National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
Data
- Data Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Data Tools
- Data Innovations
- All-Payer Claims Database
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
- AHRQ Quality Indicator Tools for Data Analytics
- State Snapshots
- United States Health Information Knowledgebase (USHIK)
- Data Sources Available from AHRQ
Search All Research Studies
AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Access to Care (2)
- Adverse Drug Events (ADE) (2)
- Adverse Events (3)
- Blood Clots (1)
- Blood Pressure (1)
- Blood Thinners (3)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (27)
- Care Coordination (1)
- Caregiving (3)
- Care Management (1)
- Children/Adolescents (1)
- Chronic Conditions (1)
- Community-Acquired Infections (1)
- Comparative Effectiveness (1)
- Critical Care (3)
- Diabetes (1)
- Diagnostic Safety and Quality (2)
- Disabilities (1)
- Elderly (4)
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (1)
- Emergency Department (3)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (5)
- Evidence-Based Practice (4)
- Guidelines (1)
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) (1)
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) (2)
- Healthcare Costs (2)
- Healthcare Delivery (2)
- Healthcare Utilization (2)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (6)
- Health Services Research (HSR) (1)
- Health Status (1)
- Heart Disease and Health (6)
- Hospital Discharge (2)
- Hospitalization (3)
- Hospital Readmissions (2)
- Hospitals (6)
- Imaging (1)
- Injuries and Wounds (1)
- Long-Term Care (1)
- Maternal Care (1)
- Medicare (1)
- Medication (4)
- Men's Health (1)
- Mortality (1)
- Neurological Disorders (1)
- Nursing Homes (3)
- Outcomes (6)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (6)
- Patient Safety (2)
- Pneumonia (1)
- Policy (1)
- Practice Patterns (1)
- Pregnancy (1)
- Prevention (1)
- Primary Care (1)
- Provider Performance (1)
- Quality of Care (2)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (5)
- Registries (2)
- Rehabilitation (4)
- Research Methodologies (1)
- Risk (11)
- Sepsis (2)
- (-) Stroke (47)
- Surgery (3)
- Telehealth (6)
- Tools & Toolkits (1)
- Transitions of Care (5)
- Trauma (1)
- Women (1)
- Young Adults (1)
AHRQ Research Studies
Sign up: AHRQ Research Studies Email updates
Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 47 Research Studies DisplayedMarcaccio CL, Anjorin A, Patel PB
In-hospital outcomes after upper extremity versus transfemoral and transcarotid access for carotid stenting in the Vascular Quality Initiative.
This comparative study examined outcomes for treatment of patients at high risk of carotid endarterectomy using different approaches of carotid artery stenting (CAS). The study compared the effects of transradial or transbrachial (tr/tbCAS) versus more established transfemoral (tfCAS) or transcarotid (TCAR) CAS procedures. Patients were identified from the Quality Initiative registry from January 2016 to December 2021. Among 40,835 CAS identified patients, 962 underwent tr/tbCAS, 28,850 underwent tfCAS, and 21,033 underwent TCAR. Among matched patients who underwent tr/tbCAS versus tfCAS, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke/death (4.1% vs 2.9), but tr/tbCAS was associated with a higher risk of death (2.4% vs 1.3). In the symptomatic subgroup, tr/tbCAS was associated with a higher risk of stroke/death (6.1% vs 3.9%) and death (3.6% vs 1.7%), but there were no differences in asymptomatic patients. After adjustment for Modified Rankin Scale in patients with preoperative stroke, there were no significant differences in stroke/death or death between groups.
AHRQ-funded; HS027285.
Citation: Marcaccio CL, Anjorin A, Patel PB .
In-hospital outcomes after upper extremity versus transfemoral and transcarotid access for carotid stenting in the Vascular Quality Initiative.
J Vasc Surg 2022 Dec;76(6):1603-14.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.05.030..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Outcomes, Evidence-Based Practice, Comparative Effectiveness, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Solomon Y, Rastogi V, Marcaccio CL
Outcomes after transcarotid artery revascularization stratified by preprocedural symptom status.
