National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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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 69 Research Studies DisplayedChu J, Roby DH, Boudreaux MH
Effects of the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act on immigrant children's healthcare access.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) on insurance coverage, access, utilization, and health outcomes among immigrant children. The researchers utilized the restricted use 2000-2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)with a sample which included immigrant children between the ages of 0 and 18 born outside the United States, with family income below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The study found that CHIPRA was related with a decrease in uninsured rates and an increase in public insurance enrollment for immigrant children. The effects of CHIPRA became small and statistically not significant 3 years after adoption. The researchers found no significant changes in health care access and utilization, and health outcomes, overall and across subgroups due to CHIPRA. The researchers concluded that the eligibility expansion of CHIPRA was related with increases in public insurance coverage for low-income children. However, no effect of CHIPRA on access to care and health was found.
AHRQ-funded; HS028532.
Citation: Chu J, Roby DH, Boudreaux MH .
Effects of the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act on immigrant children's healthcare access.
Health Serv Res 2022 Dec;57(suppl 2):315-25. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.14061..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Health Insurance, Access to Care, Vulnerable Populations, Uninsured
Grove LR, Rao N, Domino ME
Are North Carolina clinicians delivering opioid use disorder treatment to Medicaid beneficiaries?
This study’s goal was to inform efforts to increase prescriptions of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among Medicaid beneficiaries. A retrospective study of North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners was conducted to estimate Medicaid participation prevalence among clinicians authorized to prescribe buprenorphine and to estimate the association between clinician characteristics and OUD care delivery to Medicaid beneficiaries. Outcomes looked for were indicators of any Medicaid professional claims and Medicaid claims data for buprenorphine and naltrexone. Licensure data from 2018 was merged with 2019 US Drug Enforcement Administration to identify clinicians who used the DEA waiver required to prescribe buprenorphine (n = 1714). Services by waivered clinicians to Medicare beneficiaries ranged from 67% of behavioral health clinicians to 82.9% of specialist physicians. Prevalence of prescribing buprenorphine to Medicaid beneficiaries ranged from 30.3% among specialist physicians to 51.6% among behavioral health clinicians.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Grove LR, Rao N, Domino ME .
Are North Carolina clinicians delivering opioid use disorder treatment to Medicaid beneficiaries?
Addiction 2022 Nov;117(11):2855-63. doi: 10.1111/add.15854..
Keywords: Opioids, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, Vulnerable Populations, Medication, Access to Care, Medicaid
Semere W, Kaplan L, Valle K
Caregiving needs are unmet for many older homeless adults: findings from the Hope Home study.
Researchers described characteristics of older homeless-experienced adults with caregiving need and determined factors associated with having unmet need. Using data from the longitudinal study, Health Outcomes in People Experiencing Homelessness in Older Middle Age (HOPE HOME), they found that better self-rated health and being a man were associated with higher odds of unmet need. Moderate or high-risk substance use was associated with lower odds of unmet need. They recommended interventions that increase caregiving access for homeless-experienced individuals in order to avoid poor health outcomes and costly long-term-care needs due to untreated disabilities.
AHRQ-funded; HS027844.
Citation: Semere W, Kaplan L, Valle K .
Caregiving needs are unmet for many older homeless adults: findings from the Hope Home study.
J Gen Intern Med 2022 Nov;37(14):3611-19. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07438-z..
Keywords: Elderly, Vulnerable Populations, Caregiving, Access to Care
James TG, Miller MD, McKee MM
Emergency department condition acuity, length of stay, and revisits among deaf and hard-of-hearing patients: a retrospective chart review.
This study assessed emergency department (ED) condition acuity, length of stay (LOS), and acute ED revisits among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) patients. Findings identified that DHH American Sign Language users have longer ED LOS than non-DHH English-speakers.
AHRQ-funded; HS027537.
Citation: James TG, Miller MD, McKee MM .
Emergency department condition acuity, length of stay, and revisits among deaf and hard-of-hearing patients: a retrospective chart review.
Acad Emerg Med 2022 Nov;29(11):1290-300. doi: 10.1111/acem.14573..
Keywords: Emergency Department, Disabilities, Vulnerable Populations
Mackie TI, Schaefer AJ, Palatucci JS
The role of formal policy to promote informed consent of psychotropic medications for youth in child welfare custody: a national examination.
