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 20 of 20 Research Studies DisplayedLee CI, Zhu W, Onega TL
The effect of digital breast tomosynthesis adoption on facility-level breast cancer screening volume.
This study examined whether adoption of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) was associated with a decrease in screening mammography capacity across Breast Cancer Screening Consortium facilities. Facility characteristics and examination volume data were collected from facilities that adopted DBT from 2011 and 2014. The majority of facilities had no academic affiliation (73%), were nonprofit (80%) and were general radiology practices (66.7%). Monthly screening volumes were slightly higher after the adoption period but otherwise remained relatively stable before and after adoption of DBT.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Lee CI, Zhu W, Onega TL .
The effect of digital breast tomosynthesis adoption on facility-level breast cancer screening volume.
AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018 Nov;211(5):957-63. doi: 10.2214/ajr.17.19350..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Women
Lee SC, Higashi RT, Sanders JM
Effects of program scale-up on time to resolution for patients with abnormal screening mammography results.
Effects of geographic program expansion to rural areas on mammogram screening program outcomes are understudied. The authors of this study sought to determine whether time-to-resolution (TTR) varied significantly by service delivery time period, location, and participant characteristics across 19 North Texas counties.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Lee SC, Higashi RT, Sanders JM .
Effects of program scale-up on time to resolution for patients with abnormal screening mammography results.
Cancer Causes Control 2018 Oct;29(10):995-1005. doi: 10.1007/s10552-018-1074-4..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Women, Rural Health, Access to Care, Prevention
Wilson LE, Pollack CE, Greiner MA
Association between physician characteristics and the use of 21-gene recurrence score genomic testing among Medicare beneficiaries with early-stage breast cancer, 2008-2011.
This study sought to determine whether physician-level characteristics were associated with 21-gene recurrence score (RS) genomic testing to evaluate recurrence risk and benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, node-negative breast cancer. The study concluded that although most RS testing was ordered by medical oncologists, physicians in other specialties ordered roughly one-third of the tests. Physician characteristics, including gender and time in practice, were associated with receiving testing.
AHRQ-funded; HS022189.
Citation: Wilson LE, Pollack CE, Greiner MA .
Association between physician characteristics and the use of 21-gene recurrence score genomic testing among Medicare beneficiaries with early-stage breast cancer, 2008-2011.
Breast Cancer Res Treat 2018 Jul;170(2):361-71. doi: 10.1007/s10549-018-4746-6..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Genetics, Practice Patterns, Women
Pappadis MR, Volk RJ, Krishnan S
Perceptions of overdetection of breast cancer among women 70 years of age and older in the USA: a mixed-methods analysis.
The authors explored older women's perceptions about the concept of overdetection of breast cancer and its influence on future screening intentions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 59 English-speaking women aged 70 years or older with no prior history of breast cancer. The authors found that many older women did not understand the concept of overdetection, in addition to being suspicious of or resistant to the concept. Providing older women with descriptions of overdetection may not be sufficient to influence screening intentions.
AHRQ-funded; HS022134.
Citation: Pappadis MR, Volk RJ, Krishnan S .
Perceptions of overdetection of breast cancer among women 70 years of age and older in the USA: a mixed-methods analysis.
BMJ Open 2018 Jun 14;8(6):e022138. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022138..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Elderly, Screening, Decision Making, Women, Prevention, Imaging
Childers KK, Maggard-Gibbons M, Macinko J
National distribution of cancer genetic testing in the United States: evidence for a gender disparity in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Identifying mutation carriers is critical for treatment decisions, cancer prevention, and early detection. This study analyzed the 2015 US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional in-person interview gathering self-reported health data for the US population. The study found that while cancer genetic testing seems to reach a broad geographic and sociodemographic population in the national survey, there remain underrepresented groups, including Hispanics, the uninsured, noncitizens, and those with less education.
AHRQ-funded; HS025079.
Citation: Childers KK, Maggard-Gibbons M, Macinko J .
National distribution of cancer genetic testing in the United States: evidence for a gender disparity in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
JAMA Oncol 2018 Jun;4(6):876-79. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2018.0340..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Ovarian Cancer, Genetics, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Screening, Social Determinants of Health, Women
Doll KM, Snyder CR, Ford CL
Endometrial cancer disparities: a race-conscious critique of the literature.
This review critiques how race has been conceptualized to explain the causes of endometrial cancer disparities, assesses gaps in knowledge production, and proposes new research priorities. The authors found that a narrow definition of race as a purely biological construct is common throughout the literature, resulting in an underemphasis on the role of modifiable, nonbiological contributors to racial disparities and a lack of follow-up work to address these contributors. Knowledge gaps included the role of health care systems in early diagnosis, a lack of intervention studies to address persistent treatment inequity by race, and the near absence of qualitative work to understand the perspectives of black women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
AHRQ-funded; HS022982.
Citation: Doll KM, Snyder CR, Ford CL .
Endometrial cancer disparities: a race-conscious critique of the literature.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018 May;218(5):474-82.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.09.016.
