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
176 to 199 of 199 Research Studies DisplayedHinami K, Smith J, Deamant CD
Health perceptions and symptom burden in primary care: measuring health using audio computer-assisted self-interviews.
The purpose of the study was to assess the relationships among somatic symptoms and health perception measures in data collected from the implementation of audio computer-assisted self-interviews. It found physical symptoms, notably lack of energy and pain, to be prevalent and severe in an urban safety-net general medical population. Poor health perception in the patient population was attributable largely to lack of energy and pain.
AHRQ-funded; HS019481.
Citation: Hinami K, Smith J, Deamant CD .
Health perceptions and symptom burden in primary care: measuring health using audio computer-assisted self-interviews.
Qual Life Res 2015 Jul;24(7):1575-83. doi: 10.1007/s11136-014-0884-4..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Primary Care, Health Status, Pain
Kenzik K, Pisu M, Johns SA
Unresolved pain interference among colorectal cancer survivors: Implications for patient care and outcomes.
This study describes pain interference (PI) prevalence across the cancer continuum; 2) identifies demographic and clinical factors associated with PI and changes in PI; and 3) examines PI’s relationship with survivors’ job changes. It concluded that almost half of survivors with PI during the initial phase of care had continued PI into posttreatment. Comorbidities, especially cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, contributed to continued PI.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Kenzik K, Pisu M, Johns SA .
Unresolved pain interference among colorectal cancer survivors: Implications for patient care and outcomes.
Pain Med 2015 Jul;16(7):1410-25. doi: 10.1111/pme.12727..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Quality of Life, Pain, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Macapagal K, Greene GJ, Rivera Z
"The best is always yet to come": relationship stages and processes among young LGBT couples.
This study sought to determine the stages and processes during young LGBT couples’ relationship development. Its qualitative analyses showed that relationship stages and processes were similar to past research on heterosexuals, but participants’ subjective experiences reflected their LGBT identities and emerging adulthood, which exerted additional stress on the relationship.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Macapagal K, Greene GJ, Rivera Z .
"The best is always yet to come": relationship stages and processes among young LGBT couples.
J Fam Psychol 2015 Jun;29(3):309-20. doi: 10.1037/fam0000094..
Keywords: Lifestyle Changes, Quality of Life, Stress
Kamal AH, Nipp RD, Bull J
Symptom burden and performance status among community-dwelling patients with serious illness.
The researchers explored the relationship between prevalence and severity of symptoms and underlying performance status. They found distinct groupings of symptoms with high burden associated with different levels of performance status. This includes high prevalence of fatigue, anorexia, and dyspnea in patients with high performance. Patients with low performance status, however, reported more pain, depression, and constipation.
AHRQ-funded; HS022763.
Citation: Kamal AH, Nipp RD, Bull J .
Symptom burden and performance status among community-dwelling patients with serious illness.
J Palliat Med 2015 Jun;18(6):542-4. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2014.0381..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Quality of Life, Palliative Care, Health Status
Ghant MS, Sengoba KS, Recht H
Beyond the physical: a qualitative assessment of the burden of symptomatic uterine fibroids on women's emotional and psychosocial health.
This study qualitatively assessed the burden of uterine fibroids on women's emotional health. It found that most participants exhibited a significant emotional response to their fibroids, including fear, anxiety, anger, and depression. Half of the women felt helpless and believed that they had no control over their fibroids.
AHRQ-funded; HS021141.
Citation: Ghant MS, Sengoba KS, Recht H .
Beyond the physical: a qualitative assessment of the burden of symptomatic uterine fibroids on women's emotional and psychosocial health.
J Psychosom Res 2015 May;78(5):499-503. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.12.016..
Keywords: Women, Behavioral Health, Quality of Life
Kenzik KM, Martin MY, Fouad MN
Health-related quality of life in lung cancer survivors: Latent class and latent transition analysis.
The authors determined the HRQOL classes that exist among lung cancer survivors, examined transitions among those classes over time, and compared survival outcomes of patients according to the classes present in the initial phase of care. Lung cancer survivors were characterized into 4 different classes based on HRQOL responses, and few survivors transitioned to better HRQOL classes.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Kenzik KM, Martin MY, Fouad MN .
Health-related quality of life in lung cancer survivors: Latent class and latent transition analysis.