The purpose of this sequential multi-method study was to propose a classification for the procedural elements of informed consent policies based upon existing child welfare policies and then explored whether formal state policies across the United States authorized these elements. The researchers conducted interviews with 58 key informants primarily from state child welfare agencies to identify a classification of procedural elements for informed consent of psychotropic medications. A legislative review of the 50 states and D.C. was then conducted to characterize whether formal policies endorsed each procedural element. Key informants reported five procedural elements in policy, and 23 states endorsed relevant legislation. Only two states specified all five procedural elements, and the content of any procedural elements varied considerably across policies.
AHRQ-funded; HS02198501; HS026001
Citation: Mackie TI, Schaefer AJ, Palatucci JS .
The role of formal policy to promote informed consent of psychotropic medications for youth in child welfare custody: a national examination.
Adm Policy Ment Health 2022 Nov;49(6):986-1003. doi: 10.1007/s10488-022-01212-3..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Vulnerable Populations, Medication, Behavioral Health, Policy
Shover CL, Rosen A, Mata J
Engaging same-day peer ambassadors to increase coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County: a hybrid feasibility-evaluation study.
This study’s goal was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of engaging unhoused peer ambassadors (PAs) in COVID-19 vaccination efforts to reach people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County. A total of 117 PAs were enrolled at 103 events, participating for an average of 2 hours. Findings showed that 197 additional people were vaccinated over 167 PA hours, accounting for >25% of all vaccines given at these events, indicating that recruiting same-day unhoused PAs is a feasible, acceptable, and preliminarily effective technique to increase COVID-19 vaccination in unsheltered settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS026407.
Citation: Shover CL, Rosen A, Mata J .
Engaging same-day peer ambassadors to increase coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County: a hybrid feasibility-evaluation study.
J Infect Dis 2022 Oct 7;226(suppl 3):S346-s52. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiac291..
Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccination, Vulnerable Populations, Public Health
Sakai-Bizmark R, Kumamaru H, Estevez D
Association between suicide attempt and previous healthcare utilization among homeless youth.
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prior emergency department visit or hospitalization and subsequent suicide attempt among homeless youth aged 10-17 years old using New York statewide databases. Findings showed an association between prior healthcare utilization and decreased risk of suicide attempt among homeless youth.
AHRQ-funded; 900014-17-05.
Citation: Sakai-Bizmark R, Kumamaru H, Estevez D .
Association between suicide attempt and previous healthcare utilization among homeless youth.
Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022 Oct;52(5):994-1001. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12897..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Vulnerable Populations, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Utilization
Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Researchers described the barriers encountered by a homeless patient with a history of colorectal cancer who was lost to follow up and presented 11 years later with a new primary colon cancer. They provided policy solutions to increase the use of primary and secondary screening, including essential private bathroom access for colonoscopy preparation in patients who had a positive screening or who require surveillance after diagnosis and treatment. They concluded that increasing early detection and treatment may be cost-effective and could reduce disparities in morbidity and mortality in homeless patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS024532.
Citation: Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA .
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Ann Surg Open 2022 Sep;3(3):e183. doi: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000183..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, Vulnerable Populations, Screening, Access to Care, Case Study
Bowden CF, Simmel C, Mendez A
The complexity of psychotropic medication prescription and treating trauma among youth in foster care: perspectives from the lived experience.
The purpose of this study was to examine stakeholders' perspectives of the relationship between psychotropic medications and trauma informed care (TIC) for youth in foster care. The researchers recruited foster caseworkers, prescribing clinicians, caregivers, and alumni of the foster care system and conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Five themes emerged across the recorded and transcribed data within stakeholder groups: 1) acknowledging trauma; 2) role of psychotropic medication; 3) psychosocial resources; 4) additional supports; and, 5) training and education. Stakeholders identified TIC as an important component of mental health services for youth in foster care. Most stakeholders felt that psychotropic medication was overused in treating trauma. Respondents suggested including additional supportive team members to help guide youth through the mental health treatment system and stated the importance of support from individuals with common lived experiences. The study concluded that there is a need for: improved training and education for stakeholders, additional sources of support for youth in foster care, and an overall system that emphasizes trauma-sensitive clinical interactions and psychosocial supports.
AHRQ-funded; HS02600101A1.
Citation: Bowden CF, Simmel C, Mendez A .
The complexity of psychotropic medication prescription and treating trauma among youth in foster care: perspectives from the lived experience.
