National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Case Study (1)
- Children/Adolescents (1)
- Clostridium difficile Infections (1)
- Community-Acquired Infections (2)
- Comparative Effectiveness (2)
- COVID-19 (3)
- Critical Care (1)
- Decision Making (1)
- Diagnostic Safety and Quality (1)
- Elderly (2)
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (1)
- Emergency Department (1)
- Evidence-Based Practice (4)
- Family Health and History (1)
- Guidelines (1)
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) (10)
- Healthcare Costs (2)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (1)
- Health Promotion (1)
- Home Healthcare (1)
- Hospitals (5)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (7)
- (-) Infectious Diseases (26)
- Inpatient Care (1)
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (3)
- Long-Term Care (2)
- Men's Health (1)
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (5)
- Newborns/Infants (1)
- Nursing (1)
- Nursing Homes (2)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (1)
- Patient Safety (10)
- (-) Prevention (26)
- Provider: Health Personnel (1)
- Public Health (6)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (1)
- Respiratory Conditions (1)
- Screening (2)
- Sexual Health (5)
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (1)
- Vaccination (2)
- Women (2)
- Young Adults (1)
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 26 Research Studies DisplayedIribarren S, Lentz C, Sheinfil AZ
Using an HIV self-test kit to test a partner: attitudes and preferences among high-risk populations.
Researchers explored attitudes and preferences among HIV-negative men who have sex with men and HIV-negative transgender women using an HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit to test partners. They found that most preferred gum swab over fingerprick tests, but would prefer a blood test if it gave results for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They concluded that efforts to improve HIVST uptake should focus on incorporating testing for other STIs, reducing test kit size, and reducing cost.
AHRQ-funded; HS026383.
Citation: Iribarren S, Lentz C, Sheinfil AZ .
Using an HIV self-test kit to test a partner: attitudes and preferences among high-risk populations.
AIDS Behav 2020 Nov;24(11):3232-43. doi: 10.1007/s10461-020-02885-3..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Infectious Diseases, Prevention
Kim JJ, Johnson JK, Stucke EM
Burden of perianal Staphylococcus aureus colonization in nursing home residents increases transmission to healthcare worker gowns and gloves.
Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to health care workers (HCWs) on gowns and gloves has been an issue in nursing homes. This study evaluated the effect of the burden in 13 community-based nursing homes in Maryland and Michigan. Residents were cultured for S. aureus at the perianal skin and the anterior nares areas. A total of 403 residents were enrolled, with 169 colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Transmission to HCW gowns and gloves was greater from those colonized with greater quantities of S. aureus on the perianal skin. These findings inform future infection control practices for both MRSA and MSSA in nursing homes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019979; HS025451.
Citation: Kim JJ, Johnson JK, Stucke EM .
Burden of perianal Staphylococcus aureus colonization in nursing home residents increases transmission to healthcare worker gowns and gloves.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020 Dec;41(12):1396-401. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.336..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Prevention
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
Lentz C, Iribarren S, Giguere R
Broaching the topic of HIV self-testing with potential sexual partners among men and transgender women who have sex with men in New York and Puerto Rico.
This randomized controlled trial examined whether access to free HIV self-testing (ST) kits had an impact on use of condoms during anal intercourse for 272 transgender women and men who have sex with men in New York City and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The trial included 136 persons in an intervention group and 136 persons in a control group. The intervention group had 32% fewer condomless anal intercourse (CAI) encounters- with the New York City group being statistically significant. In San Juan the results were non-significant, but two hurricanes may have impacted results in unmeasured ways.
AHRQ-funded; HS026383.
Citation: Lentz C, Iribarren S, Giguere R .
Broaching the topic of HIV self-testing with potential sexual partners among men and transgender women who have sex with men in New York and Puerto Rico.
AIDS Behav 2020 Nov;24(11):3033-43. doi: 10.1007/s10461-020-02851-z..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Prevention, Screening
Chou R, Dana T, Jungbauer R
Masks for prevention of respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in health care and community settings : a living rapid review.
