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
Topics
- Antibiotics (2)
- Antimicrobial Stewardship (1)
- Case Study (2)
- Clinician-Patient Communication (1)
- Clostridium difficile Infections (1)
- Communication (1)
- Elderly (1)
- Emergency Department (1)
- Evidence-Based Practice (6)
- (-) Guidelines (10)
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) (2)
- (-) Infectious Diseases (10)
- Inpatient Care (1)
- Long-Term Care (1)
- Medication (2)
- Nursing Homes (1)
- Pneumonia (1)
- Practice Patterns (1)
- Prevention (6)
- Provider (1)
- Provider: Physician (1)
- Public Health (1)
- Screening (4)
- Sepsis (1)
- Sexual Health (6)
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (6)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (1)
- Vaccination (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 10 of 10 Research Studies DisplayedAsher GN, Feltner C, Harrison WN
Serologic screening for genital herpes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Genital herpes, a viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) subtypes HSV-1 or HSV-2, is a prevalent STI in the US. Early identification of unrecognized HSV-2 infection could reduce transmission and morbidity. In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine serologic screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic individuals. This updated evidence report aimed to identify studies published since the previous 2016 evidence review. A literature search was conducted from September 30, 2015, through January 16, 2022, with ongoing surveillance through July 22, 2022. The review identified no new eligible studies, leading to unchanged overall conclusions from the 2016 recommendation against screening. The prior recommendation was based on psychosocial harms from false-positive test results due to poor screening test accuracy and uncertain benefit of preventive viral medications for reducing viral shedding or improving health outcomes. The review focused on the general population of asymptomatic adolescents and adults and may not be applicable to populations at higher risk for infection, such as those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00007.
Citation: Asher GN, Feltner C, Harrison WN .
Serologic screening for genital herpes: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 Feb 14; 329(6):510-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.20356..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Peaker B, Biondokin E
AHRQ Author: Peaker B
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
In this Putting Prevention into Practice case study, a 20-year-old woman presents for a wellness examination. She states that she has no health concerns, does not have a history of any sexually transmitted infections, and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Last year, she began taking oral contraceptives and reports regular monthly menses. Three multiple-choice questions are presented, followed by their answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Peaker B, Biondokin E .
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Am Fam Physician 2022 Jul;106(1):81-82..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Guidelines, Screening, Prevention, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Case Study
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, 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
Henderson JT, Senger CA, Henninger M
Behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This updated evidence report and systematic review accompanied the USPSTF final recommendation for behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults and adolescents, which was published in August 2020. Studies from the previous 2014 review and literature from January 2013 through May 2019 was reviewed to find good- and fair-quality randomized and nonrandomized controlled intervention studies conducted in primary care settings. The review included 37 randomized trials and 2 nonrandomized controlled intervention studies. The study populations were mostly heterosexual adolescents and young adults, females, and racial and ethnic minorities at increased risk for STIs. Thirty-four trials reported behavioral change outcomes after interventions. The largest reductions in STI incidence were reported after group or individual counseling sessions lasting more than 2 hours. Evidence was limited on interventions of shorter duration persisting beyond 1 year.
AHRQ-funded; 2902015000017I.
Citation: Henderson JT, Senger CA, Henninger M .
Behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2020 Aug 18;324(7):682-99. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.10371..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Henderson JT, Webber EM, Bean SI
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Investigators systematically reviewed the benefits and harms of asymptomatic bacteriuria screening and treatment in adults, including during pregnancy, to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. They found that screening and treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy was associated with reduced rates of pyelonephritis and low birth weights, while benefits of asymptomatic bacteriuria treatment in nonpregnant adult populations were not found. Trial evidence was limited.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007.
Citation: Henderson JT, Webber EM, Bean SI .
Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2019 Sep 24;322(12):1195-205. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.10060..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Screening, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Trent SA, Havranek EP, Ginde AA
Effect of audit and feedback on physician adherence to clinical practice guidelines for pneumonia and sepsis.
This study examined the effect of feedback with blinded peer comparison on emergency physician adherence to guidelines for appropriate antibiotic administration for inpatient pneumonia and completion of the 3-hour Surviving Sepsis Bundle for patients with severe sepsis. A quasi-experiment was conducted with attending physicians randomized into 6 clusters at a single urban safety net hospital. Feedback with blinded peer comparison significantly improved guideline adherence from 52% to 65% with feedback.
AHRQ-funded; HS022400.
Citation: Trent SA, Havranek EP, Ginde AA .
Effect of audit and feedback on physician adherence to clinical practice guidelines for pneumonia and sepsis.
Am J Med Qual 2019 May/Jun;34(3):217-25. doi: 10.1177/1062860618796947..
Keywords: Antibiotics, Emergency Department, Guidelines, Infectious Diseases, Inpatient Care, Medication, Pneumonia, Provider, Provider: Physician, Sepsis
Jump RLP, Crnich CJ, Mody L
Infectious diseases in older adults of long-term care facilities: update on approach to diagnosis and management.
The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), particularly nursing facilities, remains a challenge for all health providers who care for this population. This review provides updated information on the currently most important challenges of infectious diseases in LTCFs. With the increasing prescribing of antibiotics in older adults, particularly in LTCFs, the topic of antibiotic stewardship is presented in this review.
AHRQ-funded; HS022465.
Citation: Jump RLP, Crnich CJ, Mody L .
Infectious diseases in older adults of long-term care facilities: update on approach to diagnosis and management.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2018 Apr;66(4):789-803. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15248.
.
.
Keywords: Elderly, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Seibert G, Ewers T, Barker AK
What do visitors know and how do they feel about contact precautions?
This study surveyed visitors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) patients to understand their compliance, knowledge, and perceptions of contact precautions. Nursing staff were the fundamental source for information on personal protective equipment (PPE) for visitors, but the researchers discovered variation in staff communication regarding the need for PPE use. Although most visitors knew where to find required personal protective equipment, less than half were fully compliant with gown and gloves.
AHRQ-funded; HS024039.
Citation: Seibert G, Ewers T, Barker AK .
What do visitors know and how do they feel about contact precautions?
Am J Infect Control 2018 Jan;46(1):115-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.05.011..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Guidelines, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Prevention
Shay LA, Street RL, Jr., Baldwin AS
Characterizing safety-net providers' HPV vaccine recommendations to undecided parents: a pilot study.
The researchers developed a tool to describe strength and content of provider HPV vaccination recommendations. The tool showed how providers undercut their recommendations through qualifications or support them with a rationale. The authors recommended that providers would benefit from communication skills training on how to make explicit recommendations with an evidence-based rationale.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Shay LA, Street RL, Jr., Baldwin AS .
Characterizing safety-net providers' HPV vaccine recommendations to undecided parents: a pilot study.
Patient Educ Couns 2016 Sep;99(9):1452-60. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.06.027.
.
.
Keywords: Practice Patterns, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Clinician-Patient Communication, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Communication