Cancer 2015 May 1;121(9):1520-8. doi: 10.1002/cncr.29232..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Lung Cancer, Outcomes, Quality of Life, Health Status
Gilbert SM, Dunn RL, Wittmann D
Quality of life and satisfaction among prostate cancer patients followed in a dedicated survivorship clinic.
The researchers integrated quality of lifer (QOL) assessments into a prostate cancer survivorship clinic and compared recovery and satisfaction among men managed in the survivorship clinic with those followed with more routine care. They concluded that patient QOL and satisfaction were higher among men managed in a survivorship program.
AHRQ-funded; HS020927.
Citation: Gilbert SM, Dunn RL, Wittmann D .
Quality of life and satisfaction among prostate cancer patients followed in a dedicated survivorship clinic.
Cancer 2015 May 1;121(9):1484-91. doi: 10.1002/cncr.29215..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Quality of Life, Outcomes, Cancer
Gustafson DH Sr, McTavish F, Gustafson DH Jr
The effect of an information and communication technology (ICT) on older adults' quality of life: study protocol for a randomized control trial.
The goal of this study is to test the effects of a technology called Elder Tree designed for and used by older adults and their family caregivers. The primary purpose of Elder Tree, a web-based information and communication technology (ICT), is to improve older adult quality of life. Recruitment for the trial began in November 2013 and the intervention period will end in November 2016.
AHRQ-funded; HS019917.
Citation: Gustafson DH Sr, McTavish F, Gustafson DH Jr .
The effect of an information and communication technology (ICT) on older adults' quality of life: study protocol for a randomized control trial.
Trials 2015 Apr 25;16:191. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0713-2..
Keywords: Communication, Elderly, Health Information Technology (HIT), Quality of Life
LeBlanc TW, Nipp RD, Rushing CN
Correlation between the international consensus definition of the Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome (CACS) and patient-centered outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
The researchers applied the recently posed weight-based international consensus CACS definition to a population of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explored its impact on patient-reported outcomes. They concluded that it is useful in identifying patients with advanced NSCLC who are likely to have significantly inferior survival and who will develop more precipitous declines in physical function and QOL.
AHRQ-funded; HS022763.
Citation: LeBlanc TW, Nipp RD, Rushing CN .
Correlation between the international consensus definition of the Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome (CACS) and patient-centered outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
J Pain Symptom Manage 2015 Apr;49(4):680-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.09.008..
Keywords: Cancer: Lung Cancer, Patient Safety, Quality of Life, Mortality, Outcomes
Pergolotti M, Cutchin MP
The Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS): Development, validity, and reliability.
This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of perceived occupational possibilities: the Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS). The PActS demonstrated promising internal consistency reliability and construct-related structural and known-groups validity. The PActS appears to be a useful measure of internalized occupational possibilities for participation in activity for older adults with cancer.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Pergolotti M, Cutchin MP .
The Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS): Development, validity, and reliability.
Can J Occup Ther 2015 Apr;82(2):85-92..
Keywords: Cancer, Quality of Life, Elderly
Chao MT, Abercrombie PD, Nakagawa S
Prevalence and use of complementary health approaches among women with chronic pelvic pain in a prospective cohort study.
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with use of complementary health approaches among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It found that just over 51 percent of the women with CPP who used complementary health approaches had more optimal health-related quality of life, as measured by the Pelvic Problem Impact Questionnaire.
AHRQ-funded; HS011657; HS07373; HS09478.
Citation: Chao MT, Abercrombie PD, Nakagawa S .
Prevalence and use of complementary health approaches among women with chronic pelvic pain in a prospective cohort study.
Pain Med 2015 Feb;16(2):328-40. doi: 10.1111/pme.12585..
Keywords: Chronic Conditions, Women, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Quality of Life
Kaplan RM, Sun Q, Ries AL
AHRQ Author: Kaplan RM
Quality of well-being outcomes in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial.
The purpose of this article is to report outcomes from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) using an index that combines quality and quantity of life. Results showed that, compared with maximal medical therapy alone, patients undergoing maximal medical therapy plus lung volume reduction surgery experienced improved health-related quality of life and gained more quality-adjusted life years.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Kaplan RM, Sun Q, Ries AL .
Quality of well-being outcomes in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial.
Chest 2015 Feb;147(2):377-87. doi: 10.1378/chest.14-0528.
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Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality of Life, Respiratory Conditions, Surgery
Halverson JL, Martinez-Donate AP, Palta M
Health literacy and health-related quality of life among a population-based sample of cancer patients.