This study examined the effectiveness of N95, surgical, and cloth masks in community and health care settings for preventing respiratory virus infections, including coronavirus. The effects of reuse or extended use of N95 masks was also studied. The authors used multiple electronic databases, including the World Health Organization COVID-19 database and medRxiv preprint server (2003 through 2020), and reference lists. Randomized trials of masks and risks for respiratory virus infection were included. The studies were abstracted and methodological limitations were assessed by one reviewer, with a second reviewer providing verification. Thirty-nine studies with 33,867 participants were included. No studies were found that evaluated reuse or extended use of N95 masks. The studies showed that COVID-19 and MERS probably decreased with use versus nonuse and possibly decreased with N95 versus surgical mask use. Random trials in community settings found not much difference between N95 versus surgical masks. The studies’ findings were not definitive.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Chou R, Dana T, Jungbauer R .
Masks for prevention of respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in health care and community settings : a living rapid review.
Ann Intern Med 2020 Oct 6;173(7):542-55. doi: 10.7326/m20-3213..
Keywords: COVID-19, Respiratory Conditions, Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Public Health, Evidence-Based Practice
Skaathun B, Pho MT, Pollack HA
Comparison of effectiveness and cost for different HIV screening strategies implemented at large urban medical centre in the United States.
This analysis compared the effectiveness and cost of three HIV testing strategies in a high HIV burden area in the U.S. in identifying new HIV infections. The investigators performed a cost analysis comparing three HIV testing strategies in Chicago: (1) routine screening (RS) in an inpatient and outpatient setting, (2) modified partner services (MPS) among networks of the recently HIV infected and diagnosed, and (3) a respondent drive sampling (RDS)-based social network (SN) approach targeting young African-American men who have sex with men.
AHRQ-funded; HS000084.
Citation: Skaathun B, Pho MT, Pollack HA .
Comparison of effectiveness and cost for different HIV screening strategies implemented at large urban medical centre in the United States.
J Int AIDS Soc 2020 Oct;23(10):e25554. doi: 10.1002/jia2.25554..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Screening, Healthcare Costs, Prevention, Infectious Diseases
Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Ferguson MC
Vaccine efficacy needed for a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine to prevent or stop an epidemic as the sole intervention.
This study examined the needed efficacy and coverage of a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent or stop the pandemic. Simulation experiments were conducted at 60-80% efficacy rates. At 60% efficacy, vaccination coverage needs to be 100%. If the coverage rate is reduced to 75%, the efficacy needs to be 70% and up to 80% when coverage drops to 60%. These findings show that the vaccine needs to have at least an efficacy rate of 70% to prevent an epidemic and at least 80% to extinguish an epidemic without any other measures such as social distancing.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Ferguson MC .
Vaccine efficacy needed for a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine to prevent or stop an epidemic as the sole intervention.
Am J Prev Med 2020 Oct;59(4):493-503. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.06.011..
Keywords: Vaccination, COVID-19, Public Health, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Infectious Diseases
Gall E, Long A, Hall KK
Chlorhexidine bathing strategies for multidrug-resistant organisms: a summary of recent evidence.
This systematic literature review investigated the latest evidence for patient bathing with a 2%-4% chlorhexidine gluconate solution to reduce multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission and infection. Three databases were searched for articles from 2008 through 2018, as well as any key articles published after 2018. Findings focused on health care-associated infections (HAIs) and 3 categories of MDROs: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Chlorhexidine reduced MRSA acquisition and carriage, but no studies found significant reductions in infections. Several studies found that chlorhexidine bathing reduced VRE acquisition and carriage. Two very large studies found bathing significantly reduced HAIs, but these reductions may be smaller when HAIs are already controlled with other anti-infection measures.
AHRQ-funded; HHSP233201500013I.