In this study, researchers examined contemporary perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) stratified by specific preprocedural symptom status. Using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative, they found that, after TCAR, compared with asymptomatic status, a recent stroke and a recent hemispheric TIA were associated with higher stroke/death rates, whereas a recent ocular TIA was associated with similar stroke/death rates. In addition, a formerly symptomatic status was associated with higher stroke/death rates compared with an asymptomatic status. The researchers concluded that their findings suggested that classifying patients undergoing TCAR as symptomatic versus asymptomatic may be an oversimplification and that patients' specific preoperative neurologic symptoms should instead be used in risk assessment and outcome reporting for TCAR.
AHRQ-funded; HS027285.
Citation: Solomon Y, Rastogi V, Marcaccio CL .
Outcomes after transcarotid artery revascularization stratified by preprocedural symptom status.
J Vasc Surg 2022 Nov;76(5):1307-15.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.05.024..
Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Surgery, Stroke, Outcomes
Mihandoust S, Joseph A, Madathil KC
Comparing sources of disruptions to telemedicine-enabled stroke care in an ambulance.
This study investigated the nature and source of disruptions in an ambulance during the telemedicine-based caregiving process for stroke patients to enhance the ambulance design for supporting telemedicine-based care. Thirteen simulated telemedicine-based stroke consults were video recorded and then coded and analyzed using an existing systems-based flow disruption (FD) taxonomy. Factors that impacted disruptions included seat size, arrangement of assessment equipment, location of telemedicine equipment, and design of the telemedicine camera. The left ambulance seat zone and head of the patient bed had more environmental hazard-related disruptions, while the right zone was more prone to interruptions and communication-related disruptions.
AHRQ-funded; HS026809.
Citation: Mihandoust S, Joseph A, Madathil KC .
Comparing sources of disruptions to telemedicine-enabled stroke care in an ambulance.
HERD 2022 Apr;15(2):96-115. doi: 10.1177/19375867211054759..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Marcaccio CL, Patel PB, Liang P
Efficacy and safety of perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in carotid artery stenting.
This study’s objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin/ticagrelor vs aspirin/clopidogrel in patients undergoing transfemoral carotid artery stenting (tfCAS) or transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). The authors identified all patients who underwent tfCAS or TCAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from January 2016 to March 2021. They stratified patients by procedure and assessed outcomes using 1:3 propensity score-matched cohorts of patients who received perioperative aspirin/ticagrelor vs aspirin/clopidogrel. Among the cohort of 17,731 tfCAS patients, 593 (3.3%) received aspirin/ticagrelor and 11,404 (64%) received aspirin/clopidogrel. For the 2065 matched patients, no significant differences were found in the composite endpoint of stroke/death (aspirin/ticagrelor, 4.1%; vs aspirin/clopidogrel, 2.6%) or in the individual endpoints of stroke (2.9% vs 1.8%) or death (1.7% vs 1.1%). However, aspirin/ticagrelor was associated with a higher risk of bleeding (5.8% vs 2.8%). In a subgroup analysis of 297 tfCAS patients (14%) who received intraoperative protamine, no differences remained in stroke/death (1.5% vs 3.9%), and there was no longer a difference in bleeding (3.0% vs 2.6%). Among 17,946 TCAR patients, 453 (2.5%) received aspirin/ticagrelor and 13,696 (76%) received aspirin/clopidogrel. With the 1618 matched patients, no differences were found in stroke/death (0.7% vs 1.4%), stroke (0.2% vs 1.2%), death (0.5% vs 0.2%), or bleeding (1.2% vs 1.6%). For the 1429 TCAR patients (88%) who received protamine, no differences were found in stroke/death (0.8% vs 1.2%) or bleeding (0.6% vs 1.4%).
AHRQ-funded; HS027285.
Citation: Marcaccio CL, Patel PB, Liang P .
Efficacy and safety of perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in carotid artery stenting.
J Vasc Surg 2022 Apr; 75(4):1293-303.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.09.045..
Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Medication, Stroke, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Patient Safety, Surgery
Meng T, Trickey AM, Harris AHS
Lessons learned from the historical trends on thrombolysis use for acute ischemic stroke among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States.
The authors’ objectives were to assess and validate the change in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) utilization in a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries and to examine the effect of patient, stroke center designation, and geography on IVT utilization. They found that, between 2007 and 2014, the frequency of IVT for patients with acute ischemic stroke increased substantially, though differences persisted in the form of less frequent treatment associated with certain characteristics.
AHRQ-funded; HS026207.
Citation: Meng T, Trickey AM, Harris AHS .