Adm Policy Ment Health 2022 Sep;49(5):821-33. doi: 10.1007/s10488-022-01203-4..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Vulnerable Populations, Behavioral Health, Trauma, Medication
Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE
Building health equity through housing policies: critical reflections and future directions for research.
This article provides a series of recommendations to help build health equity through housing policies. The authors recommend more justice- and action-oriented research to help address current levels of housing insecurity that are the result of clear and inequitable policy choices, leading to the entrenchment of health inequities-particularly, across race and class.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE .
Building health equity through housing policies: critical reflections and future directions for research.
J Epidemiol Community Health 2022 Aug;76(8):759-63. doi: 10.1136/jech-2021-216439.
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Vulnerable Populations, Policy
Kim B, Mulready-Ward C, Thorpe LE
Housing environments and asthma outcomes within population-based samples of adults and children in NYC.
This study assessed the relationship between housing type (i.e., home ownership, public housing, rental assistance, rent-controlled housing, and other rental housing) and asthma outcomes among New York City (NYC) adults and children (ages 1-13). The authors used the 2019 NYC Community Health Survey (CHS) and 2019 NYC KIDS survey to analyze associations between housing type and ever having been diagnosed with asthma (“ever asthma”) and experiencing an asthma attack within the past year. They also examined whether associations were modified by smoking status (among adults), smoking within the house (among children), and overweight/obesity. Among adults, living in public housing, compared to home ownership, was associated with higher odds of ever asthma and past-year asthma attack. Rental assistance housing living was also significantly associated with ever asthma. Public or rental assistance housing associations and ever asthma were marginally significant among children but were more pronounced among ever smokers than among never smokers.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Kim B, Mulready-Ward C, Thorpe LE .
Housing environments and asthma outcomes within population-based samples of adults and children in NYC.
Prev Med 2022 Aug;161:107147. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107147..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Asthma, Respiratory Conditions, Social Determinants of Health, Vulnerable Populations, Urban Health, Chronic Conditions
Hashemi A, Vasquez K, Guishard D
Implementing dash-aligned congregate meals and self-measured blood pressure in two senior centers: An open label study.
This study tested whether implementing two evidence-based interventions--DASH-aligned meals provided through an existing congregate meal program, and support for home Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) monitoring--lowers blood pressure among participants at two senior centers serving low-income, racially diverse communities. Participants were clients aged ≥60, eating ≥4 meals/week at two NYC senior centers. They received DASH-aligned congregate meals, and training in nutrition, BP management education, and personal SMBP device. Primary outcomes was a) change in systolic BP measured by independent health professionals, and b) change in percent with "controlled BP" (Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC-8) Guidelines), at Month 1 compared to Baseline. The authors enrolled 94 participants, with COVID closures interrupting implementation mid-study. Mean systolic BP at Month-1 changed by -4.41 mmHg compared to Baseline. Participants with controlled BP increased at Month 1 and changes in mean BP at Month 1 was significantly correlated with BMI, age, and baseline BP. Mean systolic mean SMBP changed by -6.9 mmHg at Months 5/6.
AHRQ-funded; HS021667.
Citation: Hashemi A, Vasquez K, Guishard D .
Implementing dash-aligned congregate meals and self-measured blood pressure in two senior centers: An open label study.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2022 Aug;32(8):1998-2009. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2022.05.018..
Keywords: Elderly, Blood Pressure, Community-Based Practice, Patient Self-Management, Nutrition, Lifestyle Changes, Vulnerable Populations
Lee JL, Gustavson AM, Kian L
Reimagining cross-sector collaborations post-pandemic to optimize care for vulnerable homebound older adult populations.
This research letter discusses the development process for cross-sector collaborations post-pandemic to optimize care for vulnerable homebound older adult populations. These collaborations are proposed between health, social, and academic research systems. The authors collaborated with their local Houston Meals on Wheels (MOW) program, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the Harris County Health System. These organizations formed a Healthy Aging Committee with several healthcare professionals from different healthcare systems participating as volunteers. The goal of the Committee was to identify ways to highlight the potential benefits of nutritious meal delivery. The three institutions worked together through all stages of research, from grant writing to recruiting participants, establishing trust in their relationships, and leveraging their connections and expertise in different areas. In their first research project, they investigated the addition of a home-based exercise program with enhanced meal deliveries to improve frailty status in older adults who were frail and homebound. This pilot study had been stopped during the pandemic. The restarted study was revised so that the MOW drivers delivering frozen and shelf-stable meals in person once a week would now also provide exercise handouts for those in the treatment group to minimize face-to-face contact. Their current second research project is evaluating whether the combination of a virtual assistant device such as Amazon Alexa with meal delivery can improve mental health for homebound older adults with cognitive impairment.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Lee JL, Gustavson AM, Kian L .