Citation: Gall E, Long A, Hall KK .
Chlorhexidine bathing strategies for multidrug-resistant organisms: a summary of recent evidence.
J Patient Saf 2020 Sep;16(3S Suppl 1):S16-s22. doi: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000743..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Prevention, Patient Safety, Infectious Diseases
Schoyer E, Hall K
Environmental cleaning and decontamination to prevent clostridioides difficile infection in health care settings: a systematic review.
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the most effective and feasible methods for environmental cleaning and decontamination to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in health care settings. The investigators concluded that the studied practices for environmental cleaning and decontamination were associated with significant decreases in facility-level CDI rates in most of the reviewed studies; however, study quality was low.
AHRQ-funded; 233201500013I.
Citation: Schoyer E, Hall K .
Environmental cleaning and decontamination to prevent clostridioides difficile infection in health care settings: a systematic review.
J Patient Saf 2020 Sep;16(3S Suppl 1):S12-s15. doi: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000749..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Patient Safety
Jackman KP, Murray S, Hightow-Weidman
Digital technology to address HIV and other sexually transmitted infection disparities: intentions to disclose online personal health records to sex partners among students at a historically Black college.
Among an online survey sample of co-ed students, the authors described latent constructs and other variables associated with perceived behavioral intentions to disclose sexually transmitted infection (STI) test history using patient portals. They found that latent constructs representing communication valuation beliefs and practices were not associated with intentions, while self-reporting prior STI diagnosis was associated with intentions to disclose. They concluded that point-of-care messages focused on improvements to validating test results, communication, and empowerment, may be an effective strategy to support the adoption of patient portals for STI prevention among populations of college-aged Black youth.
AHRQ-funded; HS023057.
Citation: Jackman KP, Murray S, Hightow-Weidman .
Digital technology to address HIV and other sexually transmitted infection disparities: intentions to disclose online personal health records to sex partners among students at a historically Black college.
PLoS One 2020 Aug 21;15(8):e0237648. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237648..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Infectious Diseases, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Young Adults, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Prevention
Chatterjee P, Williams MD, Coppin JD
Effectiveness of copper-impregnated solid surfaces on lowering microbial bio-burden levels in an acute care hospital.
This study examined whether using novel coper-impregnated solid materials on high-touch surfaces in patient rooms lowered bacterial contamination which may lead to health care-associated infections in acute care hospitals. Sixteen rooms were installed with copper-impregnated surfaces and were compared to standard noncopper laminate surfaces in 16 rooms over a 3-day period. Samples were taken 3 times per day. A lower level of microbial contamination was found in copper-impregnated solid surfaces as compared to standard surfaces.
AHRQ-funded; HS025598.
Citation: Chatterjee P, Williams MD, Coppin JD .
Effectiveness of copper-impregnated solid surfaces on lowering microbial bio-burden levels in an acute care hospital.
Open Forum Infect Dis 2020 Aug;7(8). doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa238..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Comparative Effectiveness, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Dowding D, Russell D, Trifilio M
Home care nurses' identification of patients at risk of infection and their risk mitigation strategies: a qualitative interview study.
Investigators sought to understand if and how home care nurses identify patients at high risk of infection and which strategies they use to mitigate that risk. Interviews with fifty nurses were audio recorded and transcribed. Factors identified by the nurses as putting a patient at higher risk of infection included being older, having diabetes, and inadequate nutrition as well as inadequate clinical information available at start of care. The main strategy for infection prevention was patient and caregiver education. Nurses also discussed the importance of their own infection prevention behaviors and the ability to adjust a patient's plan of care according to their infection risk.
AHRQ-funded; HS024723.
Citation: Dowding D, Russell D, Trifilio M .
Home care nurses' identification of patients at risk of infection and their risk mitigation strategies: a qualitative interview study.
Int J Nurs Stud 2020 Jul;107:103617. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103617..