Lessons learned from the historical trends on thrombolysis use for acute ischemic stroke among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States.
Front Neurol 2022 Mar 4;13:827965. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.827965..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Blood Thinners
Yan Z, Nielsen V, Song G
Integration of regional hospitalizations, registry and vital statistics data for development of a single statewide ischemic stroke database.
The scope of population-based studies is often limited because databases rarely include detailed clinical variables and vital statistics such as death rates. The study team demonstrated a comprehensive process for integrating three clinical variable, vital statistics, and hospitalization databases into one single, statewide, ischemic stroke database. Using databases spanning 2007-2017, the authors identified and validated linkages between stroke admissions in a hospitalization database (47,713 admissions) and admissions in the stroke registry (43,487 admissions), resulting in 38,493 linked cases (80.7% of total cases) of which 95% were validated. Of the 38,493 linked cases, the authors linked 10,660 to deaths from the vital statistics database, resulting in a comprehensive assessment of cumulative mortality from ischemic strokes over a 7-year period among all registry-linked ischemic stroke hospitalization records. The authors concluded that comprehensive, accurate integration of the clinical registry, statewide hospitalizations, and vital statistics databases is achievable, and may have value for outcomes research on a larger scale.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Yan Z, Nielsen V, Song G .
Integration of regional hospitalizations, registry and vital statistics data for development of a single statewide ischemic stroke database.
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022 Mar;31(3):106236. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106236..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Registries
Glober N, Supples M, Persaud S
A novel emergency medical services protocol to improve treatment time for large vessel occlusion strokes.
This paper describes the outcomes of a pilot study that used novel emergency medical services (EMS) protocol to expedite transfer of patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC). The pilot study took place from Oct. 1, 2020 to Feb. 22, 2021 with Indianapolis EMS providers. In patients with possible LVO, the providers remained at the bedside until the clinical assessment and CT angiography were complete. This 5-month mixed methods study measured case-control assessment of the protocol, number of transfers, safety during transport, and time saved in transfer compared to emergency transfers via conventional interfacility transfer agencies. The protocol was used 42 times during the study period, with four patients found to have LVOs and transferred to a CSC. Median time from decision-to-transfer to arrival at the CSC was 27.5 minutes compared to 314.5 minutes for acute non-stroke transfers during the same period.
AHRQ-funded; HS026390.
Citation: Glober N, Supples M, Persaud S .
A novel emergency medical services protocol to improve treatment time for large vessel occlusion strokes.
PLoS One 2022 Feb;17(2):e0264539. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264539..
Keywords: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Critical Care
KS Cash, RE Adeoye, O
AHRQ Author: Zachrison
Estimated population access to acute stroke and telestroke centers in the US, 2019.
In order to provide an update on population-level access to stroke care, the investigators estimated the proportion of the US population with access to an ED with acute stroke capabilities and assessed the specific contribution of telestroke services to US population access. They observed a substantial increase in population access to acute stroke care in this cross-sectional study relative to previous reports using alternative methods, likely due to the extensive and ongoing work to improve stroke systems of care, including greater stroke center accreditation and expansion of telestroke capacity.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: KS Cash, RE Adeoye, O .
Estimated population access to acute stroke and telestroke centers in the US, 2019.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Feb;5(2):e2145824. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45824..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Critical Care, Access to Care
Mallela DP, Canner JK, Zarkowsky DS
Association between race and perioperative outcomes after carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in NSQIP.
This study investigated the association of race on carotid endarterectomy (CEA) outcomes. Perioperative outcomes (at 30 days) were compared for Black vs. White patients adjusting for age/sex, comorbidities and disease characteristics. Out of 16,764 patients from the ACS-NSQIP targeted vascular database (2011-2019), 95.2% were White and 4.8% were Black. Black patients were slightly younger and more frequently (79.5% vs 74.0%) had high-grade carotid artery stenosis compared to White patients. Comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease were all more prevalent among Black patients. Crude perioperative stroke and stroke/death were higher for Black patients, but myocardial infarction leading to death were similar. After adjusting for baseline differences between groups, the risk of perioperative stroke and stroke/death remained significantly higher for Black patients than White patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS024547.
Citation: Mallela DP, Canner JK, Zarkowsky DS .
Association between race and perioperative outcomes after carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in NSQIP.
