 2015 Jan;19(1):84-93. doi: 10.1007/s10995-014-1498-8..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Risk, Social Determinants of Health
Kastenberg ZJ, Lee HC, Profit J
Effect of deregionalized care on mortality in very low-birth-weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.
The study’s aims were to describe the current trend toward deregionalization and to test the hypothesis that infants with necrotizing enterocolitis represent a particularly high-risk subgroup of the VLBW population that would benefit from early identification, increased intensity of early management, and possible targeted triage to tertiary hospitals. It found that outcomes for VLBW infants continue to be suboptimal when they are not born into high-level, high-volume centers.
AHRQ-funded; HS000028.
Citation: Kastenberg ZJ, Lee HC, Profit J .
Effect of deregionalized care on mortality in very low-birth-weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.
JAMA Pediatr 2015 Jan;169(1):26-32. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.2085..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Labor and Delivery, Mortality, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Healthcare Delivery