National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
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AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Antibiotics (1)
- Behavioral Health (1)
- Blood Pressure (3)
- Cancer (9)
- Cancer: Breast Cancer (4)
- Cancer: Colorectal Cancer (2)
- Cancer: Lung Cancer (3)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (8)
- Case Study (19)
- Children/Adolescents (12)
- Chronic Conditions (2)
- Dementia (2)
- Dental and Oral Health (1)
- Diabetes (3)
- Disparities (1)
- Elderly (3)
- Evidence-Based Practice (36)
- Genetics (1)
- Guidelines (25)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (1)
- Heart Disease and Health (2)
- Hepatitis (2)
- Imaging (3)
- Implementation (1)
- Infectious Diseases (2)
- Lifestyle Changes (2)
- Maternal Care (2)
- Medication (5)
- Neurological Disorders (2)
- Nutrition (1)
- Pregnancy (5)
- (-) Prevention (49)
- Primary Care (7)
- Public Health (1)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (1)
- Research Methodologies (3)
- Risk (6)
- Screening (31)
- Sexual Health (3)
- Shared Decision Making (1)
- Social Determinants of Health (2)
- Substance Abuse (5)
- Tobacco Use (3)
- Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation (2)
- (-) U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (49)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (1)
- Women (9)
- Young Adults (3)
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 49 Research Studies DisplayedLin JS, Hoffman L, Bean SI
Addressing racism in preventive services: methods report to support the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this report was to articulate the definitional and conceptual issues around racism and health inequity and to describe how racism and health inequities are currently addressed in preventive health. An audit was conducted assessing published literature on policy and position statements addressing racism, a subset of cancer and cardiovascular topics in USPSTF reports, recent systematic reviews on interventions to reduce health inequities, and societies, organizations, agencies, and funding bodies to gather information about how they address racism and health equity. Findings showed that racism is complex and pervasive, operates at multiple interrelated levels, and exerts negative effects on other social determinants and health and well-being through multiple pathways. The most directly relevant and immediately useful guidance identified is that from the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) working group.
AHRQ-funded; 290201600006C.
Citation: Lin JS, Hoffman L, Bean SI .
Addressing racism in preventive services: methods report to support the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Dec 21;326(23):2412-20. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.17579..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Social Determinants of Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Disparities, Research Methodologies, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Chou R, Pappas M, Dana T
Screening and interventions to prevent dental caries in children younger than 5 years: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this evidence review was to update the 2014 review on dental caries screening and preventive interventions to inform the USPSTF. Findings showed no direct evidence on benefits and harms of primary care oral health screening or referral to dentist, while dietary fluoride supplementation and fluoride varnish were associated with improved caries outcomes in higher-risk children and settings.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Chou R, Pappas M, Dana T .
Screening and interventions to prevent dental caries in children younger than 5 years: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Dec 7;326(21):2179-92. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.15658..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Dental and Oral Health, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention
Mills J, Mohnot S
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Screening for gestational diabetes.
This “Putting Prevention into Practice: An Evidence Based Approach” paper is a case study with questions and answers related to a patient with gestational diabetes.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Mohnot S .
Screening for gestational diabetes.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Dec 1;104(6):641-42..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Diabetes, Pregnancy, Screening, Prevention, Women, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Case Study
Caughey AB, Krist AH, Wolff TA
AHRQ Author: Wolff TA
USPSTF approach to addressing sex and gender when making recommendations for clinical preventive services.
The USPSTF reviewed its past recommendations that included the use of sex and gender terms, reviewed the approaches of other guideline-making bodies, and pilot-tested strategies to address sex and gender diversity. Based on the findings, the USPSTF intends to use an inclusive approach to identify issues related to sex and gender at the start of the guideline development process; assess the applicability, variability, and quality of evidence as a function of sex and gender; ensure clarity in the use of language regarding sex and gender; and identify evidence gaps related to sex and gender. The USPSTF recognizes limited evidence to inform the preventive care of populations based on gender identity.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Caughey AB, Krist AH, Wolff TA .
USPSTF approach to addressing sex and gender when making recommendations for clinical preventive services.
JAMA 2021 Nov 16;326(19):1953-61. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.15731..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Research Methodologies
Tracer H, West R
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults.
This case study in the “Putting Prevention into Practice: An Evidence Based Approach” series focuses on screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults. It includes a case study, questions, and answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, West R .
Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Nov 1;104(5):515-16..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Case Study
Mills J, O'Dowd N
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
This “Putting Prevention into Practice: An Evidence Based Approach” paper is a case study with questions and answers related to healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, O'Dowd N .
Healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Oct 1;104(4):411-12..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions, Prevention, Lifestyle Changes, Risk, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Case Study
Tong ST, Webel BK, Donahue EE
AHRQ Author: Tong ST
Understanding the value of the wellness visit: a descriptive study.