J Am Coll Surg 2022 Jan;234(1):65-73. doi: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000016..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Surgery, Cardiovascular Conditions, Stroke, Risk, Adverse Events
Boehme AK, Oka M, Cohen B
Readmission rates in stroke patients with and without infections: incidence and risk factors.
Investigators examined whether an infection acquired during the initial stroke admission contributed to increased risk of readmission and infection during readmission. Their a retrospective cohort study incorporated all adult ischemic stroke patients 2006-2016 from three New York City hospitals. They found that, among stroke patients, healthcare-associated infections and infections present on admission were predictors of readmission within 60 days and infection during readmission.
AHRQ-funded; HS024915.
Citation: Boehme AK, Oka M, Cohen B .
Readmission rates in stroke patients with and without infections: incidence and risk factors.
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022 Jan;31(1):106172. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106172..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Hospital Readmissions, Risk, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Hong I, Goodwin JS, Reistetter TA, I, Goodwin JS, Reistetter TA
Comparison of functional status improvements among patients with stroke receiving postacute care in inpatient rehabilitation vs skilled nursing facilities.
This cohort study compared functional status improvements of poststroke patients who either went to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The study used data from Medicare claims for stroke from January 2013 through November 2014. A total of 99,185 patients were studied. Patients admitted to SNFs tended to be older, female, and had a longer hospital length of stay than those admitted to IRFs. Stroke patients admitted to IRFs had larger improvements for mobility score points and for self-care on admission compared with those admitted to SNFs. There was found to be no statistical difference in the odds of 30- to 365-day mortality.
AHRQ-funded; HS024711; HS022134.
Citation: Hong I, Goodwin JS, Reistetter TA, I, Goodwin JS, Reistetter TA .
Comparison of functional status improvements among patients with stroke receiving postacute care in inpatient rehabilitation vs skilled nursing facilities.
JAMA Netw Open 2019 Dec 2;2(12):e1916646. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.16646..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Rehabilitation, Health Status, Hospitalization, Nursing Homes
Zachrison KS, Aaronson E, Mahmood S
Resource utilisation among patients transferred for intracerebral haemorrhage.
Patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are frequently transferred between hospitals for higher level of care. The investigators aimed to identify factors associated with resource utilisation among patients with ICH admitted to a single academic hospital. They used a prospectively collected registry of consecutive patients with primary ICH at an urban academic hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015.
hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Zachrison KS, Aaronson E, Mahmood S .
Resource utilisation among patients transferred for intracerebral haemorrhage.
Stroke Vasc Neurol 2019 Dec;4(4):223-26. doi: 10.1136/svn-2019-000255..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Healthcare Utilization, Hospitals
Capo-Lugo CE, Askew RL, Naidech A
Patients with greater stroke severity and premorbid disability are less likely to receive therapist consultations and intervention during acute care hospitalization.
The goal of this single-center longitudinal observational study was to estimate the proportion of and factors associated with receipt of therapist consultations and interventions during acute care hospitalization following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Findings showed that approximately 1 in 4 study participants with acute stroke received neither a consultation nor an intervention. The authors conclude that efforts to improve the delivery of acute care therapy services are needed to optimize care for these people.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Capo-Lugo CE, Askew RL, Naidech A .
Patients with greater stroke severity and premorbid disability are less likely to receive therapist consultations and intervention during acute care hospitalization.
Phys Ther 2019 Nov 25;99(11):1431-42. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzz116..
Keywords: Disabilities, Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Access to Care
Ellis C, Phillips R, Hill T
Social network structure in young stroke survivors with aphasia: a case series report.
The purpose of this study was to profile the social networks of four young adult stroke survivors with aphasia. Results showed that pre-stroke friendships were dissolved or reduced at the onset of aphasia. The most impaired persons with aphasia spent most of their days in isolation without a consistent communication partner. This study result suggests that young adult stroke survivors with aphasia have significant changes in their social network structure after stroke, but it is unclear if the observed change in social network structure is more related to age or level of communication impairment.
AHRQ-funded; HS025043.
Citation: Ellis C, Phillips R, Hill T .
Social network structure in young stroke survivors with aphasia: a case series report.
Semin Speech Lang 2019 Nov;40(5):359-69. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1688695..
Keywords: Stroke, Young Adults
Zachrison KS, Dhand A, Schwamm LH
A network approach to stroke systems of care.