Reimagining cross-sector collaborations post-pandemic to optimize care for vulnerable homebound older adult populations.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2022 Jul; 70(7):1939-41. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17813..
Keywords: Elderly, Home Healthcare, Vulnerable Populations, Public Health
McDowell A, Myong C, Tevis D
Sexual orientation and gender identity data reporting among U.S. health centers.
This study examined sexual orientation and gender identity data reporting among community health centers. The study used the 2016-2019 Uniform Data System for 1,381 community health centers to look at trends in reporting. From 2016 to 2016, the percentage of community health centers with sexual orientation and gender identity data for ≥75% of patients increased from 14.9% to 53.0%. In 2019, community health centers were more likely to have this data for ≥75% of patients if they were in nonmetro counties versus metro, were in the South or West (versus Northeast), and had more patients aged between 18 and 39 years, between 40 and 64 years (versus <18 years), or veterans. This was less likely among smaller community health centers serving 10-20,000 patients or >20,000 patients, and centers with more patients of American Indian/Alaskan Native or unknown race (versus White).
AHRQ-funded; HS025378.
Citation: McDowell A, Myong C, Tevis D .
Sexual orientation and gender identity data reporting among U.S. health centers.
Am J Prev Med 2022 Jun;62(6):e325-e32. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.12.017..
Keywords: Vulnerable Populations, Community-Based Practice
Adolphe S, Fernandez-Pastrana I, Scott H
EASE-ing the way for pediatric providers and parents: the Engagement and Access to Special Education (EASE) Clinic.
Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are tasked by the American Academy of Pediatrics to identify children who need special education and ensure that those children receive appropriate related services provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA entitles children between the ages of 3 and 21 to free education through individualized education programs (IEPs), and other related supports. The extent of PCP knowledge about the IDEA, special education, and available related support services and how to assess them, is largely unknown. Existing research indicates there is a lack of knowledge, training, and confidence in providers about special education. Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Engagement and Access to Special Education (EASE) clinic was developed to provide support to the parents and PCPs of children with special education needs. The purpose of this article was to introduce and describe the EASE clinical model as a useful method for PCPs to strengthen their ability to provide appropriate and available comprehensive care to their patients requiring special education. The authors reported that of the 14,000 pediatric patients at the Boston Medical Center, 308 children were referred to the EASE clinic between its inception in 2017 and May 2021. The majority of children were Black non-Hispanic, English-speaking, and male, with an average age of 8.3 at first clinic. During that same time 452 total visits were completed, with a waiting list of less than 90 days. The authors conclude that for primary care practices with patients with special education needs, the BMC EASE clinic can serve as a useful model for improving their ability to provide care.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242.
Citation: Adolphe S, Fernandez-Pastrana I, Scott H .
EASE-ing the way for pediatric providers and parents: the Engagement and Access to Special Education (EASE) Clinic.
Acad Pediatr 2022 May-Jun;24(4):705-07. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.02.011..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Caregiving, Patient and Family Engagement, Vulnerable Populations, Disabilities
Cole MB, Nguyen KH, Byhoff E, Byhoff E
Screening for social risk at federally qualified health centers: a national study.
In the United States, millions of low-income patients have unaddressed social risks. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide services to approximately 29.8 million low-income patients, and data on social risk screening capabilities had never been collected across all FQHCs until 2019. The purpose of this study was to analyze the social risk screening capabilities across the FQHCs, report the national rates, identify screening predictors, and compare rates between states. The researchers collected data from the 2019 Uniform Data System from all 1,384 FQHCs across the U.S., with a primary outcome of determining whether each FQHC collected data on their patients’ social risk factors. The researchers also estimated the relationship between the characteristics of 7 FQHCs (such as their size, and various Medicare features), and their probability of conducting social risk screening. The study reported that 71% of FQHCs collected information on social risks, with variances between states. The researchers concluded that while the majority of FQHCs collect data on social risk factors, there are disparities between different states, and that smaller FQHCs may benefit from having social risk screening resources focused on them and may increase their use of screening tools and practices.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242.
Citation: Cole MB, Nguyen KH, Byhoff E, Byhoff E .