Clinical preventive services can reduce mortality and morbidity, but Americans receive only half of the recommended care. Although wellness visits protect time for clinicians to review needs and discuss care with patients, studies have not shown that having a wellness visit improves health outcomes. This study sought to understand the types of discussions and volume of care delivered during wellness visits.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tong ST, Webel BK, Donahue EE .
Understanding the value of the wellness visit: a descriptive study.
Am J Prev Med 2021 Oct;61(4):591-95. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.02.023..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Prevention
Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This is the evidence summary and updated review for the September 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections among sexually active women 25 years or older and sexually active men. The Task Force concluded that for women screening is recommended, but for men the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms. This systematic review screened over 2200 articles and included 20 articles. The articles included helped to answer the 4 key questions that were included in the research plan.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC .
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Sep 14;326(10):957-66. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.10577..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention
Fan T, Stefanos R
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Screening for colorectal cancer.
This AHRQ-authored Putting Preventions in Practice quiz has three questions and answers on the US Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for colorectal cancer. A case study is presented with questions on the best behavioral interventions, the effect of a patient’s age on the counseling approach, and what is an appropriate test and interval for colorectal screening. References are also provided at the end of the answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Stefanos R .
Screening for colorectal cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Sep 1;104(3):295-96..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Case Study
Pillay J, Donovan L, Guitard S
Screening for gestational diabetes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The objective of this study was to update the 2012 review on screening for gestational diabetes to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. The investigators concluded that direct evidence on screening vs no screening remained limited. One- vs 2-step screening was not significantly associated with improved health outcomes. At or after 24 weeks of gestation, treatment of gestational diabetes was significantly associated with improved health outcomes.
Citation: Pillay J, Donovan L, Guitard S .
Screening for gestational diabetes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Aug 10;326(6):539-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.10404..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Diabetes, Pregnancy, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Prevention, Guidelines
Fan T, Tan M
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Screening for hypertension in adults.
This Putting Prevention into Practice case study involves a 23-year-old patient presenting for a wellness visit with no concerns. The patient’s medical record shows a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg from a visit one year ago, and a body mass index of 28.2. Three questions are presented, along with answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Tan M .
Screening for hypertension in adults.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Aug 1;104(2):193-94..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Blood Pressure, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention, Case Study
Silverstein M, Kemper AR, Henderson JT
AHRQ Author: Mabry-Hernandez I
Importance of assessing wellbeing for United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.
The investigators discuss the importance of assessing wellbeing for United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations despite the current data limitations. They discuss the pathway out of the current limitations of the data on meaningful health outcomes for child and adolescent preventive services. They assert that developing measures of subjective wellbeing for children and families and deploying them at appropriate time intervals in prevention trials offers a promising, although admittedly challenging, pathway out of the child health evidence void.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Silverstein M, Kemper AR, Henderson JT .
Importance of assessing wellbeing for United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.
Pediatrics 2021 Jul;148(Suppl 1):s37-s39. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-050693H..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Screening, Prevention
Tracer H, Pierre J
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for lung cancer.
This paper is part of the “Putting Prevention into Practice” series. It provides an evidence-based case study related to lung cancer screening. Questions and answers related to the case are included.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, Pierre J .
Screening for lung cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Jul 1;104(1):79-80..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Case Study, Evidence-Based Practice
Fan T, Lee G
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults, including pregnant persons.
This AHRQ-authored Putting Preventions in Practice quiz has three questions and answers on the US Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults, including pregnant persons. A case study is presented with questions on the best behavioral interventions, e-cigarette use, and pharmacotherapy for tobacco cessation in pregnant persons. References are also provided at the end of the answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Lee G .
Interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults, including pregnant persons.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Jun 15;103(12):753-54..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Tobacco Use, Prevention, Case Study, Pregnancy, Women, Substance Abuse
Mills J, Molchan S
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
This Putting Prevention into Practice case study is a 3-question quiz on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) final recommendation on screening for carotid artery stenosis. It asks questions on counseling patients, risk factors, and the USPSTF recommendations on the benefits and harms of screening for carotid artery stenosis. Discussion is provided in the answers along with references to the USPSTF recommendations.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Molchan S .
Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
Am Fam Physician 2021 May 15;103(10):623-24..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Cardiovascular Conditions, Prevention, Case Study, Risk
Mabry-Hernandez I, O'Dowd N
AHRQ Author: Mabry-Hernandez I
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in adolescents and adults.
This AHRQ-authored Putting Prevention Into Practice (PPIP) quiz is on the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation. Only three questions are included with the answers at the end of the quiz. The questions are about 1) When to screen for HBV; 2) Who are the high-risk groups for HBV; and 3) Which country has the highest prevalence of HBV infection.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mabry-Hernandez I, O'Dowd N .