This study provided a network analysis of stroke systems of care. Stroke patients are increasing transferred between hospitals to receive higher levels of care, but coordination and triage of these patients remains a challenge. The network analysis provides an understanding of the central hubs, the change of network structure over time, and the dissemination of innovations.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Zachrison KS, Dhand A, Schwamm LH .
A network approach to stroke systems of care.
Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2019 Aug;12(8):e005526. doi: 10.1161/circoutcomes.119.005526..
Keywords: Stroke, Care Coordination, Transitions of Care, Care Management, Cardiovascular Conditions, Hospitals
Mentias A, Shantha G, Adeola O
Role of diabetes and insulin use in the risk of stroke and acute myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation: a Medicare analysis.
This study examined the role of diabetes and insulin use in the risk of stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A cohort of Medicare beneficiaries newly diagnoses with AF from 2011 to 2013 were identified. The cohort was divided into those with diabetes requiring insulin (6.7%), those with diabetes not requiring insulin (31.3%) and non-diabetics (62%). Diabetics requiring insulin were at the greatest risk of stroke and AMI, and diabetics not requiring insulin were at slightly lower risk, but non-diabetics had the lowest risk.
AHRQ-funded; HS023104.
Citation: Mentias A, Shantha G, Adeola O .
Role of diabetes and insulin use in the risk of stroke and acute myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation: a Medicare analysis.
Am Heart J 2019 Aug;214:158-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2019.05.003..
Keywords: Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions, Risk, Chronic Conditions, Elderly
Gadhia R, Schwamm LH, Viswanathan A
Evaluation of the experience of spoke hospitals in an academic telestroke network.
Implementation of telestroke has been associated with improved thrombolysis rates and clinical outcomes in remote or neurologically underserved spoke hospitals. Yet, the experience of spoke hospitals using telestroke has not been well described. In this study, the investigators sought to characterize spoke hospitals' perceptions of telestroke to understand perceived advantages, challenges, and barriers to use.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Gadhia R, Schwamm LH, Viswanathan A .
Evaluation of the experience of spoke hospitals in an academic telestroke network.
Telemed J E Health 2019 Jul;25(7):584-90. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0133..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Hospitals, Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions
Krishnan S, Hay CC, Pappadis MR
Stroke survivors' perspectives on post-acute rehabilitation options, goals, satisfaction, and transition to home.
This study analyzed stroke survivors’ perspectives on post-acute rehabilitation involvement with their care during discharge planning. Researchers interviewed eighteen stroke survivors who were sent to inpatient rehabilitation facilities after a stroke. They were surveyed about their involvement in decisions made in the selection of their rehabilitation facilities, and more than half were not. About two-thirds of patients were not involved in rehabilitation goal setting. However, most patients were satisfied with their rehabilitation stay.
AHRQ-funded; HS022134; HS024711.
Citation: Krishnan S, Hay CC, Pappadis MR .
Stroke survivors' perspectives on post-acute rehabilitation options, goals, satisfaction, and transition to home.
J Neurol Phys Ther 2019 Jul;43(3):160-67. doi: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000281..
Keywords: Hospital Discharge, Rehabilitation, Stroke, Transitions of Care
Shah S, Xian Y, Olson DM
Home-time is a patient-centered outcome variable for stroke: an executive summary.
An outcome measure to assess functional recovery after stroke that is easily obtainable and meaningful to the patient can be very useful for assessing risks and benefits of therapeutic strategies. Home-time, which is defined as the total number of days spent alive by the patient at home, outside healthcare institutions after discharge from an index stroke event, is such a measure, and is discussed in this paper.
AHRQ-funded.
Citation: Shah S, Xian Y, Olson DM .
Home-time is a patient-centered outcome variable for stroke: an executive summary.
J Neurosci Nurs 2019 Jun;51(3):110-12. doi: 10.1097/jnn.0000000000000437..
Keywords: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Outcomes
Colla CH, Lewis VA, Stachowski C
Changes in use of postacute care associated with accountable care organizations in hip fracture, stroke, and pneumonia hospitalized cohorts.