The authors examined the relation between health literacy and health-related quality of life among cancer patients. Their cross-sectional survey found that health literacy is positively and independently associated with health-related quality of life among cancer patients. Their findings support adoption of health literacy best practices by cancer care systems.
AHRQ-funded; HS000083.
Citation: Halverson JL, Martinez-Donate AP, Palta M .
Health literacy and health-related quality of life among a population-based sample of cancer patients.
J Health Commun 2015;20(11):1320-9. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2015.1018638..
Keywords: Health Literacy, Quality of Life, Cancer
Prosser LA, Lamarand K, Gebremariam A
Measuring family HRQoL spillover effects using direct health utility assessment.
The researchers evaluated the loss in health-related quality of life of having a family member with a chronic illness by condition and relationship type. They found that the effects of illness extend beyond the individual patient to include effects on caregivers of patients, parents of ill children, spouses, and other close family and household members. They recommended that cost-effectiveness analyses consider the inclusion of health-related quality of life spillover effects in addition to caregiving time costs incurred by family members of ill individuals.
AHRQ-funded; HS014010.
Citation: Prosser LA, Lamarand K, Gebremariam A .
Measuring family HRQoL spillover effects using direct health utility assessment.
Med Decis Making 2015 Jan;35(1):81-93. doi: 10.1177/0272989x14541328.
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Keywords: Caregiving, Chronic Conditions, Family Health and History, Healthcare Costs, Quality of Life
Feemster LC, Cooke CR, Rubenfeld GD
The influence of hospitalization or intensive care unit admission on declines in health-related quality of life.
The researchers sought to determine the association of an ICU stay with declines in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). prehospital. They found that hospitalization is associated with increased risk of impairment in HRQoL after discharge, yet the overall magnitude of this reduction is small and similar between non-ICU hospitalized and critically ill patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS020672.
Citation: Feemster LC, Cooke CR, Rubenfeld GD .
The influence of hospitalization or intensive care unit admission on declines in health-related quality of life.
Ann Am Thorac Soc 2015 Jan;12(1):35-45. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201404-172OC..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Hospitalization, Quality of Life, Health Status
Arvold ND, Wang Y, Zigler C
Hospitalization burden and survival among older glioblastoma patients.
The researchers performed a retrospective cohort study among patients aged 65 years and older with glioblastoma diagnosed between 1999 and 2007. They found that higher comorbidity score and black race were associated with an increased risk of being hospitalized for at least 25% of remaining life, whereas radiation, temozolomide, and extensive surgery were associated with a decreased risk.
AHRQ-funded; HS021991.
Citation: Arvold ND, Wang Y, Zigler C .
Hospitalization burden and survival among older glioblastoma patients.
Neuro Oncol 2014 Nov;16(11):1530-40. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/nou060.
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Keywords: Cancer, Elderly, Hospitalization, Mortality, Quality of Life
Singh JA
The impact of gout on patient's lives: a study of African-American and Caucasian men and women with gout.
The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of gout on patients’ quality of life (QOL) and explore gender and race differences in the impact of gout on patients’ QOL. Some frequently cited high-ranked concerns among the ten nominal race- and sex-stratified groups were: (1) effect of gout flare on daily activities (n = 10 groups); (2) work disability (n = 8 groups);and (3) severe pain (n = 8 groups).
AHRQ-funded; HS021110.
Citation: Singh JA .
The impact of gout on patient's lives: a study of African-American and Caucasian men and women with gout.
Arthritis Res Ther 2014 Jun 24;16(3):R132. doi: 10.1186/ar4589..
Keywords: Quality of Life, Social Determinants of Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Rocke DJ, Beumer HW, Taylor DH, Jr.
Physician and patient and caregiver health attitudes and their effect on Medicare resource allocation for patients with advanced cancer.
The investigators sought to determine how baseline attitudes toward quality vs quantity of life affect end-of-life resource allocation. They found that, compared with patients and caregivers, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) physician allocations differed significantly in all 15 benefit categories except home care. They concluded that understanding the effect of baseline attitudes is important for effective end-of-life discussions.
AHRQ-funded; HS018360.
Citation: Rocke DJ, Beumer HW, Taylor DH, Jr. .
Physician and patient and caregiver health attitudes and their effect on Medicare resource allocation for patients with advanced cancer.
JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014 Jun;140(6):497-503. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2014.494.