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in adolescents and adults.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Apr 15;103(8):493-94..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Hepatitis, Screening, Prevention, Case Study
Feltner C, Wallace IF, Kistler CE
Screening for hearing loss in older adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to update the evidence review on screening for hearing loss in adults 50 years or older to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Findings showed that several screening tests can adequately detect hearing loss in older adults, while no studies reported on the harms of screening or treatment. Further, evidence showing benefit from hearing aids on hearing-related function among adults with screen-detected or newly detected hearing loss is limited to studies enrolling veterans.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Feltner C, Wallace IF, Kistler CE .
Screening for hearing loss in older adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Mar 23;325(12):1202-15. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.24855..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Elderly, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Mabry-Hernandez I, Baker SM
AHRQ Author: Mabry-Hernandez I
Screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents.
This Putting Prevention into Practice case study concerns a 10-year-old boy with obesity and a family history significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia presenting for a well-child examination. The parents express concern about their child’s risk for hypertension and ask whether they should be monitoring his blood pressure. Three questions are presented, along with answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mabry-Hernandez I, Baker SM .
Screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Mar 15;103(6):371-72..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Blood Pressure, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Case Study
Meza R, Jeon J, Toumazis I
Evaluation of the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography: modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to inform the USPSTF guidelines by estimating the benefits and harms associated with various low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening strategies. Microsimulation modeling studies suggested that LDCT screening for lung cancer compared with no screening may increase lung cancer deaths averted and life-years gained when optimally targeted and implemented. Screening individuals at aged 50 or 55 years through aged 80 years with 20 pack-years or more of smoking exposure was estimated to result in more benefits than the 2013 USPSTF-recommended criteria and less disparity in screening eligibility by sex and race/ethnicity.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Meza R, Jeon J, Toumazis I .
Evaluation of the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography: modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Mar 9;325(10):988-97. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1077..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM
Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to inform the USPSTF. Findings showed that screening high-risk persons with LDCT can reduce lung cancer mortality but can also cause false-positive results leading to unnecessary tests and invasive procedures, overdiagnosis, incidental findings, increases in distress, and, rarely, radiation-induced cancers.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM .
Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Mar 9;325(10):971-87. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.0377..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Guirguis-Blake JM, Webber EM, Coppola EL
Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general population: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This evidence update aimed to identify studies published since the previous 2014 review to inform an updated USPSTF recommendation. The conclusions of this review are consistent with those of the previous review; there was no direct evidence examining the benefits or harms of screening. While there were few new trials examining the comparative effectiveness of revascularization compared with contemporary best medical treatment alone, the ongoing CREST-2, ECST-2, and ACTRIS trials will add to this treatment evidence base for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the future.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Guirguis-Blake JM, Webber EM, Coppola EL .
Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general population: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Feb 2;325(5):487-89. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.20364..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Chou R, Blazina I, Bougatsos C
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors updated the 2014 hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening review in nonpregnant adolescents and adults to inform the USPSTF. They found no direct evidence for the clinical benefits and harms of HBV screening vs no screening. Antiviral therapy for HBV infection was associated with improved intermediate outcomes and may improve clinical outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Chou R, Blazina I, Bougatsos C .
Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Dec 15;324(23):2423-36. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.19750..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Hepatitis, Chronic Conditions, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Rushkin MC
Behavioral counseling to pomote a healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Researchers reviewed the benefits and harms of behavioral counseling interventions to improve diet and physical activity in adults with cardiovascular risk factors. They found that medium- and high-contact multisession behavioral counseling interventions to improve diet and increase physical activity for people with elevated blood pressure and lipid levels were effective in reducing cardiovascular events, blood pressure, low-density lipoproteins, and adiposity-related outcomes, with little to no risk of serious harm.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I.
Citation: O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Rushkin MC .
Behavioral counseling to pomote a healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Nov 24;324(20):2076-94. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.17108..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Nutrition, Lifestyle Changes, Risk, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
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
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C, Kennedy SM, Clark R, Viswanathan M. Screening for hypertension in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This paper is an evidence update that accompanies the final recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on screening and treatment of hypertension in childhood and adolescence. The update confirmed the previous update that the evidence is inconclusive whether the diagnostic accuracy of blood pressure measurements is adequate for screening asymptomatic children and adolescents in primary care. Forty-two studies from 43 publications were included in the final review.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C .
Gartlehner G, Vander Schaaf EB, Orr C, Kennedy SM, Clark R, Viswanathan M. Screening for hypertension in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Nov 10;324(18):1884-95. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.11119..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Blood Pressure, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention, Cardiovascular Conditions