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Keywords: Cancer, Disparities, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women
Dabbous F, Dolecek TA, Friedewald SM
Performance characteristics of digital vs film screen mammography in community practice.
In this study, the investigators examined performance characteristics of digital vs film screen mammography in community practice by comparing the performance characteristics of 297 629 full field digital (FFDM) and 416 791 screen film mammograms (SFM). In their study, modest gains in performance were achieved with the introduction of FFDM as a replacement for SFM, in a large health care organization.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Dabbous F, Dolecek TA, Friedewald SM .
Performance characteristics of digital vs film screen mammography in community practice.
Breast J 2018 May;24(3):369-72. doi: 10.1111/tbj.12942..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Imaging, Women, Prevention, Comparative Effectiveness, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Murphy DR, Meyer AND, Vaghani V
Electronic triggers to identify delays in follow-up of mammography: harnessing the power of big data in health care.
Because of the unique clinical, logistic, and legal aspects of mammography, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a trigger to flag delayed follow-up on mammography. The investigators found that care delays appeared to continue despite federal laws requiring patient notification of mammographic results within 30 days. They suggest that clinical application of mammography-related triggers could help detect these delays.
AHRQ-funded; HS022901.
Citation: Murphy DR, Meyer AND, Vaghani V .
Electronic triggers to identify delays in follow-up of mammography: harnessing the power of big data in health care.
J Am Coll Radiol 2018 Feb;15(2):287-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2017.10.001..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Imaging, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Prevention, Women
Yanez BR, Buitrago D, Buscemi J
Study design and protocol for My Guide: an e-health intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic breast cancer survivors.
This article describes a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a Smartphone application intended to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Participants are randomized to receive either the intervention application My Guide, or the health education control condition application My Health for six weeks, and also receive weekly telecoaching to enhance adherence to both applications. The study's outcomes are measured prior to intervention, immediately after, and eight weeks following initial application use.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Yanez BR, Buitrago D, Buscemi J .
Study design and protocol for My Guide: an e-health intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic breast cancer survivors.
Contemp Clin Trials 2018 Feb;65:61-68. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.018..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Health Information Technology (HIT), Outcomes, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality of Life, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women
Silver MI, Rositch AF, Phelan-Emrick DF
Uptake of HPV testing and extended cervical cancer screening intervals following cytology alone and Pap/HPV cotesting in women aged 30-65 years.
To evaluate the adoption of HPV testing and recommended extended cervical cancer screening intervals in clinical practice, researchers described yearly uptake of Pap/HPV cotesting and estimated length of time between normal screens by patient characteristics. They concluded that increased screening intervals were observed only among cotested women, while those screened by cytology alone continued to be screened almost annually.
AHRQ-funded; HS022199.
Citation: Silver MI, Rositch AF, Phelan-Emrick DF .
Uptake of HPV testing and extended cervical cancer screening intervals following cytology alone and Pap/HPV cotesting in women aged 30-65 years.
Cancer Causes Control 2018 Jan;29(1):43-50. doi: 10.1007/s10552-017-0976-x.
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Keywords: Cancer, Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Screening, Women
Goodwin JS, Sheffield K, Li S
Receipt of cancer screening is a predictor of life expectancy.
The researchers sought to determine the association between receipt of screening mammography or PSA and overall survival. They found that the subjects with prior cancer screening had actual median survivals higher than those who were not screened, with differences ranging from 1.7 to 2.1 years for women and 0.9 to 1.1 years for men.
AHRQ-funded; HS022134.
Citation: Goodwin JS, Sheffield K, Li S .
Receipt of cancer screening is a predictor of life expectancy.
J Gen Intern Med 2016 Nov;31(11):1308-14. doi: 10.1007/s11606-016-3787-y.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Screening, Women, Men's Health, Health Status
Scarinci IC, Garces-Palacio IC, Morales-Aleman MM
Sowing the seeds of health: training of community health advisors to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama.
The researchers sought to develop and evaluate a culturally relevant training for Community Health Advisors (CHA) to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama. They found that a knowledge and skills training increased the CHAs' (1) knowledge of cancer screening and other health topics and (2) their perceived confidence to communicate with women in their communities about cancer screening and to motivate them to attain screenings.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Scarinci IC, Garces-Palacio IC, Morales-Aleman MM .
Sowing the seeds of health: training of community health advisors to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama.
J Health Care Poor Underserved 2016;27(4):1779-93. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0162.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Screening, Women
Croswell J, Owings J
Screening for breast cancer.
This case study involves a 47-year-old woman who presents to your office for a well-woman visit. She is healthy, takes no medications, and has no health concerns. She has never been diagnosed with breast cancer, nor have any of her first-degree relatives. Her digital mammography two years ago was negative, and she asks whether she should be screened again this year. The study poses three multiple choice questions together with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and related background information.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Croswell J, Owings J .
Screening for breast cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2016 Jul 15;94(2):143-4.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Imaging, Case Study
Roberts MC, Bryson A, Weinberger M
Patient-centered communication for discussing oncotype DX testing.