Keywords: Home Healthcare, Community-Acquired Infections, Infectious Diseases, Patient Safety, Prevention, Nursing, Decision Making
Cho HJ, Feldman LS, Keller S
Choosing Wisely in the COVID-19 era: preventing harm to healthcare workers.
This paper highlights the 5 top recommendations developed for hospitals in the COVID-19 era as part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign. This top 5 list of overuse practices in hospital medicine can lead to harm of both patients and healthcare workers. The recommendations include: 1) Do not obtain nonurgent labs in separate blood draws if they can be batched together; 2) Do not use bronchodilators unless there is active obstructive airway disease; 3) Do not use posteroanterior and lateral chest X-ray (CXR) as initial imaging, use a portable CXR instead; 4) Avoid in-person evaluations in favor of virtual communication unless necessary; and 5) Do not delay goals of care conversations for hospitalized patients who are unlikely to benefit from life-sustaining treatments.
AHRQ-funded; HS025782.
Citation: Cho HJ, Feldman LS, Keller S .
Choosing Wisely in the COVID-19 era: preventing harm to healthcare workers.
J Hosp Med 2020 Jun;15(6):360-62. doi: 10.12788/jhm.3457..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Prevention, Public Health, Provider: Health Personnel
Carballo-Dieguez A, Giguere R, Balan IC
Use of rapid HIV self-test to screen potential sexual partners: results of the ISUM study.
This randomized controlled trial examined whether access to free HIV self-testing (ST) kits had an impact on use of condoms during anal intercourse for 272 transgender women and men who have sex with men in New York City and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The trial included 136 persons in an intervention group and 136 persons in a control group. The intervention group had 32% fewer condomless anal intercourse (CAI) encounters- with the New York City group being statistically significant. In San Juan the results were non-significant but two hurricanes may have impacted results in unmeasured ways.
AHRQ-funded; HS026383.
Citation: Carballo-Dieguez A, Giguere R, Balan IC .
Use of rapid HIV self-test to screen potential sexual partners: results of the ISUM study.
AIDS Behav 2020 Jun;24(6):1929-41. doi: 10.1007/s10461-019-02763-7..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Prevention
Sun CJ, Anderson KM, Kuhn T
A sexual health promotion app for transgender women (Trans Women Connected): development and usability study.
HIV severely impacts the transgender communities in the United States, and transgender women have the highest HIV incidence rates among any identified risk group. Guided by formative research with transgender women and by an expert advisory panel of transgender women, the investigators designed a prototype mobile app to promote HIV prevention among transgender women. This study aimed to develop and test the usability and acceptability of the prototype Trans Women Connected mobile app.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Sun CJ, Anderson KM, Kuhn T .
A sexual health promotion app for transgender women (Trans Women Connected): development and usability study.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020 May 12;8(5):e15888. doi: 10.2196/15888..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Health Promotion, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Women
Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Stokes-Cawley OJ
Knowing more of the iceberg: how detecting a greater proportion of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae carriers influences transmission.
This study examined the impact of detecting a greater proportion of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) carriers in the hospital inpatient population. The researchers used the Regional Healthcare Ecosystem Analyst-generated agent-based model of adult inpatient healthcare facilities in Orange County, California. They found that only if the detection level is increased to 1 in 5 carriers does it garner large reductions in the number of new CRE carriers. At the present time the detection level is 1 in 9 carriers.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Stokes-Cawley OJ .
Knowing more of the iceberg: how detecting a greater proportion of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae carriers influences transmission.
J Infect Dis 2020 May 11;221(11):1782-94. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiz288..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Patient Safety, Prevention
Adams C, Young D, Gastanaduy PA
Quantifying the roles of vomiting, diarrhea, and residents vs. staff in norovirus transmission in U.S. nursing home outbreaks.