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Keywords: Cancer, Caregiving, Medicare, Palliative Care, Provider: Physician, Quality of Life
Pershing S, Enns EA, Matesic B
Cost-effectiveness of treatment of diabetic macular edema.
The researchers sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of different treatments of diabetic macular edema (DME). They found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors with or without laser treatment provide important health benefits with favorable cost-effectiveness, costing less per QALY gained than many accepted therapies.
AHRQ-funded; HS000028.
Citation: Pershing S, Enns EA, Matesic B .
Cost-effectiveness of treatment of diabetic macular edema.
Ann Intern Med 2014 Jan 7;160(1):18-29. doi: 10.7326/m13-0768..
Keywords: Diabetes, Eye Disease and Health, Healthcare Costs, Quality of Life, Treatments
Zhang Y, McCoy RG, Mason JE
Second-line agents for glycemic control for type 2 diabetes: are newer agents better?
The researchers aimed to assess the benefits and harms of four commonly used antihyperglycemia treatment regimens considering clinical effectiveness, quality of life, and cost. According to the model used by the researchers, all regimens resulted in similar life years and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) regardless of glycemic control goal, but the regimen with sulfonylurea incurred significantly lower cost per QALY.
AHRQ-funded; HS017628.
Citation: Zhang Y, McCoy RG, Mason JE .
Second-line agents for glycemic control for type 2 diabetes: are newer agents better?
Diabetes Care 2014;37(5):1338-45. doi: 10.2337/dc13-1901..
Keywords: Diabetes, Comparative Effectiveness, Quality of Life, Medication
Hellinger FJ
AHRQ Author: Hellinger FJ
Assessing the cost effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the US.
In order to assess the cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the U.S., the author evaluates various studies and finds that they yield widely varying estimates of the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, and that this variations reflects the substantial uncertainty surrounding the determinants of HIV transmission as well as different approaches to translating a reduction in HIV cases into an estimate of the increase in the number of QALYs.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Hellinger FJ .
Assessing the cost effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the US.
Pharmacoeconomics. 2013 Dec;31(12):1091-104. doi: 10.1007/s40273-013-0111-0..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Healthcare Costs, Quality of Life, Healthcare Costs, Prevention
Schumacher JR, Palta M, Loconte NK
Characterizing the psychological distress response before and after a cancer diagnosis.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude and long-term temporal course of the cancer psychological distress response, incorporating negative (depression and anxiety) and positive (psychological well-being). Cancer survivors were more likely to experience clinically significant increases in depression and anxiety, with no significant results being found for well-being.
AHRQ-funded; HS00083
Citation: Schumacher JR, Palta M, Loconte NK .
Characterizing the psychological distress response before and after a cancer diagnosis.
J Behav Med. 2013 Dec;36(6):591-600. doi: 10.1007/s10865-012-9453-x..
Keywords: Cancer, Behavioral Health, Quality of Life
Zanocco K, Elaraj D, Sturgeon C
Routine prophylactic central neck dissection for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
The researchers hypothesized that routine prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) is not cost-effective in low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).Using a Markov transition-state model, they found that pCND cost $10,315 and produced an effectiveness of 23.785 quality-adjusted life years. They concluded that routine pCND for low-risk PTC is not cost-effective unless the recurrence rate is greater than 10.3 percent.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Zanocco K, Elaraj D, Sturgeon C .
Routine prophylactic central neck dissection for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
Surgery 2013 Dec;154(6):1148-55; discussion 54-5..
Keywords: Cancer, Surgery, Prevention, Healthcare Costs, Quality of Life
Pesis-Katz I, Phelps CE, Temkin-Greener H
AHRQ Author: Spector WD
Making difficult decisions: the role of quality of care in choosing a nursing home.
The authors investigated how quality of care affects nursing home choice. They examined choices in California, Ohio, New York, and Texas, in 2001. They found that, in all states, consumers were more likely to choose nursing homes of high hotel services quality but not clinical care quality; choice was also significantly associated with shorter distance from prior residence, not-for-profit status, and larger facility size.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Pesis-Katz I, Phelps CE, Temkin-Greener H .
Making difficult decisions: the role of quality of care in choosing a nursing home.
Am J Public Health 2013 May;103(5):e31-7. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301243.
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Keywords: Decision Making, Quality of Care, Nursing Homes, Provider Performance, Quality of Life