The researchers identified patient-centered communication strategies/gaps for discussing Oncotype DX testing (ODX) results. They applied a patient-centered communication framework to analyze qualitative interviews with oncologists about how they communicate about ODX with patients. Overall, providers discussed four patient-centered communication domains: exchanging information, assessing uncertainty, making decisions and cross-cutting themes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019468; HS022189.
Citation: Roberts MC, Bryson A, Weinberger M .
Patient-centered communication for discussing oncotype DX testing.
Cancer Invest 2016 May 27;34(5):205-12. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2016.1172637.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Communication, Clinician-Patient Communication, Decision Making, Genetics, Patient and Family Engagement, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Women
Khan MJ, Massad LS, Kinney W
A common clinical dilemma: Management of abnormal vaginal cytology and human papillomavirus test results.
The researchers reviewed the literature on vaginal cytology and high-risk HPV testing and developed guidance for the management of abnormal vaginal screening tests. Since vaginal cancer is rare, the authors suggested that asymptomatic low-risk women not be screened. They further proposed an algorithm based on expert opinion for managing women with abnormal vaginal test results.
AHRQ-funded; HS023009.
Citation: Khan MJ, Massad LS, Kinney W .
A common clinical dilemma: Management of abnormal vaginal cytology and human papillomavirus test results.
J Low Genit Tract Dis 2016 Apr;20(2):119-25. doi: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000185.
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Keywords: Cancer, Care Management, Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Women
Nelson HD, O'Meara ES, Kerlikowske K
Factors associated with rates of false-positive and false-negative results from digital mammography screening: an analysis of registry data.
The researchers sought to determine factors associated with false-positive and false-negative digital mammography results, additional imaging, and biopsies among a general population of women screened for breast cancer. They found that false-positive mammography results and additional imaging are common, particularly for younger women and those with risk factors, whereas biopsies occur less often. Rates of false-negative results are low.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I.
Citation: Nelson HD, O'Meara ES, Kerlikowske K .
Factors associated with rates of false-positive and false-negative results from digital mammography screening: an analysis of registry data.
Ann Intern Med 2016 Feb 16;164(4):226-35. doi: 10.7326/m15-0971.
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Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Women, Screening, Prevention
Vyas A, Madhavan S, Sambamoorthi U
Association between persistence with mammography screening and stage at diagnosis among elderly women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The objective of this study is to determine the association between persistence with mammography screening and stage at breast cancer (BC) diagnosis among elderly women. It found that, as compared to women who were not persistent with mammography screening, women who were persistent with mammography screening were significantly more likely to be diagnosed at earlier stages of BC.
AHRQ-funded; HS018622.
Citation: Vyas A, Madhavan S, Sambamoorthi U .
Association between persistence with mammography screening and stage at diagnosis among elderly women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014 Dec;148(3):645-54. doi: 10.1007/s10549-014-3204-3..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Elderly, Prevention, Screening, Women
Dood RL, Gracia CR, Sammel MD
Endometrial cancer after endometrial ablation vs medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding.
The authors investigated whether endometrial ablation is associated with increased risk or delayed diagnosis of endometrial cancer compared with medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding. They observed no difference in endometrial cancer rates, nor was there a delay in diagnosis when comparing endometrial ablation vs medical management.
AHRQ-funded; HS021336.
Citation: Dood RL, Gracia CR, Sammel MD .
Endometrial cancer after endometrial ablation vs medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding.
J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):744-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2014.02.012.
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Keywords: Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Women
Yaghjyan L, Wolin K, Chang SH
Racial disparities in healthy behaviors and cancer screening among breast cancer survivors and women without cancer: National Health Interview Survey 2005.
This study aimed to compare healthy behaviors and cancer screening practices among breast cancer survivors and respondents without cancer separately in Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic women. It found that most differences were suggestive and do not differ by race.
AHRQ-funded; HS022330.
Citation: Yaghjyan L, Wolin K, Chang SH .
Racial disparities in healthy behaviors and cancer screening among breast cancer survivors and women without cancer: National Health Interview Survey 2005.
Cancer Causes Control. 2014 May;25(5):605-14. doi: 10.1007/s10552-014-0365-7..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women, Disparities, Screening
Nelson HD, Pappas M, Zakher B
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women: a systematic review to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation.
This systematic review was done in support of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated recommendation on the benefit and harms of risk assessment, genetic testing, and genetic counseling for BRCA-related cancer in women. A systematic review was done on literature from 2004 to July 30, 2013 from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Health Technology Assessment, Scopus, and reference lists. Data on the participants, study design, analysis, follow-up, and results was extracted and a second investigator confirmed key data. The studies were rated on study quality and applicability. The analysis found women with high-risk for breast cancer had decreased risk of breast cancer by 85% to 100% by having a mastectomy, and risk of mortality by 81% to 100% compared to women without surgery. There was also a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer after having salpingo-oopherectomy surgery.
AHRQ-funded; 290200710057
Citation: Nelson HD, Pappas M, Zakher B .
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women: a systematic review to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation.
Ann Intern Med 2014 Feb 18;160(4):255-66. doi: 10.7326/m13-1684..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Ovarian Cancer, Cancer, Genetics, Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Risk, Family Health and History