Norovirus transmissibility is poorly understood and the goal of this study was to examine transmission via vomiting, diarrhea, and patient exposures. Six nursing home outbreaks in South Carolina were examined from 2014 to 2016. Vomiting infected 2.12 times the number of individuals as non-vomiters, diarrhea 1.39 times, and resident cases infected 1.53 times the number of individuals as staff cases. This finding is important for not just nursing homes, but other sites of norovirus outbreaks such as cruise ships.
AHRQ-funded; HS025987.
Citation: Adams C, Young D, Gastanaduy PA .
Quantifying the roles of vomiting, diarrhea, and residents vs. staff in norovirus transmission in U.S. nursing home outbreaks.
PLoS Comput Biol 2020 Mar;16(3):e1007271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007271..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Infectious Diseases, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Prevention, Public Health
Bartsch SM, Asti L, Stokes-Cawley OJ
The potential economic value of a Zika vaccine for a woman of childbearing age.
The authors mapped the Zika vaccine and vaccination characteristic thresholds at which vaccination becomes cost effective, highly cost effective, and cost saving. They developed a Markov model to simulate a woman of childbearing age to follow the potential risk and clinical course of a Zika infection. They found that, in some cases, the vaccine was cost effective when the risk was as low as 0.015%, the cost was as high as $7,500, the efficacy was as low as 25%, and the duration of protection was 1 year. They concluded that the thresholds at which vaccination becomes cost effective and cost saving can provide targets for Zika vaccine development and implementation.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Bartsch SM, Asti L, Stokes-Cawley OJ .
The potential economic value of a Zika vaccine for a woman of childbearing age.
Am J Prev Med 2020 Mar;58(3):370-77. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.10.023..
Keywords: Vaccination, Women, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Healthcare Costs, Prevention
Mork RL, Hogan PG, Muenks CE
Longitudinal, strain-specific Staphylococcus aureus introduction and transmission events in households of children with community-associated meticillin-resistant S aureus skin and soft tissue infection: a prospective cohort study.
This prospective cohort study examined methods of transmission for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in households with otherwise healthy children who have a MRSA infection. From 2012-2015 households in St. Louis with children who had a community-acquired MRSA skin and soft-tissue infection were longitudinally tracked. Children with other health issues were excluded. A baseline visit was conducted at the index patient’s primary home, followed by four quarterly visits over 12 months. With each visit, an interview and serial cultures were collected. Molecular typing was done of those samples to determine the distinct S aureus strain. MRSA recipients were most likely to live in a rental situation, and were more likely to share a bedroom with a strain-colonised individual. The most likely transmission source was shared bath towels. Pets were often recipients, but rarely the sole transmission source. Frequent handwashing decreased the likelihood of novel strains being introduced into the house and emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene.
AHRQ-funded; HS021736; HS024269
Citation: Mork RL, Hogan PG, Muenks CE .
Longitudinal, strain-specific Staphylococcus aureus introduction and transmission events in households of children with community-associated meticillin-resistant S aureus skin and soft tissue infection: a prospective cohort study.
Lancet Infect Dis 2020 Feb;20(2):188-98. doi: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30570-5..
Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Infectious Diseases, Community-Acquired Infections, Prevention, Children/Adolescents, Family Health and History
Gravett RM, Westfall AO, Overton ET
Sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men in an American Deep South PrEP clinic.
This study examines the behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) who use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been associated with PrEP use. A retrospective analysis of MSM in the Deep South was conducted at a PrEP clinic to calculate the prevalence and incidence of bacterial STIs and identify associated risk factors. There was an 11% STI prevalence out of 139 MSM who accessed the clinic between 2014 and 2018. Higher proportions of high PrEP adherence, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use were associated with incident STI.
AHRQ-funded; HS023009.
Citation: Gravett RM, Westfall AO, Overton ET .
Sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men in an American Deep South PrEP clinic.
Int J STD AIDS 2020 Feb;31(2):127-35. doi: 10.1177/0956462419886228..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Men's Health, Prevention, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Milstone AM, Voskertchian A, Koontz DW
Effect of treating parents colonized with Staphylococcus aureus on transmission to neonates in the intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial.