Screening for social risk at federally qualified health centers: a national study.
Am J Prev Med 2022 May;62(5):670-78. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.11.008..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Vulnerable Populations, Screening
Grove LR, Berkowitz SA, Cuddeback G
Permanent supportive housing tenure among a heterogeneous population of adults with disabilities.
This study analyzed the permanent supportive housing (PSH) tenure among a heterogenous population of 2093 adults with disabilities participating in a North Carolina PSH program between 2015 and 2018. Participants had a 71% probability of remaining in the housing after 2 years. A lower hazard of PSH departure was associated with older age, female gender, and non-Hispanic/Black race/ethnicity. Severe mental illness was associated with greater departure hazard.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Grove LR, Berkowitz SA, Cuddeback G .
Permanent supportive housing tenure among a heterogeneous population of adults with disabilities.
Popul Health Manag 2022 Apr;25(2):227-34. doi: 10.1089/pop.2021.0348..
Keywords: Disabilities, Vulnerable Populations
Kenney MK, Chanlongbutra A, Fanflick PL
AHRQ Author: Chanlongbutra A
Systems of care among children and youth with special health care needs with and without adverse childhood events: National Survey of Children's Health 2016-2017.
The purpose of the study was to compare Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) with non-CYSHCN in the likelihood of experiencing Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), and then document the differences in receiving recommended and needed health care services among CYSHCS with and without ACEs. The researchers studied a sample of 16,304 CYSHCN from the 2016 and 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (N=71,181). The study found that CYHSCN had a greater likelihood of having each of the measured Adverse Childhood Events, and greater likelihood of experiencing aggregated levels of ACE’s than non-CYSHCN. In addition, an increase in ACEs was related to a decrease in the likelihood of a CYSHCN having a medical home with family-centered and coordinated care. Having one or greater ACEs increased the likelihood of having unmet mental health care needs. The study concluded that the researcher’s findings extend the current understanding of the relationship between CYSHCN and ACEs, and that the need for additional work to establish care systems for this vulnerable population continues.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Kenney MK, Chanlongbutra A, Fanflick PL .
Systems of care among children and youth with special health care needs with and without adverse childhood events: National Survey of Children's Health 2016-2017.
Disabil Health J 2022 Apr;15(2):101226. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101226..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Disabilities, Healthcare Delivery, Vulnerable Populations
Behr CL, Hull P, Hsu J
Geographic access to federally qualified health centers before and after the Affordable Care Act.
Funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) increased with the advent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The purpose of this study was to define FQHC service areas based on patient use and examine the characteristics of areas that gained FQHC access post-ACA. The researchers first defined FQHC service areas using total patient counts by ZIP code from the Uniform Data System (UDS) and then compared that approach with other methods. The authors then compared the characteristics of ZIP codes from Medically Underserved Areas/ Populations (MUA/Ps) that gained access to FQHCs between 2011-2015, with MUA/P ZIP codes that did not gain access to FQHCs during that same time period. The study found that FQHC service areas based on the UDS data included a larger percentage of FQHC patients and a higher use of FQHCs among low-income residents, on average, than Primary Care Service Areas or counties. The researchers also discovered that MUA/Ps that gained access to an FQHC between 2011 and 2015 included more poor, publicly insured, uninsured, and foreign born residents than underserved areas that did not gain access. The study concluded that measures of actual patient use are a useful method of assessing FQHC service areas and access.
AHRQ-funded; HS025378.
Citation: Behr CL, Hull P, Hsu J .
Geographic access to federally qualified health centers before and after the Affordable Care Act.
BMC Health Serv Res 2022 Mar 23;22(1):385. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-07685-0..
Keywords: Access to Care, Uninsured, Vulnerable Populations
Riviello ED, Dechen T, O'Donoghue AL
Assessment of a crisis standards of care scoring system for resource prioritization and estimated excess mortality by race, ethnicity, and socially vulnerable area during a regional surge in COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed the association of a crisis standards of care (CSOC) scoring system with resource prioritization and estimated excess mortality by race, ethnicity, and residence in a socially vulnerable area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from 6 hospitals in greater Boston, Massachusetts, they found that a CSOC priority score resulted in lower prioritization of Black patients to receive scarce resources. Also, a model using a random lottery resulted in more estimated excess deaths overall without improving equity by race.
AHRQ-funded; HS024288.
Citation: Riviello ED, Dechen T, O'Donoghue AL .