In this study, researchers examined changes in more and less discretionary condition-specific postacute care use associated with Medicare accountable care organization (ACO) implementation. They found that ACOs decreased spending on postacute care by decreasing use of discretionary services. In addition, ACO implementation was associated with reduced length of stay in skilled nursing facilities, while hip fracture patients used institutional postacute settings at higher rates. The authors also observed decreases in spending, readmission days, and mortality among pneumonia patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS024698.
Citation: Colla CH, Lewis VA, Stachowski C .
Changes in use of postacute care associated with accountable care organizations in hip fracture, stroke, and pneumonia hospitalized cohorts.
Med Care 2019 Jun;57(6):444-52. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001121..
Keywords: Injuries and Wounds, Healthcare Costs, Healthcare Utilization, Hospitalization, Medicare, Pneumonia, Stroke
Kempker JA, Panwar B, Judd SE
Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin d and the longitudinal risk of sepsis in the REGARDS cohort..
In this paper, researchers studied low baseline plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and its association with long-term risk of sepsis. Data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study was used. Findings reveals that, among community-dwelling US adults, low plasma 25(OH)D measured at a time of relative health was independently associated with increased risk of sepsis.
AHRQ-funded; HS025240.
Citation: Kempker JA, Panwar B, Judd SE .
Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin d and the longitudinal risk of sepsis in the REGARDS cohort..
Clin Infect Dis 2019 May 17;68(11):1926-31. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciy794..
Keywords: Community-Acquired Infections, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Risk, Sepsis, Stroke
Simon KC, Munson R, Ong A
Design and implementation of structured clinical documentation support tools for treating stroke patients.
This article describes the development of a customized structured clinical documentation toolkit that standardizes patient data collection to conform to Best Practices for treating patients with stroke. The toolkit collects demographic information for patients, relevant score test measures, and information on disability, treatment, and outcomes. Basic descriptive data gathered via the toolkits is provided and their utility in collecting patient data in a manner that supports both quality clinical care and research initiatives demonstrated. Quality improvement projects and current research initiatives using the toolkit are also discussed.
AHRQ-funded; HS024057.
Citation: Simon KC, Munson R, Ong A .
Design and implementation of structured clinical documentation support tools for treating stroke patients.
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019 May;28(5):1229-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.01.011..
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Health Information Technology (HIT), Stroke, Tools & Toolkits
Mahalingam M, Moore Jx, Donnelly JP
Frailty syndrome and risk of sepsis in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.
This study examined the association between frailty (weakness, exhaustion, and low physical activity) and the risk of sepsis in stroke patients. Data from the cohort study Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) was used. There was an associated increase in sepsis hospitalizations and 30-day case fatalities from sepsis in stroke patients with more frailty indicators.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Mahalingam M, Moore Jx, Donnelly JP .
Frailty syndrome and risk of sepsis in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.
J Intensive Care Med 2019 Apr;34(4):292-300. doi: 10.1177/0885066617715251..
Keywords: Elderly, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Risk, Sepsis, Stroke
Shah S, Xian Y, Sheng S
Use, temporal trends, and outcomes of endovascular therapy after interhospital transfer in the United States.
This study examined the use, trends and outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) after interhospital transfer in the United Sates. This cohort study analyzed trends from over 1.8 million patients with ischemic stroke admitted to 2143 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke participating hospitals between 2012 and 2017. There were differences in mortality for interhospital transfer patients, although those differences disappeared after adjusting for delay in EVT initiation.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Shah S, Xian Y, Sheng S .
Use, temporal trends, and outcomes of endovascular therapy after interhospital transfer in the United States.
Circulation 2019 Mar 26;139(13):1568-77. doi: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.036509..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Transitions of Care, Outcomes, Healthcare Delivery, Hospitals, Mortality, Quality of Care
Trent SA, Morse EA, Ginde AA
Barriers to prompt presentation to emergency departments in Colorado after onset of stroke symptoms.
Despite significant morbidity and mortality from stroke, patient delays to emergency department (ED) presentation following the onset of stroke symptoms are one of the main contraindications to treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The objective of this study was to identify patient and environmental factors associated with delayed presentations to the ED after onset of stroke symptoms.
AHRQ-funded; HS022400.
Citation: Trent SA, Morse EA, Ginde AA .
Barriers to prompt presentation to emergency departments in Colorado after onset of stroke symptoms.
West J Emerg Med 2019 Mar;20(2):237-43. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2018.10.38731..
Keywords: Emergency Department, Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Healthcare Delivery