This study examined the effect of treating parents of neonates in the intensive care unit (NICUs) with intranasal mupirocin and topical chlorhexidine compared with a placebo treatment and whether it reduces transmission of Staphlyococcus aureus to their babies. A double-blind randomized trial was conducted at 2 tertiary NICUs in Baltimore, MD from November 2014 to December 2018. Parents were given intranasal treatments for 5 days. Of the intervention group 13 of 89 neonates acquired S aureus, and in the control group 29 of 101 neonates acquired S aureus with the same strain as their parents. The results showed a significant reduction in transmission.
AHRQ-funded; HS022872.
Citation: Milstone AM, Voskertchian A, Koontz DW .
Effect of treating parents colonized with Staphylococcus aureus on transmission to neonates in the intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA 2020 Jan;323(4):295-386. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.20785..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Patient Safety, Prevention
Rosenman MB, Szucs KA, Finnell SM
Nascent regional system for alerting infection preventionists about patients with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria: implementation and initial results.
The authors sought to build and to begin evaluating a regional automated system to notify infection preventionists (IPs) when a patient with a history of gram-negative rod multidrug-resistant organism (GNRMDRO) is admitted to an emergency department (ED) or inpatient setting. They found it feasible to create a regional microbiology-based alert system and observed substantial crossover between institutions. They concluded that this system, if it contributes to timely isolation, may help reduce the spread of GNRMDROs.
AHRQ-funded; HS020014.
Citation: Rosenman MB, Szucs KA, Finnell SM .
Nascent regional system for alerting infection preventionists about patients with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria: implementation and initial results.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014 Oct;35 Suppl 3:S40-7. doi: 10.1086/677833.
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Keywords: Emergency Department, Infectious Diseases, Inpatient Care, Patient Safety, Prevention
Kappagoda S, Ioannidis JP
Prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases: overview of randomized trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
The purpose of this review was to analyze evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and to identify areas where evidence is lacking. The most studied diseases were geohelminth infection (51 RCTs) and leishmaniasis (46 RCTs). Vaccines, chemoprophylaxis and interventions targeting insect vectors were evaluated in 113, 99 and 39 RCTs, respectively. Few addressed how best to deliver preventive chemotherapy.
AHRQ-funded; HS000028.
Citation: Kappagoda S, Ioannidis JP .
Prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases: overview of randomized trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Bull World Health Organ 2014 May;92(5):356-66c. doi: 10.2471/blt.13.129601..
Keywords: Prevention, Infectious Diseases, Evidence-Based Practice
Harris AD, Pineles L, Belton B
Universal glove and gown use and acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the ICU: a randomized trial.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in the intensive care unit (ICU) decreases acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The purpose of this study was to assess whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in the ICU decreases acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) compared with usual care.
AHRQ-funded; HS018111; 290200600015.
Citation: Harris AD, Pineles L, Belton B .
Universal glove and gown use and acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the ICU: a randomized trial.
JAMA 2013 Oct 16;310(15):1571-80. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.277815..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Infectious Diseases, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hospitals, Prevention, Critical Care
Steinberg JP, Denham ME, Zimring C
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276382905/download
The role of the hospital environment in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections by contact transmission.
The authors describe the role of the hospital environment in the spread of pathogens by direct and indirect contact. In addition, the prevention of transmission through interventions involving the built environment is discussed. They conclude that enhanced environmental cleaning including touchless technologies and self-cleaning surfaces can reduce environmental contamination and may prevent infections.
AHRQ-funded; 290201000024I.
Citation: Steinberg JP, Denham ME, Zimring C .
The role of the hospital environment in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections by contact transmission.
HERD 2013 Oct;7(1 suppl):46-73..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Prevention, Patient Safety