Assessment of a crisis standards of care scoring system for resource prioritization and estimated excess mortality by race, ethnicity, and socially vulnerable area during a regional surge in COVID-19.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Mar;5(3):e221744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.1744..
Keywords: COVID-19, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Mortality, Public Health, Vulnerable Populations
Wang J, Ying M, Li Y
Home health agencies with more socially vulnerable patients have poorer experience of care ratings.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Medicare dual eligibility and race/ ethnicity when exploring Medicare-certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) and experience of care ratings. The researchers analyzed the 2017 national Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and matched datasets of 10,906 CHHAs and found that CHHAs with higher concentrations of dual-eligible patients were less likely to have high experience of care ratings. In addition, CHHAs with higher proportions of racial/ ethnic minorities were less likely to have high experience of care ratings in the domains of care delivery, communication, and specific care issues.
AHRQ-funded; HS026893.
Citation: Wang J, Ying M, Li Y .
Home health agencies with more socially vulnerable patients have poorer experience of care ratings.
J Appl Gerontol 2022 Mar;41(3):661-70. doi: 10.1177/07334648211053859..
Keywords: Elderly, Home Healthcare, Vulnerable Populations, Provider Performance
Porteny T, Ponce N, Sommers BD
Immigrants and the Affordable Care Act: changes in coverage and access to care by documentation status.
This study used data from the California Health Interview Survey (2003-2016) to compare changes in health coverage and access to care among immigrants in California before and after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The authors found that the ACA has led to major gains in coverage for lawful permanent residents in California, but unauthorized immigrants experienced only modest increases in coverage. This result widened the disparity in uninsured rates for unauthorized immigrants relative to citizens considerably since 2014.
AHRQ-funded; HS000055.
Citation: Porteny T, Ponce N, Sommers BD .
Immigrants and the Affordable Care Act: changes in coverage and access to care by documentation status.
J Immigr Minor Health 2022 Feb;24(1):86-94. doi: 10.1007/s10903-020-01124-0..
Keywords: Access to Care, Health Insurance, Uninsured, Vulnerable Populations
Kronk CA, Everhart AR, Ashley F
Transgender data collection in the electronic health record: current concepts and issues.
The authors present recommendations and common pitfalls involving sex- and gender-related data collection in electronic health records (EHRs) regarding the over 1 million transgender people living in the United States. They also briefly discuss adequate additions to the EHR considering name and pronoun usage. They conclude that collaborations between local transgender and gender-diverse persons and medication providers as well as open inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse individuals on terminology and standards boards is crucial to shifting the paradigm in transgender and gender-diverse health.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385; HS000029.
Citation: Kronk CA, Everhart AR, Ashley F .
Transgender data collection in the electronic health record: current concepts and issues.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022 Jan 12;29(2):271-84. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocab136..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Vulnerable Populations
Mojica CM, Gunn R, Pham R
An observational study of workflows to support fecal testing for colorectal cancer screening in primary care practices serving Medicaid enrollees.
This study was conducted to describe clinical workflows for fecal immunochemical tests/fecal occult blood tests (FIT/FOBT) in Oregon primary care practices and to identify specific workflow processes that might be associated with higher colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Findings showed that primary care practices with higher CRC screening rates among newly age-eligible Medicaid enrollees had more established visit-based and population outreach workflows to support identifying patients due for screening, FIT/FOBT distribution, reminders, and follow up. Higher CRC screening was associated with having medical assistants discuss and review FIT/FOBT screening and instructions with patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Mojica CM, Gunn R, Pham R .
An observational study of workflows to support fecal testing for colorectal cancer screening in primary care practices serving Medicaid enrollees.
BMC Cancer 2022 Jan 25;22(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-09106-7..
Keywords: Workflow, Screening, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Primary Care, Vulnerable Populations
Sequeira GM, Boyer T, Coulter RWS
Healthcare experiences of gender diverse youth across clinical settings.
The objectives of this study were to describe the current experiences of gender diverse youth in healthcare settings outside of multidisciplinary gender clinics and determine how healthcare experiences differ by gender identity and across settings, with the goal of informing interventions that can create more gender-affirming health systems.
AHRQ-funded; HS026393.
Citation: Sequeira GM, Boyer T, Coulter RWS .
Healthcare experiences of gender diverse youth across clinical settings.
J Pediatr 2022 Jan;240:251-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.089..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Patient Experience, Case Study, Vulnerable Populations